Caray, Caray!

The show started 12 minutes after the hour, so let’s not waste time and go right to where we left off.

MP has just made an unwelcome return to the homestead, to the surprise of Lucrezia and Carlota. Lucrezia and MP are the only ones happy about it. Carly wants to know why she’s here. Well, she just decided to change her ticket to Europe to a ticket to Mexico on the spur of the moment. Carly’s not keen on her staying in the house (considering she DID kick her out of her house the last time they spoke), but Lucrezia won’t have her favorite daughter stay in a hotel. She’ll stay in Lucia’s room from before. “Before what?” MP wants to know. Lucrezia gives her the 411 on Lucia’s marriage to Camilo. “Does Ivan know?” She’s happy that Ivan’s dreams of marrying Lucia are frustrated.

In her bedroom, Lucia is lying in bed, moping and crying. (What’s new?) Shirtless Camilo enters and looks in on Perla. (Since he’s been such an ass lately, his six pack has the same effect on me as it does Luica…meaning, no effect.) He begs her forgiveness and says he’ll go back to being the Camilo from before. (Uh huh) He begs her to help him, and she turns into his embrace. He tries to kiss away her tears.

In the dining room, Carly wants to know what MP’s plan is—to bother (fastidiar) her sister, or to pursue Ivan? MP denies it and claims she worried about them after hearing about the hurricane. She’s going to stay a while (una temporada) and see her friends. She even offers to help pay the hacienda expenses (with Ivan’s money), but Carly refuses on Camilo’s behalf. Lucrezia takes her demon seed off to gossip, and Carly holds her head from the gigantic MP induced headache that she already feels coming on.

All alone in his mud-colored cave, JJ sips his forbidden tequila and mopes. Judith enters and tries to get him to stop drinking. It’s now her job to care for his health now that her mom is gone. JJ uses this as an opportunity to try to bully Judith into asking her mom to come back. She refuses, so he tells her to butt out. She knows where the door is.

The next morning, Ivan and Tony get ready to head off to visit the other ag associations in the other zones. Alex will hang out with Benito and visit his peeps like Gerry and Carolina. He also wants to visit Lucia again, but Ivan says Lucia is too busy with her husband and baby. Alex is not happy about it. He hugs Ivan and Tony goodbye.

Camilo gets dressed, while Lucia holds adorable Perlita on the bed. She’s going to see her professor to schedule her final exam to get her degree. Camilo slyly slips in that if she intends to leave, to please let him know (me avisas). He’s got ranch biz and insurance biz to take care of.

Camilo runs into MP on the inside patio walkway. He is also unpleasantly surprised to see her. She is wearing a short robe, insists that he hug her, and then pulls him towards her for a very un-sister-in-law-like kiss. (I think we’ve found out what mischief she’s decided to cause.) Camilo is left speechless, and vaguely guilty looking. Outside, he runs into Celia and Carmen, who have just arrived. He begs Celia not to tell Lucia what they spoke about the night before (when he was having one of his “why can’t she love me the way she loves Ivan” tantrums).

Celia greets Perlita and brings her a pink and white sweater she knitted. Celia offers to bathe Perlita, but wonders of wonders, Carmen actually takes her nanny job seriously and says she will do it! She then picks up the baby and gets really affectionate with her after Lucia leaves. (Did we judge Carmen too harshly?)

Hey, it’s an ad for La Que no Podia Amar, and it looks like it will replace Fuerza.

MP is telling Lucrezia that she has a right to visit her son since the judge gave her twice a month visits. She doesn’t care that she won’t be well received in Casa McGuire. She also comments that Camilo is looking mighty fine these days… Lucrezia slaps her hand and tells her not to start! (And if she does, I am sure Lucrezia will do NOTHING about it, as usual.) “I was just saying Mama.” She wheedles the use of the SUV out of Lucrezia. Lucrezia says that Lucia won’t be pleased to see MP in the house. “This is my house too, isn’t it mama?”

Celia and Lucia are sitting outside, enjoying the peaceful (for the moment) view and talking about what Lucia will do once she receives her professional degree (título). Lucia does intend to work, but for the moment only part-time because she doesn’t want to be away from Perlita too much. Celia admits she’s never worked outside of the house. But she did take in ironing after her husband died, even though the boys provided for her. They give each other compliments and Celia says Lucia is neither common nor ordinary (común y corriente). (Remember, Lucia said the same about Celia some episodes back to her mother.) Celia asks about MP being back in town and in the house. This is news to Lucia. Just then, the b!tch herself flits by and into the black SUV to head into town.

Gloria brings Carmen a bottle for the baby. Carmen takes the opportunity to ask about Lucrezia going to the market, being that Monday's coming up and that’s when she usually goes. Since MP’s just come into town, Lucrezia’s schedule has likely changed, thinks Gloria. Carmen asks if the Curiel women go out at other times. Surely, being ladies of society, they must go into town regularly to visit friends. Gloria gossips that they are persona non grata since the family fell into disgrace. No one invites them anywhere. Carmen calls up Saul and relates the non-news. He wants more details.

JJ tells Saul he wants him to get a job (chamba) and doesn’t want to see him being lazy (flojo). Saul begs again for the money for the surgeries. Not happening. JJ tells him to get a job as a busboy/waiter (mozo). Saul stares at his broken image and says he hates JJ.

Ivan, Tony and Carlos meet with the new ranchers in the other zones. Looks like they’ve got good products.

Alex visits with Caro, but his Papa Gerardo is off working. The hurricane has been a boon for him. Alex tells Caro how sad he is that his Papa Ivan can’t now marry Lucia. Caro tells him that things aren’t always how we want them to be. But in any case, Lucia still loves him (Alex). She pulls him into a warm embrace. They say how much they’ve missed each other.

MP’s wearing all black, like the black crow of bad luck that she is. Benito spots her entering Casa Lomeli and wonders, what the heck?! Alex is understandably upset and begs Caro to not let MP take him. He huddles more tightly to Caro and gives MP the stink eye as she tries out a few “mi amors” on him. “Leave me alone.” She says she wants to take him to get a burger. She claims she has a right, since the judge said she can visit him every 15 days. (She neglects to mention that she is required to be in Casa McGuire, and in the company of another adult, during that visit.) She insults Caro and Benito when they refuse to let Alex go with her. It looks like she’s about to get her way, when Antolín enters and tells her he doesn’t give a damn about a judge’s order and to beat it. She does. Anto can’t believe that Benito was going to let her take Alex. She may be Alex’s mother, but she’s a hateful slut. (Tell it Anto!) “She only slept with Ivan because she was horny (por calentura)!” “Antolín!” Caro is horrified that he just spoke so openly in front of Alex. Anto looks horrified at himself too.

