Caray, Caray!

That's #266 by Univision's count; 268 hours of beautiful ugliness.

Gossip, by La Troupe

(That's French for "the cuartel." Just tryin' to keep them interesting!)

Martha is eating outdoors when Mr. Martha drives up, excited. Martha fears he's going to ask her for a divorce. Nope, he's decided it's time for them to buy a house. He explains that they have many financing options. (I'm sure this was a product placement ad, but the name of the lender must have been edited out... how sad. Not!) He wants to start looking at houses right now. Martha isn't happy to leave her taco behind, but he promises to buy her a sandwich on the way.

Back at Conceptos, when Tomas says he won't give Alicia the kind of wedding she wants, she accuses him of putting money above her happiness. He gets on his knees and offers to negotiate, but she ignores him.

The cuartel waits for Luigi so they can find out what he knows about Aurora. To kill time, they taunt Alicia for looking sad. She reveals that she canceled the wedding, and that desgraciado Tomas is going to suffer, now that he knows what it's like to have had her, and then to have lost her.

Luigi arrives, and they chase him into his studio to ask about Aurora. Alone, Alicia asks herself - did he lose her? Or did she lose him? She frowns thoughtfully. (Hey, that's some pretty deep thoughts, coming from our Oxi!)

Luigi stands next to the poster of himself in his office and strikes the same pose, trying to get the cuartel to talk to the hand. It doesn't work. Irmita (does she look different to anyone else?) explains that they need info on Aurora. He can't help them. He says he shouldn't have gotten up that morning - he should have stayed in bed with his Ruli. (He turns to the photo of his real-life girlfriend Isabella Camil - Jamie Camil's half- or step-sister - and prays for help!)

Don't cry over spilt tequila or you'll spill the beans too

It's night time. The houses on Lety's street are decorated for Christmas. Tomas is pacing on the sidewalk, talking to Alicia's photo. What's he going to do without her, how sad, etc., he hopes Lety's at home to cheer him up. He's so absorbed by the photo that he doesn't see Lety come out of house and get into her car - he's not aware of her until she's already speeding away. "I need you to console me!" he cries. He flags down a taxi and tells the driver to chase her. The driver almost takes off without him. "Hey - wait for me!"

Lety gets to the restaurant where she's to meet Jackson Reynolds, the RetroMod guy, and dashes to the bathroom to change her clothes, face, body, voice, posture, attitude, name, personality, etc. Tomas arrives a moment later and asks a waiter if he's seen a woman with glasses, whiskers, eyebrows, a little bit ugly. "A little?" the waiter replies, making a face. He tells Tomas she's in the restroom. Tomas orders a tequila and says he'll wait. He tells the Alicia photo that he'll drown his sorrows in tequila. He starts to cry and says his heart is destroyed.

Aurora comes out of the bathroom in a peach-colored dress with a gold capelet. (Are you telling me that Manuel has no emerald- or sapphire-colored dresses? Not one? Maybe amethyst? No?) She stands around waits for Jackson to show up. Tomas stares at Aurora and weighs his options. At first he thinks she's too much woman for him, but he entertains his other points of view as well.

Finally, he decides to approach Aurora. He takes off his glasses, trips over his feet either accidentally or on purpose - it's hard to tell - and lands in the seat opposite Aurora. Fortunately, with his glasses off, he can't make out the flustered look on her face. He flirts and squints. He tells her he's a single guy looking for love. His friends are the clouds, the sun, and the sea.

He turns to call for the "garçon." Luckily, he's so loud, he can't hear Lety's tittering. He whispers into the waiter's ear and sends him away. He says he'd like to tell her about his "millions." He says he feels like they've met in a previous life, as soulmates, and slyly asks if she senses it too.

Aurora's face starts twitching. Tomas tells her that he was going to say she looked like some actress, but with that parpadeo (blinking) she reminds him of someone else... except she's beautiful, not like... oh, good, the drinks are here, that was quick! He tells her that the drink is his invitation. Why don't they share a toast? He'd love to hear her voice again. (I think the only words he's heard her say so far were "Your millions? How interesting.")

"Thanks, but I don't drink." (Too bad he didn't order her an orange juice - that would have been a dead giveaway!) He wants to toast anyway and shoves the drink into her hand. "Ready? Salúd!" Aurora throws her drink at him, or maybe she just misses - it's not clear - but the drink winds up all over his face. Tomas jumps up in alarm. Aurora yells, "I'm sorry!" Lety-style. Tomas looks around for Lety, puts on his glasses, and peers at her suspiciously. Then he tells her no, it can't be, because his friend is horribly ugly! In her whiniest voice, she confirms his suspicions and tells him to stop telling people she's ugly.

