Caray, Caray!

Anything I don't mention in this recap - it's because you've heard it before. Many of the things I DO mention, you have also heard before. After a mad-cap dash through many countries and months at the beginning of this novela, this novela is gradually silting over with filler material.

After Gaviota manages to send away Aaron's newly-rejected lover, she advises him to go finish it off that very night, talk to the girl at the girl's apartment, or the girl will show up again and embarrass him. He's impressed with Gav's common sense and says she's indispensible. She flips her hair perkily and says she won't betray his confidence.

Isa has reappeared at the hacienda. Rod is more excited to talk about his cows with Roman than he is to say hello to his wife. He tells her he must go see to the harvest and will be back late; she says she'll have a great surprise for him when he returns.

Rod thoughtbubbles: she's a good woman but I don't desire her. Drinks tequila.

Hilario pulls the red negligée out of the bag and remembers how SanJuana rejected it angrily: "It's big enough for a cow!" His mom busts into the room. He inexpertly hides the flimsy scarlet nothing and bolts. His mom, of course, finds it and figures it's a present to her, from her husband Roman.

Isa selects an aphrodisiac menu from her new book and explains to SanJuana how it will stimulate Rod's libido and guarantee a delicious night. "Only science and food never fail." She is very enthusiastic while adding the active ingredients.

Rod and James have an ecstatic reunion in Meliton's agave field. Acacia enters the frame, head down, scowling, and offers Rod water. James asks nicely if he can have some, too. "I'm invisible to her, but I'd do anything to stay near her." [I just have to ask: WHY? I see no apparent charms in this young woman. -- Ed.]

James gives marital advice to Rod: "Your wife's pretty, you should at least try to have sex with her to save your marriage." "Maybe you're right. I'm trapped - in soul, body, and in love of Gaviota."

While Isa is planning the late-night seduction, Gav dreams of Rod and Isa living happily and intimately together. Their spectral kisses wake her. (Later she is looking on the internet for courses in business administration. Her mom thinks she doesn't need any more learning to be a receptionist, Gav reminds her it is her intention to climb the corporate ladder.)

Rod gets home late and starts flying up the stairs to his bachelor's quarters but Isa stops him. She leads him by the hand to a banquet table covered with rose petals and, I presume, aphrodisiac foods. He sniffs the food like a happy dog and eats and drinks enthusiastically.

So do Hilario's parents, who snatch the "samples" SanJuana took from Isa's science project. SanJuana meant the food for Hilario but the parents say, rightly, that Hilario doesn't need comestibles to get him in the mood.

The aphrodisiacs (plus the cow-sized negligée) work wonders for Roman and Ofelia; the next morning Roman, looking pleased with life, tells Hilario he's glad the XXX XL nightie didn't get returned to the store.

At first it seems Isa's plot is working: Rod gets hot and sweaty and says he feels suffocated. Far from filling him with ardor, however, the dinner just gave him a stomache ache; he surmises he must be allergic to seafood (it was probably oysters she fed him). Thanks to Andrea for the correction.

When Isa slips into Rod's bed he wakes with a horrified shriek - and bolts. Back to the drawing board...

In Mexico City - Gaviota comes back from lunch to find fully 20 guys in suits milling around in her reception area along with Aaron's two secretaries who immediately accuse her of having stolen her own computer monitor. It's quite incredible that this would require the presence of the entire senior staff. Oh well.

Gav indignantly accuses the two harpies of setting her up. Aaron hears the ruckus, comes out, hustles all the suits away except his most important lawyer, and takes a meeting with Gav and the lawyer in his office.

Gav mocks the idea that, having spent so much time desperately trying to get a job at Montalvo's, she would immediately sabotage herself by stealing her own computer monitor. She offers to pay for it out of her salary, or be in debt forever, just for the privilege of working at Montalvo's.

This convinces them. The younger secretary, who planned this all with Aaron's wifey and has been on the phone with her constantly giving the play-by-play, has to call and say the plan failed.

Minerva is all curses-foiled-again and says "Try again, but be careful cause it's your jobs and my marriage on the line here."

Gav bounces out of the office and says to the harpies: Nyah-nyah and don't try it again or I'll break you in pieces.

The important lawyer takes Gav into a private room to sign her promise that she's paying for the monitor. He leans in for a sniff and invites her to dinner and "something afterwards." "WHAT afterwards?" "Oh, just something." She slaps him and says I'm not that kind of girl. He says, careful, I'm important here and whatever path you're on I'll be there in front of you.

SanJuana helpfully tells the dejected Isa that she knows an old witch who can make a very powerful love potion. (Shades of Alborada!) This sounds like a good idea to Isa. They go visit the witch.

The witch does a product placement: "Benomi!" [Or maybe it's Bemoni, or Bemomi, or Benoni, I wasn't really paying attention.] "The Elixir of Hazoltl, God of flesh and lechery!" [Or something like that.] The witch continues: "Take a bath in honey and rose petals (excuse me, but blegh), then rub this potion all over your body, and for good measure give him twenty drops in his food, but be very careful with the dose, if you go overboard he may go insane for you until he dies."

That probably sounds better to Isa than it would actually be.

James has been sniffing Acacia, she of the pinched and angry face and poor posture. She rejects his offer to help get Drunk Uncle into bed, but later appears in his dark bedroom saying: "Embrace me, hard." First he says, "Oh, you're so young," and then he bangs her.

Then she tells him to leave the hacienda and never mention this again.

So James goes to Rod for advice. [I gotta say, the idea of James and Rod going to each other for advice is pretty funny.] Rod has already told Isa he wants to find work for James at his own place when the harvest at Meliton's is over. (Isa: "He will disturb our intimacy!" Rod, laughing thoughtlessly: "What intimacy?") But now that he hears how desperate James is to stay near Acacia, they cook up a plot: since the government is giving out grants for improved cultivation methods, they'll convince Meliton to let James stay and mastermind a grant-worthy project.

Back at the office - the revolving door of Aaron's amantes revolves and here's a new one with really red really curly hair, Pamela. Aaron tells Gav to let her in. Pamela is giggly and obnoxious, Aaron's happy to see her. She convinces him to go on a trip to the mountains with her that weekend. All they have to do, Aaron says, is conceal it from Minerva. Pamela: "Of course! I don't want to die young!" They smooch in Aaron's office.

But uh-oh - despite all Aaron's warnings that she not visit him at work, Minerva is roaring down the hall with a "just you wait!" look on her face as the credits roll.

Labels: Destilando

Montero tells Esme that she should be dead and in addition he now understands that why she stayed with him after the Marquesa tried to get their marriage annulled. She has betrayed him to free her mother and they will both pay dearly for it. Esme tries some explanations but Montero isn’t interested. Renzo, who should be keeping a low profile here, shoots off his mouth that Esme is innocent and didn’t know about the plan until her mother was freed. Predictably, Montero says that he will kill Renzo for defending Esme. Montero leaves and tells the guards that if they lose these prisoners, they will be shot.

Montero congratulates Pizarro on finding Esme. All they need to do is find the woman in the iron mask and he can relax. [It occurs to me here that neither Montero nor Pizarro know what SK looks like – all they’ve ever seen is the mask. Fernando knows but he’s not compos mentis right now. If the gypsies had taken advantage of this, they might have hidden her in plain sight. They would have to get rid of the old guy though.] Pizarro says not to worry, he’s going to torture Esme. Montero says don’t be silly, she’s preggers, you might kill her. ‘You care?’ asks Pizarro. Montero says that right now he needs her alive. He believes the de la Vegas are planning something and having Esme is the only card in his favor. Pizarro can terrorize her and make her cooperate for fear of losing her child.

Pizarro then asks Montero what should he do with the gypsy prisoners. Pizarro recommends executing them because they were told that they would be killed if they didn’t reveal where their queen was. They didn’t reveal where SK was so they should be killed. Montero says no, let them rot in prison. He wants the “lesser races” [raices inferiores] in LA to know what happens when they mess with him. Pizarro protests that not carrying through on the threat will be perceived as a sign of weakness.

Montero reacts badly to Pizarro’s questioning of his orders. He tells Pizarro that this game is about power – he, Montero, has never had so much power and he isn’t giving it up. Pizarro says that Montero has to respect the hierarchy above him. Montero says that he is going to run the city however he wants and no one will stop him not even the King or Queen of Spain!!! If anyone questions or disobeys him, they will pay with their lives. Montero leaves. Pizarro looks at the camera and says that it is just what he suspected, the power is driving his commandante crazy and he, Pizarro, will not permit it.
So, a rift among the bad guys. That’s a hopeful sign.

Back in prison, Esme says that Montero is crazy, completely crazy and is going to kill them. Esme says that everything that has happened has been her fault because she trusted Olmos. Renzo points out that they freed SK. He is sure that they will escape from prison and makes Esme swear that she will do everything she can to save herself and her child.

Back at the bat cave, Diego wants to leave. He knows that he isn’t a criminal and he wants to find out who he is. Bernardo tells [writes, actually] that he is in danger. Diego still wants to go and find out who he is but his wound isn’t healed yet and he will let Bernardo change the bandage.

I guess Agapito untied Fernando because he has taken him to where MP is. He says that Almudena went to get some holy oil and when he examined MP she had stopped hemorrhaging and her fever had gone down. It’s a miracle, says Agapito. Fernando approaches MP’s bed and their song starts.

The exorcism is in full swing – the exorcist is talking to God, NN is writhing and the nuns are praying.

The Cardinal tells PT about the exorcism and PT expresses his doubts about the necessity of the procedure but hopes it goes well.

Alej is in his military uniform and walking through the woods trailed by Yumalai. In spite of the dire situation that the whole town is in and the fact that only Alej can end the reign of terror, Yumalai wastes time by talking about their relationship. Since he spoke with White Buffalo Alej has been avoiding meeting Yuma’s eyes and his voice sounds like a hollow tree. Alej says that he loves Alumdena and doesn’t want to hurt her. Yuma says that her customs permit a man to have two wives. Alej says that his and Almudena’s customs are different. Alej tells Yuma that her love for him is different than his for Almudena and his for Regina, too. Then Alej says that they both know that no woman of Yuma’ race can give her body and soul like Almudena [this is not very politically correct and what about Regina?]. It isn’t fair to Almudena and he isn’t going to hurt her.

Almudena is in church praying for Fernando and all her loved ones and she asks where God is that all these terrible things are happening.

Fernando asks MP to speak to him and tell him that he isn’t crazy. She says he isn’t crazy but he has an empty space in his heart. He thought that she could fill it but she can’t. Fernando says not to worry. The most important thing is that she is alive. Some soldiers come and tell Fernando that Montero wants him at the prison. Fernando doesn’t want to leave but they insist.

Montero and Mangle and having some rough sex and Mangle doesn’t like it. Montero is drunk with power. Mangle reminds Montero of his promise not to harm Diego. Someone knocks on the door and Montero shows Mangle his surprise – Fernando under arrest. Mangle tells Montero that he can’t arrest her father and Montero goes into his ‘I can do anything spiel!’ and Mangle had better give him what he wants because she is alone now with no one to protect her.

NN, who now has a Satanic voice, accuses Aaron the exorcist of killing his parents and seems to be getting the upper hand because he drops his oil sprinkler. He prays again and she starts writhing again.

MP is apparently on the road to recovery. Agapito is amazed. He gives instructions to Almadena on what kind of food to give MP and says that he will call every day. [I thought MP was in Agapito’s house?] Almadena takes MP’s recovery as a sign that God is turning things around. MP asks about what happened to Fernando and Almadena says that she will find out.

Montero tells Fernando that he can’t have any power in LA anymore. He can stay as Governor under Montero’s orders. Fernando says, ‘sure, whatever’. Montero is surprised and Mangle is listening in another room. Fernando says that he resigns his position as Governor. All he wants to do is leave LA. Montero is pleased but surprised. Montero tells Fernando that he will kill SK. Fernando says that he doesn’t care but he warns Montero that if you have the power, you are responsible for what you do. Montero thanks him for the advice and asks Fernando why he is so detached since he had wanted to be Governor very much. Fernando says that, ‘he no longer owns anything, he is not interested in anything. He no longer owns his life.’

After Fernando leaves, Mangle comes out and tells Montero that she won’t let her father give up everything so easily. He won’t abandon her. She is his daughter. She will return her father to the way he was before.

