Caray, Caray!

Summary: This week the threat of a French invasion becomes closer to reality. The lines are being drawn politically. Not only do the Spanish have to deal with their enemy, the French, but, they also have to deal with the creoles who are demanding more self-rule. The creoles still think that they can create local home-rule governments with Spain. Pola’s luck changes as she is taken in by an old friend and later meets her revolutionary mentor, Carbonel. María Ignacia must repent in a convent, but she is still clueless. Juliano continues to be punished at the hands of a crazed Cata. And, the viceroy and vireina can see the writing on the wall while Leandro begins to see the light.

MONDAY

Pola wanders around Santa Fé looking for work. She comes upon two men who are trying to load carts with heavy sacks and offers to help them, but they tell her it is not work for a woman, and they are not inclined to help beggars. She tells them she is not a beggar and points out that she is wearing a very fine hat that was her father’s.

At the mansion Francisco rants at Alejo that he should have married off Leandro because it would have been so much less trouble. Alejo answers that he wasn’t trying to escape – it was just going to be a few days and that he was just trying to help her (Pola). Do you think that I am capable of robbing María Ignacias’ honor? So, Francisco pulls out the letter accusing Alejo of robbing Pola’s honor. Who wrote this, he asks. The priest, he is told. Alejo doesn’t believe Pola would do it.

Pola wins over the admiration of the two drovers when she figures out a way to lift the sacks by having her horse pull them into the wagon.

Francisco and Alejo continue with their heart-to-heart. You don’t know anything, says Francisco. Alejo asks why didn’t you tell me about this letter. As if this woman had honor sneers Francisco. It is a lie says Alejo. So, says Francisco, is it true that she has a letter of engagement? Yes, says Alejo. The only way to solve these problems according to Francisco is to marry María Ignacia.

Not only has Pola won over the drovers, she has won over the crowd with her cleverness. This girl is persistent and finally the drovers give in especially when they find out that she can read and do arithmetic. She only wants food and a place to live.

At Domingo’s Cata and Nicolasa share snipes. Juliano will never forgive you says Cata. Nic retorts with a I see how you look at Juliano. You are dying for him.

Francisco goes to see his “friend” the governor. His debt is enormous. He fled Honda to get away from the royal accountant. No, he denies, I came here for the wedding. What you are doing, he tells the governor, is illegal. But, if Alejo doesn’t marry, it (the dowry) will have to be returned. Francisco asks the governor where can he find motivation to continue to support him. The governor suggests that 3500 pesos is sufficient motivation, and he’ll keep his mouth shut about Francisco’s defalcation.

In Santa Fé Pola helps the drovers by selling fruit. She sees Sámano and turns away from him, raising suspicions in the drovers that she has something to hide. They want to know why she left Guaduas. Finally, they think she left Guaduas to find a husband.

Once again in Guaduas, Juliano is punished by being tied to a tree and whipped because Cata accused him of looking at her.

Back at Santa Fé, Sámano concludes that he was right – he thinks the creoles have gone to the vireina for help.

Pola and the drovers talk about Sámano. They hope he goes back to Spain. They don’t even know what a creole is. Pola tells them it’s the Spaniards born her. She wants to find Don José María Carbonel. They don’t know him. The Spaniards, they say, only marry “purebloods”.

In prison Tonito asks for food. The name José María Carbonel comes up – maybe he will help. When we get out of here, swears Don Antonio, they will pay. If I get out, I will not seek vengeance, but I will work so that everyone has freedom.

Baraya goes out to Hacienda Nariño and tells Magda that Don Antonio is a prisoner in Cartagena and that Tonito is with him. Magda wants to go to Cartagena. She is outraged because they took everything and because they don’t have anything to eat. I will help you, says Baraya. The viceroys must help us form our own junta.

Meanwhile two of the revolutionaries pay a little visit to the vireina. She can’t stand them and vocally opposes any junta. However, they play their trump card and let her know that they know about her lover and that if she doesn’t cooperate, they will tell her husband about her dalliances.

The other governor visits Nariño in prison. Nariño demands to know the charges against him, but he is only told that he had copies of the French manifesto. But, he already spent 10 years in jail. And, without more, the governor tells him that Tonito is being set free today. Tonito doesn’t want to leave his father, but Don Antonio tells him to look for a local noble (?) who can help get him released.

The vireina pretends ignorance, and calls them canallas and asks if they think the viceroy will believe them. They insist that she can help them form a government while Fernando VII regains his liberty.

At the mansion Gaspar plays the piano and Alejo approaches him. Gaspar tells him to go away, but Alejo insists on talking to him. Alejo tells Gaspar that María Ignacia pulled off this dirty deed with the help of his father and that his father wanted to save him from the mestiza. What type of man is going to marry my daughter, asks Gaspar.

In Guaduas Juliano keeps pressing Nicolasa to admit what she did and why. Finally, he walks away and tells her he is trying to forget it.

Gaspar tells Alejo that this will not keep him from saving María Ignacia’s honor. But, she did not lose her honor, says Alejo. That mestiza – is she from Guaduas – that is why the governor said you were not a man of honor. Alejo tells him that he will be a model husband. This end of the conversation is overheard by María Ignacia who pipes in with our wedding is only a week away. A furious Gaspar leaves them alone. She asks – you didn’t say anything to my father? No. Then she tells Acacia that both of them are furious with her. It would be impossible for my father to cancel the wedding, she remarks.

Later, in conversations with his wife, Francisco denies taking 6500 pesos. How are we going to tell Alejo about the dowry? Francisco had to return the dowry. It was the fault of the girl from Guaduas. The money had to go to her and her family, he lies. Next time, he advises Alejo, don’t write. Alejo tells himself that this cannot be happening to him.

Francisco – at last we are getting rid of the mestiza.

In Santa Fé Pola receives her day’s wages from Facundo the drover. He agrees to let her work tomorrow, and she wants to know how to find Carbonel.

Alejo goes for a ride. He pulls out the scarf Pola had given him so many years ago and rips it up. I can’t believe there is such a woman so fake. I can’t take it any more.

TUESDAY

The revolutionaries tell Don Jorge that he should have seen her face – meaning the vireina. They will form a junta unless Sámano stops them. Baraya tells Jorge that he told Magda about Nariño. They want to free Nariño. They say they don’t want independence from Spain. They want an independent government and equality. Don Jorge says but that doesn’t include the mestizos and blacks. We can see cracks forming in this little group already. Carbonel gets annoyed and leaves, but they ask his pardon.

At the royal palace the vireina talks to Sámano about an escarmiento (a lesson, warning) – it would teach them a lesson. Sámano says he is watching them and that they are planning. But, the people are with the king. They love the king. The vireina tells him that love is weak (amor es débil). She thought that once Nariño was in jail it would all be over. Sámano – Don Jorge is one of them.

In the prison Tonito is freed. A nobleman by the name of Don Enrique Somogar is helping him. He wants to write his mother for help. Don Enrique knows of Nariño and admires his ideas and brilliance.

Eusebia tells Ignacia as they approach the church that she is marrying an intelligent and handsome man. Gaspar – this could be a dream or a nightmare. Alejo and Leandro wait for the bride in the church. The governor also arrives. Alejo’s mother whispers a thank you in his ear and tells him he is a good son. Leandro tells Alejo that if you are here it is because you realize that Pola is not for you. Alejo tells him to shut up. Francisco is just delighted as Ignacia walks down the aisle. Gaspar hands her to Alejo and they walk up to the altar.

In Santa Fé Pola sells fruit. Pedrito recognizes her and tells her that he misses her. Doña María Matea looks at Pola and says you are a grown woman.

In the church, Ignacia promises Alejo that she will be the best wife and that he will be very comfortable and taken care of. He says I know that.

Baraya speaks his mind at the barracks. Our enemies aren’t just the Spanish, but the French, too. There are spies listening, like Iglesias. He warns that soon troops will arrive from France and claim this land. Then we will form a junta.

At the church, Gaspar flashes back to his conversation with Alejo – but, my daughter never lies. Alejo – but, she did. It is all a lie about the girl whose honor he supposedly took.

The priest begins to ask each of them if they take each other, etc., etc., Francisco knows this part by heart and is saying it out loud. But, before the “I do’s”, Gaspar stands up and stops the ceremony.

He thanks everyone for coming, but this wedding will not go on. My daughter committed a grave error. Her loss of virtue was a lie. Gaspar won’t let her do a dishonest thing. She told a lie to force Alejo to marry her. Ignacia says it was a mentirita (a little lie). Gaspar will not forgive her. Alejo tries to talk to Gaspar, but Gaspar says it is over.

Francisco tells the governor that this will all be resolved. The governor says he hopes so. Ignacia wants the priest to finish the ceremony, but, without her father’s permission, he refuses to do so. Alejo – I told your father to save my good name. Ignacia – you have killed me for a mestiza.

In Cartagena, Samogar and Tonito try to see Nariño, but, they are denied pemission to enter. Outside they see what appears to be very important people walking down the street. It is the commissioner of this region and the local wig-wearing governor. Tonito begs for help for his father. The commissioner know of Nariño as a brilliant man and a lucid thinker. He tells the governor that he hopes what they are telling him about the treatment prisoners get is not true.

Back at the barracks, Iglesias fills Sámano in on Baraya’s conversation. They will have a surprise because they will not have the support of the military. And, the viceroys will not know how to manage the situation. He now thinks he is closer to being viceroy himself.

In Guaduas not much has changed. Gertrudis is still making fertility tea for Cata and Nicolasa realizes that is what Bernarda was asking her about. Cata continues to lurk and spy upon Juliano. When the cápataz catches her, she lies and says she is looking for Domingo.

When the royal party reaches Nariño’s cell, he is barely alive. Tonito tells him that they wanted him to die. The commissioner is not amused.

Acacia tries to console Ignacia who wants to die. If it wasn’t for that woman, this wouldn’t have happened. She will regret she ever put eyes on Alejo Sabarain.

Doña Matea finds out that Pola does not have help from anyone. Not even her brother who doesn’t want to have a mestiza for a sister. Pola tells Doña Matea that she came to Santa Fé for her father – to fight injustice.

Magda breaks down and cries when she reads Tonito’s letter. The younger mean son asks her why doesn’t she ask Don Jorge Tadeo for help. He thinks his father is a traitor and that their entire family has turned their back on them because of him.

At Don Jorge’s his little wife calls him tío which annoys him as was intended. She says I’ve heard that you and your friends are planning to do the same thing as the Quiteños. Be careful what you say, he cautions her, it could cost your life. She will make sure her father knows about this.

In Popayan, Don Jorge Losano wants to talk to the governor about the war in Quito. It seems that the governor wouldn’t let Losano go to Quito. So, we hop over to the palace where the vireina calms the viceroy because this situation makes him nervous. She is still his wife, she says. He doesn’t know what to do. Sámano, she says, thinks they cannot do it without military support.

Sámano rallies the troops. Baraya is right in front. Baraya asks to speak. He tells Sámano that he is not well informed because he says that the junta was formed to protect the interests of the king. Sámano spits in his face. Sámano reminds them that treason is punishable by death.

Ignacia still carries on about lying so that Alejo wouldn’t run off with that woman. Gaspar remarks that we are lucky that Alejo never touched her. I believed him.

Alejo tells Francisco not to blame him that the wedding didn’t take place. Francisco tries to slap Alejo, but Alejo grabs his hand in mid-air.

For Francisco this isn’t over – there will be a wedding or they will answer for it. Gaspar pipes in, yes, Don Francisco, yes.