Elated, Tomas jumps up and announces to everyone in the restaurant that she's his friend Lety - she's la fea más bella! People applaud, and she tells him to cool it. He sits down next to her and starts pawing and drooling! She freezes him in mid-slobber by simply saying "Alicia."

Jackson Reynolds shows up for their meeting and kisses her hand. She introduces Tomas as her agent, but Jackson quickly loses interest in him. Jackson is sure now that she's the woman he wants - no other will do - but she refuses, and tells him not to waste his time. He appreciates her honesty and asks her to let him know if she changes her mind. He adds that if she doesn't sign up, he'll go with a more professional place, because Conceptos tricked him. Sucks to be them, because they'll have to indemnify him big time.

He kisses her hand again and leaves, ignoring Tomas's outstretched hand (I think he was only expecting a handshake). Aurora makes a Lety-face.

They go back to Lety's place and Tomas watches Lety draw her eyebrows back on. They rehash her Aurora routine. Tomas agrees that Erasmo would kill her if he knew. Lety says he even ran into her once, but didn't recognize her. She swears him to secrecy. He says she's pretty, and she says she never dreamed anyone would say that to her. "Much less me," Tomas laughs.

He asks if she had plastic surgery. The answer is no. They rehash some more about the troubles with RetroMod. Lety says they'll discuss the details later, but now she wants to sleep.

Birds of a feather

Tomasa is on the couch with some pastry, laughing like a hyena at the TV. Alicia knocks on the door with her pathetic bandaged paws. Tomasa assumes it's her son, calls him a dog's ear, scolds him for losing his keys, and tells him to wait for a commercial, but Alibubis keeps knocking. Tomasa opens the door and doesn't even look at her - her eyes are glued to the TV and she immediately returns to the couch. Ali brings in all of her bags and notices the TV show. She starts laughing too. Tomasa still doesn't notice anything strange.

Alicia brings in the last bag and makes herself at home. She pulls Tomasa's legs off the couch and sits down, still laughing at the TV herself, and starts hitting Tomasa with a throw pillow. Tomasa makes a face like she just found half a worm in her apple.

You know... I think I see a future for these two. Laughing at the TV and yelling at Tomas is a lot of work, but if Alicia and his mom work in shifts, they can get it done in half the time!

The dog's ear finally gets home and trips over Alicia's bags in the dark. Alicia is snoring loudly on the couch. At first, he thinks it's his mother, and tries to shake her awake. Alicia rolls over and snores in her face. Apparently, he recognizes her by smell. He turns on the lights to confirm the diagnosis, thus waking her up. She screams in outrage. Happily, Tomas says "We don't have to get married because now you sleep here!" Tomasa comes out, snaps her fingers at him, says his teddy bear is all alone, and orders him to his room. She makes that half-worm apple face at Alicia again.

Omar and Fern tip the movers

Fern watches the movers take his stuff out of the house. Omar is keeping him company by complaining. Fern says he feels proud. Omar says he feels like an fool, because they sold all their stuff, but now the RetroMod campaign is going to save everything, they didn't have to sell anything! Fern disagrees. He says thanks to Omar's stupidity, now they'll owe a big fat indemnity too. He mocks Omar for being too lazy to read the fine print and predicts that Omar will end up in prison. Don't worry, Fern will bring him ajedreces (chess pieces?) and cigarettes, and once a month he'll get to visit with one of his little lady friends, and if not one of them, then maybe Luigi or someone. Also in prison, they like to play house. Omar can be the mommy.

Omar doesn't think so. At least, he hopes not. Fern says he's going to have to cough up $200,000, then (that's dollars, not pesos!). All Omar can really say is that he doesn't smoke, so Fern can skip the cigarettes. Fern stabs at something on the fireplace floor.

Hmm. Omar must have lived a very sheltered life if he doesn't know what the cigarettes are for. I guess with all the womanizing, he hasn't had time to watch much TV.

Later, the boys look around the new place as their stuff gets moved in. (Fern's tie matches the walls, terra-cotta and gold.) Omar complains that it's a hovel, it's worse than Fern's little office. Fern says no, it's much bigger and it has a window.

