Caray, Caray!

That's #281 by Univision's count; 2! 8!! 3!!! hours of pain and delight.

"I promise that Leticia is going to end up with the man she deserves. I promise you that," Aldo assures the cuartel enigmatically. He excuses himself. They ask one another who that is - Aldo, or Fernando? Juana says she'll try to divine this; she closes her eyes and begins chanting.

Meanwhile, Aurora (in orange) and "Inocencio" flirt for the cameras with a tense, subtext-laden conversation about kissing (she even calls him "Mendiola" by mistake!). Luigi decides that talk is cheap and it's time for some action between these two - he wants them to kiss ON THE LIPS! This request catches the two "actors" off guard! They ask, ¡¿QUE?! and freeze! Marcia gestures impatiently, and Luigi snaps them out of it. He says that without a kiss, the show will be missing something. (You said it, Luigi!)

Fern pulls him aside and says absolutely not. Aurora takes Luigi by the elbow and says she agrees - she's not kissing Señor Mongolia. Luigi sympathizes with her for not wanting to kiss Fern, but suggests that she chew some gum or close her eyes and think about... but Fern is tapping him on the shoulder. "Forget it, Luigi," he advises.

Luigi gets emotional and says the project is very important for him. He's put up with all of their mood swings, and he just wants them to kiss. If they don't, he'll quit the show. So there, he can be moody too!

Fern and Aurora call for a time-out and march into their respective corners. Fern goes into his dressing room and tells the mirror that he can't kiss another woman because then he'd be betraying Lety. He takes out his wallet photo and pleads with Lety to understand that although his love for her (still "usted") is infinite, he's just acting. He has to do it for the show, to pay off "Domensolin," and keep things from going bad for his parents.

He reaches into his pocket and holds up his defaced Aurora picture next to his ugly Lety photo. "I can do it, I can do it," he encourages himself, warming up for his scene.

Meanwhile, Aurora is pacing in the hallway, rhetorically asking Aldo (who isn't there) what she should do. She doesn't want to betray him, but if she doesn't do the kiss, this whole Aurora scam will have been for naught. She prays to God for forgiveness.

Luigi is still sulking on the stage with his hands clasped in a prayer of his own when Aurora and Fern come back. Luigi asks Aurora what she's decided. Aurora wants to know who's watching in the booth - the executives? Luigi says yes, everyone - Marcia, Caro, Omar, Aldo... everyone. Nervously (borderline-Lety), Aurora says "If I have to do it, then I have to do it."

"Then I quit!" Luigi squeaks. Then he does a double-take. "You'll do it?" "Yes." Luigi flies off the stage and into the booth, hugging everyone happily. He calls Action.

Fernando asks Aurora to close her eyes and pucker up. He says it's an acting technique he read on the Internet. (And what else have you been reading on the Internet, Fern?) She complies, and when her eyes are closed, he holds up the modified Aurora picture next to her face. (At this point, you should be having flashbacks of Fern and Lety's first kisses, when Fern was using a photo of Paty Manterola for inspiration.)

He puts the picture away while Aurora is still puckered up, and the two sit on the sofa. The spectators in the booth quake with tension. Luigi tells the lighting guy to do his thing. The rest of the stage darkens, spotlighting Inocencio and Aurora. Started, Fern looks up. Aurora STILL has her eyes shut. Luigi cues another lighting effect - floating colored spotlights. Everyone reacts to the beauty of this effect. Even Aldo is hypnotized. Fern notices that some candles have suddenly ignited, and he seems a bit spooked. Aurora asks what's going on. He tells her it's nothing, but he had thought there was a fire.

Choking with emotion, Luigi calls for the moon. Lovely Luna obediently hovers into place over the fake-looking cityscape outside the window. Fern mutters to Aurora about how nasty Luigi's being.

Caro grins in anticipation.

"Forgive me, Lety..." Fern whispers as he haltingly reaches for Aurora. Aurora's eyes snap open in surprise as Fernando's face moves in.

"Kiss her! Kiss her!" Luigi weeps, enthralled yet again with his own brilliance.

It takes about a quarter of a second for the kiss to become seriously hot. Caro beams. Fern and Aurora come to their senses and spring apart with a sound effect. Luigi yells "CUT!" and the two stars run back to their corners.

"It can't be!" Fern tells himself in the mirror. He flashes back to several memorable Fern/Lety kisses. He can't decide whether Aurora kisses like Lety, or if she is Lety. He tentatively decides that she's Lety.

He runs into Omar in the Vortex of Stupidity and gives him a bear-hug. He says he always has Omar to tell his good things and his bad things; his stupid things and his nice things too. He thanks Omar and says "it was her!" Perplexed, Omar asks for an explanation; these guys should know better than to try to communicate difficult concepts in the Vortex. Fern explains that those lips (he pulls Omar's lip playfully) - that kiss - it was her.

Fern doesn't even give Omar a chance to ask. He says it'll be enough if just he and his mother understand. Then he tells Omar in a gleeful voice that it was Lety. "I kissed Lety, Carvajal!" At Omar's astonished reaction, Fern says he was sitting in front of Aurora, but then he clearly sensed that she was Lety. No, he's not hallucinating. He's not losing his marbles. He repeats that yes, it was Aurora, but he felt that it was Lety. It was the flesh of Lety, her aroma, her breath. It was her. (He demonstrates the eye-twitch, just in case Omar's forgotten who Lety is.)

Fern backpedals a bit, saying that it was Lety incarnate. It was a more sophisticated version of Lety. But... but... Fern is clearly confused. He stalks off without letting Omar get a word in edgewise.

Then he comes running back, nearly knocking Omar over with another hug. "Thanks for listening to me, buddy. I love talking with you, and what you say really helps." He slugs Omar on the arm and takes off again.

Back on the set, Marcia is telling Luigi and Aldo how amazing it is that Fern became an actor practically overnight. Aldo laughs and agrees that Fern is a stupendous actor. Omar arrives just in time to hear Luigi saying that the kiss was so real, so sublime... it seemed like Fern and Aurora were in love. Marcia says it was all thanks to Luigi's great directing, as always.

I have just one question. Have these people been slurping peyote martinis out of lead goblets? Garnished with mercury-stuffed olives? I can't tell whether they're hallucinating, brain-damaged, or just plain crazy.

Aldo says he thinks that Fernando wrote the kiss scene with an ulterior motive in mind. Marcia is intrigued by this idea, but Luigi nixes it - nope - he wrote that part all by himself, because he's so creative, to give it that romantic touch.

Meanwhile, Aurora looks in the mirror and touches her lips. "Don Fernando kissed me," she tells herself in her Lety voice. Caro finds her and teases her about the kiss. L'Aurorety tries to pass the whole thing off as acting, but quickly reverts to babbling. "Don Fernando kissed me, Carolina! Don Fernando kissed me!" She worries that Aldo saw her. "I feel awful!"

Carolina reminds her that Aldo doesn't know that his megasqueeze Lety is disguised as Aurora. "But I know it, Carolina! I know I felt bad because Aldo was there." Plus, he saw HOW Fernando kissed her.

Fern parks himself outside her dressing room and asks to come in. For some reason, the women agree that it would be better if Fern didn't see them together, so she haughtily answers, "I'll see you in your dressing room in a minute." Fern leaves, and Caro says she'll go get a coffee. Caro gives Lety a blessing and reminds Lety to call Aldo.

Those crazy kids

Carolina sneaks down the hallway and runs into Omar. He says he heard she was in Aurora's dressing room, which is why I don't understand why she was sneaking. Oh well! She says she was about to go for a coffee. He says okay, and she starts fiddling with her hair. (They are slightly awkward and bashful. And cute.) He mentions that they haven't talked about last night. Caro says right, last night, at her house, when they were together. :-)

Omar asks Caro how she's doing. "Uh, why do you ask?" she asks suspiciously. "Oh, just a question," he replies coolly. "Okay, I'm doing well, many thanks, very nice, I'll go now, excuse me!" And she marches past him coldly. Omar tries to detain her, but only manages to stammer helplessly. Caro answers even more coldly, "See you later, thanks. I've got a lot of things to do." And she starts down the hallway, but before she turns the corner, she hears Omar scolding himself for being an oaf. She pauses, but then keeps walking.

Alone at last, Omar says, "Why didn't you tell her that you like her, that she fascinates you, and her eyes, and her mouth, and you want to be with her again? That you want to be with her forever?"

Why indeed.

Caro has a similar conversation with herself in the next hallway... actually she's just scolding herself for thinking that Omar was going to declare his love.

In the Whirlpool of Insipidness

Alicia is loafing in Marcia's office and bemoaning the end of her little check-forging scam. She finds a magazine article: "Analyze His Handwriting and DOMINATE Him." This gives her an idea, and I'm sure it's ingenious, but we don't get to hear her explain it because Marcia comes in at that moment. Marcia is not pleased to find Alicia there. Alicia invites Marcia to sit... in the guest chair. Marcia protests, and they switch. Alicia says she just needed to be alone so she could think. I think Marcia suggests that Alicia go to the moon to think, but I'm not sure.

Alicia shows Marcia the magazine article and asks if she believes in such things. "Your man's signature can help you discover his potential sensuality and creativity," Marcia reads. She makes a surprised face... but I think it's the "what an idiot you are" kind of surprise.

This is not how the Scientific Method works

Aurora is doing her best to be snooty with Fern, but he reassures himself that it was Lety's flesh, aroma, breath. He grins goofily at the memory. Then he catches Aurora giving him the evil eye, and his smile disappears. He says he has a question for her; he has to ask, because it's driving him crazy. He says, "I kissed you, but I felt that you weren't you, it wasn't you, it was someone else. But it was you." He doesn't sound very sure.

"Who were you kissing?" Aurora asks, struggling to keep her composure. Fern stammers and says he needs to conduct an experiment. He'll have to touch her a little bit. It won't hurt. It's just a little experiment.

She doesn't protest, so he reaches out with his finger and tweaks the corner of her eye! (It's too bad he can't hear the sound effect, because that would give it away for sure.) She continues to stare at him coolly through her other eye!

Four minutes or eight commercials later, he's still doing it. She pushes his hand away and he stammers some more. Her phone rings - I can tell by the dismayed look on her face that it's Aldo, the man who has totally won her heart and makes her happier than any other man on earth. She excuses herself to take the call. While she's gone, he amuses himself by looking at the altered Aurora photo some more.