WEDNESDAY

Gaspar offers Alejo a part of the dowry, but Alejo declines any of it. You are a man of honor, says Gaspar. It hurts me that my daughter will not spend her life with a man like you.. Francisco, however, disagrees. A letter arrives for Gaspar – the troops are arriving from Quito.

Pola tells Doña Matea what she plans to do and that Nariño will return and that she will fight. Doña Matea invites Pola to live with them.

Tonito tries to feed his father. Nariño says that it is true that they tried to starve me to death.

The Comisiondo: the Junta of Cadíz wants to enforce the bond between the peninsulares (Spaniards) and the Americans. He orders that a doctor and medicine be brought to Nariño. The governor tells him that he will not go against the viceroy’s orders – No, says the comisiondo – I will take care of it.

In Popayan Don Losano tells the governor that he has no right to detain him(apparently Losano was on a mission to peaceably form some kind of government in Quito). The governor says that the viceroy is far from here and that he is in a better position to judge the situation. Quito says the governor has been disloyal and my opinion counts here. Losano claims tha the Quiteños demonstrated their loyalty and willingness to preserve the rights of the king. The governor disagrees and tells him that I am responsible for my acts and then he bids Losano good bye.

Alejo is out in the street with many soldiers. His friend José María Arco shows up and asks about why Alejo is so dressed up. It was for the wedding. With a smile, Alejo reports that he did not get married.

Ignacia still holds out hope that Gaspar will change his mind. Her mother, Eusebia, knows better, but she will try, but she tells Ignacia to forget Alejo. Ignacia says that if she can’t have Alejo, she will have no one. Do you prefer to be an old maid? asks Eusebia. Yes, says Iggy.

So, says Arco – you don’t want the perfect home. You want Pola. Arco tells him about the sacking of Quito. The army will be marching into Santa Fé in the morning. Arco tells Alejo in confidence that he does not agree with the governor, and that he asked for a transfer for personal reasons. As to the question of Pola, Alejo prefers not to talk. He was fooled by her. Well, says Arco, if I see her, I will fall in love, and you will not say anything.

Pola tells Facundo that she has found work and a place to live and she thanks them for saving her life. But, she will still help them with the paperwork.

The colonel reports to the governor: we have taken everything. We have taken prisoners. The governor wants to eradicate the problem. The colonel reminds them that some of these prisoners are from noble families and are well-respected in the community. Francisco breaks in.

At Doña Matea’s, Petra the maid doesn’t like the idea that Pola will be staying with them. Pola tells Matea that she has forgotten how beautiful the house is. She then shows her fascination with a clock.

The governor tells Francisco that he has to return the entire dowry. But, you have the dowry, says Francisco. What I confiscated is what you took. It was owed to the Casa de Rentas de España. Why don’t you admit that you are in ruin? Francisco insists that Alejo was going to marry Ignacia, and he demands that Gaspar pay the entire dowry.

Gaspar claims that it was Alejo’s idea to return the dowry. Gaspar also thinks that Governor Tacón is too harsh with the Americans. To Eusebia he says look where we are now twe have to be careful what they say in our own house.

The governor needs the help of influential people like Gaspar. The governor is going to punish the people of Quito severely, and, he will not return the dowry – you can keep 3500 pesos he tells Francisco. OK says Francisco – but, forget the rest of the debt. Further, if Alejo asks, tell him it went to the girl from Guaduas. Now Francisco wants 5,000 pesos. And, the governor will tell Gaspar that he has lost 3,000 pesos.

Doña Matea’s husband has been in Spain for a year, but they love America. But, for her the future is uncertain. We are not in agreement with the way Spain treats people here, she tells Pola. Pola asks if she sympathizes with Nariño. If Nariño takes power, nothing will happen to us. If only all Spaniards were like you, says Pola. And, like the boy of the medal, adds Matea.

At the mansion, Acacia invites Don Francisco and family to dine with Gaspar and Eusebia and José María Losano, Marqués de San Jorge. Losano was a representative of the viceroy who was supposed to go to Quito to calm things down, but, he was prevented from doing so by the governor.

Francisco is beside himself because he can’t believe that Alejo offered to return the dowry. Alejo contends that it was a promise, not a robbery. Alejo asks about the 2,000 pesos that had been set aside. María Teresa tells him it was used for their education which shocks Alejo. Francisco turns it around and blames it on the mestiza.

The revolutionaries realize that what happened in Quito could happen to them. Sámano knows everything. Baraya tells them about how Sámano spit on him. Does this mean we have lost the support of the military and of the people? Don Jorge pipes in with “…are you saying that the only possible leader of the revolution is Nariño?...”

Tonito begs for just a minute with his father. Nariño is now a little better. Tonito vows not to leave Cartagena until his father is free. What are you hiding from me asks his father. It is better that you know the truth, and he shows him the letter from Magda.


Magda gets grief just by walking down the street. She tries to sell the boots, and the buyer won’t deal with her because he thinks she is not a decent woman.


Doña Matea and Pola continue their conversation about Nariño and his family problems. Matea tells her that Nariño recognized the two girls as his own children when any other man would not have done so. He is different. So, who can judge his wife? Pola’s observation: So many times we are judged by those who do not know how things are.


Tonito tells his father that he has to get him out of prison so that he can show his mother that he made the right decision. Write to your mother and tell her we are OK and that we miss her.

On the street, Magda is insulted and vows to her sister that no one will talk to her in that tone again. Her sister believes that Don Jorge’s wife has poisoned everyone’s mind against her. She is not going to the palace to talk to the viceroy.

Alejo muses on his father’s words. See what kind of woman that mestiza is, and next time be careful of what you write. Then he remembers Pola, that she went to Santa Fé by herself to say goodbye to him and that she said I will always believe in you, but you will not believe in me.

Matea offers Pola a very nice dress that Pola thinks she can alter to fit her. The maid does not look happy. Matea says Pola’s husband will be happy she can sew. Pola hopes she will be valued because she loves him and that she is honest and truthful.

The marqués says that Quito was a real catastrophe. Francisco gets in an argument with him. Alejo asks if it was true that you were prevented from going to Quito. Yes, he says, it appears that Governor Tacón did not want to negotiate. Francisco insists that they deserved what they got. But, says Losano, according to the Manifiesto de la Junta de Sevilla, you are wrong.

Eusebia tells María Teresa that now she has a real problem because now her son will go after that mestiza. Alejo tells the marques that he was at Funes – the battle says the marques – no, says Alejo – a massacre.

Francisco insists that they need a lesson and can’t stand to have Alejo in the room and demands that he leave – then he wants Leandro to leave, too. But Leandro, spineless twit, backs off, pledges allegiance to his father and the royalists and is allowed to stay. No one can be against Governor Tacón in this room.

Alejo starts to write a letter to his parents – it begins: “…with great difficulty I have decided…”

Another revelation. In Guaduas Cata finds out that the so-called fertility tea is really an aphrodisiac. It sends her into paroxysms of laughter and then tears. Juliano finds Nicolasa in better health, but she sends him away. She doesn’t want to sleep with him or any other man.

When Pola shows up in the maid’s room at Matea’s, the maid threatens her and tells her that she has one week to find someplace else to say.

Gaspar apologizes to the marqués for the disastrous evening. As he is leaving the mansion, Alejo stops him and asks for a few words and begs pardon for his father.

Alejo asks about Col José Dupré. Dupré is in command in Quito to maintain order. Then, asks Alejo, who is in command of the troops that are returning to Santa Fé. I am, says the marqués. Then asks Alejo: will you permit me to go with you to Santa Fé?

THURSDAY

The marqués ask Alejo if he has permission from his superiors. Alejo at this point did not, so the marqués says no. Alejo presses him and states that he does not want to fight his own countrymen, and if he is found to be a deserter he will assume full responsibility. He is not of the same opinion as the governor and has earned his enmity. OK, says the marqués, I will await you at dawn at the cuartel (barracks or where soldiers are billeted).

After seeing a white hot scene full of lust and love between Juliano and Cata, she awakes and we learn it is one of her demonized repetitive dreams. She tells Domingo that it is from the water that Gertrudis gives her to sleep.

What are you doing? asks Leandro of Alejo. One favor. What I can’t take, please send to Santa Fé. You are my brother, but I don’t trust you. Leandro says he will not say anything – just luck – and if I were in your place, I would do the same. But, the Indian, she was living with slaves. At last I understand who this woman is. Alejo tells Leandro that he hopes he finds a wife and too bad our father never allowed us to be brothers. He then gives Leandro a letter to give to their parents.

Alejo then goes to Ignacia’s bedroom. She says you know we are not supposed to be together. I came to say goodbye. I am going to Santa Fé. I think it is the best thing for us. You are a woman who could have any man. Stay here, she begs. One day you will find the ideal husband. Don’t you understand that I love you, she says. Alejo tells her that she has been prepared to be a good wife and you will be when that person arrives. She slaps him. It is not your fault nor mine, replies Alejo. If it wasn’t for the mestiza you would not go. I am not going to look for her. I hope you will be happy, says Alejo. You are my happiness, she replies. After he leaves she vows “…if that woman thinks that she is going to walk away with him she is mistaken…”

Cata whips herself for being a sinner. She is in the family chapel when Domingo enters. Prayer is enough, he says. Then he has a premonition that her peculiar behavior is caused by her being pregnant.

In Popayan Alejo tells Arco that he is going to Santa Fé.

Generous Matea gives Pola a pair of earrings and tells her she is a very beautiful woman and that she will find a husband.

Francisco and Gaspar are at the governor’s palace. Francisco tells the governor that Alejo had no right to go to Santa Fé. The governor says it is desertion. Then Francisco says that my son, Leandro, is a much better soldier. Perhaps that marqués gave him permission. The governor insists that Álferez Alejo Sabaraín belongs to the Popayan guard. He had no right to march off to Santa Fé with the marqués. He is going to notify the Santa Fé guard of Alejo’s desertion.

The governor tells them about the tragedy in Quito (for Gaspar’s benefit). The people of Quito went crazy. Many died, including the majority of the junta. You must find out what happened to these people says Gaspar. There were many distinguished people in that group.

Pola says she will not marry. You can’t fight, says Matea, that is for men. Without Alejo, I don’t want to marry. I will certify your chastity, says Matea, so that you can marry a white man. My ambition is not to marry either a white or a black man. I want to meet Carbonel. He already has a wife, says Matea.

Francisco and the governor continue scamming Gaspar on the pretext that they are there to return the dowry to Gaspar. Alejo said to return it. But, where is he to complete his promise. It cannot be returned now – all the money goes to the Sabarraín family – all 5,000 pesos. 3,000 is enough says Francisco. (Remember, he had received a 2,000 peso advance.) No, says the governor, 5,000.

Juliano chides Nicolasa for working. She can’t sleep all day in spite of what the galeno (doctor?) told her. Meanwhile Cata’s dreams continue day and night.

In Cartagena, Báltasar arrives at the same prison as Nariño. Neither he nor Nariño know why they are in prison. He and Nariño think they have little chance of getting out alive.

Petra reminds Pola that she has a week to leave. Pola sees Facundo who remarks that he is surprised to see her looking so pretty.

Pola sees the soldiers marching into Santa Fé. She finds out they are Losano’s troops returning from Popayan. He was supposed to bring a solution to Quito. Don José María Carbonel tells her that many of the people were put in prison. She just misses seeing Alejo. Arco is very happy at what he sees in Santa Fé, and he flirts shamelessly with every woman he sees – here, I will find a wife, he says. Believe me, says Alejo, the last thing I want to think about now is marriage.

