Caray, Caray!

[Thanks to Anon. 207,  Blusamurai and Kristoise for giving us the hilights --ed.]


DE LA BARRERA HOUSE:

Arturo gives Teresa the divorce papers.

Teresa tells Juana SHE should have been the one to slap Arturo with papers, not the other way around. Juana's looking at her like B!ch please.


Teresa puts on the Poor Me act for Luisa. Luisa mentions Fer was less than thrilled at the thought of Luisa moving in.


Refusio tells Teresa she should have never married Arturo when she was in love with Mariano, but now Mariano doesn't want her cuz he told her so.


HOSPITAL:
Aurora & Magda bond over wanting Mariano.

VECINDAD:

Ramon when he and Aeeeeeeeda were waiting for Mariano to show up let on how much he doesn't care for Teresa to Aeeeeeeeeeeeeeda, who, then tried to pump more info out of Ramon who clammed up and changed the subject.

Aurora finally told off Teresa for using Mariano like she has and Teresa comes back at her with what's it to you since you're so happy with Martin? But Aurora informs Teresa that she and Martin are over which surprises our little shark. Aurora also told her she wasn't sincere and honest with her and she was not to be believed anymore

Ramon tells Mariano to give Aida another chance.


Teresa found out from Refugio it was she who told Aurora about possibly going back to Mariano after her divorce. Teresa let her mama know she has a big mouth and not to tell Aurora everything.Refugio of course doesn't understand why her daughter doesn't want her to discuss her personal life with her BFF?


Aida smothers Mariano with kisses & giggles but is still mad at the mention of Esperanza's name.

Aeeeeeeeeeeda tells Mariano that she doesn't want him to speak Espe's name around her.   (I think Mariano will eventually wake up and realize how toxic Aeeeeeeeeeda is also and call it quits for good with this drama harpy.)  Anyway he did try and tell her about her father, but Aeeeeeda only wants to stick her head in the sand and forget all that she knows about what's going on with her father.  She mentions to Mariano how her mother has completely forgiven her father even though what happened was because of Teresa and Espe. 

Cutberto tries to explain what happened with Griselda but Juana isn't having it. Then Hector shows up and acts like he'll toss Cutberto out if Juana will let him.

Juana makes Pati a maxi dress. (Now that Teresa doesn't want her homemade clothes anymore Juana has a new doll to dress up. <--my commentary.)


Johnny got the rent collector's job.


Armando can't find a job.


HUNK HOUSE:
Teresa slithers over to Fernando's house to "talk" but is busted by Arturo.

Teresa tells Arturo she'll "think about" reconciling/the trip.

Teresa slithers back later to "talk" some more with Fernando and ask suggestive questions.  Teresa asked Fernando if he thought it was possible for someone to "querer" two persons at the same time. he responded with an emphatic yes. "a man can definitely love 2 women at the same time". was the most fall off the couch LOL moment for the mister and me. fernando suggested a taste test was the best way to decide who you really want, but ter put up a good innocent front against infidelity. she also managed to keep the actual words used (if nothing else) enough about her worries that arturo still loves paloma to defend herself if a transcript were made. she is a lawyer, after all.



De La Barrera House:

Luisa ask Arturo since he's been staying with Fernando the last several days has he noticed any thing different about him? Arturo responds no like what as Luisa descibes he's been thinking about something and he seems so preoccupied by it and he's not been acting the same like he was before?

AVANCE:

An older looking woman standing near Fernando (probably his mom) gives Teresa the stink eye.

Labels: Teresa

Tonight's recap courtesy of guest recapper Audrey:

Repeat from last Friday where Renata wants to go to the beach, and if Jero refuses to loan her his car, she’ll just go over to Cruz de Amor to meet Areli and she’s sure Augie will loan them his car. To Renata’s surprise and delight, Jero decides to take her himself.

As Jero is driving Renata to the beach, he can’t stop salivating over Renata’s bare thighs in her short-shorts. They start giving each other hot looks. Renata unbuckles her seatbelt and crawls over into Jero’s lap and they start making out. Jero’s not looking where he is driving anymore! Oops! Turns out it’s just Jero’s fantasy - Renata is still in her seat looking out the window, but Jero is so distracted he almost runs the car off the road, barely missing a tree and startling Renata. [I thought this was pretty cute - those writers really fooled us, didn’t they! LOL!] Renata, concerned, asks if Jero wants her to drive. Jero says he was just a little distracted [like, yeah! Obvio!].