Aguirre, the guard brings Esme some food. She tries to get him to help her but he is too afraid of Montero. When he leaves, Renzo says that the guards can only be influenced by money. Esme says that she no longer has any money. Olmos has her jewels. Renzo then gives her the message from her mother that all her mother’s fortune is in the pendant that Esme wears. Esme prays for her mother’s safety and Diego’s.

Honas brains the soldier who followed the gypsies and tells him not to underestimate the cleverness of the gypsies. [They don’t actually seem to have been that clever.]

Diego is impatient for Bernardo to return with some food. He opens the box where PT put the Zorro stuff, the medal, the mask, etc. Diego wonders who would wear a black mask?

Pizarro goes to see Olmos and threatens to arrest him as an accomplice to come crimes that the Governor committed. When Olmos says that the Governor will protect him, Pizarro tells Olmos that Fernando has resigned. Pizarro threatens Olmos with torture but says that if Olmos tells him everything, Pizarro will protect him. Olmos seems to be on the point of making a deal but he wants to know whether SK has been recaptured. Pizarro says not yet but her recapture is immanent. Olmos says that SK is very dangerous to the crown of Spain and Olmos will explain to Pizarro why.

In the prison, Esme tells Renzo that she has been thinking about what her mother meant about the pendant being her total fortune. The stone in the pendant is an emerald but it is small and probably wouldn’t interest the guards. Renzo says that SK must have meant that the pendant represented SK’s love for Esme. Esme is pondering this when Pizarro [a very busy guy] comes to take Esme to the torture chamber. Renzo says, ‘take me. I’ll tell you what you want,’ but Pizarro isn’t interested.

Back in the bat cave, Diego is playing dress up with the Zorro stuff.
Pizarro tells Esme that he knows the secret of her mother, that she could inherit the Spanish throne. He tells her that he could find SK, hide and get her out of California without anyone knowing. Esme asks why Pizarro, Montero’s chief henchman, would do this. Pizarro says that having Montero as military governor forever doesn’t suit his plans. He has ambitions. He needs a ‘letter of triumph’ and thinks that escorting SK back to Spain would get him one. Esme asks why she should trust him. Olmos betrayed her. One burned, twice shy. ‘Fine’, says Pizarro, ‘you want proof of my bona fides, I’ll bring you Olmos’ head today.’ Esme is impactada.

Mangle comes looking for Fernando and finds Olmos. Olmos tells her that FS just left. He asks her what is going on. Mangle tells him that FS has resigned as Governor. She is angry that he will leave her penniless. Olmos tells Mangle that FS put on his best suit and all his medals and gold chains and took his box of gold coins. ‘No puede ser,’ It can’t be, says Mangle. She assumes that he has left town and sends Olmos to find him and bring him back.

Pizarro wants Esme to write SK a letter explaining what he will do for her. He swears that he will not betray her. Not surprisingly, Esme doesn’t believe him. ‘Fine,’ says Pizarro, ‘but don’t wait too long to decide. Montero is searching the whole area and it is only a matter of time before he finds SK.’ Esme looks concerned as well she might be with her experience of the ability of the gypsies to hide people.

Diego, in the Zorro costume, gets on his horse and rides out of the cave.

Esme is brought back to her cell. Renzo is concerned that she has been tortured but Esme assures him that she is fine. She asks Renzo if there was a definite plan to take her mother to Spain. Renzo says that there was a plan that she was supposed to have made with the hunchback. She tells Renzo about her conversation with Pizarro. He is impactado.

FS has not left town. He is in the church telling God that he has been given a great sign of the Lord’s existence by MP’s life being saved. Now, he has come to fulfill the promise that he made. Holding up his box of money, he says that he is giving everything to the Lord, money, jewels, property deeds, his dreams and he gives his life as well because without the Lord, he is nothing. While speaking, he starts to take off his clothes and put them in front of the altar.

Back at the exorcism, we reach a climax. NN falls back and asks what happened to her. ‘You have been saved, child,’ says Brother Aaron. Meanwhile outside NN’s room, Camba gets a strange look and gets up and walks away like a zombie. I assume we’re meant to understand that the demon that left NN entered him.

Alej tells Yumalai that he didn’t mean to insult her but he can’t live two lives at once. He is married to Almudena under the laws of God. Yuma tells Alej that she is married to him under the laws of her tribe. She is reproaching Alej for his indifference to her when Almudena shows up.

FS is staggering around town naked while the townspeople say that the Governor has gone crazy (se enloqueció). Mangle and Olmos come up and are shocked.

Pizarro takes Esme and Renzo out of their cells and acts very menacing in front of the guards.

Diego is having trouble controlling his horse. [I guess he has lost his equestrian skill as well as his memory.] He falls off. He yells at the horse and says that he is going to rest. Then we see a sword pointed at Diego’s chest but not who is wielding it.

Pizarro takes Renzo and Esme to a room with a table of food. He apologizes for his act in front of the guards. Renzo asks if what he told Esme was a trap. ‘No,’ says Pizarro, ‘it was not a trap. The true Queen of Spain is in danger. The person who saves her will reap a big reward and he wants to be that person.’ He has dedicated his life to his military career. Now Esme and Renzo have to make a decision whether they are going to help him find SK or not.

The credits roll – wow, what an episode!

Labels: Zorro

When Don Loco demands that Alfonsina tell him everything she knows about Soledad and Jose, Alfonsina says Soledad is a liar, Jose gave Alfonsina the letter to give to Soledad. Alfonsina has a flashback thought bubble that the gold bracelet in Jose's cabin will be proof of Soledad's infidelity. Back in the present she tells Loco that Hugo found the bracelet so it must be true.

Over at the Loco sugar cane plantation Hugo is in the office calling himself estupido. He looks at Don Loco's gigantic portrait, pulls out a gun and vows he will get back what is his, whatever the cost.

Orlando sniggers at Angel and Emilio and says he's not going to marry Duhlina, this isn't some past century where he has to marry her to save her honor. The brothers Valtierra start pounding on Orlando. Well, Angel lunges and topples over, but Emilio punches Orlando's face and grabs his throat.

Thelma visits Duhlina in her room. Duhlina demands to know why Thelma betrayed her. Thelma calls Duhlina a floozy who came between her and Emilio, an opportunist who will sleep with any man to solve her problems and to get what she wants. Instead of smacking her Duhlina begs Thelma to tell her what happened.

Alfonsina convinces Don Loco that she and Hugo are faithful servants and it is Soledad who has always lied to him. She looks proud, like convincing him was a difficult task or something. She doesn't know Don Loco as well as we do. She thinks she's manipulating a normal person; just wait until she figures out how loco he is.

Don Max and Castulo break up the fight between Emilio and Orlando. Castulo carries a dizzy and pathetic Angel back to his room while Max demands an explanation from Emilio.

The Singing Auntie pops nerviosa pills like they're green M&M's. She tells Thelma she heard a baaaad conversation between Max and Castulo. Max isn't the man she thought he was and now she's afraid, very afraid.

Mexican Larry is in the woods doing something in the bushes. I don't even want to know what. He sees Luba and Gaspar picking herbs. Luba tells Gaspar that the servants at La Rinconada won't let her near Flor and she's worried about Flor's safety. Gaspar says he'll protect Flor. That's his line for the night. Mexican Larry whispers to himself that the witch must be picking herbs to cast a spell on Flor. He wipes his face with a bright red hankie and drops it on the ground before he skulks off. Mexican Larry, aka Jaime, used to be smart but he obviously contracted SESID because now he's as dumb as dirt. Dumber even.

Luba tells Gaspar that her cofre (chest) has disappeared and nobody must open it. Nobody!! Cut to the cofre in a dimly lit location surrounded by mist. Must be hidden in the Finnish sauna out back somewhere. Maybe it contains lutefisk.

Angel visits Duhlina in her room. All he wants to know is did she sleep with Orlando voluntarily. At first she says Angel will think what he wants, but then she remembers he's not the dunderhead Emilio, only his weak insipid brother, so she tells him Orlando raped her.

Angel swears he'll kill Orlando with his own hands. "Yeah right," says Duhlina. Angel admits he's no rival for Orlando, but Emilio is. Emilio will kick Orlando's butt! Angel says he's never liked Orlando, he'll convince Emilio that Orlando is a traitor.

Emilio tells Don Max that Angel came back to marry Flor. Max doesn't like this info. He tells Emilio the best thing for Angel would be to get him back to Puebla pronto so he can forget about Duhlina. Nice try Max, but unfortunately Emilio's work on the highway will keep the brothers around La Rinconada for a while. Emilio tells his tío that they will talk about hacienda business later. Max grunts and looks unhappy. He wants those boys outta there.

Soledad is feeding Mariana when Don Loco enters and says she's innocent and has been right all along. Just kidding, he accuses her of being a traitor. Yawn. The new twist here is that from now on he's going to keep Soledad next to him always so he can keep an eye on her. Alfonsina will care for Mariana. Mariana's eyes are impactados. I can't imagine that Alfonsina is going to be pleased with the way her plan is going. She thought she was going to be the Lady Of The Manor but instead she's going to be emptying colostomy bags for Don Loco's sister.

Angel confronts Thelma. Thelma tells him that as soon as they left, Duhlina was a complete flirt with Orlando. She clung to the only man around to get out of her shameful situation. She took him to bed so she could have a child, and she could be pregnant. (I think that's what she said.) Angel is impactado.

Mexican Larry tells the other cast member of Three's Company that he saw Luba picking herbs for something bad. Efiginia and Vera say she is the only curandera in these parts and she was probably just doing her business. Mexican Larry says he wants to report Luba to the authorities but Jack and Janet tell Larry to stay out of Luba's business lest she cast a spell on them.

Duhlina is in the chapel praying to the Virgencita. Janet, I mean Vera, joins her. She says she'll help protect Duhlina from Luba who is responsible for all the recent happenings. Duhlina is all "Que????? Why would you say such a thing?" Vera says Mexican Larry saw Luba in the abandoned but spotlessly clean cabin along with Gaspar and Thelma, implying, I suppose, that they are somehow mixed up. Duhlina looks confused. Duhlina, remember when Gaspar tried to tell you about Thelma being his muñequita? Thiiink baaack.

Out in the field, the head highway engineer is telling Emilio that they need to move the highway closer to the zone of caves when suddenly they are interrupted by Orlando. His face is beaten to a pulp. Orlando and Emilio bicker back and forth until finally Emilio pulls rank, tells Orlando to shut up, pack his bags and get his sorry ass back to Puebla.

Duhlina prays to the Virgencita that Vera is wrong about Luba and Gaspar being in cahoots with Thelma.

Cut to commercial break with Luba stabbing her big knife into the tree.

Alfonsina tells Loco she doesn't want to take care of Mariana. She'll take her things and go back to Veracruz. Loco says she'll do what he orders! Big surprise.

Back at La Rinconada Orlando, drinking lots of Emilio's booze, tells Emilio he doesn't want to go to Puebla, waaaah. Thelma butts in. It sounds like she's getting laryngitis, probably from shrieking at all the servants. Orlando complains, "Your husband is making me leave." Thelma says if Orlando goes to Puebla then she'll go with him and Emilio will never know his son. Thank you Jesus, everybody's prayers have been answered! But stupid Emilio shakes his head.

Singing Auntie sings through her open window. Don Max pops up, grabs her hand and invites "Rebequita" for a stroll in the garden later that afternoon. "Certainly Maximooooooooo, now let me get pretty for you," she coos before shutting the window. What did I miss? Did she forget what she overheard? Alone, Max's eyes dart around and he whispers, "I have to find out if the old bat heard what Castulo and I talked about. I think she did..."

Emilio tells Thelma not to butt into his business but he'll do what she wants for the kid. Then he says Orlando has to obey all his orders. After Emilio stomps off Orlando breaks into a huge grin and snickers into his snifter.

Don Loco tells Sergio he wants Elias thrown into jail, after that they will take care of the little doctor.

Santos tells the Hermit Headshrinker that he still doesn't remember anything but if he walks around town maybe something will be familiar. Bad idea, the doc points out, reminding Santos that someone wants to kill him. Santos holds a rose and says he knows it signifies something important...