She takes the call in the hallway and tells Aldo in her sexiest baby-voice that she's been very busy doing things. He's curious as to what sorts of things can be so important that she's never at the office. He was starting to think she might be too busy to answer the phone, too. He says she has no idea how much he misses her.

She flashes back to the Aurora/Inocente kiss on the sofa. "Aldo, I love you. Never doubt it, okay?" He assures her that he loves her too. "Thanks, and forgive me," she says. This makes him curious, but for once he doesn't push it.

She goes back into the dressing room with a pensive look on her face. Fern hurriedly puts the picture away. "Are you okay?" he asks her. "No," she answers quietly. She explains that it's because of love. Fern says he's cried over love too. A love that he himself sullied and betrayed. "What a shame," Aurora says coldly, not meeting his eyes. She suggests that they not talk about it.

He asks if she's very much in love. She turns her back to him, but now she sees him in the mirror. "Does he love you like you deserve?" She has no answer for this either. Fern explains that he deceived the woman he loved, and lost her. He advises her never to deceive or lie to the one she loves, nor let him deceive her or lie to her.

Aurora keeps her own eyes on Lety's and doesn't say a word. Fern excuses himself and leaves. "I'm deceiving Aldo," she finally says out loud. "Every time I become Aurora, I deceive him." She can no longer look herself in the eye. She begins to write on a loose piece of paper.

The Newlyweds Game

Tomas is balancing the books in his orange office. He's wearing an orange and off-white striped shirt. Did I ever mention that orange was my favorite color? He asks himself, "When am I going to pay all these taxes?" He laughs and says maybe it'll be the same day his chica lets him into her bed.

Said chica comes in and tells him he's more handsome today than ever. She puts a folder in front of him and asks him to sign his name. She says that from his signature, she can discover how sensual and creative he is. He is skeptical. She assures him that all the psychoanalysts and architects (yes, she said "architects") in the world are into this stuff.

Tomas relents and agrees to sign. Then he hesitates. He reminds her that he can be sensual, when he's around her. He'd love to demonstrate for her, if she'd just let him. She pushes him away and says that first, he must sign. She hints that it will inspire her. Plus, it's not just about sensuality - it's also about creativity. "But they're the same thing," Tomas argues.

She calls him "little dog's ear," and that almost seals the deal. Almost. He asks her to leave the room so he can sign in private. She complains that he wants to keep secrets from her.

Later, Tomas agonizes alone in his office about the signature. He's afraid that if he signs his name, he'll reveal too much of himself. (Get real, Tomas. She's already seen you naked.) "She could manipulate me!" he realizes. He weighs this against the possibility that it could get him some action with his wife. Still, it seems strange to him.

He looks at the magazine she left. On the one page is an underwear ad with a pretty girl. He reminds himself that he already has a chica, and continues flipping pages. He finds the handwriting analysis article. He decides to beat Alicia at her own game. (See metagaming). For example, the article warns that if a man's letters are too small, just imagine what else might be small! Tomas nods knowingly - they're referring to the size of his intelligence, of course! So he's going to give her a big, big signature.

Alicia comes in just as he's about to finally commit some ink. He jumps up guiltily and says he'll let her know when he's done. She says okay, but she hopes that's before she has grey hair and is walking with a cane. She reminds him to hurry, and gives him his privacy.

Tomas turns back to the magazine article and vows to himself that when she sees his signature, she's going to go crazy with desire.

In the Monster Ladyparts Seashell of Doom Grotto

Fern has changed into a white or possibly pale lavender shirt with a purple tie. Luigi says he's ready to edit the show, and he thinks it's going to be deee-vine. He hints (okay, says) that Fern should give him a lot of money for this. Fern says he doesn't have any and asks why he should give it to Luigi anyway. Luigi reminds him that it was his idea for Fern to kiss Aurora.

"That wasn't Aurora," Fern mutters. He retreats to the batcave, leaving a confused Luigi to ask himself, "My God, who understands those machos?"

Fern finds a note taped to his lamp. It reads, "Forgive me, but I cannot agree to kiss you because I would be betraying the man that I love."

As if Aurora would ever write such a courteous, heartfelt note and then personally leave it in his office!

"Ah, I remember when Lety loved me that way," Fern sighs. "If she loved me like that right now, as much as Aurora loves her boyfriend, I'd be very happy."

(Oh Fern, you dumbass. I love you, but you're a dumbass.)

Clothes make the man

Lety is back. She's wearing sort of an orchid-colored gigantic blazer. She's ready to leave with Aldo, but he has to go to the publisher first and do some Flavor of Life stuff. Lety makes her most childish face (think Peewee Herman) and complains that he's going to see Carmina, aka Stalker Chick. "Of course - my favorite writer," Aldo teases. He kisses her forehead (strangely enough, I don't need a cold shower after seeing this) and he tweaks her chinny-chin and they exchange baby-talks and say goodbye.

Oh - I just realized they're in the Vortex. Well, that never helps.

She goes into the Grotto and finds Fern in her chair, praying to the seashell painting. (Today the pencils are all yellow.) He gets up nervously, but she invites him to keep his seat. She takes the guest chair. He confesses that today, while shooting the program, he kissed Aurora. He didn't want to, but Luigi made him do it. And when he kissed her, he felt like he was kissing Lety instead. Lety hems and haws and says that she doesn't look anything like Aurora, right? He agrees, but he still felt as though she and Aurora were the same person.

Lety decides that this would be a good time to switch seats. I guess it's a magical seat, because it gives her confidence. She goes into Boss mode and tells him to forget about it; it's absurd. He suggests that perhaps he wants Lety and Aurora to be the same person because he misses Lety so much. That's why the kiss clicked. And maybe that's why he's falling in love with Aurora.

Lety warns him that it would go very badly if he were to fall in love with Aurora. He gets up to go back to his batcave. He pauses at Lety's side and whispers in her ear, "Know what? Aurora's not too bad of an actress." (Lety smirks triumphantly.) He adds that it was hard to flirt with her when they were acting, she's not crazy about him. Lety says that's why he should forget about this absurd idea of being with Aurora. (I may have screwed this part up a little - someone correct me if I got it wrong.) Fern says, "They say that from hate, love is born." (That seems kinda backwards too.) He goes to the batcave.

"No, no, no, no!!" Lety says, banging her desk. Fern pops out of the batcave to check on her. She sends him back in and curses that damn kiss with Don Fernando. She repeats that Don Fernando doesn't mean anything to her. Nothing, nothing, nothing. (Who is she trying to convince?)

"Don Fernando. So divine!"

In the Delta of Ennui

In the boys' clubhouse (now sporting all yellow pens, no green ones), Omar plays with a toy on his desk, moping. Fern plays with some other trinket and finally flings it at Omar to get his attention. Fern invites Omar to open up and cry on his shoulder, if necessary.

(I would like a poster of this.)

Omar says he doesn't understand Carolina. They were together the other night, it was marvelous, and now not so much. Fern says maybe she doesn't feel the same way as Omar. Omar says he knows when he's with a woman, if he has satisfied her... Fern says "Me yes... you, I don't know." Omar says he knows, too. And he needs to know why Carolina is being so indifferent to him now.

Fern says Omar's wasting his time asking him... he should ask Caro instead. Omar is horrified by the prospect of having to make himself vulnerable to her. Fern says there isn't another way to find out what's in a woman's heart. Unless he wants to read seashells or something. (Well, Juana will be happy to do it for him, if he wants!) Omar says he's an expert at seducing models and dancers, but in this case he doesn't know what to do. He's never felt this way inside before. It hurts.

Fern laughs and says maybe Omar has gas! "I've never had gas! - uh, that is, I've never had to confess this to anyone." In fact, when he explained himself to Aurora, she took off. "I'm an amateur," he says.

Fern firmly says that if Omar doesn't say it, he's not going to find out.

The Return of the Cuartel

Lety tells PM that she's going to see Aldo - he wants to show her something. Away she goes. Martha tells the cuartel she feels like having a sandwich. Sara scolds her and says they only ate two hours ago. "That long?" Martha answers in horror. Her innards have been churning with hunger. PM and Lola worry that it's abnormal, and urge her to go to a doctor. She says she's not sick. Sara says if she keeps eating all the time, she'll become sick. Martha says there's nothing more healthy than eating. "Not to excess," PM says. "Fine - if you see me overdoing it, warn me," Martha says.

"You're overdoing it!" they chorus. Martha makes a face. Sara says it's a waste of their time to worry about her. She's a lost cause. PM agrees. They begin to disperse. Then Martha doubles over. They all rush back to her. She admits that she just had a stomach cramp (retortijón) - but it was just a little one. They offer to take her to a doctor, but she wants to finish her sandwich! They take it away from her, but she demands and takes it back.

Let's not forget the client

Marcia meets with Jacques at RetroMod. She updates him on the TV show and says Luigi's editing it now. She asks how he wants to promote it. (Jacques grabs a piece of paper and yellow pencil. Seriously, no pens in any office in Mexico city?) He wants to create a lot of buzz for the show's premiere. He wants to raise people's expectations as high as possible. She tells him to watch what they come up with.

At Carolina's

Carolina mopes and wonders why she feels so strongly for Omar. She thinks about how much she likes him, and picks up the phone. Then she changes her mind and throws it on the couch. She does a little impression of Omar saying "Carolina, you know that you and I are good friends."

"I'm an idiot. I can't fool myself about Omar," she tells herself.

More words of wisdom

Omar visits Fernando in the batcave. Well, no, actually he just walks into the batcave, looks at Fern, then walks out. Hey - someone should let Carolina know that this is how Omar is behaving around everyone these days.

Omar comes back in, takes a deep breath, and says "Okay, suppose that you're right and I tell Caro what I'm feeling; to show her my love I would have to bring her a gift. But what can I give Carolina to tell her how happy she's made me, how she's made me feel?"

Hmm. Interesting question, Omar. Let me remind you of some of the gifts you gave Fern to give Lety: Stuffed animals, some of them creepy-looking. Candy. Mushy cards. A pot of tulips.

Omar can't hear me. Or can he? Here are the ideas he shares with Fern: Flowers. Teddy bear. Chocolates. Maybe take her to the movies...

Fern sits there mutely. Omar thanks him profusely. He grabs Fern's hand and hauls him up for a big hug. He thanks Fern for his helpful words and leaves.

Fern asks himself if he could be falling in love with Aurora.