Back at Cruz de Amor, Agustín is leading Areli into his office followed by Ezequiel. He’s talking about this year’s vendimia (grape harvest) and that Jero will have to deliver him the harvest from La Bonita. He wants this year’s party to be unforgettable. Areli is all excited and wants to know what the festival is like — this is where there is a blessing, and the women stomp on the grapes, right? Agustín is going to order traditional costumes as gifts for all the women attending his party.

Selene is at the club hitting on Chema again. He is refusing to attend a dinner with her because he is going out of town to visit some orchards. And he won’t invite her to go with him either. She gets the name of the orchard though.

Honorio and Blanca are at some port checking out the boat she selected. Honorio is impressed with how Blanca has everything under control. Blanca wants Honorio to have no doubts that hiring her was his best choice.

At the hospital with Roberta, Fina and Gonzo, the doctor has released Roberta. Fina is fuming because Matías didn’t come personally to “assume his responsibilities”. Fina declares that Matías has recognized his baby, but he hasn’t assumed his responsibility towards their daughter. She demands that Gonzo make Matías marry Roberta. Gonzo asks how can he demand that! They’re not in love! Gonzo asks Roberta if that’s what she wants. Roberta tells Daddy that she loves Matías, and she knows she can make him happy! He’s the only man she wants to share her life with!

Regina is lamenting to Inéz that last night’s sleep was disturbed. She couldn’t stop thinking of the kiss with Gonzo! She can’t keep being dishonest with Antonio. She is going to break the engagement: not to be with Gonzo, but because Antonio doesn’t deserve that she thinks of another man [you go girl!]. Gonzo owns her heart! Inéz thinks it a pity Regina didn’t fall in love with Antonio, but she supports that Regina follow her heart. Regina and Inéz are alarmed when Antonio walks right in carrying flowers.

Areli comes to La Bonita looking for Renata. Carlos tells her that Renata and Jero went to the beach. Areli acts surprised considering last night (the dinner) they seemed a bit disgruntled with each other but, well, being newlyweds, it’s logical they would reconcile quickly. She asks Carlos to tell Renata to please come visit her. Carlos looks confused.

Antonio presents the flowers to Regina, and says he must have interrupted an important chat. Inez volunteers it was things about the center and tries to excuse herself. Antonio announces to both of them that he wants to make an invitation for this weekend. He is doing a special viewing (closed to the public) bull fight in honor of Regina, to “demonstrate his love”. [OK - this is kind of gross. I can think of many gestures I would rather have than my own personal bullfighting demonstration. This guy is clearly not able to see outside his own point of view]. Regina does not look at all thrilled about this.

Back at the port, Blanca and Honorio are getting a in depth tour of the boat. [Lord Almighty, Honorio, that is one ugly striped Polo shirt your are wearing - ouch!]

Constanza and Chema at the center are cooking again [heh, heh!]! Constanza raves about the touch of mango in the sauce. She says she never expected to find such a good friend at the center. Chema asks her if she’s going to come with him to visit the orchards. [Don’t know about that head scratching, Chema, it kind of makes you look like an ape]. Constanza is not sure - she thinks it’s something for younger people to do. Chema teases her for acting like she’s too old and asks “why stay here alone?” Constanza agrees to go with him.

Antonio tells Regina that he’s going to do his best “faena*” for her. He wants her to feel like the most loved woman in this world. [Geez Louise! This guy is such a dense-brain if he thinks his performance in a bullfight will make a woman feel loved. It should be about what she enjoys watching, not what you want to show off, idiot. I’m just sick of this guy force-feeding romance on his terms. So NOT romantic!] Regina doesn’t know what to say about this “act of love”, but she’s got something really important to tell him. Antonio stalls her — he wants her to wait until after his “event”, as he really can’t concentrate on anything else at the moment. [Yeah, dude - it’s all about you!]. Of course, Regina being polite and accommodating, agrees. But Regina is very upset after he leaves. She yet again fantasizes about the kiss with Gonzo.

Blanca says that she learned everything about shipping from her father since she was a little girl. Then she thinks back to when she was studying about shipping on the internet. Honorio would like to thank her father for all that he taught her and that she has shared with him. Her parents died in a car accident, Blanca tells him. Honorio continues to be impressed with Blanca and her philosophy of life. Blanca believes in going after whatever makes one happy and not worry about what others think. She thinks you should live life without the compromises of any relationship. Honorio is not quite so sure about that point of view. Blanca declares that her only desire is to live life to the max!

Kari is walking the grounds of La Bonita and finds a rose and note from Lazaro. Oh how sweet - it says “They say the flowers have not stopped singing your name”.