In Popayan Ignacia thinks Alejo is returning to the mansion, but it is her father and Francisco. Acacia tells her that he is not going to return and that she has to accept it. Gaspar says that there was a tragedy in Quito and that it was all planned. Francisco warns him to be careful about what he says. Eusebia asks about the dowry. Francisco tells her that the governor will follow the law, i.e., he gets to keep the dowry.

Cata can’t get over it. She spies on Juliano chopping wood – but, Nicolas spies on her spying.

Sir , please wait, says Pola to Carbonel. Can I speak to you about Nariño? It is true. I saw him in Guaduas. He was a prisoner, and he told me to look for you. Now, can we talk?

The marqués sends Alejo to talk to Sámano. Sámano: So, are you a deserter? No, says, Alejo, I am better utilized here by you. He would rather die than desert his majesty.

Pola tells the man she wants to fight. She tells him Nariño wants to fight against injustice. He is a little late, says Carbonel. I am not rich and I have little authority. What about José Antonio Galán. How do you know him? May father fought with him.

Sámano tells Alejo that he has confidence in those who trained in Spain. Sámano is impressed by Alejo’s record and that he was in Madrid during the tragic time.

María Teresa tells Francisco that the money has covered his bad deeds and that it belonged to Alejo. He is more your son than mine, says Francisco. She is going to pack since she believes that they have nothing more here.

Gaspar tells Eusebia that they should go on a trip – to Spain, no there is war. Then let’s go to Lima, Perú. He wants to get away from here and the governor who becomes more of a tyrant everyday. Don’t talk like that – if the governor finds out…What about María Ignacia? Will she go, too. María Teresa needs to reflect in a convent. Eusebia mutters, ..poor girl.

María Teresa: this is their house. Don’t make me feel more ashamed. I prefer to ask my brothers if we can live in one of their houses. Isn’t Eusebia your cousin?

Gaspar and Eusebia then announce that they are going on a trip to Lima. María Teresa tells them that they are leaving, too, - going back to Honda. Too bad, says Eusebia. We had hoped you would stay here while wewere gone. Then Francisco changes his mind – we will stay here and take care of the house while you are gone. Awkward Silence.

Losano arrives back at his ranch and meets María Tadeo. He tells her about what happened in Quito. Did you know that my husband is part of a little “junta” group.

He finds Don Jorge and tells him that he could be imprisoned for what he is doing. Jorge, however, thinks he is hedging his bets because if one brother gets caught, the other brother can be the savior. Does that include Nariño asks Losano. First, he has to be here and then he has to be willing. I don’t know which is more difficult for him, says Don Jorge.

Báltasar tells Nariño that the Americans in Cartagena are planning a junta and that the military will help. This must happen soon, says Báltasar, our liberty depends on it.

At the viceroy’s palace a letter arrives for the bewigged made up old man. My God. My God. Is all he says.

Sámano tells Alejo that if he is accused of being a deserter, he will tell the authorities that Alejo is part of his troops and that he need peninsulares he can trust. Alejo admits that he is an American. Then you are manchado de la tierra. That is an insult says Alejo, please do not call me that name.

Pola sees Sámano but not Alejo. She and Carbonel turn away so that Sámano cannot see them.

FRIDAY

In Cartagena the commissioner is very unhappy with the governor. Be warned because he is responsible for all people. The governor whines that he is just doing the will of the viceroy.

In prison, Nariño pleads with the guard for a little more food. Báltasar gives him some of his food and drink.

Cata watches Nicolasa who wants to know why Juliano is not at the siembra (planting). He was ordered to stay here. Nicolasa confesses that she was wrong about what she to the baby. You are a good man. You will forgive me. They kiss. Domingto catches Cata watching them. What is going on here, he demands. You are not looking at them. Do that to me, he says. Then, get to work.

In the Santa Fé barracks Alejo rallies the troops of what happened in Spain at the hands of the French. They killed women and children, and this will happen if this land falls to the French. We are the most powerful army in the world. Viva España! Viva España, the troops shout out.

Sámano chimes in that Sabaraín serves as an example. More Viva España!

The commissioner says that as soon as he gets to Santa Fé, he is going to do the impossible and free Nariño. He is in favor of a junta that will avoid our falling into the hands of the French.

Gaspar tells Ignacia that she is not going on the trip with them, but that she is going to a convent. It is for time for you to reflect. I did what you prepared me to, and you ruined my wedding. Gaspar is still angry with her for lying. If I go into the convent, will you help me recover Alejo? Gaspar is now impatient with her and tells her that she just doesn’t get it.

Cata tries to start an argument with Juliano. Have you forgiven the woman who tried to kill the baby? OK, you don’t have to reply, but you have to objey. …..Finish the stone wall (cerca) today.

Whose idea was it to send me to the convent, asks Ignacia of her mother. How long? A few months, may a year. If you are repentant, you father will let you marry. With Alejo? No, but, maybe he will think about you and return. Los Sabaraín are going to stay in the house while we are away. Since I was a child you taught me to prepare to marry Alejo. It is all I thought about. Do you think I can think this way with another man? Finally: If I cannot marry Alejo, I will not marry anyone else.

Alférez Péres Delgado to Baraya: There is talk of a junta. The troops understand that they will defend the king. Will they support Samáno? I think so says Delgado. There is also some talk that they are looking for a creole leader – Nariño.

Báltasar asks Nariño if he will fight against Spain. Nariño philosophizes about his interests and ideals and that he still has some doubts. Báltasar says some men give up their personal ideals for the benefit of the greater ideal.

In Guaduas Vivianito denies that he has a sister named Pola. Bernard: she will come for you. Bernarda asks Ciro where is Juliano? It seems that Juliano is still picking up rocks in an attempt to finish the stone fence.

At the palace, the viceroy removes his wig, and the vicereina wants to know what happened. It is France. The war with France is lost, and the French will soon be here. These lands are Spain’s and it will have the same fate as Spain. They kiss (yuck).

Domingo tries to make love to Cata, but she turns away. He tells her how good she smells (huele). Then, are we back to the other night when you looked like you were enjoying it. Don’t say that, she says, it is a sin. She blurts out a how can I love someone like you. Sometimes I think I made a mistake with you. You have everything, but still treat me like a peon.

At the barracks Alejo calls out to Álferez Iglesias for something. Iglesias smart mouths him. You must punish him says Arco(?) No, I don’t want to make enemies. They are both the same rank, and Iglesias is threatened by Alejo’s presence in the unit.

Petra tells Pola that that man (Carbonel) will never look at you. Who? That man you were with. What were you talking about?

Juliano tries desperately to finish the fence. Cata comes out in her nightgown. She removes it and says: don’t say anything negro. Juliano grabs the nightgown and tries to put it back on her. If Domingo sees this, he says, he will kill me. I have a woman. I want you to do the same things to me as you do to her. How dare you refuse me? I love Nicolasa. You have to obey me. A slave has to obey, but this, no. He runs away.

At the palace the viceroy tells the vireina that he is sorry and that she has made him feel so good these last days. You are a patient woman (if he only knew the truth). You have a husband who cannot satisfy you.

Juliano returns to the barn and lies down next to Nicolasa. He tells her he was finishing the fence. Did something happen? No, he lies. She still refuses to kiss him in her current state.

A letter arrives at the mansion, and Leandro reads it. It is from Pola. She denies having anything to do with the demand. You did not rob my honor ….

At the same time Alejo walks down a street and thinks he sees Pola – but it is a different girl.

Don’t look for me in Guadas, Pola continues in the letter. I am in Santa Fé. Ignacia comes on the scene and asks if there is any news.

At the palace, the vireina’s lover breaks in and asks why she hasn’t replied to his messages. I must speak to you urgently. When I am ready, I will receive you in the salon. It takes three maids to help her get dressed – you know – wig, hoop skirt, crinoline slips, makeup, etc.

Juliano is whipped again at Cata’s orders. Why? He looked at me ugly says Cata. Did he do anything to you asks Domingo. No. He looked like he was obsessed with me.

Ignacia looks at the letter. To Leandro’s relief she does not know how to read. Leandro plans to hold the letter for Alejo. You are nervous says Ignacia. Bad news. We are losing the war in Spain. You know Alejo well, she replies. But Alejo doesn’t confide in me. I don’t deserve it. Why does he prefer to be with the mestiza and not a woman like me? It is impossible to explain. He saw her and fell crazy in love.

The vireina is now dressed and ready to talk to Sr. Portacorreo, her lover. Have you gone crazy? They embrace and kiss. What am I doing? Do I have to be more explicit. You have done nothing. But, she says, we are in the mouth of the people. They (the junta) have threatened me.

Domingo now takes a turn at whipping Juliano. Nicolasa wants to know why they are whipping him again. Vivianito grabs Domingo’s arm and stops him. My father never hit anybody. Cata tells Domingo that that is enough. If you ever look at my wife again, says Domingo, I will kill you.

Portacorreo tells the vireina that she feels the same as he does. But, what is more important is that she cannot risk the wealth that they have gained in this country. Leave as discreetly as possible. Please respect the vireina and leave me. He resists and she calls the guards to remove him. He shouts out then return the quinta (country house, villa) to me.

Leandro says to Francisco. This isn’t our house. If your brother hadn’t done this – well, the problem of the dowry is solved. Because the marriage was annulled, Gaspar lost the dowry. Alejo thinks it went to the girl in Guadas. Father, he is your own son. It could have been me. No, Alejo is the mala raza americana of your mother. Leandro walks out. Francisco calls him to return, but Leandro keeps going.

In the street Pola runs into Arco. Hello, señorita, he says. Do I know you, asks Pola. Yes, I am your future husband.

Labels: LaPola

Casa de la Barrera: Arturo tells Teresa he’s done all he can to convince her he’s sorry for his betrayal. He sees she’s not ready to forgive and sees no use in delaying the divorce any further. He wants to maintain some sense of dignity. She tells him she won’t fight him for anything (well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, Tere) and that her father has resigned his job. He doesn’t want to talk about that now. He just wants her to know how much he loves her and he’ll never regret having done so, but it’s clear to him he can’t stop (detener) her. If she wants to go ahead with the divorce, go for it. He leaves and reaches for the stairs where he all but collapses in tears. So sad. Tere looked as though she would have liked to go after him but holds herself back. Luisa finds her brother sitting at the bottom of the stairs. He tells her he doesn’t want to lose Tere, he just can’t. He gets a hold of himself and says he better leave before he reneges on what he just agreed to do. They both leave the house.

Genoveva’s house: Geno and Ruben are talking about BebéBigote. Ruben makes it sound as though he’ll only take the child if it’s a boy. He’s always wanted a boy. Geno tells him he should take custody in either case. They need to raise that child because who knows how much money Espe will come looking for if they don’t. Ruben says he agreed to take financial responsibility but that Espe also wants him to be responsible for the child’s education. Geno thinks there are many women who’d be happy with just the financial help. There are many single women who will kill themselves to support and educate their children only to find out they can’t do either. His conscience is clear. He tried to approach Espe in good faith but she refused. Geno’s convinced Espe has an ulterior motive: she must want Ruben to divorce Mayra and marry her. What Espe doesn’t know is that Ruben owes 45 million pesos to his wife. She tells him she’s the only woman who understands him and can help him.

Casa Chavez: Johnny and Pati are trying to distract Refugio from her worries over Teresa when Armando comes in. He tells her of his discussion with Arturo and how he wanted to bring Teresa home with him but she told him leaving the house could be seen as abandonment in divorce proceedings. He made it very clear to Arturo that he and Refugio will support Teresa no matter what. Oh, and one more thing, he quit his job.