That night, as Ivan is tucking him into bed, Alex innocently asks what is “calentura?” Ivan thinks he means it literally so he explains what having a temperature means (also calentura).
Alex: Anto said you slept with my mom “por calentura”. Were you sick?
Ivan: Well, Alex. It’s a way of saying when one person likes/cares about (querer) another person, and feels really attracted to them, even if you don’t love them.
Alex: So you cared about my mom?
Ivan: Yes, I cared for her (la quería), but I didn’t love her (no la amaba). I cared for her because she was really pretty, nice, daring (atrevida), and really attractive. There were a lot of things that I liked about her. But there was one missing ingredient. It’s best that you be in love when you have a relationship with a woman.
Alex: I’m not going to have a girlfriend unless I love her.

Ivan asks why Antolin said this, so Alex reveals the Wicked Witch of Alamos is back and tried to take him out with her that day. Ivan looks as happy with this news as we would expect.

Benito is at that moment updating Tony of the day’s events. He thinks the only way she’ll leave Ivan and Alex alone is if she’s put in the nut house. Ivan joins the conversation. Ivan wants to know WHY she’s here. Tony is sure it was just to cause problems between him and Lucia since he intended to come win her back. Tony is sure she’s happy with the news of Lucia’s marriage. Ivan wants her to just go away already. Will he never be free of that p…(starts with p, ends with erra)?! He catches himself and says, woman.

Mr. and Mrs. Galvan also chat about MP’s arrival. Lucia does not feel comfortable having MP under the same roof. Camilo takes this as an opportunity to suggest they move into their own house, but Lucia points out they don’t have the money for the added expense of rent right now. “We could live with my mom. She’d welcome us with open arms.” Lucia doesn’t think that THEY should be the ones scurrying away like rats. She’s determined NOT to give into MP like she’s done her whole life.

Saul and Gordo discuss their harebrained scheme. Considering that they still don’t know much about Lucrezia’s schedule, and she usually goes to the market with the servant, Gordo is beginning to think they need some more time and planning and more help. Saul wants to keep it simple, and he doesn’t want any killing. “Then, why did we take Anto’s gun?” Saul says they’ll use it to fire at the car and such.

Lucia’s in bed on her phone and seems to wrap up plans to see the person on the other line tomorrow. She ends the call sending kisses. Camilo cautiously asks who she was speaking with. (Asshole! If she was talking to Ivan, she wouldn’t be so open about it when you could enter at any moment.) She explains she and Berenice are meeting their professor tomorrow about setting up their final exam. He offers to go with her and wait for her in the parking lot. (Creepy.) Lucia says it’s not needed, then quickly turns away and turns off the lights before Camilo can get frisky.

The next morning, she’s driving the road from the ranch to Alamos when one of her tires goes flat (se ponchó una llanta). She gets out and flags down an approaching car to help change the tire. Who should appear in his big old SUV, but Ivan. He gets out wearing sunglasses and a blazer and looking every bit in control. Lucia finds it hard to hide her nervousness, but tells him what the problem is. He gets her jack and spare tire out of her trunk. He wants to use the opportunity to talk. She claims she’s got nothing to talk about with him. “Well I do.”

Berenice is waiting at the university and calls Lucia. Lucia won’t make it on time, so Bernie will let the prof know what happened. Ivan finishes up the tire change. Since he heard she missed her appointment, he knows she now has time to chat.

Ivan: Why did you get married so soon Lucia? Why?
Lucia: Because...just because.
I: That’s not an answer Lucia. Let’s go someplace and talk, and we can have someone come for your car and take it back to Socorro.
L: No, no. Camilo will find out.
I: And what? Are you scared of him?
L: No, no. It’s not that. But he’s jealous and I don’t want problems.
I: Is he a jealous husband?
L: Only when it comes to you.
I: Lucia, this isn’t right.

He says her name over and over and hugs her close. They both start to cry. She asks, “Why did you leave me?”
I: I told you that I would come back for you.
L: It’s too late.
I: No. It’s NEVER too late.

He leans in for the kiss and doesn’t eat her face off this time. It’s actually a decent kiss. He calls her his life, his love. Lucia can’t take it anymore. They’ve taken different paths and it’s best that they forget. She thanks him, gets in her car, and leaves sad Ivan by the side of the road.

Lucia’s moped and cried all the way home. She finds Carly in the living room and grabs hold of her. “Abuela, I miss him. I can’t forget him. He was the love of my life and still is.”

Camilo arrives at the ag association to speak to JJ. The secretary lets him pass. JJ tries to bullshit him, but Camilo gets right to business. He wants to see the insurance documents. JJ tries out his new lie, that the error was the cause of the secretary’s mistake. The farmers are covered 90%. His coverage being 100% was the error of the insurance agent and he’s working to fix it right now. He’s going to pay and get the same as everyone else. He shows Camilo the new (backdated) paperwork. The ranchers can come by starting tomorrow to receive their payments. Does Camilo still want to replace him as president? Camilo claims not, but is stony-faced through the whole discussion. He wants JJ to clarify things with everyone during the upcoming meeting. He leaves, and JJ curses him. He’d rather be dead than let Camilo take his job. Actually, it would be better if Camilo were the one who was dead...

MP is telling Lucrezia that she wants to buy herself a new car. In the meantime, she wants to use Lucrezia’s car again. They continue to gossip. This time about Esther leaving JJ. MP thinks it’s the perfect opportunity for Lucrezia to marry JJ. Lu fakes shock and changes the subject when Gerry walks up. Surprisingly, Gerry seems pleased to see her. MP immediately starts spinning some tale about how Ivan hired some guy to falsely testify that he was her lover so that he could get rid of her and keep Alex. Gerry and Lucrezia don’t look like they believe one word of this, and Gerry is telling her exactly that as they enter the house.

Lucia is in the living room bottle feeding Perlita. Perlita looks content and ready for that bottle to be placed back in her mouth, but first she is greeted by grandpa Gerry. MP cuts to the chase and asks how old Perla is. When Lucrezia says she was premature, MP crosses her arms and says the baby looks very healthy and non-premie like to her. She wonders if Lucia was getting it on (comer la torta) with Camilo before they married. Lucia keeps her cool and leaves the room.

Gerry wonders why MP always has to pick on her sister. MP plays innocent, but then wonders out loud if Lucia wasn’t cheating on Ivan with his best friend. Gerry gets pissed. He doesn’t want to hear her say anything like that again! He leaves; then Lucrezia starts laying into her. If she’s going to continue to say these ugly things, then best get herself to a hotel! And no one believes that crap about Ivan hiring someone to lie about being her lover.

In the kitchen, loose lipped Gloria gossips about MP with Carmen and all the trouble she used to cause in the old house. Lucrezia interrupts the gossip session. She wants Gloria to prepare the grocery list, considering the things that MP will also want. The vodka MP wanted will NOT make it to the list. Lucrezia decides she will indeed go to the market on Monday. Carmen then finds out from Gloria the hour Lucrezia usually goes to the market (10-11 am), and then fishes for more gossip about MP’s drinking habits. Gloria doesn’t think MP’s changed at all.