Fern says something about lighting and entertaining women. Omar says he doesn't want anyone, much less a woman, to find out that he lives here.

Fern verbally spits on the bedroom that has the bathroom, to claim it. Omar whines. One of the movers says the sofa won't fit through door. It's Omar's. It really won't fit. Fern tells them to keep it. They're happy, Omar not so much, he bought it on credit and hasn't finished paying for it yet! He says that's where he puts his feet up at night to watch TV (but obviously not prison shows).

Sunrise... Dawn... Aurora... BREAKFAST!

It's breakfast at the Padillas'. Aldo's there. Moty is cute. They rehash the Aurora problem for the parents' benefit. Nothing to see here, move along. Okay, one detail that might be important - Lety says that Aurora left for Europe early that morning.

Omar meets Carolina at a restaurant for breakfast. He's already drinking and she doesn't have good news. "I can't believe you're doing this to me!" he tells her. "ME??" She tells him Aurora went to Europe a few days ago and won't return. (If people start comparing notes, they might be confused by the discrepancy, but I think it's a red herring.) Omar says if Aurora doesn't show up, he'll end up in prison. He orders another whiskey. Caro puts her hand on his and assures him he won't go to jail.

He says he hoped it wouldn't come to this, but he's going to have to do something desperate, and everyone will be sorry. He looks at her intently and leaves. Caro says to herself, "Poor thing, he really is in love."

Meanwhile, at the Mora home, Alicia acts grateful for the honor of sleeping on Tomasa's couch. Tomasa tells Alicia she's still got one more test (right now she's working on test #2, ironing all of Tomas's shirts). Alicia whines about her poor hands.

Tomas comes in and greets his "family." Tomasa tells him to lose the smile. "We're going to have a serious talk later." Mom says if Alicia has no home and she's going to keep sleeping there, they need to get married. Tomas happily agrees.

It can't possibly get worse.

It's worse

The HaHas are in the Conceptos boardroom with Lety, Aldo, Marcia, and Fern, reviewing the RetroMod paperwork for loopholes. (Ha2 is Crispin on Destilando Amor.) Ha1 tells Marcia he can't see anything. Ha2 tells him to put on his glasses. Hahahahaha. Fern jokes to Marcia and Aldo that these guys are great - you'll only end up in jail if you're innocent. They don't see any loopholes at all. The contract is very well constructed and clear: indemnity and penalty.

Omar is in his office. A bedazzled Luigi shows up. They chat about Luigi's pashmina. Omar talks about wanting to try something out with Jackson. (Yes, they talk for a long time, but nothing substantive is revealed.)

Aldo says "so there's nothing we can do?" Ha1 says there's maybe one thing: they could pay the indemnity. (D'oh!) It's a lot of money, but 200,000 is less than what they'd have to pay otherwise - they might get sued.

Fern asks if they don't have any good news. Ha1 has some: he hasn't had a drink in two days. I think he adds. Hmm... you know, I think he was smarter when he was drinking, so maybe someone should start pouring! Fern again sarcastically remarks on their high-quality counsel. Ha1 starts kissing Marcia's fingers until she protests in disgust. The HaHas leave. Marcia wipes her hand on Fern.

Aldo begins to say "and it's all the fault of this..." pointing to Fern. Fern takes over with "...imbecile!" pointing to the door as Omar enters. "You called?" Fern and Aldo usher him to a chair. Fern asks how they should kill him. Aldo proposes removing Omar's eyebrows without anesthesia. (Aldo, you're so lame!) Fern says no, let's just cut his head off, it doesn't do anything anyway. But Omar says he has a great idea. He's spoken to JR and he has an idea that will save the company. Everyone groans, and Omar steps out to prepare his brilliant solution.

Lety, Aldo, Fern, and Marcia worry amongst themselves. Aldo says he hopes Omar's not creating false expectations.

Meanwhile, in Luigi's office, Omar and Luigi speak cryptically of their plan. Luigi tells Omar not to worry, and just enjoy his creations. (Oh boy this does not sound good, not good at all!)

JR and a white-haired man have joined the others in the boardroom. JR is saying that he had his doubts about Conceptos, but they hope they'll change his mind. Just in time, in comes Omar to announce that the moment has arrived to present the beautiful Aurora.

Someone comes in who's dressed and made up like Aurora... sort of. She's pretty, but not elegant. Her "fur" coat is obviously synthetic (and not the expensive kind of synthetic). She's about Luigi's size, and for a moment I think... but no. It's not Luigi.