Hospital: Espe talks to Mariano about Ruben. She’s convinced he won’t change and he won’t be a good father for her baby. Duh! He won’t recognize him as his own and won’t dedicate his time to him. Mariano thinks it’s good that Ruben at least wants to provide child support but Espe thinks her child doesn’t deserve that. She knows Mariano thinks it’s a good idea for Mayra and Aida to know about the babdaddy’s true identity. Mariano repeats it’s best for the truth to come out. Espe is convinced her future residence at la vecindad, where Juana and Refugio can both help her, hinges on Mayra and Aida being kept in the dark. She pleads with him not to tell them.

Casa Chavez: Refugio’s proud of her man for quitting his job. After all, how can they continue to take money from the man who hurt their daughter. They talk about money troubles. Johnny and Pati talk about helping them with rent for Pati’s room and Pati helping with the laundry Refugio takes in.

Casa de la Barrera: Teresa tells Juana Arturo agreed to the divorce and she’s very sad about it. She tells her he stopped begging for forgiveness. Juana asks if that’s what she really wants. Teresa tells her that until that morning all she wanted was to be free in order to…(she hesitates) to be done with all this. But everything changed for her a short while ago. Juana thinks she should attempt to reconcile with him if she’s having second thoughts. Teresa refuses, saying she can’t go back now; it’s a matter of pride, of dignity. Anyone who crosses her path will pay; Juana should know that by now. Juana understands but doesn’t think it wise at this time to “ponerte los moños!” (literally= don’t put on your ribbons, meaning don’t get in a huff). Juana understands, saying she knows what it’s like to think you’re losing the love of your life (thinking they’re talking about Arturo). Teresa says today the love of her life told her to go to the devil. (she’s talking about Mariano). Juana refuses to accept this and urges her to go to Arturo and tell him how much she loves him. She’ll then see how quickly everything will be as it once was. Tere disagrees, saying she can’t go back as far as Arturo is concerned and she can’t recover what she had before she met him.

Hospital: The conversation has turned to the topic of Barrera marriage. Espe knew that marriage was in trouble because Teresa never stopped loving Mariano. Mariano agrees but apparently not enough to marry him. Instead, she opted for Arturo and the lifestyle he offered. Espe tells him Teresa once confided that she would try to fall in love with Arturo. Mariano scoffs at this statement. Espe asks if Mariano plans to try again with Teresa once she’s divorced. Negative, he doesn’t know what he feels for her now. It’s now his turn to seek out other opportunities and see other women.

Casa Chavez: Johnny and Pati have made dinner and insist on waiting on Armando and Refugio. They talk more about how life’s gonna be in their home once they’re married.

Casa de la Barrera: Teresa’s telling Juana of her dreams before she met Arturo. She had dreams of succeeding on her own, getting married and living happily ever after. But her dreams never came true. Juana tries to reason with her, reminding her she excelled in her studies and her work. Her marriage may not have been successful but it may be a question of working at it and giving it a chance. If she’s intent on divorce, so be it, but she recommends that Tere be absolutely certain. She wonders if it might not be such a bad idea to go on that European vacation. Tere would like nothing more than to go on that trip to see all those countries and travel like a queen but she doesn’t want the type of marriage where the unfaithful husband buys his wife expensive gifts to make up for his infidelity. She wants someone who knows that he will lose her if he’s unfaithful. Juana thinks she says this because she’d be incapable of betraying her husband, even in thought. HA! Teresa continues, saying she wants someone who thinks only of her and confesses she was very hurt by everything that happened with Arturo. Juana thinks this is proof of her love for Arturo. Teresa has picked up a rose and is crushing it in her hands as she says this has really hurt her pride (orgullo), her vanity (vanidad) because he was supposed to have eyes only for her. Juana sees Teresa reacting with so much anger and jealousy that she feels she should give her husband another chance. Teresa refuses, saying she’s too proud. Arturo’s going to pay for what happened with Paloma. Not only will she divorce him, she’s going to take everything she can from him. Dramatic music. Juana looks scared. Teresa looks defiant. Viewerville saw this coming.
Restaurant: Aurora has arrived at Martin’s restaurant asking for a table for two if he’ll join her. She’s so darn cute. Of course Martin joins her. He’s not as stupid as Mariano. Aurora tells him she’s been thinking of him and wanting to talk to him. She misses him and wants them to be together again. She wants to explain what happened with Mariano. Martin feels he understands, possibly better than she does. She tells him she really likes him. Martin accepts this but says he loves her and that’s the difference. He promised he’d be patient and it’s all a process. As part of that process it’s his task to give her the freedom to determine what it is she wants. She says she wants to be with him. He feels it would be so easy to accept that and have things go back to the way they were. He enjoys being with her but doesn’t want her to regret her decision. She and Mariano are both unattached at the moment. Does she want to reconcile out of guilt? She does feel guilty for talking to Mariano without first talking it over with Martin. He feels that compensating for this guilt she feels is not love. He tells her he’s decided to go away. He’ll be studying Food Administration in France for two months.

Casa de la Barrera: Teresa clarifies that “taking everything” is just a saying. It’s just that she’s very angry with Arturo and that’s why she said she wants to take everything. She is owner of half of his firm although she hasn’t really accounted for all the cases. Maybe it’s time she review the bookkeeping. She tells Juana she can continue to work alongside him after the divorce. He’s the best male attorney (abogado) in Mexico; she will become the best female attorney (abogada). So she’ll have to separate the professional from the personal. Juana thinks that’s a problem considering Teresa’s jealousy even though Paloma is dead. How will she feel when she sees him with another woman. Teresa responds, “How about how he’ll feel when he sees me with another man?” She’s not wasting any time. For her, when something’s over, it’s forever. “Ser o no ser, y yo soy.”

Restaurant: Martin says the time has come when all couples don’t know what to say. Aurora tells him he’s been someone very important in her life. He understands but he want to be the most important and he may yet be. He jokes she can always come running through the airport as they do in romantic films, screaming, “Martin, Martin! I want to tell you, you’re the love of my life.” She’s crying and he reminds her he was willing to take the risk. He may not have walked away with the prize but at least no one can take away what they’ve had together.

House o’ Hunk (or is it House o’ Hunks?): Luisa and Arturo have returned and tell Fernando that Teresa has decided she wants a divorce. Arturo says he tried to show some dignity and fortitude (fortaleza) and agreed to grant her the divorce. Luisa thought they’d surely be able to work things out in Europe. Arturo thought so also but also understands Teresa will never understand why he had that moment of weakness. Luisa suggests they can possibly still work things out during the divorce proceedings. He plans to keep trying but he can’t continue to let Teresa see him so defeated (derrotado) and ruined (deshecho). He wonders what’s to become of his life. He can’t think of himself without her by his side. Fernando sits there with a shifty-eyed look on his face. Hmmmm, I smell trouble.

Hospital: Aurora arrives for her rounds still dressed in her fancy dinner duds but looking forlorn. Mariano asks if he can help and she tells him of Martin’s European studies. She doesn’t want to discuss further and walks away.

Morning at Vecindad: Espe notices Juana is depressed as she’s looking at a picture of her deceased husband. Besides being handsome, he was very noble (recto) and accomplished (cumplido). In contrast, Aurora’s father turns out to be a married man and Cutberto keeps finding himself kissing Griselda. The two men combined don’t equal one. For now, she’s on strike (huelga) and plans to dedicate herself to other things, like her sewing. She hands Esperanza a package, it’s a maternity blouse with the word Bebé emblazoned across the top and a blue arrow pointing to the tummy. (I, for one, HATE those). Juana tells her she needs to prepare herself for the inevitable gossip that will begin once she starts wearing maternity clothes. Espe doesn’t care. She will proudly tell them with her head held high (con la frente alta) that she plans to be a single mother. She thanks Juana and they embrace.

Martin meets with Hector and tells him he always had good intentions toward Aurora. Hector’s appreciative of Martin’s behavior toward his daughter. Martin had hoped to one day marry her but things didn’t turn out the way he had hoped. Hector’s sad to hear this. He thinks Martin is an extraordinary man and had hoped things would work out. Martin says they’re giving themselves some time to see what happens and for the time being, he thinks it best he leave for awhile. He gives Hector his itinerary saying he’s the only one who will have them. He jokes Aurora may someday miss him so much or be in the need of love….

Casa Chavez: Armando and Teresa reminisce about the days when Teresa and Rosita were still home with them. Armando thinks perhaps Teresa will soon be living with them again. (don’t hold your breath, Pops) Refugio would love to have her back but also thinks that if she still loves Arturo, she should fight for her marriage. Armando doesn’t think that will happen. She’s very disappointed. Armando is on his way to the office to put things in order and put in his resignation.

House o’ Hunks: Arturo meets with Martin, clarifying the outcome of Paloma’s fortune. It will all be put toward the children’s foundation, as Paloma would’ve wanted. He explains he wanted to separate himself from all things Paloma. Martin is in agreement and will contact Ruben to settle everything before he leaves for France and will remain in contact with Ruben from there. He feels they need to continue supervising the construction of the pediatrics wing. Arturo already spoke with Hector who as Hospital Director will continue to supervise both Aurora and Mariano. Martin is clear on everything although he’s not very familiar with Ruben. Arturo advises him he’s left Ruben with authorization just in case; however, if he and Teresa divorce there shouldn’t be any problem with him resuming the reins. (ruh-roh) Martin wishes him the best.

Hospital: Teresa’s come knocking at Mariano’s office and she doesn’t get the warm reception she was hoping for. Mariano tells her he made it very clear they have nothing left to talk about. She asks him if it’s true they aren’t going to give it another try. No, he tells her. He’s not going to give her another try at hurting him. She doesn’t understand how he can say that. Without Arturo between them, they can be happy. She starts to talk about his burgeoning career and he interrupts her. He tells her to stop making plans that involve him. She can do what she wants with her life but she will not make him responsible for his divorce. She tells him she’s made her decision to divorce Arturo. Adelante (go for it), he tells her, but do it for yourself. He can’t and doesn’t want to promise her anything. He gets up and opens the door, asking her to please leave. As she leaves, she turns to him and tells him he’ll regret this because the only person now standing in the way of their happiness is him. She walks out, he closes the door behind her as their theme song plays. He’s muy pensativo. She hesitatingly walks away, stops, then turns to look back. I will not hesitate to say I am very proud of Mariano. Is this finally it? Will he stick to it this time or is it too soon in the novela to hope for this?

Casa Grump: Grumpy Granpa is back in Pati’s room, crying. I do feel sorry for the old codger as he looks around the room and stands at the bars at her window saying not even these bars could hold her. He wasn’t able to save Pati. The only thing he accomplished was her mother hating him even more.

Vecindad: Pati and Refugio are wearing matching aprons. Pati is helping her with the laundry on the roof. Johnny arrives with the paperwork necessary to get married hoy mismo (today)! Juana arrives on the rooftop and is very gloomy indeed. She tells Refugio she hasn’t forgiven either Cutberto or Hector so she’s free….and very much alone. Refugio is on team Cutberto, telling her to give him another chance.

Hospital: Hector the Director tells Aurora her mother is nowhere to be found. It’s as though the earth swallowed her up. For one thing or another that he’s not too sure about, the divorce is stalled (atorado) and he doesn’t know how long that will be. He notes her sadness and they talk about Martin leaving. She’s very confused but she knows she likes him very much. Hector poses a question: What if he told her to go to the airport and Martin asked her to marry him now or lose him? What would she say? Aurora says she’s not ready to marry. Hector asks what her response would be should Mariano ask her. Aurora says she wouldn’t be able to do that to Martin. That’s not what he asked, he says, but her response tells them what they both already know. She likes Martin. She misses him and wants him by her side but she doesn’t love him enough to consider him the love of her life. He advises her to let him go. Aurora cries as she nods her head.