Renata and Jero are walking on the beach. They snipe at each other a little, and Renata reminds Jero ,when he jealously complains that she has more in common with Agustín, that she married him. Maybe if she were the wife of Dunant, she and Jero would get along better, suggests Renata. “ What an ugly thing to say!” grumbles Jero. Renata reminisces about visiting the ocean when she was a little girl. They play on the beach and start acting like newlyweds again.

Lazaro meets Kari holding her rose. By any chance is she looking for mint (hierba buena)? “Yes, how did you know?” “Since I remember, you have always prepared mint tea.” Kari thanks him for the rose. He doesn’t need to trouble himself, but he tells her he is watching over her. Kari asks Laz not to expect anything. Lazaro lets her know there has never been any other woman for him, and having her here is making him the happiest man in the world. Romance by the agave garden! Their theme is nice song sung by Juan Luis Guerra.

Gonzo has delivered Fina and Roberta home. Gonzo is still asking if Roberta is sure marriage is what she wants? Fina bites his head off about it being the “right thing”, and if the baby’s father weren’t his son she’s sure he would have forced the marriage. “You committed to watch over Roberta and give her her place in the family and society when you adopted her!”

Adriana breaks up with Matías. She doesn’t see how they can attempt a relationship under these circumstances. If she doesn’t break with him now, she’ll lose respect for herself. She’s worried about ending up empty. Matías doesn’t quite get it (giving up trying for something), but we all know Adriana is right [without skin of the jocoque as her mother said].

The doc is plastered! He comes yelling at La Bonita for Karina. The ladies are in the kitchen “platicando”. Oh no, here comes the yelling doc, he’s putting on quite a drunken raving lunatic show! Lazaro is ready to physically throw him out, held back by Carlos. Dr. Rapeysnake is very ugly and threatening to everybody. Kari doesn’t care if he leaves her with nothing, she’s not coming back. Carlos tells him to beat it. He does!

Renata and Jero are sitting on the beach chatting about whether they are seeing dolphins in the ocean. Jero says it’s time to go home, but Renata doesn’t understand why — she’s not ready to go yet! Why does Jeronimo have to work when she could be with the sea, the sun, and her? A couple of guys show up with ATVs. Renata wants to ride them! Jero, being the aguafiestas that he is, absolutely doesn’t want to play — he wants to return home and work. Renata complains that he is always saying no, he never wants to do anything. “Hey, big guy, for once, tell me yes!” She teases him into saying yes — especially when the guys offer two for the price of one. Renata challenges Jero to a race. Whoever wins gets to ask the other for whatever they want, and the other has to comply. This challenge gets Jero interested. After some good competitive trash talking they take off on the ATVs.

Gonzo tells Matías that Fina demands he accept his responsibilities by marrying Roberta. Since he is parents of both, Gonzo has really conflicting feelings about this, as he has to deal with both parties.

And their off racing their ATV’s on the beach! Suprise! Renata jumps the gun! LOL! They go turning and spinning all over the place, even starting to show off all sorts of tricks and acrobatics. [Uh - what kind of race is this with turning around at various random points and no marked track?] They reach some rocks and Renata declares herself the indisputable winner. Jero claims it was a trap, but he is laughing because he really did enjoy himself. Renata tells Jero now he has to pay the bet! “Let’s see - what is the bet going to be?” asks Jero. “You can’t figure it out?” asks Renata. “No, I can’t figure it out. What will it be?” answers Renata. “You’re going to have to make love to me” says Renata as she looks at Jero seductively. Jerko does not like this turn of events. He goes from a big smile to upset face.

Back in Gonzo’s office, Matías complains that it would be a loveless marriage. Gonzo counters that the marriage would be for the child to not have the disadvantages of being born outside of marriage. Gonzo insists that to protect Roberta, Fina and the child from society scandal and loss of respect in the “machista” society that they live in, Matias must marry Roberta. Gonzo reminisces about how women get the short end of the stick, and how often mothers and children are abandoned by the father, like what happened to Roberta and Fina. Gonzo recognizes that Matías would never do that, but when the baby is born, he wants him born with all the advantages of legitimate birth.