Filler scene

The cuartel (including a rejuvenated Martha) gather around Luigi and ooh and ahh as he edits the show. They get too noisy and he tells them to return to their caves, but Juana wants to see this particular scene one more time. He refuses and sends them away.

Oh, just sign it already

Saimon and Celso are now assisting Tomas with the complicated project of creating a signature that will knock Alicia off her feet. Saimon says that Tomas will have to make the letter P very round. (There's no "P" in Tomas Mora.) The X (also not in Tomas's name) should be large and square. Tomas points out that he needs to know how to make his T and his M. Celso takes the magazine away from Saimon and says he can't find those letters.

"Oh no, that can't be! I need them to write my name!" Tomas takes the magazine from Celso. Celso and Saimon laugh. (I'm guessing this is the same joke as "the word 'gullible' isn't in the dictionary. Ha-ha, made you look!") They tease him and make fun of his task. Tomas explains why it's important to him. Celso and Saimon are surprised to hear that Tomas and Alicia have not had any hanky-panky yet. Tomas backpedals and claims that they have done stuff, but... he gets flustered and kicks them out. "It's a true scandal," Saimon and Celso repeat to one another. They are in a highly confused state and you just know this is going to end up in a distorted mess by the time it gets to the cuartel.

Tomas sits down with the pen and, after a few more false starts, lets it sink slowly down towards the paper...

Goody goody gumdrop!

Aldo is preparing to give Lety a big surprise. Don't worry, it's nothing gross. It's just a photo... of a honkin' big yacht. He wants to have their wedding on this yacht.

Lety loves it. They then share their first serious kiss since Acapulco. (I just noticed Lety's little curlicues in front of her ears. They used to be slicked-down sideburns. When did she get rid of the sideburns? I never noticed until tonight.)

Unfortunately for Aldo, Lety is not any more focused on Aldo than I am on the kiss. While I'm thinking about her sideburns, she's thinking about Aurora and Inocente swappin' spit on the sofa in front of cameras and the executive staff of Conceptos. She realizes what's happening and pulls away from Aldo in shock.

"My love, what's wrong?" Aldo asks cluelessly.

Is it just me, or is this getting really weird?

---

Monday
Lety goes spastic and begins plotting Aurora's death.

Labels: fea

At Rancho Arroyo Seco, James has returned from town but he tells Acacia that he forgot the rat poison. He offers to set a trap instead. Acacia stares at him and tells him that he doesn’t understand….

Meliton approaches and tells James that he’s heard James is going to DF. Acacia is fearful. Meliton asks when he will be back, in light of the upcoming harvest. James says he doesn’t know, it’s a matter to discuss with Rod. But Hilario will be by to check on the crops. Meliton grumbles to himself that James didn’t ask him for his help. James grumbles bitterly to himself that Acacia will not turn Meliton in to the authorities for all the harm he has caused.

At Corporativo Montalvo, Gavi/Mariana comes into Rod’s office smiling with some documents for him. He plays it cool, just put them on the table, he says. She asks if she should confirm his attendance at an upcoming event. He says yes, but it doesn’t matter to me if you go or not. She tells him she’s planning to go. His phone rings and it’s Isa. She tells him they can’t get an appointment with the doctor until tomorrow morning. He says, it doesn’t matter, the decision is made.

When he hangs up, Gavi asks, anything else? Yes, he says. Very deliberately, he tells her that in order to strengthen his marriage and get over loving Gavi so much, he has decided to have a child with Isa. Gavi looks away from him, disgusted. Rod looks at her for her reaction. She thinks to herself, go ahead and do that, that’s the best way to get you out of my heart. She tells him, she has only one thing to say to him. Congratuations! She walks out and slams the door. He tells himself that this will be the way for him to get away from all of his jealousy. Now your love belongs to someone else, it’s not mine.

Just then Aaron and Minerva knock on the door. How are things? Rod says alls well except that little problem with Artemio Treijo’s shipment. Minnie asks, what’s new with Isa? Aaron asks, where is Mariana Franco? That gets a jealous rise out of Minnie. Then Elvira calls to tell Rod the family has arrived for the meeting. They all get up to leave. Aaron asks Rod if he’s smoothed over the rough patch with Mariana, Rod looks pained and is fumbling for words. Aaron laughs at him for being so overly enthusiastic about talking about Mariana. They go into the meeting.

In the copy room, a worker is making copies. Gavi is looking off into the distance, very sad. She wipes away a few tears.

Fedra turns to Minnie in the boardroom, how was Houston? Minnie says she’ll tell her later. They are waiting for Mariana and some documents. Rod wonders to himself if Gavi was bothered by what he said to her, but he figures that she doesn’t care about his life. Aaron and Patricio are starting to whisper about Aaron’s dealings. Bruno tries to find out about their conversation. Dona Pilar tells them that while they’re waiting for the docs, she’d like to thank them for coming, Daniela will arrive this evening, etc.

Mariana enters the boardroom with the docs for everyone describing the financials during Rod’s tenure there. Minnie is staring at her. Rod tells her she can leave when she’s done. Aaron motions for her to stay. Mariana is reluctant to stay, since it’s a family meeting. Bruno tells her they value any thoughts she has. Minnie is disgusted.

Pilar tells them that she got a call from the tequila regulator, who expressed concern about the bad shipment to Artemio Treijo’s clinet. Aaron asserts that it was a clean deal on their end. If there was a problem, it was Artemio’s bad luck and Artemio’s responsibility. Rod thinks they should help Artemio, if they can. Mariana agrees. Aaron wants them for forget it! If we were in this situation, no one would help us. Let’s cut our losses and cut ties with Treijo. Patricio looks uncomfortable. Pilar says that what happened was a tragedy. Aaron speculates that Treijo got involved with the black market.

Placido enters the room and whispers to Mariana that someone has arrived for her. Mari excuses herself and Rod looks after her as she leaves, confused. As Mari opens the door to exit, who should be there but Isa! TWB gives her a friendly greeting and comes in. Rod is less that thrilled that his wife is there. He excuses himself to go get some documents. Isa whispers to Sophie that Rod has agreed to try for a child and the two of them squeal.

Mariana exits the building and Benvenutto is waiting with the car outside. She gives him a hug and Rod sees them from a window inside the building. Rod tries to pull himself away from watching them, but he can’t.

Back in the boardroom, Pilar wants them to settle the Treijo matter without discord in the family. Bruno states that they have to deal with the problem. Pilar is concerned about the damage it could do to the corporation’s image and she tells Aaron to shape up his attitude.

Isa and Sophie take the opportunity to leave when the conversation turns to financial matters. Minnie watches them go. In Rod’s office, Sophie asks if Rod really agreed to have a child, or if Isa just said that to get at Minerva. Isa tells her that it was strange, Rod came home last night and asked her point blank about getting a doctor’s appointment. She has learned not to ask why. She prefers his silence to any answer he might give her. They speculate about the shock that Rod’s child would cause Minnie and Aaron.

Minnie, listening from the door berates them for not inviting her to come with them. At a time like this, she needs them to be on her side. She carefully tells Isa she’s genuinely happy for her with the baby news. Isa says she not pregnant, no need to congratulate her just yet. Sophie asks, how was Houston? Very, very good. With a little luck, we’ll both give birth at the same time!

Minnie turns the conversation to Rod, he must leave the office early, no? Isa tells her that in fact Rod comes home late a lot. Minnie points out that Rod has a lot of work-related social events to go to, but he doesn’t invite Isa, he takes Mariana instead. TWB looks nervous. Minnie warns Isa about trying to be friends with Mariana, and storms out.

Isa looks perturbed… when Sophie leaves, Isa inquires with Elvira. Was there a party last night? No, only the tasting event a couple of days ago. Isa wants to know who Rod talks to, who he sees, who calls him, etc. Elvira comments that Mariana is the only person. Isa asks if Rod and Mariana leave the office together. Elvira saw them going to the tasting a couple of days ago, but that was it.

Elvira mentions that Rod and Mariana do spend a lot of time together, talking. Isa thinks that’s to be expected, since they work so closely together, right? But Elvira adds that they fight, a lot. There’s something going on that she doesn’t understand. Isa is worried.

Benvenutto and Gavi drive out of the city. He tells Gavi he wishes he could take away her sadness. She says he’s like a gift from heaven, he came to her when she needed him. Ben asks, if you love this Rod character so much, why don’t you fight for him. Gavi tells him about the kid Rod plans to have.

Back at the boardroom, Aaron introduces slimy Onate as their export person and lawyer, roughly slapping his back. Onate the Smarmy says he is their service. Bruno is impressed with the success of Turquise Tequila, they talk about a second edition. Minnie is proud.

Bruno wants to know how they did so well, when they were opening up all those markets at the same time. Onate says it was a team effort with Rod and Mariana Franco. Bruno congratulates Rod, who is lost in thought. Rod mentions Mariana’s idea to open a quality assurance school. They are pleased with the idea. The family leaves, Aaron pulls Onate aside to talk dirt, and Minnie asks Aaron if he had something to do with Artemio’s bad luck…

At Casa Mariana, the building superintendent chatting with another woman outside. Rod pulls up and asks where he can find Mariana, she’s a friend. The superintendent tells him she remembers Rod, he was the guy who was lurking around the building before! Just then, our suave Benvenutto walks up with ascot and groceries. The women greet him warmly and tell him Mariana is waiting for him upstairs.

Rod accosts Benvenutto, what do you think you’re doing? I saw you outside the office! Rod is circling him like an animal ready to fight. Benvenutto looks at him puzzled, then looks away (maybe to stall for time and think about his options for getting away safely…). Rod is staring at him with wide eyes and flaring nostrils. Rod shouts,
-- I don’t know who you are and I’m not interested!

Ben is not used to being threatened by strangers like this. Rod wants to know how long Ben has been going out with Gavi. Rod is leaning toward Ben, shaking his fists.

Gavi sees them from upstairs and runs down to the street. She pulls Rod aside and tells him he should be ashamed for making such a ridiculous scene! He tells her he’s been asking her for a while if she was going out with someone else, but she didn’t give him an answer. She says she didn’t and she won’t he needs to butt out of her personal life. Rod says his feelings tell him she loves him. She shakes her head slightly, in frustration. Rod goes on, but my heart is mistaken again. Her face is angry, but her eyes are full. Rod syas, if you had been honest with me, I could have avoided these stupid jealous scenes. She tells him she’s done talking with him.