Vecindad: Gris arrives toting a suitcase. Cutberto greets her telling her he’s found her a job. She tells him she just came by to tell him she’s going back to her pueblo. If that’s what she wants, he’s happy for her and wishes her the best. He also asks her forgiveness if he hurt her feelings. She confirms he did hurt her. She wanted nothing else but to be the mother of his children, but, sigh, oh well. He tells her not to worry, she’ll find someone who will father her children. She’s glad they’re not parting on bad terms. She reaches out to give him one last goodbye kiss. I knew it! Juana sees them as she’s coming down from the rooftop. Gris and Cutberto say they’ll miss each other. She asks if he’ll accompany her to the bus station. He tells her he’ll not only accompany her, he’ll carry her suitcase and pay her fare. Juana witnesses them leaving arm in arm. Refugio asks what she’s looking at. Juana answers, “The proof of my stupidity, but that’s over.” Every man comes up with something. What she needs to do is to continue being the respectable widow. She wipes away a tear and walks away.

Hospital: Aurora agrees Hector has a point. It wouldn’t be fair to run to Martin and ask him to stay when she can’t return his feelings. Some say one person in a couple will love more than the other, but Aurora feels that love should be mutual (mutuo) otherwise, it won’t work. Now she asks how things are going with Juana. He tells her Juana will be nothing more than a friend so long as he isn’t divorced. He knows she has another suitor, Cutberto el Mariachi. He notices she already knew this. She tells him Cutberto has always been after her but she isn’t interested. She advises him not to stay away from Juana.

Arturo visits Ruben’s office. They chat a little about the improved relationship between Ruben and Mayra. Ruben’s still uncomfortable with Mayra’s notion of being a business woman (mujer de negocios). He feels this novelty (novedad) will soon pass and things will return to normal. Arturo asks if this includes Espe, does he wish to have her as his lover again? Things are difficult, Ruben says. He offered to stay with her so long as they are discreet. Arturo’s not surprised she refused the offer. Ruben is sure she still cares for him but she wants the complete fairytale (cuenta de hadas). She wants him to be close to the child, to educate him, but he’s not in a position to do that in his current situation. He can’t divorce Mayra without serious consequences. It would affect his image. He assures Arturo, one way or another, he will look after his son. He’ll have everything he deserves.

Vecindad: Teresa whines to Aurora about Teresa’s marital woes. She ends by telling her Teresa expressed her love for Mariano. Aurora wonders if Teresa is planning to return to Mariano.

Ruben’s office: Arturo tells Ruben about the pending divorce. Ruben comments on how expensive the relationship with Teresa turned out to be. Arturo resents this, saying Ruben knows how much he loves her. Ruben spews out another of his misogynist views: with an ocean (océano) of possibilities, why did he settle for one mermaid (sirena) in his pond (piscina)? Arturo responds by saying it’s clear they do not share the same views about relationships, so it’s best to leave it at that. He changes the subject to that of Paloma’s foundation. He tells him Paloma’s entire fortune will go to the foundation. He also clarifies that he gave Ruben run of the foundation to placate Teresa. Should they end up divorced, he plans to resume at the helm. Ruben points out the irony in all this. Teresa and Paloma both would have done anything for him and in the end he’ll end up alone. Arturo just sighs in frustration.

Vecindad: Aurora and Refugio continue their visits. Refugio feels Teresa rushed into marriage. She feels they should have dated longer. Aurora asks again about Teresa going after Mariano. Refugio thinks that if Teresa is divorced it’s possible Mariano and she can be happy. Refugio thinks Teresa still loves Mariano and Aurora thinks Teresa still loves Mariano. There’s a knock on the door and our hero Mariano comes in. Aurora seems uncomfortable and tries to make a quick getaway. He mentions her sadness over Martin and reminds her he’s there for her. She thanks him but says he can’t help with this and she leaves.

Casa de la Barrera: Teresa is on the phone with the accountant, Amadeo, making plans to discuss the bookkeeping at the law offices. Fernando has come to see her about the divorce. She tells him she just can’t forgive Arturo. Fernando asks if she’s very sure. Arturo’s his best friend and knows he loves her very much. She asks what he would think of a woman who would reconcile with a cheating husband. He would think that woman loved her husband very much. Teresa disagrees, saying he would look at that woman in a different light. If she forgives Arturo, no man will think the same of her. That’s not true, he says. She’s a marvelous woman and any man can see her worth. Everyone except Arturo, she says. Oh, turn on the crying machine. Through tears, she says that what he did hurt her more than she could have imagined. She feels devalued (desvalorizada), bitter (amarga). She embraces him as the guitar goes into the wah-wah mode. Of course, Fernando folds her into his arms. What a sap (bobo)!

Vecindad: Meddling Mom talks to Mariano about Teresa’s intent to divorce Arturo. He’s aware of that but he assures her their problems weren’t caused by him. She tells him how much she’s always cared for him and how she always felt he’d make Teresa happy. Mariano tells her that was another time (época). She asks if he no longer loves Teresa. He tries to tell her things aren’t what they were before. He had nothing to do with Teresa’s separation and he doesn’t think he can go back to her. Refugio looks a little disappointed.

Casa de la Barrera: Teresa pulls away and tells him this is very difficult for her. Fernando thinks that before divorcing, Arturo and she should try something else, perhaps therapy. The b!tch then turns to him, gets very close (kissing close), and asks almost in a whisper, “truthfully, is that what you want? For me to return to Arturo?” The heat is on, Fer baby. You’re gonna fall!

Labels: Teresa

Happy Friday, all! This was a pretty standard episode - lots of discussions and set-ups for things to come. A few good moments but also a few nauseating ones. Let's get down to business.

Back in the hospital, Roberta is on the cusp of revealing who the father of her baby is until Matias interrupts to claim the little critter is his spawn. Fina grins like the cat that ate the canary; she couldn't have planned it better. Fina and Gonzo give Berta and Mat some privacy.

Lazaro explains Karina's dire situation to Carlos. He agrees to allow Kari to stay at La Bonita for the night and will talk to Jero about it later. Laz appreciates it and swears on his life that Kari is a respectable woman. If Jero has a problem with it, Laz will take full responsibility.

Berta asks Mat why he did it. Mat says that the baby deserves a father. Even though it won't share his blood, he will still be a good father for it. Berta lays on the tears. She's sure Matias would be as good a father for her baby as Gonzo was with her. (Poor Mat. Those are some misguided footprints he has to follow in.) Mat says that Jero should never know that the baby is actually his. Berta guesses that Mat just wants to spare Renata the shame of knowing what a skunk Jero is. Mat promises that being a father for her baby will be no sacrifice for him. Berta loves Mat so0o0o0 much for taking the plunge for her, even though he'll only ever love Nata. Boo-hoo.

Daniel asks Adriana why she can't seem to concentrate. She admits to trying to start up a relationship with Matias but he hasn't called her back to update her on Berta's condition. Danny hangs his head like the loser he kinda is.

Gonzo and Matias have a father-son talk in the car. A baby changes your life forever, blah, blah, blah. Mat has no idea if he and Berta are going to live together or how they are going to handle the kid. Mat would rather live in his own apartment and let Berta stay in the casa. Berta knows that Mat doesn't love her, she doesn't need him on that front.

Berta congratulates Fina on her idea to tell Mat that the baby was Jero's. (Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner! Someone commented the other day that this idea had to have been Fina's. Virtual high-five!) Fina gloats about how famously their plan is going: Berta played the victim and now Mat has stepped up to be a fake daddy. Mat has the same protective streak as his father. Now comes the next phase: Fina is going to convince Gonzo to obligate Matias into marrying Berta. They share an evil cackle together.

Over at La Bonita, Jero has a hissy fit because Renata had the nerve to enjoy herself at Augie's party. How dare she. Carlos tells Jero about Augie kicking Kari out. Jero has no problem with Kari staying as long as she likes, he just wishes Nata could see what a nasty side Augie has. Carlos tells Jero to cut the crap out of his relationship with Nata. "Rafa is dead and you are alive. If you love her, you have to forget the past!" Jero snaps that all he needs to do is stop falling for Nata's charms.

Alfonsina, Matilde, and Lazaro pay Karina a visit. Alfi tells Kari that Augie has forced her to kick her (Kari) out of the house. Not to worry, though, since Jero has agreed to let her live at La Bonita for as long as she wants. Kari doesn't want to accept the offer but Lazaro convinces her. "We don't want to see you suffer. We love you and want to see you happy." Aww. He is by far a better galan than Jero. Alfi flashes back to her roll in the dirt with the doctor and feels guilty when Karina calls her the bestest amiga she could ever have.

Gonzo drops in on Honoro and Constanza. Yep, Mat's the baby-daddy. Gonzo's enthusiasm is LOL-worthy as he bops around excitedly. Before he leaves, Gonzo mentions something business related that Hon and Blanca need to take care of before they leave for the trip. This little development riles Coni; she had no idea that Hon was spending the business trip with Blanca. Hon teases her for being jealous.

Regina cries to the Virgin to help her find her daughter. You know, in case we forgot. FFWD

Augie and Nata wrap up their mariachi party without noticing Arely shooting daggers at them. She pounces on Nata for staying behind when Jero left but backtracks when Nata questions her. Arely agrees to be amgias with Nata but the look on her face says otherwise.

Lazaro tells Kari that he has finally gotten a room cleaned up for her. She feels bad for having to take his room but Laz considers it an honor. Kari thanks Laz and Mati for being such wonderful friends.

Selene congratulates Berta on her villainy. After all, it is at least a little true that Jero is related to the baby since it's his nephew. Selene gripes that Constanza is going on a trip with Chema but it does provide Sele with a chance to enact an evil plan of her own. This is the perfect opportunity for Sele to squash Coni and have Chema all for herself. Berta giggles and agrees to help out. She'd love for her Tio to find out that Coni is a slut. FFWD

Matias visits Adriana to give her the bad news: he is the father of Berta's baby. He understands that she's hurt and does not want to give up on a relationship with Adri. He leaves the decision up to her.

Fina hears from her lawyer on the phone. He offers to help her with whatever she needs pertaining to her illness.

Regina meets Gonzo at a lovely restaurant. She only agreed to come because he had something important to tell her. Gonzo had to put off the divorce because of Fina's health. Regi thinks destiny has drawn them apart. Gonzo still feels so strongly for Regi. He stands and kisses Regi as their theme song crescendos.


After the commercial break, Gonzo and Regi pull away. Regi wanted to kiss Gonzo just as badly as he did her but it has to be the first and the last kiss between them. Regi has been so closed off for so many years and now that she's opened her heart, it's too late. Gonzo takes heart in the fact that Regi feels the same way he does and says it will give him strength to continue on. Regi loves how honorable and honest Gonzo is, which is exactly why she wants to stay out of his life. Gonzo wishes Regi the best in her marriage to Antonio. Regi cries.

Meanwhile, Antonio tells Doña Cata that he is going to be in a bullfight in honor of Regina. Cata is over the moon, especially since Tony hasn't been a bullfighter for so many years. Tony says that Regi's love has given him a new appreciation for life.

Gonzo asks Regi not to tell anyone that Fina has one foot in the grave. If it were not for that, Gonzo would be with Regi in a heartbeat. Regi avoids answering her cell phone because no one knows she left to see Gonzo. They each enjoy a glass of wine as Regi silently wonders what she is doing with her life.