Back to Jero’s frowning face. Jerko doesn’t want to make love at the beach - someone might see them. OK - fine, let’s go so some cabin or hotel or somewhere we can have privacy” answers Renata. “No I can’t nor do I want to in any place.” grouses Jerko. “Yes you can and you want to! Maybe being away from La Bonita you’ll feel better about making love.” says Renata, exasperated. Jerko is really unhappy. “Don’t make those faces at me!” demands Renata. “This relationship is not going well. Help me rescue it, OK? Since the wedding you never kiss me, hug me, nothing.” complains Renata. “Change the bet! change the bet!” yells Jerko. “No, I’m not going to change it.” repsonds Renata. She begs Jero to make love to her. “Don’t be pigheaded (necia)!” says Jerko. “No. For any newly wed man, what I’m asking you would be considered normal, logical.” answers Renata. “You don’t want to? Fine, you don’t want to. This is the last time I am going to ask you, Jeronimo. I’m not going to humble myself in front of you any more. You’re never going to see me again in your life!” And Renata takes off on her ATV.

Agustín finds Areli drinking juice by the pool at Cruz de Amor. He wants to know if Areli found Renata at La Bonita, and did she return Jero’s shirt? “No - I’ll take it another day. Renata went to the beach with her husband! “ says Areli smugly. This makes Agustín walk off in a huff.

Apparently Kari has be telling Lazaro and Matilde about her mistreatment at the hands of Dr. Rapeysnake. Lazaro wants to know how long this has been going on. He is beside himself about the situation. Matilde brings Karina some tea. “And I thought your life with him had been like that of a queen!” says Matilde. “That’s what that ba$t@rd wants everyone to think” says Lazaro. Lazaro declares he’s going to make sure everyone knows the truth. Karina asks them not to do so. “Let life take care of putting him in his place, not us”.

Renata returns her ATV to the guys on the beach and gets her stuff. She tells them she supposes that the “señor” will pay them, and she leaves.

Karina apologizes to Carlos that Dr. Rapeysnake created such a scene at La Bonita. Each time he seems less able to control his alcoholism. Carlos asks “Since when has Doc been drinking this way?” Kari tells him - since Rafael died. Doc took Rafael’s death so hard that he hasn’t been the same since. “Why?” asks Carlos. “Alvaro feels he could have done more for Rafael. Maybe he could have saved him. He feels responsible, guilty even.” Carlos asks where Alvaro was the day of Rafael’s death. “At Don Agustin’s.” He had been invited to dine and didn’t return to his office. His nurse couldn’t reach him. Karina thinks that Alvaro feels that if he could have arrived in time, maybe he would have saved Rafael’s life. Was Alvaro drinking at Agustín’s that day? asks Carlos. Did he attend Rafael intoxicated — is that why he feels guilty? Is he trying to atone for his fault through alchohol? “Could be, Don Carlos, but I really don’t know.” answers Karina.

Jero returns on his ATV. Where’s the lady? She left and said nothing say the ATV guys. Jero goes racing after on the ATV while the guy yells after him.

Renata is driving Jero’s car back from the beach. She’s crying. [And what is that ballad of broken love? Anyone know it?]

Ewww - Dr RS is drinking again. He starts to trash his house! Now he’s crying into his bottle. [ Why don’t we feel sorry for him? What a disgusting, pathetic Rapey-Snake!]

Jero makes it home driving the ATV and runs inside the house calling for Renata. Matilde hasn’t seen her. Oh if she’s not here - she must be with her friend “Don Agustín el guapo!” declares Matilde. Jero leaves in disgust.

El Guapo himself is walking his vineyards with Ezequiel. “Is everything ready for the wine harvest?” Agustín is going into town to pick up his invitations, and he has a very special one for Renata. He wants her to do him the honor of being the first to tread on the grapes that were Jeronimo’s and are now his!

Agustín and Areli are walking out of Cruz de Amor when Jero drives up. Renata isn’t there, Areli tells him. “Wasn’t she at the beach with you?” asks Agustín. “Yes, but she left in my jeep and she hasn’t returned to La Bonita” answers Jero. “Are you and Renata fighting again?” asks Areli. Agustín tells her not to ask such a stupid thing. It’s obvious they were fighting since they went to the beach together but she returned alone. “It must have been a bad quarrel, right?” Jero drives off.

Oh no! Renata had a bad wreck! The car is upside down and she is half out the door with bleeding from her nose and mouth! She was so upset driving, that when another car honked at her, she swerved off the road! She’s lying there, half choking, barely conscious, weakly calling for help. This looks really bad!

Previews - Both haciendas organize a massive search for the missing Renata. Jero is devastated.