Rod stares at each of them and turns to stagger to his car. Ben is holding Gavi’s shoulders as they watch. Rod peels away from the curb. Gavi tells Ben to stop her from doing what she feels like doing. She cries and Ben comforts her with a hug. He says that life goes on, you’ve got to face it with a smile. She is pining after Rodrigo. Mama Clarita looks down at them embracing and is impactada! Gavi and Ben come upstairs and make introductions.

Rod pulls up at a park in the city and is breathing hard, trying not to cry. He gets out and limps into the park, up a hill, with his cassette. He loosens his tie and starts to lumber down the path into the dark. At a tree he screams, falls to the ground crying,
-- I believed that our love was eternal!
-- I believed that you loved me!

He gropes for his audiocassette in the dirt and clutches it to his chest.
– I can’t stop loving you!

At Gavi’s apartment, they sit down to Ben’s dinner. Clarita chops up his pasta aggressively. Ben toasts to them.

At Casa Pilar, the family is gathering in the drawing room and talking amongst themselves. Isa is fretting about why Rod hasn’t shown up. Minerva tells Fedra that the news from the doctors about her chances of getting pregnant is not good. Minnie doesn’t know how to tell Aaron, their marriage is in play. Patricio tells Aaron that his assistant is nervous about the shipments. Rain has to sign docs for them and would be legally involved. Daniela bursts into the room and greets everyone.

Aaron remarks that she must have a new love in her life. Well, maybe, probably. They inquire and she tells them he’s a sculptor, painter, and poet. Not a millionaire, but he has a good life.

Isa decides that she’s waited long enough for Rod and rises to make an announcement to the family about their decision to try for a baby. Minnie looks sick, and Daniela is confused. Fedra squints, maybe wondering how that would be achieved. Grandma Pilar is thrilled.

Rod enters, fresh from his expedition in the park. He tells them he just some things to take care of at the office. More talk about Daniela’s man: tall, well-built, good conversation, and doesn’t let a woman go unsatisfied!

Dani teases him about the big chore this evening with his wife! Rod says that the chore will be through the miracle of science at the doctor’s office. Dani wants to know why he is having a kid, instead of running a marathon, climbing Everest, getting a dog, etc. He says bitterly it’s the only way to get out of this curse. Just then, Isa rushes in, worried.

Dani tells Isa that fortunately nothing happened to Rod, he’s OK. But if he keeps up with this foolishness, he’ll have something to regret. Isa is puzzled. Rod suggests that they go into dinner.

Fedra pulls Aaron aside and tell him the news the Minnie can’t give him the child he desires, now it’s time to chose. Why don’t you divorce your wife and find a healthy woman who can give you a child!

At Rancho Arroyo Seco, James is getting ready to leave and Acacia threatens to burn the crops if he does not return. But that won’t be necessary! He can’t live without her. They hug.

At the dinner table, Pilar is toasting. Rod flashes back to the angry scene outside Gavi’s apartment. He imagines Ben kissing Gavi. Pilar is going on about how Isa and Rod’s baby shows the strength of their marriage. Rod is sad, but he forces a grimace of a smile. Fredra rolls her eyes.

Rod holds up his glass for the toast and stairs off into the distance. Looking mildly drugged, he imagines he is riding on a horse with Gavi in the agave fields at the hacienda, kissing her.

Pilar wishes Minnie success with her fertility treatment and tells Patricio he’s just like a member of the family. Aaron wants to know why Patricio didn’t invite his girlfriend…. Pilar starts the toasts, and Isa smiles at Rod. Rod imagines it’s Gavi and they are toasting to their happiness together. Gavi tells him she loves him. He comes to and sees Isa still grinning at him and chokes on his champagne. Isa giggles.

At Gavi’s, Clarita’s trying to say that she didn’t like her dinner. Gavi tells Ben in Italian that the dinner was great! Ben is planning to open a new restaurant in Mexico and wants to show Gavi some afternoon. Clara points out that Gavi has a jealous boss… They tell her that Ben already met him, in an ugly scene downstairs. Clara starts to talk about Rod… Gavi interrupts her. Rod is foolish, he’s just doing this to annoy me. After all, he’s having a child with Isa!

Gavi goes on, I don’t know how to put distance between us. Ben says he might have a solution…why doesn’t Gavi marry him?

Labels: Destilando

* Dena confronts Montero at graveside funeral for Esmy. Alej and Fer try to stop her - she continues her rant and calls Montero an assassin.

* Esmy gives herself a peptalk in her cell. Someday she tells herself Diego will rescue her and when she's free she will yell out "Esmeralda Sanchez de Moncada is alive!"

* Dena continues her tirade against Montero at Esmy's gravesite. She demands the coffin be opened - no one moves or says anything - She cries as she drops beside the coffin, Alej kneels beside her. She continues to yell and cry out her disillusionment and hurt; she is disgusted and hates Montero and tells him that one day he will be punished for all the hurt and misery he's caused. Everyone just stands and stares.

* At the leper colony/hospital, Agapita finds Lila - Lila tells him her concerns over SK and her depression, family ties, questions about why Montero would be after such a nice person like SK.

* In MA's bedroom, maid puts a yellow ball gown in the closet and leaves. Olmos comes out from hiding and collects up an assortment of items from the room. He wonders how to get MA's tears. He leaves.

*Gypsy fortune teller sits at her table, short man is with her, she talks to herself and him about Olmos and his infatuation with MA, her tears will be his condemnation.

* Olmos returns to MA's bedroom - he starts to realize something and takes a good look around - he is overjoyed when he discovers that MA and Diego don't share the same bedroom OR THE SAME BED! Olmos jumps up and down on the bed in glee, he then realizes how thin the wall is between his bedroom and hers.

* Auggie stands at cell door and watches Esmy sleep inside her cell. He realizes that he needs to follow Pizarro's orders (keep her safe and alive).

* Agapito returns to Lila in the colony courtyard - he went to SK's room but she's not there - he's very worried where she wandered off to - Lila is also worried about SK, she's so depressed; he starts to wonder what he is going to do now.

* At the hacienda living room, Dena apologizes to everyone especially Diego for her loud outburst at the gravesite earlier. Diego forgives her and consoles her. Alej, Diego and Marquesa discuss Alej's plan to use armed force to remove Montero from office right away. Marquesa advises that is a really bad idea, he may have the backing of the Spain underworld, it is best to wait for word that Mercedes has returned to throne in Spain.

* Montero is at his desk, laughing at the spectacle Dena made at the gravesite and the de la Vega family reaction to Esmy's death. Pizarro gives some advice not to push Dena to hard. Montero doesn't really care, he wants to continue with the torture and putting Esmy through hell. Pizarro asks about the Duke - Montero will handle the situation on his own without assistance from Duke. Pizarro thusly reminds Montero that Esmy is pregnant.

* Diego stops by the local cafe - Raquel passes along her condolences - Diego asks her to bring some wine over to the table; he sits down with Garcia who is enjoying his meal. Raquel brings the wine and leaves. Diego ask Garcia about the guard changing times at the prison. Garcia gives him all the information.

* Agapito lays on sofa sleeping. Pizarro sneaks in and pokes Agapito with his sword. Pizarro asks him about what happened with SK, giving Esmy's death as an example. Agapito nervously explains. Pizarro tells Agapito they are going to dig up the coffin of SK. Pizarro leaves; Agapito prepares for the worst that can happen - Pizarro kills him by chopping off his head.

* Lila finds SK out walking around the colony courtyard at night. SK opens up about her depression and sadness over the loss of her daughter, people trying to kill her. Lila tells her to be strong, stay positive - SK misses her daughter, feels so alone. Lila says she's not alone - SK thinks about the gypsies she grew up with - Lila says to fight for them - SK wonders where they could be now.

* At the gypsy camp, Azucena is sitting with depressed Renzo. Sor Loca and Laisha walk over to join them. Sor Loca sits down and tells them about the slave trader and how brave and heroic Renzo had been through the whole ordeal. Sor Loca asks Azucena and Laisha about gypsy life. As Laisha starts to answer in a short, rude way, Azucena stops her. Sor Loca walks over to Camba, who is sitting in the back of a wagon, she assures him that the gypsies are good people, everything will be alright.

* Dolly sleeps near the bed - Dena has a dream about Regina, Regina gives Dena the message that she shouldn't be scared, when the light comes, Regina will be there to guide her across the great river. Dena mumbles and wakes up with a fright - Dolly runs over and asks what's wrong. Dena tells her she had a premonition dream.

* Alej opens up to Yumi in the informal sitting area. He tells her about his confusing feelings for her and Regina. Yumi says she understands - Alej thinks he is putting her in a awkward position, between his memories for her sister and his wife Dena. Yumi says don't worry, she understands he is married and loves his wife - He still feels guilty - she tells him she is there because she chose to be (her life, her decisions) she leaves he is bewildered.

* MP walks outside alone at night near the bonfires in the road. Fer stalks her from behind. She stops, turns around - he wants to talk - she doesn't want to talk, or be anywhere near him - he still tries to talk to her about his feelings and what he perceives to be hers. MP is thinking his impatience and nonacceptance of her new position is due to Esmy's death - he says that has nothing to do with it, she wasn't his daughter only a bastard he raised. MP can't forgive him for all the pain and heartbreak he's caused her and her family. She says he's condemned for life for the violence, and that everything he's been doing has only confirmed that she made the best decision possible. He still adores her anyway, and won't renounce his love for her, especially when he sees that special glimmer in her eyes - she's mortified by the comment and walks away.

* Dolly visits Alej in his office. Dolly sees he's worried about something - he invites her to have a drink with him - she's excited and sits down. Alej confesses his feelings for Regina and Yumi and Dena; Dolly is shocked to hear that because of ancient native mexican custom, he is married to Yumi - Regina's sister. Alej then shocks Dolly some more by revealing that he slept with Yumi on his wedding night with Dena.

* Yumi sits on trunk in her room, giving herself a peptalk about keeping her feelings for Alej in check.

* Dolly scolds and makes Alej feel lower than a toadstool about being unfaithful to Dena on their wedding night. Alej is very sad and feels really guilty for it, and keeping it a secret from Dena. Dolly says he should feel guilty. Alej is suffering - Dolly gives him some advice and consolation.

*In Z-cave, D and B look at the maps of Callao prison and discuss their break-in and rescue plan.