Rosita stands outside her house pining for Santos. Don Max rides up, taunts her, then grabs her. Carmen runs out and yells at him. He insults her. Rosita calls him a pig and says when Santos returns he'll put Don Max in his place! "Dream on," says Max, "it ain't gonna happen cuz Santos is dead." Carmen screams, her mouth a perfect "O".

Angel tells Duhlina he [hack hack] has the solution to all her problems [hack hack]. "Will you marry me?" She doesn't look impactada, more like baffled. She tells him that her heart belongs to another. Ouch, the heavy brick of symbolism just dropped on my toe.

Soledad says goodbye to Mariana who becomes very emotional. Mariana thought bubbles "Listen to me Soledad, for God's sake hear me!!" Then she moves her hand. Soledad figures Mariana is trying to tell her something, but what? Does Mariana know the truth about the letter? Blink. Soledad is impactada, Mariana knows the truth!

Soledad tries to get all the details out of Mariana, one blink at a time. In fact she asks Mariana if the letter was for her, but before Mariana can blink Don Loco interrupts.

Soledad shrieks over and over that Mariana knows the truth. Don Loco gets worked up into a lather and slaps her hard. "Don't include my sister in your betrayals." He drags her out and Mariana gets buggy.

The hysterical Rosita and Carmen accuse Max of killing Santos, how else would he know Santos is dead? "Uh, I meant PROBABLY dead, because he disappeared," Max says. By the way, I think Don Max looks great tonight. He's wearing a black satin or leather suit with embroidered velvet lapels. Even his holster matches. Too bad he's such a disgusting pig because I'm thinking he looks kind of hot in an overstuffed, bloated, over-the-top sort of way. Whoa, did I just say that? Never mind. The women call him a murderer as he rides away.

Thelma is in a snit because, well, she's always in a snit and Emilio is still obviously smitten with Duhlina. Orlando thinks it's hilarious because the imbecil Emilio can't bear to think that Duhlina is "his." If only he (Emilio) knew that he (Orlando) never even made love to that idiot Duhlina. "What?" shrieks Thelma, "You couldn't even do it? Why didn't you make her yours, imbecile?" She pretty much wipes the smile off his face.

Don Loco marches Soledad upstairs. She breaks free and teeters on the top step, about to fall...

Loco grabs her. "I almost killed you," he says, smoothing her hair, "I can't imagine life without you." They almost kiss. He kisses her forehead and tenderly leads her away. GACK! This is too sick. Whoever wrote this crap should be thrown into a whirlpool with rabid coyotes.

Elias sees Emilio at the work site and asks about Alina. Emilio says she is fine and has been hanging with the Lietenant; they have a special friendship. Elias looks confused and concerned.

Angel asks Duhlina what if she's pregnant? "No puede ser!" she exclaims, "pregnant by Orlando?" God she's stupid.

Luba comes into the kitchen of Hacienda Loco just as Adela quickly locks the cabinet. "Whatcha got in there?" asks Luba. She tells Adela she doesn't think it's food, but rather her cofre. She shakes Adela and glares at her, "Tell me the truth!"

Thelma insults Orlando's manhood and they call each other imbecile. They should read our vocabulary lists; they'd find lots of other insulting words to use instead of the same one over and over. He threatens her that she'd better not tell anyone he couldn't get his soldier to salute (Thanks Chris!) because Emilio has to believe Duhlina belongs to him. "What a small man you are," she mutters as he slams the door behind him.

Luba tells Adela that if anyone opens the cofre they will be left blinded, one-eyed, and all the demons inside will be let out. OK then, that would be lutefisk in the cofre. Adela vows she hasn't seen it, but after Luba leaves she holds the keys to her chest and gasps, "My God!"

Emilio tells the heavens that he blames himself for all that has happened to Duhlina.

Braulio returns to find Rosita and Carmen in hysterics and sobbing that Don Max killed Santos. Braulio wants to report him to the authorities but Rosita talks him out of it. Why bother? He's Don Loco's friend and nothing will come of it. Carmen vows that Max will pay if it's the last thing she does in her life. So it probably will be.

Don Loco and Soledad fight about Adela. Loco yells for Adela and he accuses her of being Soledad's accomplice. He orders her to pack up and leave. She's fired. Adela and Soledad touch fingers before Adela runs out.

Mariana feels guilty about not being able to tell the truth. She has flashbacks to Marianita and Jose. At least they are at peace and in heaven together. Alfonsina sashays in and taunts Mariana. Sí, Alfonsina knows everything and Mariana can do nothing because she's a miserable rag laying there in her bed. Mariana will guard Alfonsina's secret and she will guard Mariana's. By the way, where is the little nipper? Mariana gives Alfonsina the gigantic evil bug-eye. Alfonsina freaks out and turns Mariana's head away.

Soledad and Don Loco fight about Adela, Jose, whatever, blah blah blah. I wish they would shoot each other.

Duhlina begs Orlando to tell Emilio the truth, that he trapped and drugged her. Fat chance. He says it's all her fault for leading him on. Typical rapist rhetoric.

Thelma rants while Auntie Fly gets all gussied up for her date with the Spider. "Who would want to take you out?" asks Thelma unkindly. [Tocan a la puerta.] Surprise, it's Don Max looking like the well-dressed tarantula that he is. It's too bad he's probably going to kill Auntie because they make a smashing couple. And say, doesn't her dress look like it's got a spider web on it? Hmmm...

"What a horror," grimaces Thelma, "what does Maximo want with her? And I thought she was afraid of him. How odd. Nothing good will come of this."

Emilio sees Duhlina and Orlando together and assumes the worst. He says Duhlina is free to do whatever she wants. After he leaves she does just that, she slaps Orlando across the face. Every time he shows up he has a new wound on his face.

Dr. Love enters Elias's cabin with a can of gasoline. The plan is to light Don Loco's coffee plantation on fire and create a diversion. While Don Loco is busy with his crop burning Soledad and Elias will help Dr. Love grab Mariana so they can escape. I guess Dr. Love has a car. Elias says Don Loco will be furious but hopefully Dr. Love and Mariana will be far away by then. After they escape Elias will save Soledad and Duhlina from the sicko.

Emilio and Duhlina have a stupid little spat about how he doesn't believe her, she doesn't love him, yes she loves him, OK he loves her, he's going to show her how he really feels, he lays a wet one on her, but it's not his usual wide mouth bass smooch. This one is more like he's sucking on a hose, or maybe a bong pipe. The end.

P.S. Tonki is still AWOL.

Advance for tomorrow: Soledad is tied up on the bed. While Loco sleeps she frees herself and points a gun at him.


enfermo/a = sicko
escuincle/a = little nipper
estar conchabado/a con = to be in cahoots with
gruta = grotto, cave
guiñapo = rag
tirado/a = worn out, miserable

Labels: duelo

We open to Friday's closing scene - Gaviota laying in bed crying, when Max arrives and asks if he can see if Maxito is his son. Gaviota looks perplexed...

Next we're transported to the telenovela casting office, where Silvita comes stomping into the waiting room crying and screaming because she didn't get the part she wanted - the casting director told her she was the worst of them all! Little doormat tries to console her, but Silvia storms out of the room. Next Larry and Kique walk out looking somber. These two are such fine actors - neither is going to give away the surprise. Gaby asks which of them got the part, but we don't get our answer before we're whisked away to Ignacio's apartment.

At Ignacio's, Silvia is complaining to Camila about how frustrated she is for not getting the part. Of course Camila is not interested - she only wants to discuss her evil plan to get Maxi Maxi back. She tells Silvia that if Diana doesn't return, and he learns that Maxito is his, Camila can be the substitute mom! Silvia is not thrilled. Eeew - why would she want to be a mom to Diana's little bastard? But Silvita, you must see the big picture - this is the passport to Max's heart!

Back to the casting office, where we learn that Luscious got the job! He begins to gloat, but is cut off by Kique's announcement that he'll never win Gaby, as he takes her hand and leads her out the door.

We're transported to the selva where Andres is in bad shape after being shot by Ignacio. Ignacio wants to move on, but Diana the compassionate nurse tells him that Andres can't move in this condition. Andres asks her to forgive him for all of the pain he's caused her, and she tells him to calm down, she's not going anywhere. She and Ignacio argue - he doesn't know why she would want to stay with Andres, but Florence Nightengale reminds him that she's a nurse, and she must help him, as he's injured. He should do the same, as he's a doctor! Apparently the fact that Ignacio's the one who shot Andres has slipped her mind.

We move on to psycho mansion where Lala brings Maxito into Gaviota's room to see Maximilliano. Violins play as Max tells the little one that they share the same name and Gaviota thinks to herself that the baby is his, but she doesn't have the right to tell Max since Diana never did. I'm wondering - is this what Max meant when he asked if he could "see" if the baby is his? He just wants to look at him? Can't the TeleMiami hospital run a DNA test? Or is that department closed now that Dr. Evil has been let go? Enter Dona Santa, who sees Max holding the baby and asks if the baby is his, and is disappointed to hear that he's not. Max agrees.

Dona Santa is in the living room looking for one of her dolls when Diego rolls in and asks if she's seen Nancy. Dona says that she must be hiding like her doll Ileanita! But she just saw her grandson in Gaviota's room, and he's holding Diana's baby, who looks very much like him! Synthesizer of doom plays.

Back to the selva, where the ladies are trying to nurse Andres back to health while Ignacio opens his cell phone. I can't wait to see if his cell phone works in the middle of the selva!

We return to Gaviota's bedroom where Max is telling her that nothing would make him happier than to learn that the baby is his. His cell phone rings and it's none other than Ignacio! Ignacio does not reveal his identity - he's using a corner of his shirt to muffle his voice - he says that his identity is not important, but he's Diana's kidnapper. He tells Max about the plane crash, and that Diana is dead! Cut to commercial.

We return from commercial, where Max is still talking to Ignacio. He's telling Max that Diana died in the crash, but Max doesn't believe him. Ignacio tells him that if he wants to know the truth he should send a search party. Ignacio hangs up.

Back to the living room, Dona Santa is continuing to torture Diego with the details of Max's visit with the baby. Diego goes to the foot of the steps and proceeds to scream to Max to come down, and get out of the house. He has no right to be there.

In Gaviota's room, Lala is worried when she hears Diego's screams. It's so odd that she looks surprised - she had to know Diego wasn't going to be cool with this little meeting. I guess she didn't expect Dona Santa to spill the beans. Anyway, she takes the baby away as Max tells her that the caller said that Diana has been taken out of the country and it appears that she's dead. Gaviota faints.

At the foot of the stairs, Diego is having a conniption fit because Max hasn't come down yet. He's so furious that he pulls himself from the chair and stands at the foot of the stairs!

In the selva, the argument over whether the group will move on continues. Diana and Marfil say that Andres is too weak to walk, but Ignacio tells them that Andre's but luck is not his problem. As they argue, Marfil sees that he has his cell and asks why he hasn't called for help. He tells her to listen up, they're continuing with the plan - Andres is going to stay theri and die and the ladies are going to the manicomio.

Back to Gaviota's room, where Max is applying smelling salts to awaken Gaviota after her fainting spell. She awakes and asks him if Diana's really dead. He says that's what the person on the phone said, but they must investigate.

At the foot of the stairs, Dona Santa and Lala are thrilled to see that Diego was able to stand. Diego is sure that it means he'll walk again!

In the selva, it's the same argument - to move on or not to move on. While Diana argues with Ignacio, Marfil takes the opportunity to grab a log and crack Ignacio over the back of the head with it. He falls, but recovers quickly and runs after Marfil. Diana tries to get Andres to leave with her but he's too weak. Here's an interesting exchange - Andres tells her to look for the manicomio, it must be close. She responds that she doesnt' want to go there because they'll lock her up, but he promises that he won't let that happen. Is she foolish enough to believe him? All signs point to yes.

Meanwhile, Marfil is running aimlessly through the selva with Ignacio hot on her heels.

Back to Emilio's apartment where Larry is telling Yolanda the good news about the part that he got. He's finally going to realize his dream to be an actor. Yolanda tells him that soon he'll have thousands of fans chanting "Larry! Larry!" He tells her that would be great, more than that he's like to win Gaby's love. Too bad she wants a divorce.