Vocabulary:

inolvidable - unforgettable.
obsequiar - to give away, present
pisar - to tread on, step on, walk on, trample on, walk all over (not what you might think!) Example: "prohibido pisar el césped" = keep off the grass/lawn. So if you read such a sign, they aren’t telling you not to pee on the lawn - LOL!
trajes tradicionales - traditional costumes
No quiero que nos venga el tiempo encima. - I don’t want time to run out on us.
huerto - orchard
carta de presentación - letter of introduction
elección - choice
exigir - demand
disgustado - displeased, disgrunted
*faena - all the work done with the muleta (red flannel cloth) in the last part of the bullfight (for a English dictionary of Spanish bullfighting terms, see http://mundo-taurino.org/alt_word.html)
plenamente - fully, completely
platicar - to chat
velar - to watch over, look out for
coincidir - to agree, concur
hora de irse - time to leave
aguafiestas - spoilsport, party pooper
cumplir - to comply, fulfill, carry out, to do one’s duty, obey
sentimientos encontrados - mixed feelings/conflicting feelings
apuesta - the bet
imaginar - imagine, figure, suspect, think
No me pongas esas caras! - don’t make those faces at me!
necio/necia - pig-headed
humillarse - swallow one’s pride, humble oneself
obligar - to force
machisto - male chauvinist
ventajas - advantages
marcarse - to stand out
culpable - guilty, blameworthy
alentar - to encourage, reassure, cheer
ebrio - drunk, intoxicated
volver a - to do again (different from volver, which means to return, come back)
semejante estupidez - such a stupid thing
pleito - dispute, fight, brawl

Labels: Cuando

Capítulo 155: In which Alonso learns the truth


Reprise: The Sandoval family gathers in María’s hospital room. She holds one baby in each arm, the infants so placid one wonders if someone might be dipping their binkies in great grandma’s sherry.


Part One: Alonso’s Story


Beware of Grinches Bearing Gifts
Alonso is in his studio admiring the generous bouquet of red roses he plans to bring to his ternura when an unexpected – and unwelcome – visitor appears. It’s Ximena, in full Grinch mode. She just stopped by to give him a little wedding gift, she tells him. And she smilingly places an envelope within the bouquet. Her parting shot:
Disfruta tu boda y vive y goza cada uno de tus días como si fuera el último. Bye!
(Enjoy your wedding and live and enjoy each day as if it were the last. Ciao!)

The envelope, please.
When she is gone, Alonso opens the envelope. As he reads its contents, his eyes widen. Then we watch as all his joy vanishes and is replaced by uncomprehending horror. Now he knows the truth: he is dying. In the light of this truth, he makes new sense of María’s apparent change of heart. Now he understands why she chose him over Max and why Max stepped aside unprotestingly. His response? Rage and anguish. He sweeps his photos off the table and repeatedly slams the bouquet of roses until the petals carpet the floor, all the while screaming with increasing violence: ¡No puede ser! (It can’t be!)

Alonso sinks to his knees and appeals to heaven:
¿Qué hice? ¿Qué te hice yo para castigarme de esta manera?
(What did I do? What did I do to you to make you punish me like this?)
It was all a lie! God, no!

He curls up on his side, claws at the floor and sobs as he holds a photo of María: ¡Todo fue una mentira! (It was all a lie!)



TIEMPO DESPUÉS (SOME TIME LATER)

A wedding that feels like a funeral
The wedding guests gather outside the church. They chat in small groups.

Millie knows there’s something fishy going on (A mí me huele muy mal, it smells bad to me). Why is María marrying that photographer when she’s obviously in love with Max? Both Napo and Millie turn to Nati: You know something, don’t you? But Nati just chatters nervously and feigns ignorance.

The vecindad gang is there, laughing and flirting, oblivious to the dark undercurrent.

Fabián, accompanied by Luci, asks Cruz and Fer how married life is going. Mal. Muy mal, answers Fer (Badly. Very badly). And then she adds unpleasantly: I suppose that makes you happy.

Luci is stung by Fer’s unexpected nastiness and hastens to assure her that neither she nor Fabián would take pleasure in her unhappiness. Fer’s response: ¡Tú cállate hipócrita! (Shut up, hypocrite!) Cruz squirms.

Leonela straightens Max’s tie. He looks so handsome, she tells him. She can’t understand why he isn’t the groom. He brushes off the remark so irritably that she wonders why he even bothered coming to the wedding. Then Osvaldo walks up, puts an arm around Max’s shoulder and tells him he’s very proud of him. You don’t really know what a great person your son is, Os tells Leo.

Victoria holds Dr. Voice’s arm and laments that María has still not forgiven her. Heri advises Vic not to judge her – remember how much María has suffered . Yes, Vic readily acknowledges. And unfortunately she herself was her tormentor (verdugo, literally executioner).