* Auggie tells Esmy about Dena's outburst at the cemetery for Esmy's funeral. Auggie tells her that Diego and MA were inseperable the whole time. Esmy is curious and asks about MA and Diego - Auggie tells her he's not sure, it's all confusing, and that MA is pregnant. Esmy's heart sinks.

* Olmos drills a hole in the wall from his bedroom. He has his own little peephole into MA's bedroom. He wonders where his little love bug is right now.

* MA and Montero are having a romantic secret meeting in Montero's place. They laugh about Esmy's funeral and the family reaction. He kisses her and she rips open his shirt - they start to make out when MA looks down at the big "Z" on Montero's chest - she burst out laughing with the thought that he was one of Zorro's victims. Montero is disgusted and hurt and pushes the laughing MA out of the room. Montero grumbles to himself, "Maldito Zorro!"

* Esmy is consoling herself about MA and Diego having a baby together - She thinks he won't come to rescue her now.

* Bernardo and Diego/Zorro on horseback at edge of forest outside the Callao prison. Last minute recap of their search and rescue plan.

* Garcia comes out the front entrance and starts babbling and doing calisthenics to try and distract the soldiers - the soldiers don't move a muscle.

* Montero rattle gate of Esmy's cell - Wake Up Sunshine! This ain't no hotel! No rest for the wicked. Montero demands an answer to his most pressing question, Who is Zorro? Esmy refuses to answer - Montero won't accept the answer - he pressures for Esmy to respond - Esmy says you can threaten and torture me and tell my family I'm dead, I still won't say anything. Montero orders Auggie to take Esmy to the torture chamber. (AY NO!)

* Pizarro supervises Agapito digging up SK's coffin. When the coffin is uncovered, Agapito tries to stop and get out - Pizarro orders him to open the coffin. Nothing inside - Pizarro is stunned and orders Agapito to tell him what he did with SK (where is she now!)

* Garcia does his swordsmanship practice as he continues to ramble by a fire. Guards march past - at a safe distance, Diego in soldier uniform breaks away from the guard and enters the prison. (UY!)

Labels: Zorro

At the local jail cell, Fedora is talking to Paco about her “guilt.” She insists that she is the real killer. The truth won’t be a secret for long with this crowd and these scriptwriters.

Yolanda and Emilio discuss how tomorrow they will take Max’s bandages off.
Yolanda is wearing a lovely harvest gold cowl-neck sleeveless sweater. I’ve always found the sleeveless turtleneck to be one of the most baffling fashion concepts, as well as one of the most unattractive. Harvest gold, welll, there are no words. Rene arrives and wants to talk to Yolanda. After they get rid of Emilio, Rene says he has only three words for her—of course, yo te amo.

In the cell, Diana comes to see Fediota. She is so happy to be able call her mama.

Iggy and Silvia are talking at his pad. Silvia is wearing an ugly house coat with a blue turban. She looks like Ethel Mertz as visualized by Timothy Leary. She is looking for money for her date with Pancholon. Iggy suggests she sell her wigs--she'd get a small fortune for them.




Pancho and his mother argue about how he's too macho. He insists he is entitled to two wives.




Lala thinks Paola is going to come to a tragic end, and it will be his fault.






Iggy is now marveling about how Silvia plans to pay a man to sleep with her. She thinks she's crazy, but she says it's worth it. Iggy says it's great for her but not for the guy.






Pancho is now telling Paola about the wonderful vacation they will have in Orlando. Where are they going to get the money? Why from his "date" with Silvia, of course. Thankfully, he doesn't tell Paola this.




Iggy and Silvia continue to rehash the date with Pancho.






Rene continues to tell Yolanda how much he loves her. She says their love is "impossible."






Now Marfil sees Bruno begging in the street. Bruno has become a complete wreck. She looks worse than Granny M did when she was a homeless woman. Bruno is holding up a tin cup.






Diana tells her mom that Gaby told her the truth. Fediota says that she was waiting for the right time to reveal her identity. Puh-leeze. Diana wants Fed to use the lawyer that Paco is willing to hire. There is a long talk about a prueba de parafin, which literally means "wax test," but seems to be whatever test they do on firing the bullets. It seems the test doesn't show that Fed is guilty, but she wants to take the rap because she can't stand the idea of Gaby being in prison.





At the hospital, Max and Camila are talking about how it's too bad he can't see. He rehashes the whole twin imposter story for her--evidently she was the last to know.


He says that Debora was worse than Marfil. Camila says "don't be blind." Oops!



He now starts to defend Marfil--she was a victim of her sister, he wants to go back to her.


Diana is now back at the factory. She discusses with Caramelo how Caramelo knew about Fed being their mother. Caramelo is sorry but she had to keep it a secret. Diana slips in almost revealing that Gaby is the killer. Yolanda comes in.




Silvia is surveying her wig collection when Pancho calls. He's looking for a good location por pecar. (sin). He asks if she already has the money, but she says she's still getting it together.




Yolanda wants Diana to be present for the big bandage removal. Cut to the hospital where the doctor is unveiling Max. Diana, Marfil, Larry and Yolanda are all there. The orchestra of doom plays. Can you see me? Yes! I can see. Diana is standing next to him and she tells him she is so happy. Marfil is next to her, and she is miffed. Now Marfil edges Diana out of the way, and calls him "mi amor" and kisses him. Now it's Diana's turn to look miffed, but she just looks glassy-eyed.





Kike and Gaby are strolling outside. She seems upset. What a genius. She reveals to Kiki that she killed someone! And Fedora is taking the rap. He says don't worry--she will be fine with her self-defense claim. Everything will be all right. But guess what--Diego overhears.


Octavia comes to taunt Fedora at the jail. Amazing how they just let anyone in to visit. Anyway, this scene is too tedious and I didn't even pay close attention, so I won't recap in detail. You can guess.



Camila comes home, and Silvia tries to butter her up. Camila is wise to her ways and realizes she wants something. Yup, chimes in Iggy--3,000 bucks. For paying some guy to do her the favor of taking her virginity. This is just beyond gross, folks. You have to ask, why would Pancholon sleep with Silvia but not be willing to give his brother a massage? Which is worse? Just asking . . . Well, anyway, maybe he plans to take the money and not do the deed.




At the hospital, Marfil asks everyone to leave her alone with her husband. Diana is miffed, and Marfil smiles. Max tells Marfil that he is sorry Diana is upset. Marfil says she'll fix everything. Marfil then goes out and talks to Diana. She wants Diana to stop her dream for having Max. Now that Marfil is back, she should have him because she's the real spouse, and not the imposter, and she spent two years in a bed unconscious (but she belongs in a manicomio on the middle of the jungle). Diana tells her that she and Max really love each other and they have a son. No matter. Marfil will recoup his love. An accident took them apart, but they'll make up for lost time. Marfil finally says that she knows Diana is good, so don't steal her husband. Please help her recoup Max.






Cut to a brief scene of Caramelo talking to Fedora in the jail cell. More filler.






Back at the mansion, Diego calls out to Gaby--he says he overheard and she must tell the truth and confess her guilt. (Really, she should be able to make out a self-defense claim. Especially with her madre for an abogada.) For once, Diego seems to be the person with common sense. But why won't he confess to his wife that he can walk? Still a turd.



Back to the hospital: Marfil realizes that Diana wants Max for herself. She tells Diana that she has the best weapon of all--she is the real wife. (I think Caramelo tried that to no avail. Oh, well.) Credits roll.

Labels: acorralada

I read in the Wall Street Journal that "Dry Eye Syndrome" has exploded, reason: many people with facelifts cannot close their eyes all the way so their eyeballs are drying out all day and night...

Labels: announcements, humor

As we open, Lety and Aldo have a full blown fight over the message Fern left on the street. He thinks Fern is conniving. Lety correctly thinks that Aldo is blowing it out of proportion. As they fight, a car drives past them. Mom watches from window and notices that the car wiped away Fern’s message. As the car drives away. Aldo and Lety see that there is a "Just Married" sign on it, and tin cans strung to the bumper. Lety and Aldo make up and play annoying baby talk games.
Lety returns to her room. Mom is waiting there to ask if she’s sure about Aldo. Lety sullenly says that, well, she’s been wrong about many things… except her decision to marry Aldo.
At the 3’s Company pad, Omar is singing "Te quierooooo!" very loudly. I thnk it’s supposed to be a ranchera (mariachi) song, but it sounds more like really bad opera. Fern here’s the ruckus and runs in with a stick to defend his home from the apparent intruder. Marcia walks in and Fern throws her on the floor to protect her. Omar comes in and they realize he’s the perpetrator. Fern sees the look on Omar’s face-- very different from the gloomy puss he was sporting yesterday. They dance around and sing some more. Fern asks if by chance he saw Aurora last night. Omar does not confirms nor deny, he just continues singing and dancing, and Fern joins him.
Lety dreams… She’s on he set in her Aurora getup. Fern’s back is to her. She tells him (in her Lety voice) that they have to hurry up and finish taping the show, because Aldo may think that she dresses this way just to spend time with Fern. He turns around, but it’s not Fern, and it’s Aldo! Then Fern appears on the other side of Aurora. Fern says "Well, since you have Lety, then I’ll keep Aurora." Lety wakes with a start. She cries that she’s not Aurora, but every day she’s less and less Lety.
Next morning, Jasmine greets Aurora in the main lobby. Today’s outfit is a long, flowing peach number, with a gem-studded pin resting at the cleavage. A bit too monochromatic with her hair and make-up, but I think I’m getting used to it. Jasmine is brown nosing when Omar arrives, still singing. Jasmine notes that everyone knows Omar’s got the hots for Aurora. Aurora does not dispute it. Omar walks right by them, not even noticing them. He jumps on the elevator and the door closes before Aurora can get in.
The cuartel rehashes Fern’s musical tale of heartbreak from the night before.

Doña Bozo arrives looking for the her hijo, el galan (gallant son; a novella stud is often referred to as a galan ). The cuartel comments that she will be very surprised when she sees her son. Bozo goes to see Marcia and again shares her excitement about her son becoming a famous t.v. star. Marcia tries to explain what the show is about but Bozo is too busy gushing over her son to listen.