Lety is momentarily confused too, but it's not her either.

Marcia asks the fake Aurora how she got interested in retro fashion. "I don't know," is the fake Aurora's high-pitched answer. Fern remarks on her pretty voice, and they all grin stupidly.

Omar ruefully thought-bubbles that this woman doesn't hold a candle to Aurora. JR says the same thing out loud, but more bluntly. "This woman is not Aurora!" Lety puts her head down. Aldo says they've only ever seen her in photos, so perhaps JR is wrong. JR says no, he met the real one last night, and this one is a terrible imitation. Omar says that can't be - JR must have met with the fake one.

Lety asks for another chance, but JR's patience has run out. He wants back the 2 million dollars he's already advanced them, plus the 200,000 dollars indemnity. Shell Man suggests that they negotiate, but JR cuts him off. "Pay up or I'll sue!"

Lety follows the RetroMod guys into the Vortex, begging some more. She tells them that this wasn't everybody's fault. Omar was trying to help, but he made a mistake and hired the wrong woman. JR says he doesn't care - Omar's an employee of Conceptos, and Conceptos will have to pay the consequences of his error. Bye.

Out in the Vortex, the Cuartel is attempting to calculate a launch window for the gossip satellite they've just built. Whoops, I misunderstood - they're discussing nothing as usual. Tomas and Alicia come in together, the happy couple. Tomas is humming the wedding march, and Alicia proudly has her hand on his arm and her nose in the air. Behind them, Juana throws imaginary confetti.

Tomas says they've announced a date, and Alicia says it's much sooner than they would have thought. Sara asks if she's pregnant. Alicia says she's not that sort of woman.

He's wearing the shirt she ironed for him. There's an iron-shaped patch on it. In a very tattletalish voice, Sara calls attention to it. Tomas says it's the mark of love. He airily tells Alicia that the youngsters (mozuelas) just don't understand. He throws his jacket down on the floor for Alicia to step across.

Luigi breezes through and asks Irmita for some valerian. (In reality I'm describing this scene slightly out of order; at this point, he's about to begin creating the fake Aurora.)

Saimon and Celso show up. Saimon says something about a half-dozen margaritas. Hmm, that sounds good right now, and technically it is cinco de mayo now... hmm... anyway... the cuartel has summoned them for a favor. They want the guys to put on a show for a bachelorette party. It doesn't have to be like "Solo Para Mujeres," but Saimon and Celso will be their strippers. Celso whips out his nightstick (that's not a euphemism) and pretends it's a stripper's pole. He begins practicing his dance.

Wow. Conceptos is a hell of a place to work.

The cuartel witnesses Lety's unhappy plea to JR. They're concerned, but she doesn't want to talk about it. They ask if they can take pictures with the Mystery Woman in the boardroom. Lety says sure, go ahead, take all the pictures they want. They cheer and hug Lety.

Lety goes back into the boardroom, where an impromptu birthday party is being held. Well... it's not exactly a party. And I don't think it's anyone's birthday. But there is a piñata. His name is Omar. :-( Fern yells at him for his new, even stupider idea to remedy the stupid mistake he made before. If he entered an idiot contest, he'd lose. It's a domino effect of idiocy. Marcia also scolds him for trying to pass off this model as Aurora. (The poor model is starting to look awfully glum.) Fern BEGS him not to try to fix the situation any further. Aldo adds that Omar's services - his BAD services - will no longer be needed.

"You're firing me?"

"It's great that he's so intuitive," Fern tells Aldo. Omar is impactado.

---

Next week
Fern is about to get a close-up look at Aurora in a kelly green dress. Oh well, it's better than peach.

Labels: fea

Our Thursday blogger suddenly left us. Here is a recap left by Anonymous - who'd be welcome to take the slot if he/she likes...

A quick snapshot of the action, from my memory and a glance at esmas.com:

Aaron tells Gavi that he's giving her a bonus for the work she did prior to the junta. First she declines, then he tells her to use it to go shopping for some clothes for her new position as his assistant. They have an appointment with the tequila regulators.

The evil corporate guy Quintana makes an unkind suggestion to Gavi about what she did to merit the bonus. She takes her bonus, socks him, and signs off of the bonus.

Rodrigo reports to the cantina and informs Crispin and James that the search is off. Gavi knows where to find him.