Carmen excuses herself and calls Saul with the update. He’s waiting at the ag association and signs off calling her “mi reina” (my queen), just as Anto walks up. He wants to know who is this “reina.” He doesn’t care who it is, as long as it’s not his sister. He stares a hole through Saul until he’s made it through the other side of his father’s office door. The secretary brings Anto the list of ranchers to call about assembling to discuss the insurance update.

JJ is telling Saul that he’s useless to him in this state, and calls him stupid. Saul’s had enough. “Why do you hate me so much?”
JJ: Because you were my pride (orgullo). My eldest son. An alright guy, bold, clever…you had it all to make it in life. But you preferred to become a drunkard, a womanizer, and who knows what else.
S: And what? You weren’t a womanizer (mujeriego)? You going to say you didn’t like to drink (tomar un trago)?
JJ: Well, yeah. But I knew how to handle my adventures. And I can count the number of times that I’ve gotten drunk and become idiotic like you. And look at how things have turned out. Your brother, who I always thought was a fag, has turned out much better (than you).

He tells Saul that Esther has abandoned them and wants a divorce. He proposes a deal. If Saul gathers his siblings and they convince their mother to come back, then he’ll pay for Saul’s surgeries. Saul agrees.

Gerry shares with Caro what went down with MP at the ranch. He seems to be shocked at what an egotistical witch MP is. (Where’s he been this whole telenovela?) “Where did I go wrong?” Caro thinks she learned well from Lucrezia. Gerry thinks she’s worse. Caro is scared for Lucia and the baby with MP in the same house. Gerry doesn’t think MP would go THAT far. Caro doesn’t trust that demon.

Berenice visits Lucia. The prof is cool with rescheduling their meeting. Lucia tells Bernie that it was Ivan who helped her change the tire. MP is listening at the door. Lucia actually gets up and closes the door and locks it before getting into more detail, but it’s too late. MP already has enough info to do damage. Lucia continues to tell Bernie that she still loves Ivan. Bernie finally has the nerve to ask who is Perla’s real daddy. Not sure why she looks so shocked when Lucia admits it’s Ivan.

Ivan’s looking at beach pics of Lucia in his bedroom. Unfortunately, his t-shirt is on. (I guess he broke up with the wall, because he’s looking at hard copies, and not caressing the slide show on the wall.) Tony comes in and they chat about the ranchers they met with. Ivan tells Tony about the flat tire incident. He saw in her eyes that she still loves him. He’s done the math, and he’s certain she was pregnant when she got married. He sure as hell knows Lucia wasn’t cheating on him; she’s not that kind of person. That baby is HIS! “OK. Supposing she is. And???” Ivan sees this as a continuation of the failure of his mission in returning to Alamos in the first place. Sometimes he feels so unhappy. What would Tony do? Tony says he would steal Lucia away and take her to the ends of the Earth. “If only it were so easy.” “Then why did you ask me?”

Saul and Gordo meet over beers. Saul isn’t so sure he needs to continue with the kidnap Lucrezia plan since his dad may now pay for the surgeries. Gordo is ticked. Saul can’t leave him holding the bag. He’s already contracted the guys. “We are going to continue with this till its ultimate consequences!”

Camilo is enjoying a cool glass of lemonade and trying to unwind after a long day, when in sashays MP ready to spread her poison. She asks why he won’t buy his wife a new car. It’s just some advice, so that if her car breaks down (descompuestar), SOMEONE ELSE doesn't help her.
C: Her car broke down?
MP: Yep. But luckily a gentleman came by and helped her.
C: Why didn’t she call me?
MP: Why? If the person who came to help her was Ivan?

Yes indeed folks, the bitch is back!


Avances: Camilo goes crazy with jealousy and goes to physically confront Ivan. Lucia says she’s had enough. Ivan begs Lucia to tell him the truth. Camilo asks Lucia if she’s leaving him, with tears in his eyes.

Labels: Fuerza

Pancho still denies he's in love with the bombon. Blah, blah, blah - you realize they have to stretch this out over many, many months! That's why Chela and Pancho have to have the same conversation 1,000 times ("you are abandoning the family!" "No, don't worry") and Chela and Candy have to have THEIR conversation 1,000 times ("Irabien is dangerous." "I know what I'm doing.")

Pancho's advisors plan to get revenge for Pancho when Candy visits Vince tonight.

Vince watches through his telescope while Candy dresses langorously for their date. Pina interrupts his ogling; he tells her Freddy broke up with Moni, then leaves. Pina looks through the telescope (fixed on Candy) and says, "oh noes! surely my friend can't be his new love!!"

Candy tells Chela she can't believe Pepe would want that fresa Monica - "he likes the rude, lusty girls of the barrio." Swearing all to secrecy, Candy sneaks out of the house. Chacho follows her taxi!

I'm liking this word bronca they use so often. It means a squabble; armar or montar una bronca = to kick up a fuss, create a ruckus; buscar broncas = to look for trouble. A bronca can be a racket, scolding, telling somebody off. Está con una bronca = he's in a foul mood; me da mucha bronca = it really bugs me; tenerle broncas = to have it in for somebody.

Blah, blah, Nico likes both of the maids and asked the thinner one to the movies. Blah, blah, Tomas says "I love you Lupita, I'll never do it again! I respect you and will wait till we marry!"

Telephone rings at la casa de las Lopez: it's Pina asking for Candela! Chela's flustered inventions rouse Pancho's suspicions: "Your nose is growing, Chela, where is she?" He guesses the truth, that she's out with Iracheta (Vince).

Chacho borrows his taxi-driver's hat to get into the fufufura restaurant where Vince and Candy are nose-to-nose. Vince: "I should have treated you like a princess. I'm demented for you!" She's ambivalent; she likes his wife and doesn't want to betray their friendship, but she wants Vince! She also considers the fact that Vince keeps trying to destroy her brother!

Vince stops her inner monologue with kisses - that Chacho manages to photograph! Vince hears the camera. "The papparazzi are always after me," Candy glows.

Monica has a slow motion romantic dream about Pepe, but then Pepe morphs into Freddy, then Vince and Enzo show up to shoot Pepe! Nightmare! At school at first she doesn't want to talk to Pepe but then admits she broke up with Freddy and accepts his really wonderful kiss, I wish I could get one like that. Then she pushes him away; he says he'll wait till she's ready.

At Vince's house, Adoracion brings in an envelope Chacho slipped under the door - the photos of Vince kissing Candy - with a note made of pasted magazine letters that reads "Leave Pancho in peace or else!" (Chacho gloats: "Just like in the movies.")

Pancho yells at Candy some more - she sort of admits she was with Vince "but it was to help you." Across the grass, Pina doesn't get a look at the photos ("they wouldn't interest you"). Vince rushes out...