Augie walks Nata home and invites her back to Cruz de Amor. He would love it if Nata would help him design the logo for the new wine he is producing. Of course Nata wants to help. Nata arrives home to the image of Jero tapping his foot in the hallway. Nata barely acknowledges him as she goes off to bed. "Did you know that Augie kicked out one of your amigas who works for him?" Jero asks. Nata assumes Augie must have had a reason but Jero says Augie is an ass.

Nata is tired of the pithing contest between Jero and Augie. Jero did nothing at the party except demonstrate his power and control over her and Nata is not having it. "I am not the property of anyone, Jero. Get that clear." She leaves to sleep in the guest room.

Dr. Rapeysnake (thanks to Emilia for that one :) cries into his tequila over Karina. Meanwhile, Kari sits near a fountain as Lazaro strolls over to join her. Juan Luis Guerra plays as Laz asks Kari if she was ever in love with him. Kari says yes, she was very much in love. Laz asks why she left him and Kari flashes back to her father's deathbed in which he asked her to marry the doctor because of what he could offer her. Kari never answers Laz's question but Laz agrees to respect Kari as a married woman. But Laz does appreciate how beautiful Kari looks in the moonlight. They look into each others eyes and almost kiss. Laz watches Kari walk back into the casa and knows she will be in his dreams. D'aww.

Alfonsina cries during dinner about how awful the doctor is. Speak of the diablo, the doctor stumbles into the house to find Karina. He's upset that Alfi and Zeke believed Kari's lies. Zeke says it was obvious that Kari did not lie and tells Doc to hit the road.

Gonzo sits in his study, unable to get Regi's kiss off his mind. Regi gets home and placates Cata by promising to call Tony the next morning. Regi, too, can't stop thinking about that kiss.

Alone in his bedroom, Jero fiddles with his wedding ring as another song by Manuel Carrasco plays. "How I want to forget reason and thought and be able to feel. To be able to feel without thinking. And to love you."

The next morning, Nata warmly greets Karina and the two of them get on well. Nata asks Mati to prepare a spare room for Kari so Laz won't have to give up his bed. Kari and Laz thank Jero.

Alfonsina tears Doctor Drunkard up and down for mistreating Karina. She hates herself for allowing anything to happen between them. "You'll never be able to erase it from your mind. If you don't continue to please me, the entire town will find out about us." Doc says. *puke*
Doc claims the town will forgive him since he's a man and everyone will hate Alfi. Plus, it would be a shame for Panchito to know that his mother is a whore. Alfi tries to give Doc a good slap but he catches her arm and grabs her face. He threatens her some more but Alfi manages to throw him off and run away. Yuck, yuck, YUCK.

Nata tells Jero that she's going down to the beach for awhile. Jero tells Nata she can't go. Psh, yeah right, says Nata. If Jero wants, she will go ask Augie to borrow his car. Carlos offers to take her but Nata does not need a chauffeur. Jero relents and agrees to go with Nata.

In the car, Nata gazes out the window while Jero gazes at her gams. She catches his eye and slips over onto his lap as Jero drives. He pulls the car over at lightning speed. Ooh-la-la.

Avances: Nata and Jero frolic on the beach. Jero rejects Nata and she swears that Jero will never humiliate her again. Later, it seems as though Nata is missing.

ansiedad - anxiety
exigir - to require, to need, to ask for (Mat about Berta)
encubrir - to conceal (Doc to Alfi/Zeke)
aborrecer - to abhor, to hate (Alfi to Doc)
borrar - to delete/erase (Doc to Alfi)
complacer - to indulge/please (Doc to Alfi)
Entre la espada y la pared - Between a rock and a hard place (Alfi to Doc)

Labels: Cuando

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #5 at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 18 start at this link.

Thank you for today's picture, Carlos. As far as I'm concerned, any picture with TBLMOE is a good one!

Labels: Alborada

As usual, I am sorry for being so late with the recap! I just can't seem to get my butt in gear and I've been running behind on all my telenovelas.  Blame it on the Summer! Discuss amongst yourselves while I try to energize myself. Lo siento!

UPDATE, it's FINALLY UP!!! Forgive any errors, I zipped through this pretty efficiently.

FANGIRL ALERT: Big news in the video geek world (I am a video geek). Am playing around with some new software that just came out (all of us geeks are talking about it) and made this simple fan video with some clips from favorite shows, including telenovela stars. Thought some of you might get a kick out of it. Spot the novela stars in this YouTube fan video! LOL! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQfA0MDbPg4

In the meanwhile, here's a screencap:

Teresa plays the victim card and Luisa, unfortunately, is fooled.

Teresa Ep 83, June 23, 2011

Skipping past the stuff that was from yesterday (well, Tuesday). I can't even remember all the stuff from Tuesday! I am in a bad way!

Aurora and Mariano have a heart to heart and Mariano tells her that Martin's a lucky guy. When she leaves he looks crestfallen a bit.

Professor Hottie is having dinner with Luisa and Fernando, and they're lamenting about his bad luck with Teresa. She's the love of his life, blah blah blah. He's sorry that Luisa and Fer are postponing their trip to Cancun. Or something.

Hector the Director is appealing to Juana. She's chowing down on his chocolates as he begs her to wait for him as he tries to get the divorce.

Cutberto is wandering down the street and Griselda attacks him with her umbrella, kvetching that at first she was going to be the mother of his hijos, and now she's out of a job! She tells him that he's being blamed for helping kidnap Jailbait. Uh oh.

Mom and Pop are at Professor Hottie and Refugio is crying her eyes out about Teresa getting a divorce. Luisa asks if Teresa has made up her mind yet? Then Luisa drops the bombshell—the person who made the mistake in this marriage was not Teresa, but Professor Hottie! Refugio looks impactada.

Cutberto wants to help out Griselda. He can't offer love, but he gives her the contents of his wallet. She doesn't seem persuaded by this.

Johnny and Jailbait. He's going to look for work. He gives her a kiss. I think she's got something a little more intimate on her mind. FF>>

Luisa talks with Mom and Pop some more and leaves saying she hopes things work out because Professor Hottie really does love Teresa. Refugio says she wants to talk with Teresa some more but Armando isn't too eager to do this.

Aurora is unburdening with dad Hector the Director about her love life troubles. To get back together with Martin or hold out for Mariano? What if Mariano continues to be a dope who keeps chasing after Teresa? Does Aurora want to be the dope who foolishly hopes he'll come around? And does she feel the loss of Martin or Mariano? Dad looks sympathetic.

I'm going to combine some scenes here:

Refugio catches Teresa and is very contrite and trying to be understanding. Of course Teresa has to make a dig about how she's not the gold digger that Refugio thought she was (COUGH COUGH!). Then she drops the bombshell. Professor Hottie was unfaithful and she's going to dump him and go back to Mariano.

Refugio is all motherly, clasping Teresa to her loving, motherly breast as Teresa cries and soaks up the attention and sympathy. She tells so many bald-faced lies. Professor Hottie wasn't the man she thought he was. He never stopped loving Paloma. Oh boo hoo, poor victimized, tragic Teresa! LOL! Mom embraces our poor shattered Teresa some more.

Johnny and Jailbait are walking down the street and see Grumps. Johnny bravely approaches Grumps with Jailbait close behind. He tells Grumps that he has respected Jailbait and things aren't as Grumps thinks. He wants to marry Jailbait. Grumps pops a cork and says that Johnny just wants to get Grumps' money. "Get outta here!" he yells as they both scuttle off. Grumps looks pretty upset and heartbroken as he watches them go.

Teresa thinks she's got it all made. Mom is totally buying into her story and is all mom-like and loving and supportive for a change. Teresa wants to do things the "proper" way in dumping Professor Hottie, but she's gonna get back with Mariano and mom thinks that she should have stuck with Mariano anyway, so they give each other a loving mom-daughter embrace as Teresa looks sharky and triumphant.

I'm too lazy to go back and double-check this, but I think what happens is that Rubigote goes to see Mariano and wants his help in some way. Rubigote wants to help out Esperanza and her hijo, but he doesn't have the big boy pants to be open with his wife about this—she thinks that Esperanza is pregnant by Hernan the Galán. But Mariano wants no part of this and won't be Rubigote's front. Or something. I think that Rubigote wants Mariano to treat Esperanza and that somehow this will allow Rubigote access to Espe and the hijo. Mariano is totally disgusted and tells Rubigote off.

A scene between Aeeeeeda and Mayra, where I think Mayra has decided she's going to take care of her own finances/business. Aeeeeda is suspicious and thinks that papa Rubigote is behind this, but Mayra insists it was her own idea. You can tell that Aeeeda thinks this is total B.S.

Professor Hottie, hat figuratively in hand, gives Teresa the itinerary and tickets to their honeymoon. Her sharky eyes widen in glee and greed as she looks at what he has to offer. Then she plays it cool and asks him how come he's showing her this? He wants to still take her on the honeymoon to Europe and hopefully win her back, little by little. Our little shark isn't going for that, but says she'll take the trip alone and try to "recover" from all that's happened. Oh please!

Johnny and Jailbait. They can wait to get married if she wants. He's not after her money. She knows this. He wants the family to accept him. Kiss kiss. FF >>>

At dinner, Refugio tells Armando that Professor Hottie was unfaithful. "QUE?!?!" Armando says, completely impactado. After some conversation, he exclaims that he's gotta go talk to Professor Hottie. Armando's really upset.

Teresa's sniffing some flowers sent by Professor Hottie and reading a note which again pleads her to go with him and give him a chance. The maid announces that Mariano has come to visit. He comes straight to the point—is it true that she told him she was leaving Professor Hottie to return to him, when in fact she is leaving because Professor Hottie cheated?

I apologize because I'm probably not going to get all of this right (please anyone, give more details!). Mariano is so outraged because she's gonna dump Professor Hottie for cheating and here she cheated with him (Mariano) the day before the wedding? She says well, that was BEFORE the wedding. Mariano doesn't think there's much difference, since it was just one day before and she'd already proclaimed her devotion for Prof. Hottie. Teresa tries to manipulate and persuade. She says she made a mistake and the infidelity thing with Prof. Hottie is just a pretext and she wants to return to Mariano. Mariano looks disgusted.

He basically tells her he's done with this and thankfully his eyes were opened and he sees that there are other nice girls out there, girls with good qualities. Yeah, she knows he means Aurora. He leaves her telling her that his doubts about her are real and then warns her: Martin saw you leave my house last night. Impactada look from Teresa. They talk about this for a while. Mariano doesn't know what Martin thinks. Teresa says she can say she was looking for Johnny and Jailbait (I think). Whatever. She keeps on harping about how they'll get back together. But Mariano firmly says that she should get a divorce if she wants, but not on his behalf. Teresa looks shocked by this.

Professor Hottie is at Fernando's place and Fernando is encouraging him not to drink. They talk about Professor Hottie's problems more. Prof. Hottie says that even though he's had years of experience and is supposedly mature, he still feels like an adolescent.

Professor Hottie is reclining on some sort of recliner thing and looking like Fernando's psychiatry patient as Fer advises him. Prof. Hottie is jealous, jealous, jealous of Mariano and he can't think of Teresa being with another guy. Fernando advises patience and to fight for what he wants with a clear head.

Refugio has come to see Juana and is crying about Teresa's broken marriage. She also is talking about how angry Armando is and how she's never seen him like that. She doesn't know why Prof. Hottie cheated. Juana doesn't know anything, but says that Paloma was trying to split Teresa and Prof. Hottie up.

Luisa comes home and is told that Mariano is talking with Teresa. She barges into the other room where they are and demands to know what's going on. Teresa quickly makes up some story about him being there for the hospital charity whatever thing. Blah blah blah. He's going now. Luisa says she doesn't ever want to see him in that house again. Don't worry, he doesn't intend to ever come back, he says. Teresa looks less than pleased about this.