At the mansion, Lala and Diego's happiness at his ability to stand is short lived. They're interrupted by Gaviota, Max, Miguelina, and Caramelo who tell him that Max has some news about Diana that he must hear. Diego wants to throw Max out on his ear, but the rest of the crew insist that he must hear what Max has to say. Max tells him that Diana is dead. And we cut to commercial.

After the break, we return to the selva where Diana is running aimlessly when she falls and hits her head.

Back to Ignacio's apartment, where Silvia is still dressed like Wonder Woman. They're discussing the timing of Camila's bombshell - she doesn't want to tell him unless she knows that Diana is not coming back.

At Paco's little apartment, he's reading the newspaper when Octavia announces that she and Bruna are going to the mall so that she can buy a new pair of shoes. He asks Bruna to leave them alone for a minute, and then asks her if she was telling the truth in Key West when she said that she didn't kill Reinosa. Cue the synthesizer of doom.

Selva: Marfil is still running with Ignacio in hot pursuit. He catches her on the beach and wrestles her to the ground, but this fiera is not going to go easily. She manages to kick him in the head and get both of his guns!

Next we see that Diana is still passed out on the ground. Wait - there's a man - or is it Howdy Doody? He's wearing a long sleeved red shirt covered by baggy denim overalls that are rolled up halfway to his knees, flip flops on his feet, and a straw hat on his head. His nursing skills are better than Diana's - the first thing he does is check her pulse. Diana is still unconscious when he asks who she is and says that he's "the cricket." He wonders aloud if she was on the plane that crashed.

Back to the mansion, where chaos has erupted. All of the ladies are sobbing uncontrollably as they hear the news of Diana's death. Max tells Diego that he will arrange a search party, and argues that he must be the one to do it because of Diego's condition.

Ignacio is now pleading for his life to Marfil, who has him at gunpoint. He punches her in the mouth and takes the guns before she has a chance to shoot. The two of them are wrestling and end up in the ocean, where Ignacio holds her under until she stops moving.

Octavia is assuring Paco that she didn't kill Reinosa. She's near tears as she tells him that this is all Fedora's fault - she's turned him against her! They can't be together if he doesn't trust her, and if he loves Fedora, he should return to her. Of course Paco falls for this. Of course he loves and trusts her.

Back to the selva where Ignacio has returned to where he left Andres and Diana and learns that they're gone. Malditos! Cut to commercial.

We return from commercial in time for the tension breaking scene of today's show, where Paola is running out of the ocean fulling dressed when Emilio just happens to be jogging by. (Apparently Emilio didn't get his swim trunks at the same store where Max shops. They're loose fitting white shorts, not the skin tight kind that the Irazabals like). Paola runs up and jumps into his arms while the Fiera song plays in the background. He asks why she's swimming in her clothes and she tells him it's the new style. He's no dummy - he knows that she's on drugs. He asks why her hubby is allowing this, and she tells him that he's distracted by his two wives. Emilio is impactado.

Ignacio is still searching for Diana and Andres as the sun sets.

At the mansion, everyone is huddled in the living room crying over the news, when Max and Gaviota enter and share the news that a private plane crashed a few days ago. Tomorrow they will go with the authorities to see if Diana was on the plane.

Next we're transported to a room where an IV hangs on a stand in the corner, then we zoom in on Diana's sleeping face. Is it a hospital? Wait! There are nuns in the room! It's the obligatory convent scene. We can't have an entire telenovela without putting someone in a convent! The nuns are wondering how Diana and her companion got there. They'll just have to wait until they wake up to find out. Just then, Diana wakes up! The sisters tell her not to worry, she's safe. Mother superior is there to take care of her. How did they arrive in the selva? And who shot her companion? But Diana falls asleep before she can answer. Mother superior goes off to see the cricket to see if he has any more detail. Cut to commercial.

We return from commercial, but I have to pause it to compose myself when I see the cricket again - he looks like he's about 4 feet tall as he's jumping up to dust a crucifix hanging on the wall. He's still wearing the goofy outfit, and now he has a big black smudge across his face. He pulls a chair over so that he can reach the crucifix, and Mother Superior scares him when she enters the room. She grabs him by the ear and asks what he was doing on her chair. There are nuns to clean the crucifix, he shouldn't be doing it. He's an hombrecito and she must teach him. This is like a conversation between Camila and Sylvia - too strange to take seriously.

Back to Ignacio's, where Max is telling Larry por telefono that he's leaving at 5 in the morning to see if Diana was on the plane that crashed. Silvia actually makes sense for a change when she asks him if it's a good idea for him to travel with Gaviota, who hates him and his family. He assures her that they've put their hatred aside for now. The important thing is to find Diana. Alive.

Back to the convent, where the cricket tells Mother Superior that he came across Diana and Andres when he was out foraging for food. He thinks that they could be from a plane that crashed a few days ago that his father told him about. He asks if he can see Diana and tell her that he was the one who rescued her.

In Diana's room, Grillo and Mother Superior walk into the room just as Diana awakes. They ask her if she was on the plan that crashed, but she doesn't remember. She doesn't remember her name either! Perfecto - now she has amnesia! Credits roll.

Labels: acorralada

* At Montalvo Corp., Gavi("Mariana") tells Margarita the truth about her plan to get hired at the corporation. Margarita is upset that it was at the expense of her losing her job - Mariana apologizes and works at assuring Margarita that this is only temporary - Margarita is still upset and doesn't believe Mariana - Mariana tells Margarita if after one month, she doesn't land a job as secretary and Margarita is rehired as receptionist, Mariana vows to resign completely. Margarita still doesn't believe it; Mariana gives her a hug.

* Minnie gets the shocking news from Aaron's new secretary that Aaron hired someone new as receptionist.

* Gavi goes home and sings the good news to Clara - she is the new receptionist at Montalvo Corp. and that Aaron himself hired her. Clara laughs and is happy for her daughter's good fortune. After Gavi finishes speaking in french, Clara laughs and then turns serious - she worries about the first encounter Gavi may have with Rod. Gavi assures her mom nothing bad will happen, she's changed, she's a different person now than she was then.

* Rod is on a plane, smiling at the thought of finding Gaviota.

* Hilario and SanDontchawanna are in the sitting area - SDCW has Hilario close his eyes as she starts to strip and turn out the lights - Hilario opens his eyes enough to toss a garment to her - she looks at it in the dark and is appaulled by it - Hilario tries to beg her to put it on - she is angry and claims it is something from his mom and storms out of the room - Hilario is about to chase after her when the phone rings. It's Isa asking where her hubby is - Hilario says he's on a trip to Veracruz - Isa flips out and thinks Rod is off on his search for Gavi again.

* Minnie talks with Aaron at their condo about Rod and Isa's marital problems and Sofia's strong influence on Isa to get pregnant with Rod's baby. As the discussion continues, Minnie starts to irritate Aaron and Aaron storms out.

* Gavi starts singing in the bathroom her mariachi field song - Clara happily listens and then enters the bathroom to talk to her daughter about the job and her new identity as "Mariana Franco" - Mom is happily on board with the plan.

* Crispin and Rod arrive at a ranch in Veracruz - Rod walks up behind a field worker with long curly hair and a brown straw wide-brimmed hat on, he touches her shoulder, she turns, he says sorry. He's upset and frustrated that it is another mistaken identity. Crispin tries to calm him down, Rod grumbles they will find Gavi - no matter what or how long it takes!

* Mariana lets several business people one at a time pass back to the offices for meetings. She works on the computer. Nestor and the Finance Director approach and Mariana introduces herself as last-minute replacement for Margarita.

* Minnie is in bed, thinking about Isa and Rod.

* Isa meets with her shrink, Dr. Leonel, to discuss her sexual problems and her marriage to Rod. During the conversation, Isa brings up Rod's obsession with another woman.

* Male employee storms into the Montalvo Corp. offices and up to Mariana's desk - he is upset about not receiving his paycheck and demands to talk to someone about getting in now. Mariana tries to calm him down and rationally explain to him to come back on Friday to pick it up - he refuses to budge, he wants his check now! She says he can't have it now, be reasonable, and come back on Friday - he become adamant and yells - Mariana grabs him by the jacket and yells at him right back - he leaves. Nestor comes over and tells Mariana not to get physical like that again with anyone. Mariana apologizes and asks Nestor not to say anything to Aaron. Nestor promises and leaves. Mariana assists another business person.

* Isa gets upset with her shrink as she discusses her outrage over Rod's obsession and her insomnia. She refuses to live without her husband.

* Rod returns to the hacienda and tells Roman about his trip and not finding Gavi. Hilario tells Rod about Isa's phone call and her reaction when he told her where Rod was.

* Gavi is at her desk, thinking about Clara's worries over her meeting with Rod at the corporation offices. Gavi then starts to daydream about Rod walking into the offices and right up to her desk and gently touching her cheek.

* Nestor and Aaron are in Aaron's office discussing what a great job Mariana is doing. Aaron's secretary enters and tells Aaron there's an important call for him on line one. Aaron isn't happy with the interruption and insults the secretary. She leaves. He mumbles something to Nestor.

* Don P approaches the reception desk and talks with Mariana - they miss Margarita and Mariana hopes soon Margarita can have her job back. Don P leaves and Aaron approaches and starts to talk with Mariana about her job. At this point, Minnie enters and starts on the attack about Mariana becoming Aaron's new playmate - Aaron grabs Minnie's arm - Mariana defends herself and her position with the company - Aaron grumbles at Minnie as he drags her outside. Nestor stands by Mariana and explains who the lady is (Aaron's jealous wife).

* Out on the sidewalk, Aaron tells Minnie off for her loud outburst and accusations of Mariana just now. Minnie starts to explain herself and her preocupations - Aaron doesn't want to hear it, he climbs into his car and takes off, leaving Minnie standing alone on the sidewalk.

* Sofia and Isa have lunch together - Isa grumbles about Rod's current trip to Veracruz to find Gavi - Sofia says search yes, but encounter I don't think so. Isa is curious; Sofia explains and then starts to open up about her feelings over losing James to the country. Isa vows not to lose Rod to anyone, not even a fieldworker.

* James meets with Don Berto and his niece Nacasia - Berto talks to him as Nacasia paints and reads James' palm.

* Outside near a street bookstore, Sofia and Isa discuss Isa's romantic dinner for Rod.

* Rod is at the hacienda, frustrated with his search and wondering where Gavi is - he misses her so much.

* Gavi and Clara are eating together at the apartment - Gavi tells her mom about Minnie's outburst and accusation at the office. Clara nods her head and gives her opinion.

* Minnie talks to Isa about Isa's appointment with the psychologist. Aaron comes home - Minnie gives him a hug and kiss - Aaron is happy to see his cousin-in-law. Isa tells them about all the time Rod has been spending on the hacienda. Isa asks Aaron for some information on Rod in London. Minnie talks with Aaron and excuses herself to go find Grizelda and check on dinner.

* James and Don Berto get drunk together at the patio cafe. Berto calls for Nacasia to bring another bottle of tequila. Berto passes out cold as she brings the bottle and holds it out for him to take. James and Nacasia drag Berto to his bedroom and plunk him on his bed. Berto calls out for another bottle - Nacasia and James leave - Berto calls out for Nacasia.

* Minnie listens as Aaron tells Isa that in London Rod never could sleep with anyone, he swears to this fact. Minnie chimes in by saying Rod's affair with the fieldworker came as a complete surprise to everyone. Aaron and Isa continue to discuss her desperation over Rod and his obsession. Aaron says that he will be there for her for advice. She is surprised and asks for further explanation. He says that he wants to be a friend to her like Sofia is.

* Nacasia seems depressed and embarrassed by her uncle as she walks with head down into the living room. James is there and asks her questions about her relationship with her uncle. She says that he promised to help her go to school and instead she's stuck here helping run the place. He starts to talk with her and says that he wants to get to know her better as a friend - she gets nervous - Berto calls out for James - James is confused - Nacasia tells James to go to Berto, he is calling - James leaves.

* Mariana speaks with Nestor about moving into a secretarial position at the company. Nestor says all the positions are filled, and besides she's doing a great job as receptionist. Mariana says that whenever there is an opening, she is interested in the position. Nestor leaves. Eugenia struts into the lobby and up to Mariana's desk - she wants to speak with Aaron Montalvo - Mariana calls Aaron's office to tell him that Eugenia is there to see him - Mariana tells Eugenia that Aaron isn't in the office right now - Eugenia doesn't believe the lie and refuses to leave without seeing him. Mariana asks Don P to cover for her at the reception desk for a few minutes and leaves.