... and storms into Pancho's house and yells at him, thinking the blackmail was Pancho's idea. They brag and threaten each other. (Vince: They called me dirty Harry at school, Pancho: they called me Jarrito de ?? missed it) Vince keens: "And you Candy, you deceived me. Encubridora (accessory after the fact)!"

UPDATE:


Leaving, Vince yells: "It's thermonuclear war!" He throws the photos at Pancho, who is muy impactado! Candy: "What's a little kiss?" Pancho: "Those kisses remind me of the snakes that eat rats whole." Candy: "I want him to fall in love with me so I can hit him where it hurts." Pancho: "You'll kill his dog?"

Pina tells her buddy her husband is obsessed: "Vince never stops talking about that illiterate family. But Candy is different, she is so interesting - Candy could never betray me. He must be having an affair with - Chela!"

Rebe calls Pancho to remind him there's a meeting in half an hour. He says he's in a storm at home. Rebe knows the problem must include Vince because he, too, is AWOL from Avon.

Finally: Lupe comes to see Tomas but his sister Elena says he's not home, and then tells Lupe "I've changed my name to Hellen." Hellen/Elena is very nervous; Lupe hears Tomas giggling with - somebody - Hellen covers for him, but it's no use, because bursting out of the back room bounce Tomas and Beatriz, half nude. Beatriz sneers: "We've been doing this for years, I give him what you won't. We are friends with rights." Lupe is in tears again. Wise up!

Labels: familia

¡Feliz día de acción de gracias!

Labels: casa-lado, flor-salvaje, insiste, telemundo

Labels: Fuerza

Yikes! Tonight's presentation begins with Augie savoring the events of earlier in the day. Sylvia covered this so well yesterday, and I'm innately lazy so with her permission I'll share with you once more her description of events that tonight's show begins with:

Ez asks Augi to think of his children, his wife. Augi smugly points out Ez should have thought of them. Ez keeps calling Augi desgraciado, as if he is cursing Augi, but Augustin just smiles and says “Adios amigo,” and thankfully the scene ends there. Oh that Augie is a bad bad dog. Next we see a split screen of Ez on the gurney and Aug in his truck, smiling and saying “If you go against me you won’t live to tell the tale.” The bastard drives up to the scene, rushes out and cries a bucket of crocodile tears over the body while Laz cautiously observes. Chema and dad are at the doc’s for a “Check Up” as Ben says in English. Chema wants to make it quick as he is keen to get back to work. Back at the body Augi tearfully demands how could Ez do such a thing? Laz says he knew Ez didn’t want to testify but he never thought this would happen. Augi pretends and exclaims now that Laz mentions it maybe Ez was much more affected than Augi thought. He says Ez had a great fear that the authorities would find out about something in his past, something that might end up putting him in jail. It happened a long time ago, when Ez left the Valle de Guadalupe to look for a better life. But we were kids then, says Laz, it was a very long time ago, 18 years ago at least. Manuela wonders what could he have done that was so bad? Aug says Ez committed robbery while in the U.S. and they put him in jail. When he returned home from serving time he never told them that's what happened to him. The others can’t believe it, more “No puede sers.” (That’s it? That’s the big crime of 18 years ago? Am I missing something?) Augustin is satisfied, believing he has secured his perfidy with a neat little knot of exaggeration. Yet behind him stands Lazaro, giving him a powerful stink eye filled with suspicion.

Thank you Sylvia.

It's a shame that looks can't kill because if they could, Agustín Dunant, clad in a distnctive white windbreaker, puffy collar curiously flipped up, chin jutting defiantly in a hideous rictus, would already be merrily winging his way to Hell where no doubt a corner room with a balcony view of the gaping maw of an eternal infernal canyon of flames awaits him... but pity... not today.

Meintras tanto, back at Zeke and Alfi's casa, as Luz quietly complains in her crib, Kari is gamely trying to comfort a brave little Panchito who realizes that he will never again see the daddy he loved so much. "No, mi amor, and I know that you'll miss him a lot."

He observes that he'll no longer be able to chat with his dad, but she informs him that is not the case and instructs him as she prayerfully clasps her hands and they practice. He follows her lead as he repeats her words

"Say after me, Corazón: Papito... I know you're OK... May you look after my mamita... my sister... and me... "

They make the sign of the cross.
"Every night talk to him." She concludes as she gives him a long loving hug.

Alfonsina has arrived at the murder scene and is understandably distraught. Zeke is resting in a body bag which strangely enough is unzipped, exposing his oddly peaceful face.

She shrieks that she wants to see him but offers only token resistance as Lazaro and Renata gently restrain her. "¿Por Qué?" she pleads, weeping inconsolably. Manuela begins, but Laz interrupts her and explains what they have just learned from Augie. Jerry admits that Zeke told him about it just the day before. Augie confirms it and adds that being the good guy he is, he trusted Zeke enough to hire him and that in return Zeke was always a loyal and trustworthy employ who never robbed him of a single centavo... Gack... Next!

Alison, clearly a budding young lawyer, instead of flirting with Aníbal, suggests that he assert his hijo rights. "In the US, gringos can sue their parents," she explains. He's not so sure, his expression indicates that actually... he'd rather flirt. "Wouldn't hurt to look into it, you might win a lot."

Back at the crime scene, it occurs to Jerry that some of this could have been his fault for mentioning Zeke during his declaration... Gee... you think? Augie is offended that Jerry mentioned him and Renata intervenes, asking the both of them to respect Alfi's feeling. Well, Alfi says don't mind her, it's obvious that Zeke wasn't the saint that she had imagined after all. He didn't even trust her enough to share his secrets. Carlos suggests that perhaps he didn't want to hurt her but her disposition sours even more as she storms off muttering to herself. I'd love to cut her some slack, what with her husband newly dead and all, but I'm having a difficult time warming to Alfi right now. I preferred her much more as Gardenia in MEPS.

Back at Empresa Monterubio, Matías and Honorario are busy defaming the characters of Roberta and Germán because Matt and Adri spotted them together in the restaurant.. They agree to tattle to Gonzo. "Yeah that's what we'll do."

Too late fellows, Germán is way ahead of you making a preemptive confession to Gonzo himself. Might have been misinterpreted by Matt and Adri, them spotting him and Roberta together in the restaurant and all. Gonzo, the designated dopey dad is looking even more befuddled than usual as Germán spins a clever web of deceit which leaves Gonzo agreeing that it'd be good for Germán to take Roberta under his protective wing in her inaugural days in a hostile environment. Kinda like another dad doncha know... after all she's about the same age as his son. Gonzo does know that Matías Honorio and Adri have it in for poor little Robi, doesn't he? Poor Gonzo looks like he's really missing his Etch-A-Sketch right about now.

At the center, Regina and Inés discuss Constanza's foray into maternal madness. Inés asks if Regina has fired her as head of operations. Nopis... Regina is "...certain that she do the correct thing." ... um OK... the phone for Nadie se Rinde rings for he first time... woohoo.