Some cute little scene with Johnny and Jailbait. She's fixed dinner. Whatever. FF>>

Luisa is outraged that Mariano show up there. Teresa plays up her distress/outrage at his daring to be there too. Luisa, as expected, is all sympathy. Luisa tries again to persuade Teresa to get back with Professor Hottie. Teresa does more crying and fake distress over all that she's suffered, but in the end she declares that she will be divorcing Prof. Hottie. Luisa looks upset.

Papa Armando has come over to Professor Hottie's and is reading Prof. Hottie the riot act for cheating. Professor Hottie tries to calm him down, but to no avail. Teresa and Luisa hear the argument in the other room and come to investigate. Armando is in high dudgeon and says take your money and job and shove it, and by the way, Teresa come back home! He starts to take her by the arm as Professor Hottie looks very distressed. Teresa looks triumphant.

Rubigote has visited Esperanza in the hospital. I swear, all these medical professionals have so much free time at work! Anyway, it was a long conversation but I think Rubigote is saying he can't leave his wife, can't tell her what's going on, can't live with Espe and hijo, but wants to be part of their lives. Espe wants to know, will it to be as a daddy or a provider? She loves him but she would prefer he forget her if he's not going to be there for real. (Or something? I think she basically doesn't want him jerking her around anymore.)

Professor Hottie explains to Armando that he's not living in the house anymore. Luisa gets Prof. Hottie to leave the room so Teresa can talk to dad alone. Teresa spins some story about how she can't go back to the vecinidad because Prof Hottie could accuse her then of leaving the home. Or something. She says it's a legal thing. Dad buys this but he's still upset about the infidelity and stuff.

Meanwhile, Luisa is talking with Professor Hottie in the other room and tells him that Teresa is going to file the demand for divorce tomorrow. This is not what Prof. Hottie wants to hear.

Rubigote visiting Geno. Creepy scene where he tells her the "good news" that Espe's kid is his. Oh, she thinks this is great, because finally she (Geno) can "give" him a kid and it'll be THEIR kid. Creepy and weird.

Teresa sees Professor Hottie in his office. He says he's tried and tried to make it up to her. He even renounced Paloma's inheritance (QUE? You can see the disappointment in Teresa's face at that news). But if she really wants to get a divorce, okay. He'll start proceedings tomorrow himself. She gives this resolved, stern look and that is the end of our episode!

Labels: Teresa

Last night we left Carlos telling Renata that there aren’t any pictures of Rafael around. How odd, it was his hacienda wasn’t it? Carlos hedges around some lame excuses and Renata mutters “I don’t understand anything.” You and me both honey.

She’s like ten times smarter than our alleged galan as she tells Carlos she somehow feels like Jero thinks SHE is La Bonita and what’s up with that? Carlos gets all fidgety and she pulls him back, assuring him she knows nothing about this business and begs his help.

Padre Inappropriate is over at Casa Alfonsina trying to coerce Cari to go home. Ezekiel asks, even when her husband is an animal? (AniMAHL sounds so much worse in Spanish.) Alfonsina sticks up for Cari, if she says Doc raped her then she (Alf) believes her. Cari cries she can’t even begin to describe the shame of what happened to her. Padre I. suggests maybe she’s exaggerating a little and doc has some meds to help her nerves. Alfonsina and I both shout “Nerves!?” OK, I shouted, Alfonsina was calmer. She suggests Cari show Padre the proof of “her nerves”. Cari reveals her arm bruises and Padre Impactado covers his mouth in shock.

It’s a warm night in the wine country and Nata sits on a rock by a river, tosses stones in and recalls her romantic times with Jero. He wanders up and spies on her, throw some rocks at him!! Darn, she doesn’t see him.

Next morning Carlos tells Jerko that Nata seems sincere and wants to see a picture of Rafa. He correctly points out that nobody can be that good of a liar. “Cínica, cínica, a thousand times over!” is Jero’s dopey response. He says he’d like to...and then pretends that he’s strangling someone. Carlos asks will Jero’s obsession turn into abuse? He must mean physical because it is already psychological.

Augi summons Ezekiel to tell him that Cari cannot stay in his house anymore. Ezekiel takes great umbrage at this order and calls doc a drunk. Augi says he doesn’t care if it’s true or not, Cari’s got to go. Oh and by the way, Jero and wife are going to visit so make sure the hacienda looks (luzca) perfect. Arely eavesdrops and hears Augi say he doesn’t care about Jero, what matters to him is what Nata finds there.

Kari tells the La Bonita maid Hermina that she’ll try to fix the embroidered sheets. She needs the money since she left the doc. She’d rather go to a nuthouse than return to him. Uh oh, ironic foreshadowing? Good gossip anyway.

Alfonsina, happily busting out of her tight pink tank top, gushes over the beauty of the vines. “Nothing is as beautiful as you,” croaks the doc, sneaking up on her. She tells him to beat it, wife raper, she can’t stand him. He forces a kiss and swears he didn’t do it. Cari made it up to play the victim. She knows him, he couldn’t hurt a rose petal. He knows how to love a woman with passion, not violence. She tells him to go but he keeps kissing her, then she kisses back, barf.

Fina tells Berta over the phone that Nata’s friend Adri is uncle Honorio’s bastarda. Now more than ever they must be vigilant.

Back at the hacienda Manuela pulls some yummy pan dulce or some such thingies out of the oven. Nata rushes in and exclaims over the wonderful aroma. Sullen Mati hangs back and comments on Nata’s outfit for El Guapo’s party. I guess Nata is going to take the treats there.

Nata asks Mati to get Lazaro because she needs a ride to the party. Mati mouths off about waiting for Jero and Nata tells her that Jero is her husband but not her boss. More Mati mouth-off and Nata looks her in the eye, tells the little snippet she’s the wife of the boss, gives the orders and if Mati doesn’t like it the door is wide open. After Nata leaves Mati asks “who does she think she is?” Manuela tells her she’s the boss lady, or the wife of the boss if Mati prefers to look at it that way.

Nata shows up at Augi and Arely’s with her batch of cookies in hand. He’s thrilled to death that she’s there sans husband. Arely not so much. Augi gleefully ushers Nata to the wine and appetizers while Arely trails behind holding the tray of cookies and muttering under her breath.

Mati trots out to the vineyard pretending to look for Alfonsina but really to rat out Nata to Jero. She happily tells him Nata got all sexed up in a super low-cut dress and left for El Guapo’s house without him.

Matias visits Berta so that she can she can irritate him by telling him she’s plans to tell Nata she’s expecting her husband’s baby. They get in an argument about Nata’s happiness and Berta stalks around inches from the pool in her super high heels. Twist your ankle and fall in! She shrieks that Jero has to know because she wants her baby to be born into a family with a papa! Yell yell, shaking fists, stalking stalking and then suddenly my wish comes true sort of. She trips, falls and bangs her head on a rock. Hooray! I hope she goes into a coma and the baby is born without her ever waking up.

EEWWWW!! Alfonsina and doc are rolling around in the dirt making out, how gross. Luckily Mati really was looking for Alfonsina because her yelling interrupts them. Doc hides in the vines while Alfonsina distracts Mati. Heh, Alf’s got red dirt all over her backside.

Matias calls for an ambulance and then calls Gonzo to tell him about Berta and that they are in Cuernavaca.

Jero rides up on his steed but this guy is no prince charming. He immediately starts ragging on Nata for coming without him. She gives it right back to him and when he sings the “your place is by my side” song she stops him. “My place? As what?” she demands. He tells her she is his woman, his wife. She laughs and says deeds speak louder than words and he sure doesn’t act like she’s his wife. He’ll show her deeds, he grabs her and forces another of his vicious kisses on her. It saddens me to announce that she responds positively, just in time for Augi and Arely to find them in a mad clinch.

Carlos finds Mati cooking dinner and she asks him if the doc will be joining them. Carlos doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She says she saw his car and assumed he was with Carlos. Noooo. Maybe he’s with Alfonsina. Noooooo, didn’t see him with her. How odd, she says. They both look suspicious and wonder who the doc came to see.

Jero makes some lame excuses for being late, gets a dig in at Nata for coming without him, but then says he needs to go back home to change his dirty shirt. Arely suggests he borrow one from Augi which Jero really does not want to do, but she holds out her hand and Jero is obliged to follow. He looks back to see Nata and Augi make eye contact. Nata kind of shrugs her shoulders as if to say, “What can I do? He’s an incredible ass but he’s my husband.”

Gonzo and Fino rush toward Cuernavaca where Gonzo gets to listen to Fina’s whining and nastiness and “ay ay ay nuestro nieto” ad nauseum. Honorio calls him and Gonzo tells him he has to go somewhere solo because Gonzo is preoccupied. Heh, I’ll bet Honorio won’t be solo for long.

The doc tells Berta and Matias that the baby seems fine but they need to admit her for further tests. He asks if Matias is the husband and Matias says No but he’ll take responsibility for everything. Gah, more foreshadowing!

Arely helps Jero out of his shirt and blatantly ogles while smiling to herself.

Augi hits Nata up for the 411 on her relationship with Jero. He could be wrong but he gets the feeling all is not well and he’s heard the first few months of marriage can be difficult. She asks him what he knows of the brother Rafael. How about the infamous and mysterious La Bonita? No luck there, nobody in town ever saw her. She tells him the specters of Rafael and La Bonita seem to be preventing their happiness.

Hermina reports back to Lazaro what Kari told her. That the doc is trying to tell everyone that Kari is crazy but she’ll never go back to him.

Augi gives another of his wine tutorials about what makes a great bottle of wine, weather at harvest time, types of barrels, age of vines, and most important the quality of grape. “Like those of La Bonita” Jero suggests. Augi says something about Rafa planting a very special type of grape for the region. Arely asks didn’t Jero know this? Jero says right now he is like a kid when it comes to knowledge about wine but hopefully in time he will become an expert too. Augi’s sceptical, just how does Jero plan to accomplish that? Oh, by working hard in the vineyard, experimenting, studying, and doing what it takes to honor Rafael’s name. Meanwhile Nata’s head ping-pongs back and forth as the two men exchange barbs.

Alfonsina hunts down Ezekiel and he tells her that Augi ordered him to kick Kari out of their house. Alf is pithed off, it's her house. Ez says he’ll get fired if they don’t.

Augie is still spouting off his wine knowledge as he seats his guests for dinner. He says passion and love are essential in wine making. The grape is like the woman and must be cared for carefully. If that happens then you will have an exceptional wine, blah blah blah. Arely asks Jero’s opinion of this comparison. He agrees that woman can be the muse that awakens a man’s sensitivity. He says it’s this exact thing that caused a woman to inspire his brother to move to this area, and himself as well.

Just as this is getting way too weird they are interrupted by some musicians. Renata is thrilled, they all toast, and Augi glares over the rim of his glass when nobody is looking.

Fina and Gonzo rush into Berta’s room in time to hear that the baby is fine and it’s going to be a boy. Matias suspiciously asks isn’t it a bit early to be able to tell the sex of the baby? Fina jumps into action and gushes about the new Monterrubio heir.

Daniel tells Adri he couldn’t believe the news about her being Honorio’s kid. He says now she’s the daughter of the boss she won’t want to talk to him anymore. She reassures him that nothing will change. (He, however, should change his tie.)