* Mariana walks past the secretaries and enters Aaron's office. She tells Aaron that Eugenia doesn't buy the lie and asks what to do next.

* Mariana thanks Don P for covering for her. She politely explains to Eugenia that Aaron is busy in very important meetings and can't be disturbed. Eugenia seems to buy the excuse and says she will be at the apartment waiting for him. She leaves.

* SanDontchawanna escorts Isa inside the hacienda main house. At the stairs, Rod greets Isa with a smile and a hello. SanDontchawanna drags Isa's suitcase upstairs and glances down at Isa giving Rod a hug.

* At the reception desk, Aaron and Mariana discuss what happened with Eugenia and Aaron is pleased at Mariana's success in helping him with his personal, special projects.

Labels: Destilando

Okay, Feaettes & Feagents, it’s time for another episode of La Fea Mas Bella.

The episode opens with a shocked Fernando doing his best impression of the Lety eye twitch. Aldo doesn’t understand Fernando’s reaction and tries to calm him. Fernando explains that he was congratulating Aldo on his new job as a chef. Aldo asks if Lety’s spoken with Fernando. Fernando changes his tune and thinks that Aldo is trying to throw Fernando off his game so that Aldo will have a free chance at Lety. Aldo just shakes his head no. He grabs Fernando by the arms and says to leave this conversation as a mistake. The men fall into their usual routine of telling each other to stop breathing. Aldo says that he needs to leave to speak with Leticia. Fernando says he needs to speak with her first. Both men turn and run down the hall toward Lety’s office.

Marcia enters Luigi’s office just as Luigi and Lety talk about some changes that Luigi would like to implement. Marcia cordially makes reference to not knowing they were in the office talking. Lety immediately excuses herself. Marcia asks if Lety’s leaving because she entered the office. Lety says it’s not that. She and Luigi are done talking and now she has other business to attend. Lety tells Luigi to explain everything to Marcia. Luigi feigns frustration, but happily tells Lety that he needs to speak to his beloved platypus (Lety) later. Luigi jokes about the names Marci, Ferni and Orni. He mentions that it’s like a television show. Lety comes back by saying it was more like Luigi, Orni, Aldi.

Tomas enthusiastically congratulates Aldo for winning Lety’s love. Aldo tells Tomas about his little conversation with Fernando in the hall. Tomas laughs about the whole incident. Then the conversation turns serious. Tomas asks for advice. He wants to know how to make a sacrifice for his woman. Tomas explains that he sacrificed his car but it wasn’t enough. The Fortune Cookie speaks and talks about love as freedom and how it makes you forget yourself for your other. Aldo tells Tomas that one should not harass the one he loves. Tomas takes this to mean that he should whip her with his whip of scorn. (I’m guessing this means the Tomas is about to play the “I’m going to ignore you to show you that I like you” game. Correct me if I’m wrong.) Aldo gives Tomas a strange look.

Omar admires Aurora’s picture in the newspaper. He wonders to himself how to find her. There’s a knock on the door. Sara and the rest of the cuartel slowly enter the office. The cuartel nervously says that they just wanted to say hello to Omar. He tells them that he knows better than to fall for that. Lola pretends to be offended by this accusation. Omar decides to address Irmita. She explains that the cuartel knows that he’s the mysterious women’s boyfriend and they were wondering if he would help them win the competition. They explain that in order to win the contest they have to identify the mysterious woman. Omar says (out loud) to himself that he wishes he knew. The cuartel overhears this comment and Omar covers by saying that they shouldn’t bother his girlfriend. He encourages the cuartel to return to work. The cuartel reminds Omar that there is a God.

As the cuartel leaves, Fernando enters the office. He greets Irma with a kiss. They discuss the conversation with the cuartel and how Omar wants to find out the identity of Aurora. They don’t know that you would do give anything to know who she is because even you don’t know who she is. Omar smiles and says Fernando gave him a great idea. (Which makes me think that I just translated that phrase full of subjunctive verbs wrong! Help!)

Alicia enters Tomas’s office. She talks to him but he ignores her. Alicia threatens him and says that if he doesn’t answer, she’ll get up an leave. He’ll lose her for forever. Tomas continues to play the silence game. Alicia walks out of the door and gives Tomas one last look through the window. She charges back in and throws down his folder. He says that he didn’t here her come into the office. Alicia thinks that he’s trying to make her suffer. Tomas denies this. He says that he’s decided to let her go free. Alicia, justifiably, is confused. Tomas imitates the Fortune Cookie and says he wants to make Alicia free and happy. Alicia threatens to punish him with her whip of scorn. She coldly says “until never” and leaves. Tomas starts to chase her out of the office but then resolves to be strong.

The cuartel and Aldo talk about Lety’s absence. Aldo wants to talk to Lety before Fernando speaks with her. Lola suggest that Aldo go into Lety’s office and wait for her. Aldo agrees, but only because it’s an emergency. Tomas enters the room and announces that he’s going to eat at one of the best restaurants. Alicia waltzes through the Vortex with her clown kit and she looks shocked. Alicia asks Tomas if he’s going to leave her without food. Tomas reminds Alicia that he set her free. He tells her that he wanted all or nothing and he’s decided for nothing. He leaves the Vortex. Tomas watches from the elevator area while the cuartel makes fun of Alicia new misfortune.

Omar and Fernando discuss Omar’s obsession with Aurora. Fernando calls Omar crazy, but Omar rebuts by reminding Fernando of his “thing” with Lety. Fernando stands there with a sour yet sexy look on his face. Omar makes fun of the way Fernando runs off to talk to Lety. Fernando reminds Omar that he is Lety’s assistant. Plus, he’s intending to speak with her, but he doesn’t know where Lety is. Omar thinks this means that Lety must be with Aldo.

Ferni may have made fun of Omar’s comment, but it appears that Omar was right. Lety comes into her office and rushes over to her Fortune Cookie. She tells him that she was with Luigi. Aldo explains that he accidentally told Fernando about Lety’s decision. Aldo pleads with Lety to speak to Fernando. Halfway through this conversation, Fernando stands by the office door, listening to the conversation. He begins his own freaky eye twitch and then starts to cry.

Fernando wipes his eyes and leaves the office area. Lety confirms to Aldo that she will speak with Fernando. Aldo says that if he and Lety are hiding the relationship, it’s like they’re doing something bad. Lety agrees. They kiss and discuss talking with Fernando some more. Aldo invites Lety out to eat. The pair leave the office arm in arm. Aldo announces to the cuartel that he and Lety will be gone for a long time. Alicia uses this opportunity to say that she thinks that Conceptos, as a decent business, should provide a place to eat for its employees. Martha agrees. Lety excuses herself anyway. After she leaves, the cuartel decides to leave for the comadilla to talk about the whole situation. Alicia is left alone and hungry.

Fernando sits alone in the boardroom and cries about Lety choosing Aldo. He can’t believe she chose Aldo. Fernando know that Lety loves him, not Aldo.

Omar speaks calls Mr. Orijel in order to find out everything that that Mr. Orijel has ascertained about Aurora. This earns Omar the dial tone. Omar tries calling Caro. She tells Omar that Aurora doesn’t want to see him again. He replies by saying that he doesn’t want to see Aurora either. Omar explains that he feels indebted to Caro and would like to take her out to eat. Caro says she doesn’t think she can. Omar says he’s coming to look for her anyway. Caro agrees, as long as Omar doesn’t talk about Aurora.

Luigi steps off the elevator and immediately runs into a squealing Alicia. She asks what he has in his hands. “Fingers,” he replies. No, Alicia wants to know what’s in the bag. Luigi won’t let her see. He explains that it’s his food. Alicia notices the stores name. She tells Luigi that she read in the newspaper that they’ve been selling rotten food. Luigi says he can’t believe it…Alicia read the newspaper! Alicia says it’s more like she heard it on the news. Luigi checks his food and says it looks fine. He pretends to throw a hissy fit. He can’t believe that Alicia would take advantage of his innocence in order to take his food! Alicia also plays pretend. All she was trying to do was save Luigi’s life! He reacts by pretending to feed Alicia a piece of sushi, but puts it into his own mouth instead.

Lety and her Fortune Cookie walk through a park. A mime gives her a flower and then gives Aldo the stem. The mime takes Lety from Aldo and has everyone applaud her. Aldo smiles and applauds while the mime plays with Lety’s hand.

Fernando re-enters Omar’s office and tells Omar that he’s going to kill someone. Fernando tells Omar that Lety chose Aldo. He overheard them talking, and it’s for sure. Fernando says he’s not going to resign himself to losing Lety. Fernando wants to kill somebody, particularly Aldo. He’s thinking of suffocating Aldo. Omar reminds Fernando that he would go to jail for many years if he did that. Omar suggest that Fernando go home. Fernando doesn’t think that’s a good idea because he’ll burn his house down. (Overreact much, Fernandito?) He’s not going to speak with anyone.

The mime continues his antics, but Lety and Aldo move on. Lety doesn’t like that Aldo’s working for a salary in a restaurant. Aldo assures Lety that he like the job and not to worry. Lety thinks that Conceptos should pay back the money to Aldo. Aldo reminds Lety that if Conceptos paid him, the company would have no capital to pay for its projects. Lety asks Aldo how far he’ll sacrifice himself for her. Aldo replies that if she’s the love of her life, then none of this is a sacrifice. The Fortune Cookie and the Platypus kiss.

While at lunch, Omar explains to Caro that life has taught him to take the best from every experience. He tries one of his lines on Caro, but she reminds him that she is immune to them. He’s going to have to do something more and change his methods. Omar asks for help conquering Aurora. Caro gets up to leave because Omar promised not to talk about Aurora, but that’s really the only thing he cares about. Omar protests, but she leaves anyway.

The cuartel marches into the Vortex. Fernando halts them and asks PM if she’s heard from Lety. PM replies that Lety is in her office and looking for Fernando. At that moment Lety exists the president’s office. Fernando immediately takes off in the opposite direction. Lety gives chase. The cuartel, for once, is left speechless.

Fernando hides himself from Lety in Aldo’s office. Aldo spooks him by walking up behind Fernando. Aldo wants to know what he can do for Fernando. Fernando says he came into the office by mistake. At that moment, Lety enters the office. Disgusted for getting caught, Fernando smacks his head.

Fernando freaks out and says that they should forget that he was in the office. He wants to leave. Aldo thinks it would be better if Fernando stays and talks. Fernando excuses himself and rushes out of the office. Aldo and Lety just look at each other.

PM shyly enters Omar’s office. Because his plan with Caro failed, Omar explains to PM that he needs to vent to someone and he doesn’t want anyone to find out. PM pulls down her shirt and invites Omar to talk. Omar stares at her chest and then changes the subject to Aurora. He explains to PM that Caro knows everything about Aurora. Omar says that he’s speaking with PM because he knows that PM is very discreet and because she would never go to Caro to bother he about information about Aurora. PM tells Omar not to worry and excuses herself, but doesn’t leave before making sure that Omar doesn’t want another try at her. Once PM leaves, Omar congratulates himself because now Caro won’t have a moment of peace.

Fernando rushes through Lety’s office. She tries to talk to him but he runs to the cave. She knocks on the door, but he says he’s busy. She again to talk to him, but he refuses. Lety, extremely frustrated, sits at her desk.

Tomas talks some more with Aldo about Alicia. Tomas knows that his girl is suffering and he doesn’t like it. The Fortune Cookie encourages Tomas to be strong. Tomas lists all the problems that Alicia could be having. Aldo doesn’t understand because no one falls in love with ugly people. “Well, you did fall in love with Lety, but this is a different topic.” Aldo again encourages Tomas to resist his urge to care for Alicia. Tomas gives in and insists on going to see his woman. Aldo holds Tomas from leaving.

Fernando talks some more to himself in his office. He’s going crazy. He leaves the office and rushes through Lety’s. In the Vortex he runs into Luigi who scolds Fernando. Lety leaves her office and enters the Vortex. She says Fernando’s name. He carries Luigi away into his office. Fernando stands at the door, peeking outside to look for Lety.