Meanwhile, Coni is doing her own version of the correct thing. She is enmeshing herself deeper and deeper into Corina's web offering both moral and financial support. No need to mention it to Regina...

At the clinic, as Chema undergoes a CT of his head (did this remind anyone else of Frankenstein?), it dawns on him, "Hey we already did this!" He smells a rat. The Dr. admits that he hasn't been completely honest. "Make an appointment and I'll tell you the truth."

Say what? Why not just say, "Hey, sorry but you have a fatal brain tumor, don't start watching any new telenovels or opening any new restaurants." ?... Or something to that effect.

Honorio and Matías arrive in Gonzo's office bearing chismes only to discover that Germán has beaten them to the punch. Gonzo tells them that Germán will be Robi's mentor. They wearily and warily agree to go along with this hare-brained plan... for Gonzalo and Regina.

At La Bonita, Manuela presents Alison to Jerry and Nata, as Aníbal, Mati, and Carlos look on. She apologizes to Renata for not informing her that Alison was coming. Everyone is going to prepare for the velorio, but Carlos remembers that he can't join them... he must pick up Priscila at the airport. Renata looks at Jerry as if to say, "WTF is Priscila?" Nobody seems to tell her anything.

Augie pays Melesio for a job cleanly done. He offers him the job as his capataz which has fortutously just opened up. Of course best wait until Zeke's in the ground... wouldn't want to appear unseemly. They both share a hearty laugh at this.

Hell is waiting for the both of you.

Karina offers to help Alfi prepare for the velorio. If not for the kids, Alfonsina wouldn't bother. She remembers Zeke's words to Luz,

"I wish I could cease being who I am and be the man that everyone imagines. Ay my daughter, if you only knew how much I want to disappear."

Alfi feels betrayed.

Augie makes a call to Robi insisting that she tell Renata about Zeke forcing himself on her... hoy mismo. She doesn't see a good reason to be calling her. He tells her to just call and ask about him. "She'll tell you that she's at the velorio for that infeliz." "¿Qué, Ezequiel is dead?" "Sí, and in a few hours, buried." "Agustín, don't tell me that you..." "Of course not... the important thing is that your sister learn that he took advantage of you."

Roberta is not so sure and doesn't really seem very surprised... or alarmed.

Seems to me that Augie may be over-reaching a bit with this ploy.

Roberta leaves to go home for lunch as Matías and Adri agree that they have done what they can about Robi and Germy, they'll just keep an eye on them from here on.

Surprise, surprise, Fina is waiting for Roberta in the parking garage. Dr. Icky has driven her over. She tells Robi that she won't allow her to stray from the fold (redil, a new word for me).

Aueropuerto Internacional de Tijuana.

Priscila's here! Wow.

"¡Charlie! ¡Charlie!"

Oh yes, Matilde's going to pop her headband.

It's been 5 maybe 6 years.

I think Charlie says it all with, "...from here on, everything will be just like before."
Yes indeed, Matilde will be thrilled.

Robi is impressed by Fina's mobility. Fina reminds her of who calls the shots. Right now, she needs money.

Everyone at the velorio is clad in black. The grieving widow is tastefully dressed in skintight black jeans, high topped black boots with impossibly high heels and a dark sweater that reveals a modest amount of cleavage. Remembering Dr. Nesme's farce of a funeral, she wants a look at the corpse. Laz dutifully pops the lid allowing her full access. She reaches out and discreetly holds a small mirror under Zeke's nostrils (actually I just imagined the mirror). She does feel his cheek and assures herself that he is indeed... muerto.

Antonio arrives as other mourners file in. He has Manuela point out the viuda. He offers a few words of comfort and then moves behind the coffin to intone the Lord's Prayer accompanied by a hunting feminine voice. Jerry and Nata arrives and Alfi repairs to another room. Antonio seems to have that effect on people.

Nata follows her into the bedroom, taking a seat beside her on the bed. She offers her shoulder. Instead of tears, Alfi sheds bitterness and disillusionment. Basically, all men are traitorous scum, and she gives Alvaro and Zeke as prime examples. Nata sees her Alvaro and Zeke and raises with Fina. There are . Then gives her stepdad as an example of a good man. I think this is supposed to be a hang in there pep talk but I find myself yawning so unless there is a request for an exact translation of these platitudes, I'll pass... Next!

Gonzo and Regina are wedding planing. Just family and Izzy and Inés. I presume they're going to forego the vocalist as well. Gonzo wants Germán and Mrs. Germán. Yeah... what could possibly go wrong there?

Roberta briefly joins them. She's home for lunch but first has to get some money for Fina. She neglects to tell them that second part.

Fina waits impatiently outside in the car. She looks on as her clothing is carted out in boxes and dumped unceremoniously into a dolly. Panchita is overheard saying how evil Fina was and what an angel Regina is. Ouch!

Robi stuffs wads of cash in a department store gift box. It's even topped with a bow.

"En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espiritu Santo." The velorio seems to be winding down... but wait! Heeeeere's Augie!

Wow! Huge garish wreathes straight out of The Godfather.

He approaches the Widow Alfi and inquires, "¿Cómo estás?"

You murdered her husband! How the Hell do you think she is?

He pukes up the following:

"I don't want you to worry about your future, already too much tragedy is happening to you. "
She 's puzzled, "To what are you referring with my future?"

"So you want feel alone, I'm going to help you. I'm going to take care of the education of your two hijos until they finish their studies. Also I want you to know that you will continue receiving Ezequiel's salary as a pensión vitalicia."

"Excuse me what is vitelcia?"

"For life. Every knew that Ezeqiel was my loyal employee and that I loved him. His death affected me profoundly. He was always an irreplaceable person for me."
Jerry takes the opportunity to express doubt.

Renata upbraids him, telling him this is very gracious on Augie's part.

Jerry replys, "If it were gracious, he wouldn't have said it for all the world to hear."

Impervious, Augie continues, "Alfonsina, I can't offer you the position that Ezequiel held because I know that you already hold one at La Bonita, but I want you to know that the doors of my hacienda will always be open for you and your family."
She is grateful as Jerry glowers.

I think I'm gonna be sick.

She rests her head on the coffin as Antonio whispers words of consolation to Panchito.

Robi has the gift box for Fina, telling Regina and Gonzo that it is a gift for Selene she hurries out to deliver it.

What's this? Regina looks suspicious.

Robi delivers the cash to a waiting Fina, but the best part is Panchita sees it and even better... recognizes Fina.

Carlos

Labels: Cuando

I haven't been paying much attention to the credits - how long has that mayo product placement been there, with Temo making a sandwich?

Pancho doesn't come home in time for dinner. He, Kojak/Chacho and Nico/Bigboy are still at the office, discussing the alleged harassment.