A few doors down Blaaanca Ocaaaampo is bending over Honorio asking him why doesn’t he take her to see some boat. She says it’s very important for her to soak up everything that has to do with the company and the ships used by their exporters. She suggests it’s also a good time to put Adriana front and center. When Honorio doesn’t immediately jump on her...idea she asks is there some particular reason he won’t take her with him? Uh, no, he says unemotionally, go ahead and call Gonzo and change the room reservation. “Thank you for the opportunity,” she gushes.

Meanwhile, Cons and Chema are playing around with fruit and she mentions she’ll be alone this weekend because Honorio and Gonzo have to go to some port for export business. Chema tells her he was invited by the port owner where he gets his fruit to do something that Saturday and he’d love for her to go with. Sele the stalker listens outside the door and shows us her menacing scowl.

Adri is now in Honorio’s office and she asks if he’s heard anything about Matias and Berta. She was hoping Matias would call. He’s the love of her life but he’s still in love with Nata. She’s hoping that someday he’ll fall in love with her. Dad says there is a difference between loving and being in love. He heard a quote once that he always remembered: To be in love is to love the similarities; to love is to be in love with the differences. What he recommends is that Adri take a hard look at what she feels for Matias and also ask him what he really feels for Renata.

Back at Augi’s awkward assemblage he and Nata are whooping it up with the musicians while Jero and Arely gloomily swirl their swill. When their song is completed Arely flounces out of the room and Jero announces they’ve had enough to drink and are going home. Nata insists she’s not drunk, just happy. Jero glowers and pulls away. “What, you don’t like to see your woman happy?” asks Augi. A fair question even though it was meant to irritate. Nata tells Jero he can go but she’s going to stay. Augi happily volunteers to bring her home. “I want you to go home with me,” Jero demands. Nata gets all up in his face and takes a big sip of her wine.

Over at La Bonita Alfonsina reports to her pals Mati, Lazaro and Hermina that she was ordered by Augi to kick Cari out. Can they put her up? Lazaro is up in arms and storms out saying he’s going to ask Carlos if they can help out. Hermina says Laz is totally in love with Cari and she is worried that el doctoricito will do something harmful to Lazaro if he finds out.

Back at the star crossed Cross of Love hacienda Nata shoves her glass under Augi’s bottle for a refill. Guess she’s staying. Nata and Jero have a fairly civil parting but Augi knows she’s in pain and asks if she’s OK. “We don’t exactly act like newlyweds,” she observes. Augi turns on the gracious charm and Nata sighs she’s glad to have a friend like him nearby, salud!

Did we think Jero would take Nata’s decision to stay lightly? Not a chance. Our grumpy galan stalks out of the house but is intercepted by Arely before he hits the door. He informs her he’s leaving solo because it seems his wife is too entertained by Augi to leave. Arely noticed. “It looks like you and I are superfluous,” he gripes. “Wait, your shirt,” she says hopefully, but alas, he has departed.

Fina announces to Gonzo and Matias that she won’t leave her daughter’s side no matter how it affects her own health. Before he leaves Gonzo demands to know what Berta and Matias were discussing by the pool. “The father of my child,” says Berta. Gonzo then demands to know once and for all who is the father. “Tell him,” prompts Fina unknowingly. “OK then,” snips Berta, “the father of my child is....” Matias interrupts, “Soy yo, I am the father of that child.” Oh noes! We were afraid he would do that.

Avances: Carlos advises Jero to forget the past. Jero waits up for Nata and she tells him she’s nobody’s property.


bajar la guardia = be vigilant, don’t let ones guard down (Fina to Berta)
botanas = appetizers, snacks
cínico/a = liar (Jero’s rant)
empaparse = to soak up (what Blanca Ocampo wants to do)
entretenido/a = entertained (what Renata is at Augi’s house)
la puerta es muy ancha = the door is wide open (Nata to Mati)
me da igual = I don’t care (Augi regarding whether Jero comes to his place)
Me das asco! = I can’t stand you! (Common telenovela phrase)
revisar = look over, inspect, take a hard look at (what Adri should do regarding her feelings for Matias)
sobrando/a = superfluous (what Jero and Arely are)
varón = male (as in Berta’s bebe)
vestido super escotado = super low-cut dress (Mati’s description of Nata’s dress)


Dicho of the Day:
Enamorarse es amar las coincidencias y amar es enamorarse las diferencias = To be in love is to love the similarities; to love is to be in love with the differences.

Labels: Cuando

Wow. A triumph of filler....and what a llorathon. AY!

Here goes!

Baddie Burnie and crew have arrived to take Maria somewhere. Vic and the echo machine want to know where they are taking her hija. She cries. She begs them to let her hija go. She will do anything they ask. Hiiiiiiiiiijjaaaaaaa! Mariiiiiaaaa, I just lost a girl named Marriiiiiaaaaa! The sound of gunshot! Noooooo! Burnie looks on and smirks. (Maria is ok. The bad guy makes a show of pointing to a bullet hole in a box.) Vic continues to cry buckets. Burnie b!tch slaps her (was that a cheer from Viewerville? Heaven knows *I* wanted to slap her.) Vic's cries drown out the lines of the kidnapper.

Let's throw mama under the bus
Gui has Xi and her mother at gunpoint. He asks why Xi is robbing him. Xi blames mom and the meds. She didn't know what she was doing. She reminds Gui that they are both on the same (anti-Sandoval) side. Gui doesn't trust them. It would be easier to just get rid of them. Xi and mom beg. Gui will give them another chance, but they better be careful not to double-cross him.

Leo and Os
Os can't believe Leo took such liberties. He reminds her that he doesn't love her, that he loves Victoria (He's is so hopeful...that's why I like him.) She apologizes. Os says he just wants to try and help, but she can't keep being a flake. She asks him not to distance himself from her. She begs. He gives her another chance, but reminds her to cool it. If his family had seen it would have been a huge mess. er..too late

Fer rolls into the kitchen and thinks about the Os vs Voice face-off. Then she thinks about the Os vs Leo lip-lock. She cries. Her parents don't love each other. Her family is being destroyed.

Back to the Kidnapping
Vic has calmed down but only minimally. The kidnappers have her calling the Sandoval Manse. O-o-o-s-vall-d-d-d-o-o hiccup sob... She sobs about her niña. They toook heeerrr. Who? Asks Os...who did they take? Where did they take her? Vic says she doesn't know and sobs some more (Burnie, hon, could you slap her again?) Vic continues to sob. She heard shots. She doesn't know if her niña is dead or alive. The head baddie gets on the phone and tells Os to hurry it up with the lana (money.) Probably because he's tired of listening to Vic, too.

Commercial break: So what does everyone think of La Fuerza del Destino????


Voice, Max and Lon have found what the presume to be Maria's clothes. They walk in circles. Voice rallies the torpid troops. They have to find out if the blood is human (aaaand we add CSI Officer to the doctor's resume.) Max should head home where the kidnappers will be calling they head back for Casa Sandoval.

Everyone searches for Vic and Maria Desamparada. Dramatic music and facial expressions. FF>>

The head kidnapper, Nicolás by name, is being berated by the Maria stand in. She isn't happy. Things are turning out more complicated than they should be. She knows the Sandovals will do anything (mover el cielo y mar y tierra? move heaven, sea and the earth) to get the ladies back. More browbeating from her. Shut ups! from him.

Os paces. Leo tells him everything will be fine. Fer looks on and stares daggers. Leo tries to comfort Fer...who reacts icily. Millie and the searchers begin to arrive. More dramatic music, facial expressions and flailing (Pip mainly.)  Really, it starts to look like bad comedy....like a squillion clowns popping out of a tiny car. Do you think the writers couldn't think of any dialogue?

Whew! Finally some talking. Max arrives and asks if there's any news. Os tells everyone they have to be strong. Please note: there are no representatives from law enforcement. Those Sandoval's are fiercely independent I guess. "We don't need no stinking police." He tells the group about Vic's phone call. Max asks about Maria. Os explains how Maria was taken away and how later Vic heard shots. It's not supposed to be funny, but everyone's reaction makes me laugh. NO! NO PUEDE SER! Max squints and puckers. Holy crap that's funny! We get a close up of each character to savor: Pip, Alonso, Toni, Nati, Voice, Fer y su papá. Cruz asks about the stain on the clothes and wants to know if it's blood. There is a mini bull-snort from William! He must be crying.

Millie spies the clothing and proclaims she has seen Maria wearing those clothes before. William Mush mouths and Fer frets. Alonso wants to know exactly what was said. More re-hash from Os. Vic doesn't know if Maria is alive or dead. More crowd reaction. Os mentions the kidnappers want money. Pip is all "give it to them" and Oscar is all voice of reason and is all "the business has no liquid assets." Somehow Pip is to blame. I'm sure he spend too much on fabric or something. (I didn't listen closely.) Pip pitches a fit. Toni soothes him. Everyone offers to pitch in the pesos they've saved and Os mentions selling some of Vic's jewelry. Millie is going to rally the vecindad. She takes her leave.

*annoyed sigh* Cruz offers to take Fer home and she says no, thank you I will stay here at MY house (emphasis added.) Os tells her her house is with her husband. Fer whines that there is no love in her house or in the Sandoval house. whine whine. She made all that progress and now she's just back to spoiled brat. Cruz won't stand in her way.

Heri is going to head to the lab and find out if the stain is blood or not. Leonela is leaving, too. She tells Max she's sorry....there's really nothing for her to do there. Max objects and Fer says to let her leave. Leo and Heri go.

Max wants to know what's up with Fer's attitude. She says she saw Leo kissing Dad.

Vic and the llorathon FF>>

Heri wants the lab results, pronto.

Os and crew pull the jewelry from the safe. They are all quite pleased and feel that they will be able to sell them and get the money they need. Surely we all see what's coming next?

Toni arrives to tell Os that the jewelry is all fake. Vic sold the real stuff and got copies to try and save the business.

The kidnappers move the still sobbing Vic.

Back at the Sandoval's everyone discusses the rise of violence in Mexico. These people have no values or morals. Max says "Poor Mexico" (and this recapper agrees. I've attended three workshops this Summer about the subject. It's very sad.) Voice arrives with test results: IT'S PAINT! HOORAY!

Maria is tied back up to the pillar. She wants to know where mom is. Woman kidnapper says her lines and leaves. Maria screams and cries. "Don't leave me here!"

Cruz has a sad. He sings an entire song and flashbacks. Writer's don't have to come up with dialogue. FF>>

Vic is tied to a chair. The crying continues FF>>

Maria flashbacks the almost the entire dialogue between she and Vic since they were tied up together. She tilts her head. Then she remembers all the nasty stuff Vic has said to her. Maria will never forgive her.

Millie is asking the vecindad for donations for the rescate (ransom.) The Jarochas don't mind helping Maria, but they don't give a rip about Vic. FF>>

Gui still wants to know why Xi and her mom would rob him. Mom kind of wonders why Burnie gave him all that money. He did her a favor. Xi comments it must be something pretty nasty (?). Gui lets them go. He reminds Xi that she owes him big now. He let her live.

At the vecindad we get a granny donating dentures and Napo saying they need "en efectivo. CASH MONEY."

Burnie is in bed. Jail is hell, but God will reward her for her having gone through this Calvario (Calvary.) Eva brown noses. Burnie wants to get some sleep. As Eva leaves she tells her that she doesn't want to be bothered at all. No visitors EXCEPT Gui. She's sure he'll have good news for her. She plans a good rest. She expects thing aren't so calm at Casa Sandoval.

At Casa Sandoval, Heri offers Os money for the rescue.

Alonso is back on the chopping block: we get the montage of doom.

Labels: triunfo

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #4 at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 18 start at this link.

Thank you for today's picture, Carlos. Of the three, I definitely prefer the horse's patooty.

Labels: Alborada