On the set, the scene begins. Aurora turns to meet Inocencio (Fern). He is all spiffed up in his sharp black tux. The camera pans to his face, he smiles and we see… Big, yellow, chipped, chicklet teeth! … A huge shnoz worthy of an octogenarian alcoholic, and… is it? Could it be? Yes, I think it’s… a unibrow! He gives Aurora a big smile, and puckers up to throw an air kiss. Aurora is impactada.
Doña Bozo, watching from off camera, is also impactada. She exclaims that it can’t be her son. She demands an explanation. They cut the scene so Fern can explain that he made up the character with Lety’s help. She asks why he can’t make up a character that’s more… uh, galan-worthy.
Aurora grumbles "hijo unico" (only son). Fern starts to defend himself, then stops to ask how she would know (that he’s an only son). Aurora’s eyes bulge, but she recovers and says that it’s obvious. Jeronimo, who is also in the scene, disgustedly mutters "novato" (novice). Fern sarcastically replies to him "Brad Pitt."
Alicia is busy as a bee at Tomas’s desk – busy embezzling, that is. She signs another of Tomas’s checks and congratulates herself on how well she has learned to copy Tom’s signature now. Tom’s phone rings and Alicia answers. It’s the bank and they are concerned because they believe one of his checks has a fraudulent signature. She gulps and says she will give him message. She hangs up and panics. She exclaims that she could go to jail. She tears up the check and hides it in her cleavage. She decides that she better find a more creative way to get money from her husband.
In his office, Omar is thinking about Caro. He would love to go back to her house, but he doesn’t want to seem… (he doesn’t finish the sentence). He tries to think of a good pretext to visit her again… He considers taking flowers, or maybe chocolates, the kind with the filling… He hears Caro in the vortex and gets super excited. He runs out to look for her. As he runs in, Caro turns and runs out.
Back on the set, Aurora asks Inocencio how much he charges for his secret agent services. He replies that his charge is nothing, except a kiss… right there on his labios eficientes (efficient lips? – does that mean his lips don’t waste any time? Or that, like an efficient secretary, they are most willing and able? Or…. maybe I need to pause here to get a cold glass of water). Aurora is insulted by Inocencio’s proposed price. Can’t he see she’s a woman of class? His mood changes. He says that yes, he can see that, and he is no longer interested in helping her because she (he hisses "usted") doesn’t have a heart. Aurora clutches her heart. He searches for a hankerchief in his pockets (how many volunteers out there would like to help Fern search for his hanky?... me! me! meeee!). He finds it, inhales deeply, and doubles over while covering his face with the hanky. He looks up and we see that the fake nose is now on the hanky. Aurora sees the true, hunka-hunka burning love beneath Inocencio's feo face, and is-- understandably-- impactada again. She signals to Jeromino to make room for her, and then promptly faints into his arms. Jeronimo catches her and then she bounces back up to tell Inocencio that he lied to her. She is now prepared to pay the price he has set (the kiss!). Inocencio says that is no longer an option. He explains that he learned long ago that true love comes from the eyes of the heart. He learned that from a marvelous woman who everyone called la fea.
He reveals the true objective of his secret agent assignment: to investigate true love. He must find it because true love was stolen from him and now his mission is to find out what happened to it. Aurora whispers to Jeromino that this is not in script. She adlibs, "So, this is a test to see if woman are only interested in appearances?" He replies "Sort of" and says that she should also remove her mask. This makes Aurora’s eyes twitch, Lety-style. She yells "Cut!" and walks off quickly. Caro follows. Luigi is exasperated and throws the script in the air. Fern’s impromptu discourse on true love has changed Jeronimo’s opinion of Fern acting abilities. He applauds him, saying "Repect for you, great actor!" Fern seems a bit taken aback with himself too.
Away from the set, Aurora/Lety is flustered. She tells Caro that it’s as if Fern can tell that she is in costume; that’s she’s not really as she appears. She complains that she can’t take off her Aurora mask -- she is trapped within herself!
On the set, Luigi tells Fern that he has to respect his own work, he should not disrespect himself by changing his script. They are interrupted by Aurora’s return. Luigi tells her she must act as if she can’t resist Inocencio. She must convey an unbearable desire to kiss him. Aurora and Fern look at each other like "Eww!"
Alicia is still in Tomas’s office on the phone with her dad. She’s distraught over possibly getting caught with the fake checks. She promises to stop doing it. From now on she will find a way to make Tomas sign the checks himself. Just then Tomas comes to his office door. I think he heard the end of the conversation, but I’m not sure if he understood the context. He walks in and asks to speak to dad, but Alicia quickly hangs up. They go back and forth about whether they should call dad back or not. She accuses him of wanting to talk to him about the money he was supposed to pay for the reception. She cries that he only cares about money. Blah, blah, blah… the phone rings and Tomas picks it up! Is it her dad or is it the bank calling again about the bogus check? Either way, Alicia is terrified!


Back at the set, Luigi tells Aurora that she has the beauty and style of diva, but sometimes, the India Maria in her slips out [La India Maria – a film character made famous by María Elena Velasco– is a an unrefined, naive Mexican Indian woman who manages to get herself into all kinds of wacky adventures. There are at least a dozen Mexican movies with this character]. Luigi says it’s almost as if she is the platypus’s (Lety’s) sister! Omar anticipates that this comment will anger Fern, so he runs over to hold Fern back. Fern assures Omar that he will not beat up Luigi for the platypus’s comment.
Luigi continues, saying that Aurora need to channel La Garbo (Greta, I’m assuming), she must act if she can smell Inocencio’s esencia de macho (macho essence). To illustrate, Luigi grabs Fern by the waist and thrusts him closer. He instructs "Inocencio must drive you crazy. You draw your lips closer to him slowly [still holding Fern by the waist, he demonstrates the technique]… and then…" Fern squeals and jumps away from Luigi. [What an excellent scene! Pause, rewind, play; pause, rewind, play.] Fern brushes the Luigi cooties off of himself. Luigi continues his instruction: Aurora and Inocencio must have strong eye contact. Aurora and Fern look at each other. Luigi says that he needs them to feel the energy between them. Aurora looks intently at Fern, losing herself for a moment. Then suddenly, she runs off all diva-esque, declaring a sudden need to speak to her agent (Tomas). Caro follows. Fern and Luigi are frustrated because she keeps running off.

Fern and Omar go to the vortex, where Fern asks for Lety. He says he needs her now more than ever. The cuartel informs him that she won’t be in until the afternoon. Martha offers that she is working on wedding preparations. The others groan at her indiscretion. Omar says they must work on the problem with Aurora’s acting – as sexy as she is, she having trouble acting sexy on camera. They need to teach her to be sensual y coqueta (sensuous and flirty). Fern says that’s exactly why he needs Lety-- to teach Aurora how to be coqueta. Omar asks, how does he figure that GargoLety could possibly... (he doesn’t finish the sentence). Fern grits his teeth. Irmita interrups and comes between them. She says she has to admit that Omar has a point. Fern reasons that Lety is tierna y hermosa (tender and beautiful), which is why he fell in love with her. The cuartel awhs. Omar giggles, which enrages Fern, so Omar hides behind Irma.
Tomas is in his office, and Alicia is hitting him up for money. Aurora and Caro come in. Alicia takes this opportunity to inform Aurora that Tomas will be doubling the fee for his talent agent service. Tomas more or less kicks Alicia out of the office. Aurora whines in her Lety voice because Luigi wants her to hermosa y sensual, and she just can’t do it. Caro thinks she should just act natural. Aurora’s whining continues and Tomas says Caro should teach her. Caro hides behind her purse and says "the number you have reached is busy."

Marcia and Doña Bozo discuss the new show. They think Agente Corazon Corazon Amor will be a big big hit.

Lety bellyaches some more because she can’t be sensual. Tomas has an idea, he knows the perfect person to teach her, it’s the most sensuous person in the world! He runs out. Lety thinks she knows who he’s talking about. She twists her face with angst.
In the vortex, the cuartel debates whether to tell Aldo that Fern was going to serenade Lety the night before (and this is their business because?). They take sides again.
Alicia says she will show Aurora her talents, but who knows if she’ll understand. She demonstrates a breathing exercise in which she heaves in and out; it looks similar to that old junior high "We must, we must, we must increase our bust" exercise. Aurora watches and stifles a giggle . Finally, she says this is a waste of time. She and Caro walk out, leaving Tomas to enjoy Alicia’s heaving boobs demonstration.
Aldo discusses his impending wedding with someone on the phone. He thinks it would be a good idea to have the wedding on a yacht. Whoever it is on the other end offers to sponsor (pay for) the yacht.

In the boy’s office/clubhouse, Fern is still ticked off with Omar. Omar changes the subject. He says that he now understands what Fern said before about making love with Lety, that with every touch and every kiss, he could feel how much she loved him . Omar admits that he felt that same way last night. Fern asks with who... Omar tells him it was Caro.
In another room, Caro tells Lety about the turn of events with Omar. Lety is so impactada that she mixes up her words: "You made Omar with love?" She is suspicious of his intentions, but Caro thinks that he’s changed. Lety wonders if maybe that’s why he didn’t pay attention to her when he got on the elevator that morning. Caro is excited to hear this, but then frowns. She’s worried about falling in love only to end up hurt.

Back on the set, Fern tells Luigi that Aurora is not capable of conveying emotion because she has no feelings.

Aldo walks into the vortex and Martha tells him they have something to tell him. PM stops her, but Sarah can’t resist and tells him that Fern was going to serenade Lety last night. Aldo is slightly miffed, but act amused by it. Lola actually asks "Don’t you think Lety should end up with Fern?" [I’m serious, she actually asked him this!] Aldo confidently promises that Lety will end up with the guy she deserves. He promises again for good measure… man, it was creepy.
Fern and Aurora continue their scene, which involves a profound and evocative conversation about what a kiss is.

• Inocencio: It’s more that just brushing lips together.
  Aurora: Maybe, but the important thing is to attain it. Not just anyone can attain it… not just anyone.
  Inocenncio: Well, who do you think is capable of succeeding? What type of person?
  Aurora: Someone calido, sensual, amoroso, (warm, sensuous, loving), which you are not.
  Inocencio: [forgets his line and she has to remind him] Are you sure?

Luigi loves the scene, but stops them to suggest a tiny change-- a kiss on the lips. Aurora and Fern both scream in terror "Que!!!"

Labels: fea

Gaspar tried to dash off to La Rinconada to see his baby, but Luba forcibly stopped him. He whined, "Mama, I want to see him!" Luba, as always, warned him that the people at La Rinconada would kill him if they found out he was the baby's father. She pleaded with him not to go, but he charged out of the cave.