Rather than spread out and enjoy the extra space around the dinner table, the rest of Pancho's family sit in their usual places so that they can lean and turn awkwardly to hear one another speak. Tonight's special: Baked rehash! Topics: All the stuff in yesterday's episode.

Pancho invites Sandy to an open-door meeting in his office. She fiddles nervously with her low-cut blouse and he keeps calling her Salma, e.g. Hayek. He forgives her for the false accusation and asks her to retract it. She agrees.

Fernanda's German doctor considerately speaks English for our mutual convenience. He has the results of her PET scan. (He sounds a bit menacing. Well, as menacing as a guy can sound when he's imitating Colonel Klink. Or do I mean Sgt. Schultz?) "Did the treatment work? Please, tell me the truth!" (As usual, we know NOTHING!)

Pancho meets with Avon's corporate lawyer about the Casa Popular Unlicensed Daycare Center, but he doesn't have any new information. He offers to have someone look into it. Pancho wants to hire his own lawyer so as not to use the company's resources for personal matters.

Enzo comes in to talk about a personal matter. Pancho reaches forward and Enzo assumes the Karate Kid Crane Stance. (I'm now resisting the urge to add a picture of Bob Crane. It's possible to overdo a joke.) "Don't you dare touch me!" Pancho jokes that maybe Enzo will accuse him of harassment too. Yeah, he knows all about their little scam. He throws Enzo out. (Enzo paces outside Pancho's office, muttering to himself. When he turns his back, Pancho's secretary mimics him!)

Mónica is worried that something will happen to Pepe, and that Freddy will find out before she has a chance to tell him herself. She is despondent that her father will never forgive her. Karina tries to cheer her up.

Chela and Pepe discuss Love. Her surprisingly specific remarks on the subject lead him to ask who she fell in love with. She's impressed by how much he likes Mo.

Pancho tells Rebe that Sandy is retracting her accusation and says she's not even his type anyway. He describes his type as dainty, discreet, and elegant, and asks Rebeca what her type is. She likes a respectful, patient, humorous man, and why does he ask? "Curiosity - could you be interested in a man like me?"

Rebeca looks momentarily confused. "You?" Pancho asks, as a supositorio (he means a supposition, but says "suppository" instead), could she? Pancho is close enough to kiss her. She grumpily changes the subject and he says she sounds like Chela. Rebeca is VERY offended!

Enzo comes back to harass Pancho about Pepe nosing around his daughter. Pancho warns Enzo not to mess with Pepe.

Breakfast! Eggs, chorizo, and leftover rehash. Ana is interested to hear that Freddy may soon be available.

The morning meal is not so cheerful at the neighbors' house. Adoración tries to cheer Pina and Vince, but they're not in the mood. Pina encourages Vince to choke on an egg. Mónica's arrival does little to improve the atmosphere. She tells Freddy she'd like to spend some time apart because she's not sure what she feels for him. At first, Freddy tries to talk her out of it by ridiculing her (I think he even suggests that she's on the rag, "girls have their 'days' and sometimes they feel depressed"), but when that doesn't work and she insists she needs some time to get her head together, he becomes indignant and says fine, then let's just break up all the way! (What does he care? He has a Usual Room at the hotel, for Pete's sake!) Mo runs out crying. Fred runs upstairs. Vince follows after him, bellowing all the way.

Chela rubs Pancho's feet while he provides more rehash. He's so tired, he can't even get his nicknames right - he refers to Iracheta and Tranceti as "Iracheti and Tranceta."

Freddy wants his father to set the police loose on Pepe (I guess Vince is friends with the police chief) to give him a good scare. Fred is slow to understand why this is a bad idea: Vince needs that job and his boss is Pepe's father. (He pokes Fred's forehead for emphasis.) But he does want to get Pancho fired!

While Vince continues to plot against Pancho, Pina goes to Pancho's house to appeal to him to reinstate her radio show. First, she tells him how popular the show was and how important and helpful it was to other people. He doesn't argue with that, but says the issue is money: Avon is spending more than it's making. Pina then begs him: without the show, she's no one. Her life is useless.

At the office, Vince is angry with Sandra for recanting her story about the harassment. He calls Pancho a naco with too much power and gripes that he asked her to do just ONE thing to please him and she couldn't do it. She points out that he hasn't done anything to please her in quite some time. Nor his wife, for that matter, so there must be another woman in his life.

Candy calls, which makes Sandra even more jealous. Candy coquettishly tells Vince that "between us, not all has been said."

Fred gives Alex a somewhat distorted version of the story in which the whole breakup thing was his idea. He's sure Mo will come back asking forgiveness and then all will be as it was.

Mónica is still crying to Karina at school (she's worried that she hurt her father and Freddy, but I daresay Freddy will survive) when Pepe approaches. Mo runs away crying. Karina tells Pepe he'd be a fool not to take this chance.

The morning is well underway by now, and Pancho is still at home. Chela wants him to stay even longer so that she can bitch him out some more about what a terrible, changed person he is because of the money and the terrible, evil rich people he spends time with. She's dying of jealousy over Rebeca. The money and power have torn the family to pieces. She's afraid of what Tranceti will do because of Pepe. The stuff that happened to Temo at school, Lupita and the daycare, etc. etc. etc. the full catalog of bad things in the past 32 episodes. He failed in his promise not to change. It's ALL HIS FAULT. (I'm not so sure everyone in the family would agree that they're miserable!)

Pancho points out that Candy became Catgirl when they were poor and she was trying to help out, so she would have met Vicente anyway; but Chela can't be bothered with facts! She breaks down crying and he holds her. Her words, "I'm dying of jealousy because of Rebeca," echo in his mind.

Rebeca wonders where Pancho is and starts to worry. Barbara teases her for being so eager to see him. Rebe assures Bar that she'd never fall in love with a coworker. "I won't make that same mistake!"

Now at the office, Pancho tells Chacho and Nico that he doesn't really see Chela "as a woman." They say it's because of bonbon Rebeca. Pancho must choose!

That evening, Chela and Candy are arguing about the usual - Vicente (Candy is plotting mischief) - when Chacho interrupts. Meanwhile, contrary to Chacho's prediction that Nico must be flirting with Chucha or Goya, Nico is stinking up the bathroom. (I will spare you the more graphic details, but see what I mean about overdoing a joke? Just for that, I'm including that picture of Bob Crane after all.) Chacho tells him that since Candy is going to meet with Vince, this is their big chance to get revenge against him.

Next time:
Kojak goes undercover!

Labels: familia

Dear friends, Grab your tissues, hankies, drinks, Peppermint Pattys, Hershey's Kisses, tea, antacid, remote for fast forward, or all of the above. It’s gonna be a memorable night. There was so much talking amidst tears and loud music, please if I missed something do not hesitate to bring it up. I will happily add it to the recap.