PM and the cuartel sit in the vortex, shocked at what just happened. PM asks Lety what just happened. Lety screams out “nothing” several times and goes back to her office.

Still peeking through the door, Fernando sees that Lety didn’t follow him. He sits himself in front of Luigi’s desk.

The cuartel discuss the Lety, Aldo, Fernando situation. Next, they change topics to Caro. The instant Caro walks into the building they plan on taking her to the boardroom. Perfectly timed, Caro walks off the elevator. Caro can tell something’s up, but the cuartel plays coy.

Luigi asks Fernando what he wants. Fernando doesn’t want anything. He immediately gets up to exit, leaving an exasperated Luigi to talk to himself about the crazy people at Conceptos.

Tomas sneaks past Alicia in the Vortex. She stops him to ask if he’s leaving. He tries to play cool, but he can’t even look at Alicia. She pulls him to her and accuses him of being mad. He’s made her suffer. Tomas tries to resist, but visibly weakens. She asks for help paying for a hotel. Marcia’s apartment is so small, that she thinks it would be better for her in a hotel. Tomas denies this request, but with some “convincing” from Alicia he weakens some more.

The cuartel holds Caro in its version of the boardroom, the women’s restroom. Caro confirms that Aurora is her friend. They cuartel pleads for help, but Caro says that she can’t. The cuartel catches on that Omar deceived them. Sara tells Caro about Omar’s little plan. Caro thinks it would be a good idea to teach Omar a lesson. The cuartel agrees.

Fernando wanders the halls of Conceptos, trying to avoid Lety. It doesn’t work. Lety finds him. He begs Lety not to tell him. Fernando explains that he already knows. He tells Lety about the conversation with Aldo and then overhearing Lety and Aldo in her office. Lety asks Fernando for pardon. She didn’t know how to tell him; she hugs Fernando. Fernando clutches onto Lety and says that he wanted to believe it was just a dream, or a nightmare. Lety thanks him for leaving her free, but Fernando says that is the moment he dug his own grave. He asks Lety to forget about him and to be happy, so that one of them can be happy. Fernando excuses himself to work. Lety leaves and Fernando stays in the hallway, crying.

In honor of the preview for tomorrow, a quote dedicated to Tomas & Alicia:

Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing; a confusion of the real with the ideal never goes unpunished.
~Goethe

Labels: fea

Part two is now added and posted below, thanks for your patience.

Esmeralda is found in the woods by Capt. Pizarro. She tells him that she started off for a walk with her horse and at some point he got scared and ran away. She’s been wandering around lost for hours. Pizarro tells her that he knows she is lying. He knows that she had something to do with the gypsies attacking Callao Prison and freeing Sara Kali. At the mention of her mother’s name, Esme seems shocked, but covers right away. She tells Piza that she has no idea what he is talking about. Piza doesn’t back up an inch, in fact he pushes forward. He demands that Esme tell him where her mother is hiding. He tells her that all who helped SK escape will be punished by death. He adds that includes her and pulls out his sword and puts the tip to her neck. Now, tell me where your mother is hiding.

Sara Kali is sitting along a pathway with the gypsies, still not hiding too well. She is trying to tell them that she should turn herself into Montero in order to free the women he has taken as prisoner. Laisha likes the idea. Renzo and Javier don’t. Renzo tells SK that they all are willing to risk themselves for the queen, the women too. Laisha attempts to protest but Renzo stops her. Just then Jonas and some other gypsies find them (because they are hanging out in the open, not concerned with being found by Monty’s men). Jonas tells them he’s glad he found them, he was worried about them—ulcer number one for the episode. He and Renzo rehash Esme running off as a decoy for the bounty hunters. They rehash a little about Laisha being released to bring the gypsy men a message. Jonas isn’t too concerned about the women and he tells SK there is no need for her to turn herself into Monty. He’s got some men in place who will rescue the women, meanwhile their most important task is to find Esme. They agree that some will take SK into hiding and the rest will look for Esme. Immediately Renzo jumps into the search party camp. SK pulls Renzo aside and asks him to find Esme and to take care of her. She also tells him to remind Esme that the necklace she is wearing is all of SK’s fortune.

Diego is still in the cave, asleep in the bed. Padre Tomas is watching over him. Diego hears Beyonce’s “Amor Gitano” and has a dream of a dancing woman. She’s dancing in a flamenco style, and we never see her face. By all indications it looks like Esme. D wakes up and PT reintroduces himself. D is still confused and wants to know where he is. PT tells him they are in a cave. He explains that they are hiding because there is a powerful person who has accused D of doing something he didn’t do. PT fills D in on a little bit of his personal stats---his name, who his father is, etc. Diego wants to know more—is he married, does he have children. PT decides it is best to avoid all that right now. He tells D to rest and they’ll get to all that later. Diego tells PT about his dream and how he felt some peace having they dream woman near. PT mumbles something about Esme and how he hopes she is safe.

Mariangel and Fernando are struggling over the gun. Mangle is telling him to let go of it. You would think FS would have learned that fighting over a loaded gun is dangerous, but I guess it is a lesson he hasn’t quite learned. Mangle is able to yank it away from FS and she demands to know why he was trying to kill himself, what led him to this point. There is some honest concern here on her part, I didn’t think she was capable of caring for someone other than herself. Fernando tells her that he is responsible for killing the woman that he loves. Mangle says something about that damn woman, Maria Pia. FS says he doesn’t deserve to live and Mangle replies that MP isn’t worth it. FS tells her that she cannot understand, she has never loved like he has loved Maria Pia. He goes on about how happy he was to get her back and how they were going to finally be together when MP found out his secrets. Mangle asks what secrets, but FS ignores her. He goes on about how now MP looks at him with hate and he starts to cry. Mangle tells him that MP is not worth any of his tears. FS looks at her softly and says that he loves her and goes to give his daughter a hug. NOW give me the GUN, he demands. They start to struggle all over again for the gun. It accidentally goes off, but doesn’t hit anyone. The housekeeping staff runs into the room, screaming. Father and daughter still struggle over the gun. Several of Fernando’s soldiers come running into the room and they are able to subdue him and break up the struggle.

Alejandro and Juan are still watching the de la Vega hacienda. Al rehashes to Juan about how Fernando had mistreated the Indians in the past. He tells Juan that he overlooked that, trying not to judge his friend too harshly. Al wants to know why FS didn’t tell him about killing Regina---I think that’s pretty obvious, how do you tell your best friend that you murdered his wife and all her family. I mean how do you start that conversation? Al tells Juan that he needs to go to the city. Juan warns him that Monty has it out for Al and would be looking for him. Al doesn’t care, he needs to talk to Fernando.
Tobias has been released from prison. He is getting a massage from Catalina. They rehash how Piza wants Tobi to impersonate Zorro. Tobi is concerned that this could be dangerous.

Padre Tomas packs up some of Zorro’s things. He says to himself that Zorro will have to go away for awhile and how the city will miss him. Diego wakes up. PT tells him that he’s got to go get some supplies and check on things. He leaves Diego alone. Diego finds Tornado and admires the horse, but doesn’t realize that T belongs to him.

Piza tells Esme he’s taking her to prison. She hauls off and smacks him. Piza starts to choke her and suddenly Renzo shows up. He and Piza spar. Piza uses his sword and Renzo avoids any hits with his acrobatic abilities. Renzo is able to get Piza to stick the sword into a tree, but he gets too close and Piza is able to elbow him in the face.

Outside the Sanchez home, Al leaves Juan to be on the look out. Oh yeah, and by the way, can I borrow your gun Juan? (This leaves Juan defenseless in case something were to happen, but Al doesn’t at all seem concerned about his employee.) Al knocks down some soldiers at the door of the house, they actually fall down like bowling pins, it made me laugh. He finds Mangle an apologizes to her for entering the house this way. She tells him that everyone is nuts. Now we see Fernando across the room. He is sitting in a chair, staring out into space. His hands are tied up. Al asks why Fernando is like this. Mangle says he went crazy, he wanted to die. She asks Al to leave, but he wants to know if she has any idea where Almudena, Maria Pia, or Diego can be found. She answers that she has no idea about Diego, but the women are at the doctor/dentist/barber/gravedigger’s. She fills Al in on Maria Pia being the patient, but tells him that she has no details.

Maria Pia is awake and talking to Dena. She tells Dena that she would have forgiven Fernando for anything, except a lie. They rehash the almost wedding & the not dead previous wife and Dena apologizes for stopping the nuptials. MP tells her that it wasn’t her fault. MP mumbles some more….she tells Dena that FS isn’t bad in the bottom of his heart. She asks Dena to forgive Fernando and to take care of him.

Esme attempts to help Renzo. She picks up a large stick and tries to knock Piza on his block. No success, Piza is able to knock Renzo down and he repeatedly kicks him. Esme tells him that’s enough, but of course Piza doesn’t listen. Two soldiers arrive on horseback. Things look pretty bad for Esme and Renzo.

Al finds the doctor and asks after Maria Pia. The doctor tells him that things don’t look so good, but it appears that the gunshot was an accident (how he knows this, I don’t know---perhaps we can add forensic specialist to his list of careers). The bullet was in a vital area and if he were to operate she’d lose a lot of blood and would most likely die. Anyway, it looks pretty serious and they should probably start getting ready for the funeral. Al gets a little ticked at the doctor, he tells him that he should be more concerned about his patients’ lives then he is about getting ready for funerals. Al goes in the room, there is a coffin leaning against the wall. He hugs Dena and she rehashes the foiled elopement.

Bernardo and Yumali are still at the de la Vega’s gathering arms. He tells/signs to Yumi that he wants to look for Diego. She says go ahead.

Dolores and SAM are looking out their prison window, they see Esme and Renzo being taken into the prison. Dolo is worried about Diego and Al (ulcer 2), but doesn’t seem overly concerned about Esme (if she only knew that Esme was carrying her precious Diego’s child, then she might show a little more concern). SAM tells her that with martial law, now Monty can do anything he wants.

Piza finds Auggie and Manny. He’s going to give them another shot at proving themselves. They will be responsible for guarding the two new prisoners. Piza goes to talk to Esme, he tells her that Monty is out of town. Piza warns her that he will get the info he wants, even if he has to use the torture chamber as a means to getting it.

PART TWO

Al and Maria Pia talk. Al reminisces about their childhood with their parents---ahhh happy times. Al tells his sister that she cannot leave him and that as a de la Vega she must fight to the end, to never give up (at this point I was thinking to myself that in a way, death is an end, so possibly not the advice he’s looking to give). Al tells MP that he has to leave, but he insists that he’ll see her again. He tells Dena to stay, that he has to go fight Monty and then he tells her that he doesn’t deserve her, he loves her, but he isn’t deserving (talk about a bit of an understatement). They tell each other to be careful and Al tells Dena that he’ll come for her as soon as he can (so let’s see, he’s leaving the wife behind, but will be taking the mistress to battle with him, seems pretty strange to me). The couple kisses goodbye.

In prison, Esme worries (ulcer-3), she says to Renzo that she is concerned for her unborn son, that his life is in danger. Oh yeah, I believe that Pizarro mentioned something earlier in the episode about cutting the baby out of her, what a nice guy. Renzo tries to console her, that Monty won’t let anything happen to his son. Esme decides it is ‘to tell the truth’ time and tells Renzo that the baby isn’t Monty’s, it’s Diego’s. For some reason, this seems to shock Renzo…so I guess it was less shocking to think that she loved one man, married another and then immediately got with child with the man she married….somehow I think the Diego pregnancy makes more sense, but then again I’m in the viewing audience.

Bernardo finds Diego. They have a little bit of a communication problem, as amnesiatic Diego doesn’t understand Bernie’s signs. He tells Bernie to write it down. Bernie fills Diego in on what kind of man he used to be…..one who loved poetry and women. He was an attorney and abhors violence. In fact, he doesn’t even know how to use a sword. This news bums Diego out. He calls himself a loser with a capital “L”. I think Bernie was wise in trying to keep Diego from acting in a manner inconsistent with the public image of Diego de la Vega, but I wonder if this will actually lead to more problems (cue foreshadowing music, and of course know that I’ve seen previews for tonight’s episode).