Meanwhile, at La Rinconada, Emilio told the servants that Santos would be in charge while he was gone, and revealed to the servants' surprise that Santos was his cousin, Maximo's son.

At Coral's house: Coral showed her stage costumes to Soledad, who admired them and asked if Coral intended to go back to dancing. Coral said no, it was time to change her life. She suggested that she and Soledad should start designing clothes. Soledad seemed to like that idea.

In Alvaro's jail cell: The psychiatrist Aida -- or Dr. Loca, as Margaret called her -- told Alvaro he was a tormented man. She asked him to tell her about his relationship with Soledad. He refused, saying it was personal. Aida said she was a professional.

Alvaro admitted, "Yes, I am suffering." She asked, "Soledad deceived you?" and he said, "Yes. She was unfaithful with a foreman."

Aida asked him how many times he had cheated on Soledad with other women. They bickered and Aida decided to leave. Alvaro stopped her and asked, "Have you had your heart broken some time?" She didn't reply.

At La Rinconada: Gaspar found Thelma alone outside and grabbed her, shouting, "You already had my little cub. I want to see him!" Thelma tried to run away but he followed, shaking her and yelling. Thelma began to yell, "Auxilio!" ("Help!")

Emilio arrived and shot Gaspar, who fell to the ground. Thelma screeched at Emilio for not killing Gaspar, but Emilio said he wasn't a murderer and besides, Gaspar was sick. Thelma screeched some more and then was led away by Singing Aunt.

Angel came along and saw Gaspar on the ground. Emilio explained, "He tried to attack Thelma. I don't understand his obsession with her."

Elsewhere: Orlando went to see General Ochoa, who said Orlando deserved some rest after working so long on the mountain.

Meanwhile, Alina and Elias also arrived to see the general. Alina said she was very nervous because she might encounter Emilio. Elias assured her that Emilio was still in Sierra Escondida.

Alina became dizzy and Elias took her away to get some water, narrowly missing Orlando as he came out of the general's office. In the hallway Alina bumped into a handsome man and apologized.

They went to see General Ochoa. Alina told him her father was sick and needed help, and she was afraid. Elias said it would be safer for people to continue to think Alina was dead, and the general agreed. He said he would assign his own nephew, Captain Rodrigo Ochoa, to protect Alina. Of course, this later turned out to be the same man Alina bumped into in the hall.

Orlando went to the Devil's Cave and asked the bartender, Tony, if he'd seen Lucas. Apparently Tony said no. He took some money from Orlando. A young woman approached Orlando and told him Lucas didn't work there anymore. She said she would give him Lucas's address.

Orlando went to Lucas and asked for the name of the retarded man who used to work at the Devil's Cave. Lucas said he'd already told Tony that. (I don't know if this was all filler but it sure seemed like it.)

Finally he told Orlando that the retarded employee's name was Gaspar, and he lived in Sierra Escondida with his mother Luba. Dohlando mused that it had to be the same Gaspar (how does he figure these things out!) then said to himself, "Thelma, Thelma, I have you in my hands," chuckle smirk.

Back at Coral's house: Soledad told Coral how much she had sacrificed for love of Alvaro. Coral said maybe Soledad would fall in love again one day. Soledad said, "No, Coral, love was not made for me."

Alina arrived with Elias. The phone rang, Alina answered, and a man said, "I already know you're here and you're not going to escape!" After hanging up, Alina told the others she had been threatened but didn't know who the caller was.

At that moment, Dario was walking toward Coral's house, telling himself Coral wouldn't live there in peace.

Inside, Elias said the call was probably from Alvaro's lawyer. Coral told Alina she wasn't alone; they were all there to defend her.

Meanwhile, Dr. Aida insisted to her supervisor that Alvaro needed special care. She mentioned a DNA test -- I'm not sure what that was all about -- and said she was sure Alvaro had celotipia (pathological jealousy).

In Sierro Escondida: Emilio brought the unconscious Gaspar to Luba's cave, saying he was only sedated and would wake up tomorrow. He told Luba that he, Thelma, and the baby would soon return to Puebla.

General Ochoa's office: The general received a message from Emilio, read it, and said, "Pronto! Order the detention of Lt. Orlando Villasenor!"

At Dr. Aida's house: Her doorbell rang and she answered it. It was Rodrigo, the general's nephew. He kissed her cheek. She said she needed to talk to a friend.

At La Rinconada: Thelma was sitting on her bed, cooing over the baby, when Luba appeared. She insisted on holding the baby, saying, "He is my grandson!" Thelma said OK, if Luba would leave her in peace.

She gave the baby to Luba, who started to cry and said, "How beautiful he is. He's just like my Gaspar." Thelma tried to throw her out, and Luba warned her not to make a scene or Emilio would learn the truth. Of course, Emilio came in just then and asked, "What truth?"

Thelma ordered Luba, "Give me my son!" and said Luba should tell Emilio her secret. Luba said it was her business, not important, butThelma told Emilio that Luba was hiding in Sierra Escondida because she'd been accused of a crime.

Luba admitted that she'd been accused of killing a boy with a potion, but said she was innocent. Emilio more or less said if no one had brought charges against Luba, that was the end of it.

Luba repeated that she was innocent, said she wouldn't come near La Rinconada again, then left, pausing only to repeat that Thelma's baby looked "just like his father."

Elsewhere, Orlando told himself that Thelma had betrayed him but he would have revenge!

Meanwhile, Vera and Jaime and Ifigenio discussed whether Luba and Gaspar would try to escape from Sierra Escondida. Vera snarled something about getting revenge for all Luba and Gaspar (supposedly) did to Alina.

At the jail: Alvaro was put into a cell with another prisoner, who looked at Alvaro and laughed, "Fresh meat." Alvaro promptly beat him up.

Later a guard lectured Alvaro a little about the fight, but Alvaro gave him money and the guard left. Another prisoner stared at Alvaro threateningly from a nearby cell. Later a group of prisoners got together in the yard and talked about Alvaro, obviously planning something.

At Coral's house: The general's handsome nephew Rodrigo arrived. He and Alina mooned at each other. Alina apologized for bumping into him earlier. Soledad introduced herself, then she and Coral disappeared to make coffee.

Alina apologized AGAIN (talk about overkill), and Rodrigo flashed back to some blonde woman also apologizing to him. In the flashback, he forgave the woman and kissed her.

Coral brought the coffee to Alina and Rodrigo (that was awfully fast). Alina asked Rodrigo if he wanted sugar, and he had another creepy flashback about the blonde woman offering him sugar. Is he another Don Loco??

Meanwhile, Dario -- who must walk very slowly (the timing on this episode didn't make sense) -- finally reached the gates of Coral's house and unlocked them, saying it was good that he still had a key. He said, "Prepare yourself, Coral," then ran toward the house.

(If the gates were locked, how did Rodrigo get in? Why do I keep expecting this show to make sense?)

When Rodrigo said goodbye to Alina and left the house, perky music played, so I guess that means he's not a psycho like Don Loco, after all. Alina said to herself, "Ay, Emilio. No matter how I try, I can't forget you."

Rodrigo apparently went right back to Dr. Aida's house, because suddenly there he was again, telling her he had been put in charge of protecting a beautiful girl. Aida was pleased. She mentioned that his wife had died (the blonde in the flashbacks, no doubt).

She questioned him but Rodrigo said he couldn't tell her anything about the girl he was protecting. (You know he will eventually, and she'll go right to Don Loco with the news that Alina is alive.)

At night: Soldiers sat in a jeep across the street from Coral's house. About time they got there. Inside, Coral told Adela that she and Soledad were going to open a boutique. Adela said she was grateful for all Coral had done for Soledad.

The phone rang and Coral answered. It was Dario. He asked, "Why don't you understand that I'm serious? Leave the house tonight." Coral refused and told him the house was being guarded. Dario said, "Too late. I'm already in the house."

Coral freaked out, telling Adela, "It's the man who tried to kill me!"

Meanwhile, Rodrigo went home, found his young daughter watching TV, and told her to go to bed. More cute music played. (Too bad he's not a psycho -- this show really doesn't have enough villains.)

Back at Coral's house: Coral and Adela ran and told Soledad about the phone call while Alina entered another room and was grabbed from behind by Dario, who told her, "Quiet! Who are you? Where is Coral?" Alina said, "I am a friend of hers."

Somehow -- I'm not sure how? -- she managed to call Rodrigo, then dropped the phone. Rodrigo was still able to hear what was going on.

Coral, Soledad, and Adela came into the room and saw Dario holding Alina. He pointed a gun at them. Coral said, "Your problem is with me!"

And meanwhile, a group of prisoners cornered Alvaro in the bathroom. They pulled knives on him. END OF EPISODE, FINALLY!

mareada = sick, dizzy
moneda = money
pócima = potion

Labels: duelo

Diego, Padre Tomás and Bernardo have a conversation. Diego realizes that Montero wanted him to believe that the dead body he presented really was Esmeralda. PT asks Diego if he really believes that Monty is hiding Esme in Callao Prison, because all of their inside sources haven’t said a thing about him hiding anyone there. Diego adds that the prison used to be a monastery and there are an awful lot of places for someone to be hidden. PT says he’d like to believe that Esme is alive, but he’s not convinced. He knows that Diego is going to follow what he believes to be true in his heart, but PT is worried that he’ll be in danger if he tries to sneak inside the prison (ulcer 1). Bernie signs that the security in the prison has been stepped up a notch since Zorro upped the attacks. PT warns Diego to be careful, Monty’s changed the guards and it could be really dangerous. Diego says not to worry, he’s not going into the prison as either Diego or Zorro.

Esme begs Auggie to find out if her sister really is pregnant. Auggie says he can’t do it, Monty is suspicious of him and watching him like a hawk. He tells her it is best if they keep a low profile for awhile. Esme has flashes of Mariangel with Diego and she gets even more worried that something might be happening between the witch and her man (ulcer 2). Auggie sticks up for Diego. He tells Esme that since she married Monty what did she expect, that Diego would just sit around and not find someone else? He advises Esme to let them have their lives and not to look for more problems.