Reviewing from last night: Hons doesn’t want to be a daddy, Ezequiel is stressing about testifying (about Nesme? I’m not sure, maybe he just doesn’t want to go back to the police station?). And remember that Augi is majorly steamed about Anibal, Renata, then hearing about Ezequiel. It’s not good.


Tonight: Augustin calms himself by coolly ordering his big henchman Melesio to “take care of things”. Melesio’s eyes sparkle as he confirms he is Very Clear on what he needs to do. Augi wraps it up by saying those who betray him pay very dearly. For Augi, ordering a hit is more soothing than an hour at Yoga class.

On the other end of the daddy spectrum our endangered ranch hand is cuddling and cooing to his infant daughter. In spite of his past he is every bit the loving father that Augi is not. He tells Luz that when he was young and without children he did something that would affect his whole life. He tells Luz (who happily gurgles safely in daddy’s arms) that he would give his life to relive his past and get rid of the actions that haunt him. He cries over this baby who is so loved, while Alfonsina tearfully listens in the background.

In arftul comparison, we move to Dirty Director’s office where he escorts CruelFakeMom Corina and the stolen escuincle out, giving Fina and Blanca a chance to laugh amongst themselves. Blanca thinks maybe DD went too far by kidnapping the child. Al contrario cackles Fina, Coni and Regina will be blamed for the kidnapping; they will kill two birds with one stone. Fina feeds Blanca’s starving ego by saying soon Blanca will be head of all Empresas Monterrubios!

And speaking of two birds, we go to the new restaurant where Chema declares he can’t believe he’ll be realizing two dreams on the same day, the opening of his own restaurant and marriage to the girl of his dreams. Dad insists that before they go into business they need to take out life insurance and get medical exams. The sinister music plays and Chema comments he hopes they’ll never have to use it. Dad mutters to himself hopefully, hopefully. (I originally thought perhaps Ben was being a bad daddy by taking out a life insurance policy on Chema, but Vivi pointed out he is just using the life insurance story to get Chema to his follow-up exam. That makes me feel better.)

In the one other restaurant in Mexico City we find Roberta sucking up to the new partner German, she tells him their age difference doesn’t bother her. After her experience with Matias she has become bored by boys her own age, blah blah blah. He asks why does Berta want to work at EM? She says her road has been difficult because daddy always had eyes for Matias and Renata. She’s no saint but she’s repentant and wants to prove it. She goes on about herself ad nauseum, brought up to be rotten by her imposter mom, boo hoo, and now she wants to change even though her family doesn’t think she can. He says on the other hand he does believe she can change. Her sweetness bubbles forth as she thanks him for being her one friend in EM. They toast as Mana’s “Mariposa Traicionera” (Treacherous Butterfly) plays in the background. (Who remembers this song from Tontas? Theme song to another rotten sister I might add.)

Matias and Adri have decided to dine out tonight and of course their choice is limited to the very same restaurant. Adri is particularly amused to spy the perfidious pair and they join them to get a few friendly jabs in about German, how is his wife (on vacation), how long has he been married (25 years), etc. All great fun.

The La Bonita clan is also sitting around the table enjoying dinner. When they start asking Anibal about his personal life he becomes uncomfortable and hobbles off to his room. Naturally they start gossiping about him being Augi’s kid and Mati makes a crack in that case the sooner he leaves the better. Renata jumps down her throat, the sins of the parents should not be visited upon their children! (I think I just figured out what tonight’s theme is.) Mati is all “Oops, I forgot about YOU...and Oops I didn’t mean...and Oops, why don’t I just shut my big fat mouth right now?” Yes indeed Mati, we’ll leave you to wrassle that foot out of your mouth while we move on.

Alf calls Kari to ask for a favor. She whispers so Ezeq doesn’t hear. He doesn’t want her to go with him tomorrow when he testifies. But she has a bad feeling, she wants to go to be with Ez and she wants Kari to go with her.

Jero and Renata tease Mati, tell her to let Anibal sleep (Jero scoffs at Nata’s mothering), and are off to have some fun together. Later Mati tells Anibal they went off for a ride and he decides to check out the hacienda.

Alf (and Luz) and Kari are at the police station waiting and fretting about Ezeq being a no-show. Maybe he met with trouble along the road? It’s all very weird.

Augustin paces in his office and gripes about his newest torture, the appearance of his alleged son Anibal.

Said torture is hanging around outside when who should come rolling up with her suitcase but the lovely diversion Alison. Seconds later a new song plays and we know there has been an instant Love Connection.

The man behind the desk calls Ezeqiel’s name and informs Alf they will grant only 15 minutes leeway. Luz starts crying to further accentuate the stress that all of us are feeling. Alf calls for Ez from a pay phone. The demon Augustin answers and smugly tells her he doesn’t have a clue about Ez because he gave him the morning off to make his statement in Ensenada.

Cut to the joyful pair of Jero and Renata riding through the country and Gitana looks just fine, whew! They dismount to hug and cuddle a bit and to bestow kisses upon one another. Renata pretends to chase Gitana so Jero can chase her, this game of love tag goes South when Renata stops short with a look of horror on her face. They both cry out Ezequiel’s name in anguish and we need this commercial break to compose ourselves, pour a shot of Mezcal, tea, chocolate, whatever, and take a deep breath.

Oh dear Lord, as the scene opens we see Ezeq’s legs hanging from the tree behind Renata. NOOOOO!!! This shot is thankfully short as Jero wisely turns Nata around, insisting they return to the hacienda and call the police immediately.

Back at La Bonita Manuela hugs and welcomes her nieta while Anibal looks on, smiling the first smile we have seen on him. Manuela quickly tells him Alison is only there temporarily, “just like you!” Grandma and granddaughter go inside to catch up and Anibal sighs while birdies and hearts practically fly out of his ears.

At the station Ezeq has missed his chance to testify and the official tells Alfonsina they can send another subpoena but if Ezeq continues to be a no-show they will send the authorities after him. Alf promises he will be there next time. Alfonsina frets yet again that she has a very bad feeling.

There are also very bad feelings at La Bonita when the household sees Jero and a hysterically distraught Renata come stumbling into the house. Manuela, Mati, Carlos and Laz hear Jero’s words, it appears that Ezequiel has killed himself, hung from a tree. No puede ser! What a tragedy, exclaims Manuela. Carlos calls the police and Super Laz flies out of the house. Mati cries surely he is going to find his best friend.

Alison joins Anibal at the desert water feature to tell him something bad is going down inside. He thinks maybe he should go inside and find out but Alison wants him to stay with her. He explains he’s in town for personal business, he just met the La Bonita crew but they seem very nice. She says she was sent down to granny’s because her parents think she’s anorexic, but she’s not, they’re just exaggerating as usual. She’s thrilled to hear he has a motorcycle. As soon as he’s better he promises to take her for a ride.

Back inside the sadness and crying continue. Manuela and Mati want to see Ez; Manuela has a deep need to be next to him. Mati points out that Alf and Kari went to Ensenada to meet Ezequiel. Carlos agrees to take Manuela and Mati to see Ezeq’s body. Really? Still hanging from the tree? Is that a good idea?