Olmos finds Mangle. She asks him why he left her alone and she fills him in on FS’s attempt at committing suicide. Mangle explains why Fernando is restrained and she blames Maria Pia for the whole thing. Meanwhile, Fernando has absolutely no reaction, he’s just sitting in the chair staring off into Lord knows where. WOW, another great performance, IMHO. Mangle decides that Olmos is like ask Jeeves, she wants to know if Fernando is going to recuperate. Olmos doesn’t give a committed answer. Mangle begs FS to get better and return to her, otherwise she’s alone. Olmos reminds her that she still has him, and Mangle doesn’t laugh.

The gypsies are ambushed and at first all we see are the assailants’ rifles. Javier gets shot, it looks like only in the shoulder, so he should be able to recover I would think. Jonas gets everyone to head for the trees. Two of the gitanos carry Sara Kali (I’d think this would make her more of a target for shooting practice). We are shown that the shots are coming from two soldiers who happened upon the gypsies. One says he’ll hold down the fire, the other should go for help.

Hermana Carola is talking to Padre Tomas who’s stopped off at the Church. They rehash what’s going on with Sister Suplicios/ Nutty Nun and how the Cardinal has called in a man to complete an exorcism. In the almost nunnery, Nutty is questioning who this man is standing beside her bed. Brother Aaron doesn’t answer, but starts to chant something and begins to sprinkle holy water. Camba is watching from a hiding spot. NN demands that BA look at her, she starts to thrash in the bed and it almost looks like she’s freed herself from her restraints, but I’m not sure. She demands again that he look at her, and then she starts to use the creepy voice, “look at me” and then “save your soul Aaron” Meanwhile, if hiding Camba could speak, I’m sure he would say he’s worried since he’s got the worried face on (ulcer-4).

The doctor/dentist/barber/gravedigger goes to see Fernando. He tells FS that there has been a miracle, since we don’t know what hat he is currently wearing, it is anyone’s guess to what kind of miracle he’s referring----doctor= Maria Pia has had a recovery, dentist= Novocain has been invented, barber= the mullet has gone out of style (not that it ever WAS in style), or gravedigger= pine is on sale so he can make a fortune off of his coffin sales.

Yumi meets up with Al. She gives him his uniform. He tells her it is time for justice and now he is going to show Montero what kind of soldier he used to be….makes me wonder if he’s going to be like those guys who go back and put on their football uniforms from high school. Will it be too tight, with gaps at the buttons? Will Al think he’s still operating at the same level he was years before and push himself too hard and end up with some sort of groin injury (poor Yumi, if that happens)?

Montero has returned and is paying a little visit to the little woman in prison. She acts all happy to see him, she even gives him a hug. Esme cries to Monty about how terribly Piza has treated her, she goes on about how she has no idea what he’s accusing her of doing, etc. Monty says yes, Piza should be reprimanded for not following orders. He asks Esme if she would like to know what his orders were, and he goes ahead and tells her that Piza was suppose to kill her, so he will be punished. END OF EPISODE/ Final ulcer count is 4.

Labels: Zorro

WARNING: This is a Gaspar—Luba—Tonki free episode. If you only watch the show for these guys, save some time and skip this one.


Knock Knock Knock! “Alina, open up!” It’s Emilio and he’s mighty impatient to see Alina, for his brother Angel’s sake of course. BAM, he kicks the door open and is impactado to find Orlando in bed with Alina. “What does this mean?” asks Emilio tersely, Thelma comes in behind him yelling “Emilio, calm down!” Orlando (who appears to be wearing pants still) hisses that Emilio had no right to barge in. He puts on his shirt, which Emilio promptly uses to hold him by the collar and drag him out of the room. “What have you were you doing with Alina!” he snarls. Thelma follows them outside, continuing with her “Emilio, please stop!” whining. Orlando suddenly finds his voice and snarls back: “It’s perfectly obvious what happened. I made Alina mine. She gave herself to me.” Emilio punches him in the jaw, shouting “Liar!” Emilio shouts to Thelma to leave them alone. Thelma rushes off. Orlando says, rubbing his jaw, “OK, now we can be alone and talk like two civilized men.”


Over at La Rinconada, Don Loco and Alfonsina are finishing their conversation about what Alfonsina saw out the window when Adela locked her in her room and DL was out getting the doctor for Mariana. Alfonsina had played this all wrong, making her offer of information sound like blackmail and DL was too angered by that to care much about what information Alfonsina had. (He quotes a saying that got mangled by the satellite transmission “When the dog….” Can someone fill in the blanks?) “How quickly you learned how to cash in. Imagine you, trying to blackmail me!” He slaps her hard and she flops on the bed. “Now you are going to tell me what you know.” Alfonsina pleads for him not to hit her. “But first, you are going to tell me what you wanted in return.”

Back to Orlando and Emilio and their screaming match back in the corridor outside Alina’s room at La Rinconada—Orlando: “That’s the way it was, and by the way, you have no right to ask me!” Emilio: “Of course I have a right. I asked you to take care of her and you failed!” Orlando: “Who gave you rights over Alina?” Emilio is impactado, because this is true but also perhaps due to the vehemence of Orlando’s self defense. Orlando has always been under Emilio’s thumb, Emilio outranks him, but now the worm has turned (literally) and Emilio is shocked! Shocked! to find this deep pool of resentment where Orlando is standing.

Back to whimpering Alfonsina, under the thumb of DL . She confesses that she wants a little bit of land that can be hers when DL tires of her. She tells him that she now realizes that he only brought her to SE to make his wife jealous and that he doesn’t really care about her. “That hurt me a lot” she sniffs. She continues on that she thought that he’d get tired of Soledad, divorce her and that she would be the lady of the house. She would no longer be poor! “Now I realize that that will never happen.” Sniff Sniff. DL grabs her roughly. “What, did you think I would sign over the hacienda to you?” Alfonsina changes the subject. “I can tell you for sure that your Senora is cheating on you.”

Back to Orlando vs. Emilio. Orlando yells at Emilio again about what right does he have over Alina? Emilio is married, Alina is nothing to him, so what if Orlando wants to sleep with her? “We’re both adults, so what if we love eachother?” Emilio grabs him by the collar again. Emilio points out that his brother wanted to marry Alina. He told him this before he left. “You failed me, Orlando!” Just then, Vera rushes in to say that Angel is having another attack. Emilio rushes out with her. Orlando smiles, straightens his shirt and then laughs: “Finally, I’ve beaten you, Emilio!”

Alfonsina is now cowering next to a piece of furniture with DL glowering at her. She coughs up the bit about seeing a man leave Soledad’s room from her window. Don Loco grabs her by the neck and squeezes threatening her that if she’s lying…Alfonsina, crying, swears she’s telling the truth.

Back to Alina’s room at la Rinconada. Alina is still sleeping through all this. Orlando goes back in. He thanks her sleeping form that in spite of the fact that he didn’t get what he wanted, he still got back at Emilio for getting all the chicks all these years.

In Angel’s room, Emilio is hovering over Angel, with Vera nearby. Angel is drinking a glass of water. Emilio sends Vera for the doctor, over Angel’s protests. Angel quizzes Emilio about what Thelma and Vera had said, that Alina is in love with Orlando. Emilio looks uneasy.

Meanwhile, Orlando, fully clothed, has jumped back in bed with Alina. Alina wakes up and realizes that she’s naked in bed with Orlando. Orlando tries to make her think that he did have sex with her. Alina is horrified and tells him he’s lying. Orlando gets up and laughs saying, “If you don’t believe me, ask Thelma and Emilio! They came in and found us in bed!” Alina repeats,”Emilio!” He has returned! Orlando taunts her that Emilio was surprised to see her in such a “compromising situation.” Alina yells at him to shut up and starts crying. She then starts yelling about how she now knows that Thelma and he trapped her and that she’s going to tell Emilio everything . Orlando leaves, laughing. [Sorry, Alina, I’m with Orlando on this one, Emilio is NOT going to believe you, at least not for at least a week of episodes…]

Emilio finally responds to Angel’s questions. He blows off the assertion that Alina is in love with Orlando. He says that in a small town, everybody gossips and invents stuff. He lies and says he spoke with Orlando and that Orlando would have told him. Angel then asked why Alina hadn’t shown up yet. “Because she’s asleep and I didn’t want to wake her” Emilio lies some more. Angel accepts this pack of lies.

Back over to Alina, who has just taken a shower and is wrapped up in a robe and a towel. She is no longer hysterical but quite calm. Maybe she’s figured out that she hasn’t been raped after all. She laments that Emilio saw her in bed with Orlando. “What must he be thinking of me?”Next, Dr. Vazquez has arrived. [Why don’t they just build the poor guy a house next door?] The doc is perplexed to see Angel look so badly after his treatment with the specialist in Puebla. Angel kicks Emilio out of the room and tells the doc not to bother, he knows what’s wrong.

Back to Don Loco and Alfonsina’s tiff. DL is totally in his own world now, pouring himself a drink and mumbling to himself that Soledad is STILL cheating on him, even after all this time. Alfonsina goes into suck up mode, “Oh Patron, how terrible for you! As good as you are!” DL wants to know what happened in that room. Alfonsina elaborates that the man she saw hurried away so as not to run into him, not even by accident. DL then demands she describe the man she saw.

Outside Angel’s room, Emilio encounters Thelma. Thelma asks how Angel is and Emilio says, he’s better. Then she asks how he is. Emilio responds “OK” curtly. Thelma says she feels sorry for him that he had to see Alina in such an embarrassing situation. She says she “didn’t like it” but she tried to “understand it” and she thinks that Emilio should try to “understand it” too. Emilio is puzzled. Thelma explains that Alina was desperate to find a man to protect her. “And since Angel left…” Emilio cuts her off but Thelma keeps going. She runs Alina down some more, calling her a dead mosquito, etc. She points out that Orlando and Alina are lovers so that’s that. Emilio gets disgusted and leaves. Thelma says to nobody in particular, “Why is he mad?”


Back to Alfonsina who is finishing a description of the mystery man to DL. Alfonsina says that’s all she saw from the window. DL says “OK, now go.” Alfonsina reaches to touch him and DL gets furious and stands up shouting at her to leave him alone. She hustles out. DL is sure from the description that it’s Elias.

Over at la Rinconada, Braulio, Carmen and Rosita have formed a posse to speak to Don Max and tell him to give up what he did with Santos. Castulo is apparently the bouncer for the evening. He tosses Braulio on the floor telling them to go away, Don Max is asleep. Rosita runs to her father and says they should go. (She doesn’t like this guy for some reason.) Carmen is insistent. Castulo tells her to come back in the morning. They all skulk off. Castulo scratches his beard and announces to the air “If she only knew that her son was already a rotten corpse.”

Of course we know that’s not true. Santos was rescued by the defrocked psychiatrist hermit. Santos has amnesia and the doctor is trying to help him regain his memory through hypnosis. He gets Santos to remember the fight but then he wakes in a lather. He says the fight made him feel angry, like he wanted to kill someone. He doesn’t want to remember.


Over to Emilio at La Rinconada who is also trying to forget the image of Alina in bed with Orlando. At that point, Alina walks in and tries to defend herself with a skeptical and hostile Emilio. She tells him that she was drugged with tea, given to her by Thelma. Vera happens by and Alina asks her about what happened to the remaining tea in the teapot. Vera says she put it to wash but she hadn’t gotten to it yet. Emilio orders her to go get it.

Angel is talking to Doc Vasquez. He explains that he isn’t telling Emilio that he’s dying because he wants to marry Alina to protect her. The doctor commends him for being an “Angel” to Alina. He promises not to tell Emilio anything. He still wants to check Angel’s lungs.


Thelma and Orlando are conferring in Thelma’s room. Orlando is pacing the room freaking out that Emilio will believe Alina. Thelma is completely calm because she knows she dispatched the evidence of the drugged tea. [And we know Emilio, he’ll immediately jump to the wrong conclusions immediately.] Orlando is still drunk or out of his mind because he’s slurring his words and acting like a loon. Thelma tells him to lock himself in his room and not to confront Emilio.


Vera has brought the teapot to Alina and Emilio. She says that the teapot still has a little tea. Emilio drinks some of the cold tea to see whether she is telling the truth. [I thought Thelma had replaced the tea with water, but I guess she replaced it with Tea??]