Bruno is not on board with Turquoise Tequila. Aaron tells his daddy that he's really a nothing and gets socked in return. Bruno demands that Aaron better bring in some cash with the new enterprise and storms out.

Acacia is fingering her musicbox and remembering when James gave it to her. Meliton demands to know where she got the musicbox and smashes it to the ground. She cries and picks on the broken pieces.

Gavi comes back to work in a bright red short skirt and matching pumps and handbag, all ready for their business meeting!

James sneaks back to Meliton's hacienda with a bunch of red roses, fumbling along the walls in the dark and talking to himself out loud. He starts opening doors looking for his beloved Acacia...He opens the door and there is Meliton's flabby arm draped over Acacia, the two of them are asleep together. James ducks back out into the hall and sinks to the ground. The horror!

The tequila regulators are impressed by Gavi's presentation. One takes Aaron aside and asks where he found Gavi. Aaron says that Gavi found him.

James packs his bags, Acacia cries.

Minverva threatens Aaron about Gavi, she heard from Elvira that he had gone out with Gavi.

Clarita wakes up and freaks out about Gavi working for the Montalvos (maybe it was the outfit Gavi came home in). Gavi assures her that it will be fine.

James comes back to the Montalvo hacienda in a fugue state. Roman and Rod have to get him out of the car. James is going back to Londres.

Gavi kindly gives the prof some of her cash for helping her out with the project and the reclaims Rod's watch at the pawnshop.

Elvira says some nasty words to Gavi about the state of her relationship with Aaron.

Labels: Destilando

EPISODE #58:
* Diego and Bernardo practice sword-fighting in Z-cave. Diego asks Bernardo about MA and what Alej was going to tell him when MA announced she was pregnant. Bernardo says he's crazy. He says maybe but he's still curious.

* Four-way standoff in meadow between Pizarro, Olmos, Geraldo and Renzo. Esmeralda uses her powers of persuasion to get Pizarro to back down - he will if Olmos drops his gun first; Esmeralda orders Olmos to drop his gun - Olmos does so. Pizarro aims his gun at Geraldo, who follows Olmos in dropping his gun. (Stand-off ends.)

* Natives with horses drag Brother Aaron and Don Fernando by rope along the trail. Don Fernando starts to turn into a fiera, breaks free from the rope, jumps on the horse and breaks the native's neck - Fer and the native fall to the ground. Fer then attacks and kills the other natives in the party. Brother Aaron is so impactado, he tries to call on Fer to stop in the name of humanity and G-d. Fer only looks up, grunts and runs away.

* Alej and Dena in bed together, they discuss Fernando the fieras. Dena wonders if this craziness isn't punishment for all the evil Fernando did in the past. Alej isn't sure, maybe it is. Dena is glad that Esmeralda is far away and soon will be with her mother and be safe and happy.

* Jonas the lead gypsy worries about Javier finding Laisha. He and Hermes discuss why Laisha ran. Jonas explains what happened to her husband, Miguel. SK is horrified that could happen to them because of her. Jonas says don't worry, Javier will return with Laisha.

* Javier bounds through the meadow, calling for Laisha. He trips and falls on the ground. Laisha comes from behind and whacks him on the back of the head. He's out cold. She says that when he wakes up, she will be long gone.

* Esmeralda is starting the discuss a plan between her, Pizarro and Olmos - Renzo tries to interrupt with his opinions (he doesn't trust the two men) but Esmeralda tells him to keep quiet. She continues to negotiate the plan to unite with SK and the gypsies.

(CUE OPENING CREDITS)

* MA meets with Montero in his office; they discuss Esmeralda and SK's great escape from under Montero's watch. Montero tells MA that her own sister is a princess. MA doesn't flinch with information and starts in on Montero about his problem in catching Zorro/Diego. Montero hands MA a glass of wine (?) as he changes the subject to her pregnancy. She lets it slip about Diego's amnesia. Montero is impactado and scolds her for not telling him about it. She says why should she? they aren't partners in crime. Montero sits at his desk and changes the subject back to Esmeralda and the search. MA wants him to kill Esmeralda for her. Montero realizes how cold and heartless MA is towards Esmeralda, and remarks that people won't believe that she is a future, sweet mother. MA calls Montero an imbecile.