At the Hons/Cons house Adri wastes no time in telling dad and Coni all about seeing Berta with a married man. “That girl will never change,” insists Coni. Hons also has a tidbit, apparently German is a womanizer and had a long affair with a woman 15 years his junior! His wife left him but since she had the money he begged forgiveness and they got back together. Adri says the joke will be on Berta when she finds out German’s money is his wife’s, not his. (I love it just as much as Adri!!) Coni is concerned that such a thing could happen at EM. ( Eh? Hons and Cons. Mat and Adri. Mat and Nata. Mat and Berta. Just sayin’. And notice I didn’t mention Hons and Blanca. Oh, and Gonzo and Fina from way back when?)

At EM German and Berta bask in their new friendship. German smiles lasciviously when Berta offers to make him a cup of coffee. (Does she know how? Has she ever?) Her flirty bliss is interrupted by MalaMama-in-white calling to demand more money. Berta says sorry but she’s at dad’s work and doesn’t have time so stop bothering her, OK? German comments he feels sorry for this galan whom she is rebuffing. The phone rings again, German drools on his desk and the wicked butterfly music plays on.

Fina curses Berta and tells Dirty Director she doesn’t have the money, if he wants more she’ll need his help.

Some guy gives Isidro documents about Roberta so that Regina can legally proclaim Berta to be the inheritor of Roberto’s trust. Isidro mutters how ironic it is that Roberta turned out to be Regina’s daughter.

We know how Fina is when she doesn’t get her way and she’s howling up a storm. Dirty Director says he’s not running a hotel where she can come and go as she pleases. Fina insists the only way to get the money is to let her out. He finally relents under her sarcastic mocking, but says they will do things his way, not hers. Famous last words Director Dumba$$. I’d hide the letter opener if I were you.

The beautiful, yet saddest song in the CME repertoire is playing. The SEMEFO forensic van has arrived (Servicio Médico Forense, thank you Google), and Ezequiel’s friends have gathered next to him but behind the yellow hazard tape. He is at last peaceful, supine on the gurney. Laz says Ez has had problems and lately has been very bothered and nervous but never did he think anything like this would happen. He is in torment imagining the circumstances and why did Ez not say anything to him? They have been friends forever. He demands an investigation! (Do it! Do what my boyfriend Super Laz says.)

Alf has just arrived home and Jero and Nata are there to talk to her about Ezequiel. She hopefully assumes they must know why he didn’t show up to testify. Oh yes they know, and they solemnly and reluctantly tell her that no, there wasn’t an accident nor is he in the hospital. Kari deftly removes Luz from Alf’s arms as Alf assumes that Ez has left her and the children. Jero sadly corrects her; Ezequiel is dead. We hear her heart pound above her cries of anguish as she rushes to Jero, trying to beat him into changing his story. She collapses in his arms while Renata also tries to comfort her, and she falls onto the floor like a rag doll.

A young worker runs into Augi’s office with the news that Ezeq hung himself from a tree at La Bonita.

Alf is up off the floor, going hysterical while teetering precariously on her spiked heels. Jero and Renata hold Alf up while she demands what is she going to tell the children about their father? Ponchito arrives on cue, “My papito is dead? My school told me but it’s not true, right?” (Dang, news travels fast in the country!) Alf cries and hugs her son. He is dressed like a little man and tells her not to cry, he’ll take care of her. She sobs with renewed vigor.

Augi drives down the road grinning broadly (I want to smash his gleaming white teeth!!) while recalling Ezequiel’s fate. Melesio had set up an ambush in the road knowing Ez would be on his way to town. He feigns engine problems and when Ez leans in to check, Melesio chloroforms him and dumps Ez in the back of the truck. Augi, having learned not to trust his employees, steps out from behind a bush to watch. Note that he is wearing his stinky windbreaker of death.

In the next scene Melesio has set Ezeq’s unconscious body on a horse and has placed a noose around his neck. Please please please say he is going to do this while Ez is unconscious. Oh noes! Pour a shot, grab a chocolate, chug some tea! Augi is there and he waits for Ez to regain consciousness so he can taunt him. Ez calls him a coward, that is the difference between them; but Augi says after they find him hanging Ez will be thought to be the coward because only a coward would kill himself. (**See note below.) Ez yells Augie wouldn’t dare! But Evil Incarnate says yes he does dare. Ez asks Augi to think of his children, his wife. Augi smugly points out Ez should have thought of them. Ez keeps calling Augi desgraciado, as if he is cursing Augi, but Augustin just smiles and says “Adios amigo,” and thankfully the scene ends there. Oh that Augie is a bad bad dog.

Next we see a split screen of Ez on the gurney and Aug in his truck, smiling and saying “If you go against me you won’t live to tell the tale.” The bastard drives up to the scene, rushes out and cries a bucket of crocodile tears over the body while Laz cautiously observes.

Chema and dad are at the doc’s for a “Check Up” as Ben says in English. Chema wants to make it quick as he is keen to get back to work.

Back at the body Augi tearfully demands how could Ez do such a thing? Laz says he knew Ez didn’t want to testify but he never thought this would happen. Augi pretends and exclaims now that Laz mentions it maybe Ez was much more affected than Augi thought. He says Ez had a great fear that the authorities would find out about something in his past, something that might end up putting him in jail. It happened a long time ago, when Ez left the Valle de Guadalupe to look for a better life. But we were kids then, says Laz, it was a very long time ago, 18 years ago at least. Manuela wonders what could he have done that was so bad? Aug says Ez committed robbery while in the U.S. and they put him in jail. When he returned home from serving time he never told them that's what happened to him. The others can’t believe it, more “No puede sers.” (That’s it? That’s the big crime of 18 years ago? Am I missing something?)

Augustin is satisfied, believing he has secured his perfidy with a neat little knot of exaggeration. Yet behind him stands Lazaro, giving him a powerful stink eye filled with suspicion.

And now presenting in fashion color Wine Country Burgundy...



Avances: Because Ezequiel is dead Augustin “Canta Victoria” (sings victory) but Lazaro doesn’t buy it. It looks like Augi passes money to Roberta, I can only imagine why. Fina has broken out of the manicomio to harass Roberta (hooray!). And the voice-over promises that tomorrow will be a night full of surprises.

** I believe the suicide anvil hangs heavily over Augustin. When he thought Rafael killed himself over a woman he vowed Rafa was weak and he (Augi) would NEVER do such a thing for a woman. Tonight he once again states to Ezequiel that only a coward would kill himself. Is there someone in Augi’s past who killed him/herself or is this an anvil hanging around for Augi’s future demise? Will he eventually off himself for not gaining Renata’s love? I keep mulling this over as I imagine Augustin’s (hopefully) horrific end. Thoughts?

Labels: Cuando