Next we change scenery—We’re in Puebla. It’s Coral’s room in the big mansion and she’s sleeping. The evil nephew of Don Celso comes into her bedroom and after a brief fight knocks her out. He then lights a bunch of roman candles or flares in her room and throws them on the carpet. He runs out. Man, Coral! The first thing I would have done is change the locks!!


Over at Hacienda de Loco, Soledad can’t sleep. Apparently DL has given her a tiny twin bed next to Mariana’s huge double bed, to make sure she gets the hint that she’s a servant to Mariana. Soledad flips on a light and goes to get water. She’s surprised by DL who comes in without knocking, as usual and accuses her of meeting “her lover” Elias while he was out.


Back to Alina and Emilio. Alina asks him if he still feels nothing. Emilio says no, it’s been 20 minutes already. Emilio gets up and says that it’s not drugged and anyway, he has no right to ask her any more questions about what happened anyway. [Yep, he’s convinced she’s lying and everybody else is telling the truth]


Now back to Soledad and Loco—Soledad says that every day Loco is more Loco. She tells him that Elias is not her lover. DL yells at her not to pretend. Alfonsina saw him leave. Soledad starts in on Alfonsina’s credibility: “That woman only wants to alienate you from me.” DL doesn’t buy it. He starts in on the whole “Elias is your lover, you are just trying to protect your lover” crap No, he’s not going to kill Soledad…YET..but he is going to kill Elias. He turns to Mariana then leaves. Soledad bends down to pick up her glass crying saying that she wants "the nightmare to be over." Mariana looks at her with pity.


Alina and Emilio are still discussing Alina’s story. Alina is trying to convince him, Emilio doesn’t want to hear her explanation. Alina insists that she didn’t consent to whatever happened. Emilio throws the letter she sent in her face, that Orlando was being nice to her...etc. Alina says that he made her believe he was her friend and then he sprung the trap. And besides, points out Alina, if he was my lover, why would I be telling you that he drugged me? [and raped me?]


Back in Puebla, Coral has woken up, coughing. She’s found the door to the bedroom locked.


Emilio says only you know why you would lie. He acts all disgusted that she would go to bed with Orlando. [Really, no wonder Orlando hates you so much when you think the idea of him having sex at all is disgusting, some pal you are!] Alina keeps insisting that Orlando entrapped her. Thelma comes in to add her two cents. “Don’t believe her, Emilio! Alina is lying.” Thelma spins the story this way: Alina thought Angel was dying so she switched to Orlando. Now that Angel is better, she’s dumping Orlando for Angel. Emilio plops in a chair, his head in his hands. All the time Alina is trying to deny this. Thelma goes on, Angel is weak and rich, she probably thinks she can do whatever she wants anyway. Alina cries out to Emilio that he can’t believe this…Emilio gets up shouting “Enough!” He kicks both of them out of the room.

Coral is still trying to break open her door. [Doesn’t this room have any windows?] She grabs a heavy statue and bashes the door with it.


Alina goes into her room with the broken door and flops on her bed. “Emilio doesn’t believe me!” She weeps.

Coral has gotten out of her room and is calling the fire department on the phone from her burning house. Next she calls her friends on the phone, from her burning house, complaining that she is choking to death.

DL is smoking a cigar in his office. He has summoned Sergio. He tells him to prepare the horses.

Soledad is desperate. She’s trying to figure out how to warn Elias that DL is coming. Soledad asks Mariana (who is also awake) whether she wants water. Mariana has tears streaking down her face.

Thelma, looking very jiffy-pop today, I might add, is in conversation with the singing Aunt. The SA is asking her whether Emilio believes everything that she’s put into his head about Alina and Orlando. Thelma thinks so, furthermore, Emilio saw Alina in bed with Orlando with his own eyes. She is sure that Emilio will repudiate Alina and kick Orlando out of La Ricondada. “So I killed two birds with one stone.” finishes Thelma. SA is nervous and goes for a drink.


Elsewhere, Castulo is filling Don Max in about the “free Santos” protest that took place earlier. Don Max asks Castulo for the umpteenth time whether Santos is good and dead. Castulo assures him in some detail. Castulo also mentions that Carmen wants to talk to him. Don Max gripes that Carmen is becoming a nuisance (estorbo) for him. Castulo offers to get rid of her too. At this very moment, the SA is coming to bug Don Max, crystal copa in hand with what looks like brandy. She shrinks at the description of Santo’s death and when killing a woman is mentioned she drops the glass on the floor and runs away. Don Max hears the disturbance and rushes out, followed by Castulo. He guesses it was her and that she was spying on them. SA runs back to her room, whimpering about Don Max having ordered somebody’s (some Christian’s) death and now plotting to kill some woman! She dramatically flops on her knees on the floor, arms outstretched to pray to God to free them from evil, to shelter them from harm.


Rosita, Braulio and Carmen are drinking coffee at Braulio and Rosita’s kitchen table. Carmen and Rosita are sure that Don Max did something to Santos. But without proof what can they do? Rosita and Braulio agree that it happened just when everything was arranged. They explain to Carmen that Santos was on his way to San Mateo to tell her that everything was arranged for their wedding. Carmen is now certain that Don Max did it to keep Santos from marrying Rosita.


Over at La Rinconada, Emilio is still up pacing. Doc Vasquez comes into the room to tell him that Angel is now sleeping comfortably. Emilio questions him about Angel’s condition. The Doc says that these new treatments are beyond his level of knowledge---“but if the specialist gave you hope…” [Nice deflection, doc!] He turns his attention to Emilio and says he has noticed that he looks kind of bad too. Emilio says that his problem isn’t physical, it’s his soul that hurts. Vasquez gives him a piece of advice. Emilio’s problem is that his heart is in conflict with his head. Until he decides which one to go with, he’s going to continue to suffer.


Back to Hacienda de Loco—Alfonsina walks into Soledad and Mariana’s room, claiming that she wants to know how her little “sister in law” is doing, that she and Mariana were always “good friends.” Soledad immediately tries to throw her out. Then Alfonsina can’t resist crowing about how he would break out in spots (se pone pintado?) he would be if he knew that Jose’s letter was not for her, but she did end up cheating on him anyway. Soledad is immediately suspicious that Alfonsina knows about the letter. Soledad suddenly gets a spine and demands not to let Alfonsina go until she tells the truth. She slaps her and she lands on the floor, on her bum. This is pretty amazing given that Soledad is shorter than she is. Alfonsina manages to get away despite Soledad’s rage. Mariana looks on, a tear again streaming down her cheeks. [You would think that being an invalid, lying in bed all day she would have given up on the eyebrow makeup, eyeliner and mascara but no, and yes, it is streaking. ] Soledad rushes over to Mariana and tells her that she is sure that Alfonsina knows something about the letter. Mariana probably agrees but we get no thought bubble from her, only rapid eye movements.


Back over to Alina, lying on her bed. She’s thought bubbling Emilio’s words. “I don’t know what to believe. I only know what I saw and cannot erase from my mind, you, lying in bed with Orlando.” Alina adds that that she can’t bear that he think ill of her, because, after all this, she still hasn’t stopped loving him.


Emilio’s gone to the Chapel to pray. He wants a sign from God to tell him who is telling the truth, Orlando and Thelma or Alina. [Gee Whiz, Emilio, you find God and suddenly you are asking him to think for you? Lets see, shrewish wife who trapped you into marriage and hates Alina, your best pal who is gleeful about stabbing you in the back and Alina, who several times has been accused of doing something bad but the accusations always turn out to be false. This is NOT a hard question!]


Soledad is still talking to Mariana about the letter and Alfonsina. She tries to squeak out a word but can’t. Soledad laments if only Mariana could talk….


Elias, opens the door to his cabin and guess who is there, Don Loco, pointing a gun in his face. Don Loco tells him he’s about to send him to hell. Guess what, Dr. Love is there too, and sneaks up behind Don Loco with a gun pointed at Loco’s head. His hand, however, is shaking. DL of course has brought Sergio with his long gun so we have yes, ANOTHER MEXICAN STANDOFF! DL says something sarcastic to Dr. Love about how quickly he changed his profession. Dr. Love says, that he’s never been one for the weapons but he knows how to fire this gun. Sergio gets distracted and Elias manages to take his gun so now we are good guys=2 guns, bad guys =1 gun. Elias points the gun at DL’s front, while Dr. Love is pointing at the side of DL’s head. They tell him to leave. DL vows to come back later. They run DL and Sergio off. Dr. Love collapses into a chair. Elias muses that for Don Loco this is not just personal, this is an obsession. Dr. Love points out , “and for us, is it not also an obsession?” [I am liking this guy more all the time!]



DL comes back to his office with Sergio. Sergio is full of bravado about not letting those guys get away. DL reproaches him for trying to gin up his anger to do something stupid. Sergio apologizes. He got carried away with his anger. DL says he’ll need him later. For now, leave him alone to think about how “to make those beggars squirm.” (retorcer)


The next morning, Soledad, in a pink dress comes into DL’s office to speak to him. DL is surprisingly civil. Soledad tells him about her conversation with Alfonsina. Mainly, that Alfonsina told her that the letter from Jose, the foreman was not meant for her. She begs him to make Alfonsina tell him the truth. “I’m sure she knows who the letter was for.” Apparently, DL has the letter in front of him. [I thought he tore it up a long time ago…] “Of course she knows who the letter is for, like I know, it was for you!” he responds holding up the paper. Soledad becomes more excited. She tells him that she knows that he no longer believes anything she says, but he should look for the truth himself. DL asks her why she doesn’t go confess to the priest what she did. “Because that would be to make a false confession” says Soledad. She’s confident that on Judgement Day, God will judge her innocent, because he knows the truth. She leaves. Don Loco makes a crack like, “too bad your fine words aren’t true.” He goes on to assert, to no one in particular that the letter was meant to claim his paternity over Alina.


Over at la Rinconada, Angel is in his room and Vera is serving him his juice. Angel asks about Alina and Vera almost drops the glass. She tells him that Alina is still in her room. When Vera leaves, Angel announces he’s going to look for her.


Over at the hermit psychiatrist’s house, Santos finds the Doctor painting a landscape on an easel in his living room. Santos is interested in the painting and the Doctor proudly shows him the others. [They look kind of awful actually, like something a kid would do for Art Class.] He shows him one which is a picture of a rose in a vase. Santos is impactado by the rose. He tells the doctor “There was a rose in my life.” [At this rate, it will take two months of episodes for Santos to regain his memory]


And speaking of Rosita, She’s chatting with Carmen who seems to have taken over Santo’s cabin. For what must be the millionth time, they agree that Don Max is responsible for Santos’ disappearance because he was trying to get Rosita away from him. Rosita vows that if Don Max comes after her, she’ll be ready for him. Carmen says no, don’t sully yourself with the blood of that guy. I swear, if I find out that he’s responsible for the disappearance of my son, I will kill him myself.


Coral is chatting with her friend, whose name escapes me, from the Cueva del Diablo, the female one, who is wearing a black dress with a plunging neckline. Coral is dressed more modestly, in black herself. Apparently she has made allegations against the nephew at the local police station. The friend asks Coral what she will do next. Coral is sure that this guy will try to kill her again. As soon as the will is read and she signs the papers, she’s going to go “where he’ll never find me.” [ I think that would probably be Sierra Escondida.]

At La Rinconada, Alina is in her room when Vera brings her food and juice. Alina tells her she’s not hungry. Vera gets all mousy and starts telling her she can see why she did what she did….Orlando can help her and all. Alina is thrown for a loop. Even the servants all believe she went to bed willingly with Orlando.


Back at Hacienda de Loco, Alfonsina is rubbing her cheek after getting the big smackdown from Soledad. She’s getting tired of this game between Soledad and DL and she wants her land. Just then, Don Loco comes in whip in hand and tells her to tell him the truth—this will be her one opportunity to come clean. Was the letter intended for Soledad? Alfonsina looks nervous.


At la Rinconada, Emilio, in his green uniform, cap stuffed in his epaulet, is about to leave for work supervising the highway, he runs into Orlando. Emilio tells him to beat it, he’s not going to the construction. He’s going to explain to him what happened. Orlando says he already told him, he owes him no explanations. Just then, who should come around the corner but Angel. Angel hears the argument and he hides around the corner. Orlando insists that Alina got into bed with him, because she wanted to, by her own free will. Angel is impactado.

Labels: duelo