* Alone, before Renzo leaves, Esmeralda and Renzo have a private conversation as they plan Renzo joining with the gypsies and protecting SK. Renzo tells Esmeralda how enchanted with her he has been. Esmeralda lets him down gently. (AW! a boyhood crush like Hipolita and Martin in Alborada).

* Diego, Bernardo and PT have sword/stick fighting practice in the Z-cave. Diego also practice using his whip to put out the candle flames.

* Cardinal visits MP. MP talks to him about giving Sor Loca another chance and letting her return to the church convent. She totally supports it; he still isn't convinced.

* Sor Carola and Sor Novincia have Camba move a heavy piece of furniture. Sor Loca enters the room and stops them. They explain what they are having Camba help them with. Sor Loca tells them that Camba is still healing and they shouldn't use him as a slave in the church. Sor Carola and Sor Novincia excuse themselves. Sor Loca starts to help Camba finish moving the furniture piece. Camba touches Sor Loca's hand; she pulls away quickly; he apologizes (I think); she says don't worry about it and quickly leaves; he has a big smile on his face (oo-oo! Camba you naughty boy).

* Dena stops MA in the front hall. Dena wants to know about control of Fernando's estate - MA says that he is crazy and starts in about his will and testament. Dena is aghast that MA would think like that - MA wonders how else should she think, her father went crazy in the streets of town and abandoned everything. Dena scolds her about it; and then starts in on MA's pregnancy.

* Pizarro talks with Esmeralda about Don Fernando. Esmeralda, to change the subject, asks for some privacy so she can go to the bathroom. Pizarro warns her not to use the excuse just so she can escape. Esmeralda does her best to convince him that she really needs to go. He lets her go alone, for one minute. Olmos approaches as Esmeralda leaves and asks Pizarro why Esmeralda is walking off alone - Pizarro says she is a lady who needs some private time. Olmos follows Esmeralda.

* As Esmeralda walks towards a clump of bushes, Olmos yells to her. She drops down behind the bushes and calls back not to approach - she's not decent. Olmos leaves (returns to the campsite).

* Diego changes into his everyday suit in his room. He finds a note from Esmeralda in his jacket pocket. He reads it. He's confused and needs more information.

* Esmeralda runs through the woods, searching for Renzo. Montero and his soldiers come from the opposite direction and surprise Esmeralda. Montero grabs Esmeralda at knife point and flares his disgusting insults and orders at her.

* Diego thinks Esmeralda is the woman in his dreams and wonders about what happened to them. He asks G-d for help. Dolores enters with a tray of food for Diego. She introduces herself as his nanny. He smiles and thanks her. She asks if he remembers her - he says no. He can just tell by her manners. He then asks her for information about Esmeralda.

* Dena doesn't believe MA is really pregnant - the dates just don't add up. MA is shocked that Dena doesn't believe her, but oh, well, it isn't important anyway. Dena starts to scold MA about her attitude. MA scoffs back at her aunt. Dena tells MA that she and Alej will be watching her like a hawk. MA says fine by me and leaves.

* Esmeralda tells Montero off - that her mom and the gypsies are safely on their way to catch a ship for Spain. Montero knows she's bluffing - he has spies everywhere and there is no sign of SK anywhere. He knows of the iron mask being taken off SK. Esmeralda warns Montero that when her mom takes back the throne, he will be punished. He laughs and tells her that he has more power than she can imagine right now and that she will soon die.

* Alej visits MP. He is so happy to see her; they hug at the door. He says it's a miracle that she survived. MP tells her brother that PT filled her in on what's been happening with him and Fer. Alej asks her why she didn't tell him about Fer's involvement with Regina/Purnia's death.

* Fer sneaks up on a campsite - the two mexicans are sound asleep. He takes a swig from the bottle and makes a sour face. The men don't wake when he hits their legs. He sneaks away with their sombrero, sacks and their donkey.

* MP explains to Alej why she didn't say anything to him. Alej knows that Fer killed Regina/Purnia.

* Olmos makes Pizarro realize that Esmeralda did indeed give him the slip and escape. Pizarro is walking back to the fire to order the soldiers to search for her when Montero drags Esmeralda back to the camp and the soldiers have their guns raised. Montero and Pizarro argue over whether Pizarro is a traitor or not. Esmeralda can't believe what Pizarro is saying to Montero.