Toni offers an interesting theory to explain why Victoria didn’t sense the llamado de la sangre when she met María: Bernarda jammed the bloodlines. (Se interpuso volviendo sordo tu corazón, she came between you and deafened your heart.)
[For a moment, I’m distracted by an image of a shrunk-down wet-suited Bernie speeding along the superior vena cava directly to Victoria’s heart where she places a small signal jammer. Raquel Welch in Fantastic Voyage, anyone?]

Vic still can’t understand why Bernarda, the most perverse human being she has ever known, isn’t in jail for Tomasa’s murder. It’s because they saddled all the blame on Fausto, says Oscar.

Fausto, in his jail cell, has heard that today María marries Alonso. He prays for their happiness.

Bernarda lets her hair down.
When Juan Pablo comes to call, his mother is still in her jammies, her hair loose down her back. (Maybe she’s so depressed over Victoria’s and María’s escape that she no longer has the energy to put her hair up in its scary Doña Demente rolls. Hold the phone... Is that a half-empty carton of Chunky Monkey she kicks under the bed when he comes in?) Each expresses surprise that the other isn’t going to María’s wedding but neither is willing to say more than “I have my reasons”. Juan Pablo is there to ask two things:

His first question: How does she feel?
Her ill-tempered reply: How do you think I feel after being in that terrible prison?
JP doesn’t blink. He reminds her she was there for good reason, but that’s not what he wants to talk about.

His second question – and he wants the truth: Did she have anything to do with kidnapping María Desamparada and Victoria?

This question unleashes a torrent of self-righteous rant – How dare he ask such a thing! She raised not a priest (sacerdote) but a crow (cuervo), a vulture to pluck her eyes out! [cuervo vulture, specifically ‘crow’ or ‘raven’ can also be a derogatory slang term for ‘priest’.]

JP is impervious to the rant and not susceptible to her emotional blackmail. Unfortunately, he knows the extent of her wickedness even if he is constrained by the seal of the confessional from speaking out. In the end, it's not he but God who will be her judge.

Bernie raises a hand to smack him but he grabs her wrist and tells her: You’re not going to lay a hand on me again. I won’t permit it. It’s a failure of respect for me as a man, as a son and as a priest. She jerks her fisted hand back and glares at her son.

Now we’re back at the church in time to see Alonso drive up in the wedding jeep. Max watches sadly as the smiling groom walks jauntily towards the church only stopping to greet Dr. Heri with a handshake and a hug. Alonso is ready to marry ‘til death do us part’, he tells the doc. And he thanks him for everything. Heri senses something isn’t quite right.

Meanwhile Fabián and Luci try to make sense of Fer’s earlier outburst. It reminds Fabián of the old, snobby, bratty, capricious Fer. She and Cruz must be having problems. [Obvio, Fab! Sheesh.]

Pip dances up to them (and brings his silly song with him). You’d think this was a wake, not a wedding, he says. Check out the long faces! Fabián says he feels for Vic – after everything she went through to find her daughter and now the girl rejects her.

Toni tells Vic to be strong.

Osvaldo and Heriberto agree they need to talk. It’s time for them to stop behaving like a pair of adolescents.

Cruz asks Max why he let María get away when it’s obvious they still love each other.

All eyes turn to the black car decorated with white flowers that pulls up in front of the church. Max steps forward, opens the door and extends his hand to help the bride out of the car. But Alonso moves in: Allow me, Max, he says. This is my moment. Max steps back. The small crowd applauds at the appearance of the bride. I’ll see you at the altar, says Alonso and he leaves María with Nati.

María explains to her friend that Juan Pablo won’t be officiating – he wouldn’t lend himself to this farce, he said – but Padre Jerónimo was more understanding. He’ll be performing the ceremony.

Now Osvaldo steps up, and, telling María how lovely she looks, offers to walk her down the aisle and give her away.

The two proceed slowly and gravely to the altar while we hear an instrumental (thank God!) rendition of Ave María.

Rox and Xi slip into the back of the church just as Jero begins to read the vows. First he addresses the bride:
María, ¿aceptas por esposo a Alonso, para serle fiel y estar a su lado en lo prospero y en lo adverso hasta que la muerte los separe?
(María, do you accept Alonso as your husband, to be faithful to him, to be at his side in prosperity and adversity until death separates you?)

There’s a long pause. For a moment, Max looks like he’s going to charge right up to the altar to reclaim his woman but Cruz puts a reassuring, “down boy” hand on his shoulder and he subsides. Finally we hear María’s response: Sí, acepto.