Almudena tells Yumali that if she were to die, Yumi will need to look after Alejandro (welcome to the parlor said the spider to the fly…..giving her just the opening she wants, watch out Dena, Yumi might poison your tea). Dena cries for Esme and tells Yumi that she should snap out of it for Al, but she just can’t. Dolores enters the room and asks if Dena will be getting ready for the funeral. Dena weeps and says she just can’t go, she wants to remember her girl the way she was when she last saw her. Yumi comes up with some sort of Indian ritual to help Dena….it involves her waving her rattles behind Dena’s back and from somewhere off in the distance a wind instrument begins playing.

Mangle plays with Olmos. She hassles him about coming to work for her and he says he’s already to move into the de la Vega hacienda. She says she’s not sure if she still needs or wants him to work for her. He pleads with her and she says OK, but you’ll have to help me get my inheritance by getting rid of my father (What?!?! One thing I thought Mangle was, was loyal to her dad…she is an evil bi**h through and through). She walks away and Olmos mutters that she will be his.

Monty talks to himself and rehashes about Diego’s reaction when he saw the corpse. He, Monty, really enjoyed seeing Diego suffer identifying the “body” of his loved one. Monty goes on to mutter some more that he doesn’t really like the idea of Diego sleeping with his amante (Mangle). Someday, he swears, he’s going to kill Diego and yeah, that Zorro guy and your little dog, too.

Diego and Bernie discuss how Monty thinks he’s fooled them. They decide that Diego’s got to keep up the pretense that he believes Esme’s body has been found. This way, they’ll have time to find out if what Diego suspects is true and where Esme is actually being kept. Diego feels bad that he’s got to let Dena continue to think Esme’s really dead.


Dolores asks Diego about the body and he starts up with the pretense. Dolo prays for Esme’s soul. Dolo reports to Diego that Dena is sunken deeper into her depression, but that Yumi is trying to console her with her Indian ritual.

Pizarro tells Agapito that they need to dig up Sara Kali’s remains. I didn’t catch if he said why they need to body, but Piza is pretty insistent. Aga is scared, cuz there is no body to dig up. Aga gets out of this mess by saying he’s way to busy and it would arose suspicion if he doesn’t tend to the funeral arrangements for Esme. Piza accepts that and leaves. After he’s gone, Aga mutters that Piza’s going to kill him.

Sara Kali runs into Maria Pia at the leper colony. MP is there tending to the needs of the outcasts. She sees SK in the food line and comments that she looks like the leprosy is healing. SK doesn’t really answer and moves away quickly to hide from MP. SK mutters something about being sorry, I’m not quite sure what that’s all about.

Al tells Diego that they cannot host a wake for Esme since she is/was legally Monty’s wife, therefore it is his right. Al is angry to find out that Dena got news of the recovered body and he wants to know who told his wife. Mangle happens by the room at this point and she confesses that it was her who told Dena about the body’s recovery

Monty meets with Aga to make funeral arrangements. He says he wants the best for Esme and acts all remorseful (makes me sick). Aga asks for a written order to remove the body and get it prepped for burial. Monty says he’d like the coffin to be sealed and as he hands Aga the necessary papers he notices that Aga’s hand is shaking. Monty asks why Aga is nervous. Aga gives him a generic answer and leaves. Monty smiles his most weaselly smile.
SAM rehashes with Aga about Esme’s death, how she was a such a lovely lady. Aga comments about how death comes for all of us. SAM says that it should come sooner for some than others.

Auggie brings food to Esme. She’s not hungry. He urges her to eat (I think this is a rerun, because they’ve done this bit a couple of times so far). Esme throws a pity party for herself…her mom’s dead (not), everyone thinks I’m dead (not Diego) and my man supposedly has fathered my evil sister’s offspring (not). Auggie says she needs to eat for the baby and talks to her about the importance of children. He talks about his own kids and this must soften him up to a degree. He then promises to find out whatever she wants if she agrees to eat.

Diego tries to talk Mangle out of going to the cemetery service. She says she’s going because she’s Esme’s sister and because she can help defuse things with Monty. She claims that Monty respects her because she’s the governor’s daughter. Diego tells Mangle to do as she pleases and leaves. She mutters to herself and the general audience that she’s really going to see that they bury Esme deep in the ground.

Yumi tells Al that Dena needs to let go of her grief for Esme. They are having this conversation right in front of a sleeping Dena. Anyway, Al says it’s not like that with white people, they need to grieve. Yumi’s people see death as part of life’s circle, and therefore it is easier for them. Al thanks Yumi for doing her rattle ceremony and being there for Dena, Dena really missed Yumi when she was off wandering in the mountains. Yumi makes a move toward him. She asks if he missed her too while she was gone. He says of course, we (him and Dena) both did because she is part of their family. This seems to satisfy Yumi somewhat, she takes from that that Al missed her (just goes to show people hear what they want to hear).

Olmos arrives at the hacienda with his bags. Dolo wants to know who he is and what’s he doing there (because I am sure that there are so many hunchbacks wondering around LA that Dolo can’t keep them all straight---no pun intended). Olmos says that he’s Fernando’s assistant and he’s come to work for FS’s daughter, Mangle. Dolo is put out, nobody told her anything about this. She seems suspect that Olmos works for Fernando, but says she’ll go find a room for him.

Al tells Dena that Diego recognized Esme’s body when showed the remains (he knows Mangle told her this already, but apparently wants her to hear it from him now). They talk about the funeral and how the burial will be that afternoon. Dena is upset, but Al tells her that it is best to get it all taken care of now.

Aga goes to prep the body. You’d think the man had never been around a rotting corpse. He goes on about how the body stinks (now I watched Six Feet Under and one thing David Fischer was adamant about was that the morticians treat the dead with respect, to remember that they are family to someone---right now I’m thinking Aga could have a little conference with David and get some lessons on how to do the whole respect thing because he’s not doing such a wonderful job----could be because he’s really a jack of all trades and a master of none). Aga comments that the person has been dead for several days (that fits with Monty’s story---see at least Monty can get the whole continuity thing down for his lies, now if only the writers would take a lesson from this and follow suit).

Fernando and Monty meet. Monty rehashes that Diego ID’d the body and the two go on to rehash the funeral arrangements. Monty says that there still is the matter of Alejandro de la Vega to discuss. Things haven’t been worked out about Al’s little military confrontation with Monty and also Al’s still blaming Monty for Esme’s death. Fernando says that he’s responsible as well, but he’ll not pay in this life, he’ll pay in hell. Monty says he’s a man who also lives up to his responsibilities (Liar!!, you always look for a patsy to take the fall). Monty’s parting shot to Fernando is to lose the smell of liquor before showing up to the funeral.

Dolo gets some answers from Mangle about Olmos. Dolo asks where she should put Olmos and Mangle says in a room close to mine. Dolo sees this as being as weird as we all do, but she goes to follow the orders. Mangle smiles one of her evil smirks.

Maria Pia rehashes with Sister Carola about the strange, unleper like lady at the colony. MP comments that the woman looked almost cured, and yet she just got there. Sister Carola says that maybe her condition is located on parts of the body not seen to the un-naked eye. MP goes on about Fernando’s visit the evening before. She tells Sister Carola that she’s worried (ulcer 3) of what the other sisters think. Carola tries to put MP at ease, but MP thinks it might be best if she were to distance herself from Fernando. Carola asks if MP means physical distance and will be leaving the convent.

Sara Kali is questioned by the head leper lady (HLL). HLL wants to know who SK is and why Aga brought her there to hide. SK says it is better for HLL not to know, because it will put her life in danger. SK is desperate to talk to someone, so she gives a mini rehash of her life and how it has no meaning now that her daughter is dead.

Nutty Nun (Sister Suplicios/ don’t remember her birth name that Renzo called her the other day, so she’ll still be NN to me) stumbles onto the gypsy camp. It almost looked like she was seeing a mirage, but nope it was actual people. She gets Jonas and Suzi to come with her, but doesn’t tell them where they are going. The Gitanos are a helpful bunch and they go along after NN (did they forget that they’ve been the object of a Monty’s witch hunt for awhile now……so we see where Renzo gets his cleaver ideas---the apple falls not far from the tree). NN gets the Gitanos to Camba and Renzo. Suzi flips out to see that her baby boy is hurt, she’s worried he’s lost a lot of blood (ulcer 4).

Dena stays at home as Al, Mangle and Diego head off to the cemetery.

Piza tells Monty that he’s called in an expert to help with the explosives that they will use to kill the Marquesa (MC). Monty doesn’t like outsiders being brought in on the job. He wants Piza to do it. Monty goes on with the same old song and dance and says that Piza’s been acting weird and that he just can’t trust him anymore, BUT he then tells Piza that he expects Piza to carry out the execution of MC. Piza says he’ll do it.

SAM oversees the digging of “Esme’s” grave. Auggie shows up and pays Sgt. Garcia (SAM) three gold coins. SAM is suspicious that the coins are real and does the bite test. He teases Auggie about hitting it rich. Auggie asks what’s going on with the grave and SAM tells him it’s for Esme’s corpse.

Monty goes to see Esme and tells her he’s headed to her funeral. Esme esta impactada. Oh yeah, Monty adds, you didn’t know that your body’s been recovered. He goes on to give her the details of finding the corpse of a fisherwoman that was rotting for days. He lets her know that Diego ID’d the body and what pleasure Monty got out of the whole experience. Esme calls him a bastard and Monty threatens her with a “remember you are dead!”

SAM and Auggie watch the funeral procession….Al, Diego, MC, and Mangle. Auggie wonders who the red head is. SAM says it’s Esme’s sister and Don Diego’s wife. Auggie mutters that its true (OK, Esme knew that part already, what she asked you to find out was if Mangle was pregnant….I think Auggie will take the easy way out and just jump to the conclusion that Diego and Mangle are now really an item, i.e. she’s pregnant---not that she isn’t, but she isn’t that way because of Diego).

MP tells Padre Tomás that she’s going to the funeral. PT says that Fernando is sure to be there and it is best if MP avoids him. Maria Pia doesn’t care, Fernando will have to just deal because she’s not going to not be there for Diego. So she tells PT that she can go with him or on her own, but she is going. OK, he agrees to go with her.

At the cemetery PT performs the service. Monty steps up and says he wants to pay respect to his wife. Piza and his soldiers shoot off an rifle salute at Monty’s request. Monty adds some words about what a marvelous wife Esme was and in her memory he’d….Dena shows up at this point, and she basically goes on to tell Monty to shut up and calls him a hypocrite. END OF EPISODE / Ulcers equal 4, did I lose count ‘cuz it seemed like there were more

Labels: Zorro

Labels: duelo