Alonso’s star rises... and sets.
Now it’s Alonso’s turn. The question is read. There is an even longer pause as he looks at María, then upward, then turns away. The Alonso song plays (♪Ya no puedo quedarme un minuto más sin ti...♪). And then at last we hear his answer: No. No acepto.

Gasp! Jaws drop open all around the little chapel, except at the very back where Rox and Xi giggle. Jero, incredulous, thinks maybe Alonso didn’t hear the question. But Alonso assures him he heard just fine: You asked me if I wanted to marry María Desamparada and I answered ‘no’.

Then Jero gets angry. How dare Alonso answer so cynically! Why did he agree to this mockery (farsa) in the first place?

Because of ignorance, Alonso answers, and he holds up an envelope. I didn’t pay attention to some lab tests. And then a friend (and here Rox and Xi can barely control their delight – oh, this is going so much better than they expected!) did me the favor of cluing me in to what was going on.

He goes on:
Thank you, friends, for being here and for sharing an unforgettable day with me. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything before but then Max and María’s sacrifice wouldn’t have the value it does right now. This envelope contains a terrible (horroroso) truth.

For a long time, I was estranged from God. I rebelled against everything. But now I feel at peace. I’ve accepted Him. And I’ve moved beyond all feelings of evil, anger and rage – anything that blackens and taints the soul.

(These words of light and faith send Xi and Rox scurrying out of the church like roaches. They grouse about the stupid turn of events.)

Al continues:
I know now that a person’s destiny is guided by designs that many times are beyond our comprehension.

If I’m not marrying my ternura, it’s not because I don’t love her –

Here he turns to María and brushes a tear off her cheek: I adore you, he says. And I know you love me – although not the way I would have liked.

Still addressing María directly he breaks off for a goofy aside, a mishmash of literary allusions:
You weren't alone in your odyssey. You had your faithful companion, your Sancho Panza – and that’s Max: the person I thought was my enemy, my nemesis. I never gave him a chance to show me the goodness of his heart. I’ll always be grateful to him.

[What does this crap even mean? But by now even the normally curmudgeonly Mr Maven is ferklempt and willing to cut the guy some slack: “I know it’s shlock... and yet ... sob...” And that, Ladies and Carlos, is when you know you’re being manipulated by the best – You know it’s shlock ... and yet... sob]

Turning back to the congregation:

-- The real reason I don’t want to marry María Desamparada is because I don’t want to do this couple harm. Theirs is love’s real triumph.

He holds up the envelope:
It says in here that I’m dying. I understand that you two just wanted to give me a few more minutes of happiness. And you accomplished that, ternura, and I’ll be forever grateful to you both. He ends:
Con eso me quedo... y discúlpame, con eso me voy.
(With that I’ll abide and... excuse me, with that I’ll leave you.)

Alonso walks slowly back up the aisle, pausing to exchange a tearful, filial hug with Dr. Heri -- Dr. Heri the father Alonso never had, Alonso the son Dr. Heri lost. Flanked by shadowy images of his best times with María, he walks toward the light and fades into whiteness.


Part Two: A few pesky details still outstanding

Grrrr....Why did I let you talk me into leaving María?
After that tearful epiphany in the church, it’s a little anticlimactic to get back in the car with Osvaldo, Vic and Fer.

[Pues, ni modo. Pull yourselves together, would you? There are still lots of cranky, cruel, crazy and confused people running around in this novela and they are counting on us to sort them out.]

Vic grouses that Os convinced her to leave when she should have stayed back with María. Fer notices that Os didn’t seem all that surprised by what happened. He admits that Max told him about the plan from the beginning – although he never thought it was a good idea.

Victoria asks the driver to take them back to María’s place. Her daughter needs her. Fer chimes in that she wants to be with her sister too.

Meanwhile, Max brings María back to the vecindad. He gets the curious neighbors to back off. He’ll be there for her whenever she is ready, he assures her. He understands she needs to be alone right now. Nati will help her change out of the gown.

Sadistic Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Rox and Xi are in their car too. Xi suddenly cracks up – What a hoot that was! Mama’s reality check: with Alonso out of the picture, there’s nothing to keep Max from marrying that girl. Xi’s not worried. She’ll think of something.

Rox thinks they should head to Bernarda’s and give her an update. She’d be glad to hear the latest. And it's worth the effort to keep her happy; after all, they are still living with her. Xi grimaces at the thought.

All Sales are Final
As it turns out, Bernie isn’t home right now. She’s closeted with Gui in his retreat and the two are watching a movie together. It’s a private screening of the doctored DVD he sent to the police, the one incriminating the three thugs for hire – and only them.

She appreciates his gift for placing blame but isn’t distracted from her own agenda. Before he can ask if she wants her popcorn buttered or plain she tells him she wants her money back since his kidnapping plan tanked. No can do, says Gui. It’s all invested in the opening of Othello. Not my problem, says the Bernster (who, by the way, is back in fighting trim, hair rolls, pearl earrings and all). Pay up!

In that case, says Gui, I guess I’ll just have to be honest with the authorities and give them the other DVD, the one that shows who was behind the whole thing.

And here he plays the version starring La Dementa.

You’re trying to blackmail me? she asks.

Take it however you like, he replies. It’s not in your best interest (no le conviene) to pressure me.

The Bernster looks at him appraisingly, perhaps mentally measuring up his coffin size: You’re cleverer than I thought.

Gui looks satisfied with himself.

No hubo boda (There was no wedding).
When Jerónimo gets back to the parish church, Juan Pablo asks him how the wedding went. There was no wedding, he says. Alonso refused to marry María Desamparada.

The eternal ebb and flow of Sandovals and their groupies
And back at the vecindad, Max leaves and Victoria arrives. Fer hangs back a little to give her mother and sister some time alone.

María hears a knock at the door and tells Nati that she doesn’t want to see anyone. Not even your mother? asks Vic, poking her head inside. María turns away.

Back outside, Osvaldo takes the opportunity to ask Fer what the heck is going on with her and Cruz. She wheels away, telling him she doesn’t want to talk about it. And she’d prefer to be alone.

Now Dr. Voice comes along. Os wants to know what he’s doing there.

♪A partir de hoy...♪
Victoria tries to console María. She knows it’s not the first bad patch in her life and she’s sorry she couldn’t be with her for those hard times in the past.

Now she sits down across the table from María and takes her hands. She says:
Pero a partir de hoy quiero ser parte de tu vida. Puedo brindarte todo el amor y todo el apoyo que en tantos años no te di.
(But from this day on I want to be part of your life. I can offer you all the love and support that I didn’t give you during all those years.)

I want to be alone. I think...
María insists she wants to be... needs to be ... alone. So much has happened in such a short time. She needs time to think.

Victoria respects her decision. She’s her mother and she’ll be there waiting for her. Always.

Victoria quietly heads for the door, dabbing away a tear. María looks up and for a moment it seems as if she is going to call her back. But she says nothing, just lets her leave.

Credits roll over scenes from the past and we realize how much we have aged since this all began.

Labels: triunfo

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

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 20 start at this link.

Thank you, Carlos, for today's picture. If you can't beat em', stomp away in a huff.

Labels: Alborada

Labels: triunfo

Herederos del Monte is in its últimas semanas and according to the station promos, Flor Salvaje is on deck as its replacement. The new novela is being produced jointly by Telemundo and RTI in Colombia. Starring Mónica Spears, a gorgeous former Miss Venezuela, the novela also features several actors familiar to fans of El Clon, most notably Roberto Manrique (Alejo in El Clon). Further down the cast list are Indira Serrano (Dora in El Clon); Geraldine Zivic (Cristina in El Clon); and Juan Pablo Raba (Said in El Clon). And Herederos fans will recognize José Luis Reséndez (José del Monte).

The Flor of the title, Amanda Monteverde, is driven by desperation to look for work in a down and dirty cabaret where she will find love and lust and envy and friendship and malice – (there is even a character named ‘Alicia’ whom everyone calls ‘Malicia’!)

So. As we’ve learned – sometimes to our delight, as in the case of La Reina del Sur, but more often to our chagrin, as in Aurora – it’s the writing, stupid. Stay tuned.

La Casa de al Lado: I’m still following this one but for how long, I don’t know. The plot twists have become irritating rather than suspenseful or shocking. We’ve all remarked, in one way or another, that there are no truly likeable characters even if there are a few pretty good actors. There’s not even a good musical hook, a theme song that grabs you and keeps you watching, even when you know the song is better than the show. I just know it’s not a good sign when a lead character walks suicidally into the water (Like Ignacia did last night in what I can only assume is a weird homage to Virginia Woolf) and all I can think is: You’re not gonna sink – you have to put stones in your pockets! Sigh.

Fans of Mi Corazon Insiste and Herederos – a fresh page for your thoughts.

Labels: casa-lado, herederos, insiste, telemundo

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