* Dolores explains to Diego that Esmeralda is the only woman he's ever loved. Diego is delighted to hear this, and thanks Dolores for her honesty. Dolores stops him and continues with her worries over him doing something dangerous to be with her now. She reminds him that he is an excellent horseman, but yet he somehow fell off a horse and got a concussion and amnesia. Diego agrees that is a mystery to him too. She makes him promise not to do anything dangerous - she doesn't want to lose him. They hug.

* Alej tells MP about Diego's amnesia. MP is impactado. Alej tells her that he is recovering at the hacienda and it will take time for him to recover his memory. Alej then tells her that MA is using the amnesia to her advantage and telling Diego lies and half-truths. (Alej is disgusted with MA).

* Diego scolds Bernardo for not telling him anything about Esmeralda, or his marriage to MA. Bernardo stands there looking at Diego, not making any gestures. Diego can't understand how he could be in love with one woman and still marry another. He thinks the amnesia is a blessing and now he can correct past wrongs in his life. However now that MA is pregnant, he can't leave her.

* MA, in her room, grumbles about Dena's scoldings. She sits at her dressing table and looks in the mirror. She wonders if Montero is completing on her request to kill Esmeralda. She wants her child, and only hers, to be the lone heir of the de la Vega fortune.

* On her knees, Esmeralda yells at Pizarro for betraying her trust. Pizarro continues to weave his story to convince Montero he is loyal and trustworthy. Pizarro orders one of his soldiers to speak up and corroborate his story. The soldier does so - he says the plan was to use Esmeralda to find out where SK is. Pizarro says it is all true. Montero still doesn't believe him or his story. He orders Pizarro to turn in his arms, he strips him of his rank and places him under arrest - to have a tribunal and then be sentences to death as a traitor. Olmos and Geraldo watch with lumps in their throats. Esmeralda is impactado.

* Dolores runs to Yumi's room. Alej hasn't returned from his visit to MP. Yumi says they will wait awhile longer, if Alej still hasn't returned, she will go search for him. Dolores says no, she will go - Yumi will stay. Yumi is worried what could happen to Alej. on the road at night.

* MP asks if Dena knows that Fer killed Regina/Purnia. Alej says yes, she does. MP then asks how Alej found out. He says White Buffalo did. MP is surprised to discover Regina's family actually survived. Alej explains briefly how he met Yumi and her brothers, and White Buffalo. He tells MP that Yumi is Regina/Purnia's sister. MP realizes that since Yumi is his sister-in-law, and according to native mexican law, Yumi is now his second wife. Alej realizes this also. MP supposes Dena doesn't know about this. Alej say no, she doesn't. Alej isn't sure how Dena will react - the relationship between the two ladies is tenuous at best right now. Alej then confesses to his sister that he loves them both. MP asks what feelings he has for Yumi. He explains that he has a profound connection with Yumi, it is very distinct. MP realizes that his life is very complicated and that Dena for sure wouldn't understand native mexican law and customs. Alej says he's at a sort of crossroads between two ladies, and he has no idea who to choose - he loves them both equally and in different ways. She advises to give his heart time and wait for the answer to come. Then she tells him that she will soon become Mother Superior for the congregation. He congratulates his sister.

* In the bedroom, the surgeon is still working on Tobias' butt wound. As the surgeon stings and pats hard on the wound, Tobias cries out in pain. The two men also argue over whether Tobias is Zorro or there is another one. Surgeon doesn't believe there is another one - Tobias has the hat, cape and mask. They continue to argue as the surgeon packs up his medical bag. Cata enters to tell them to be quiet, maestro will hear. Cata asks about payment - surgeon says no charge, it was his pleasure to do this and if they need anything in the future, he will return. Surgeon leaves. Cata asks Tobias what happened. Tobias whines about surgeon convinced he is the real Zorro, what he's going to do now with the mess he created.

* Esmeralda is pushed down on the ground beside Olmos and Geraldo. Montero gives orders to soldiers, if they try to escape - shoot to kill. Olmos sputters to try and plead for his life - Montero isn't interested and Esmeralda tells Olmos pleading with Montero is pointless. Montero says listen to her, she knows me so well. Montero then orders Pizarro to talk in private. Montero leaves - Pizarro hesistates then follows.

* Diego sits in the living room with Sgt. Garcia. Garcia starts talking about Esmeralda - Diego is intrigued and asks Garcia to tell him about her. Garcia tells him that he (Diego) and Esmeralda were engaged and were going to be married. Diego is very intrigued and presses Garcia to tell him more. Garcia tells Diego the story of how Esmeralda and Zorro initially met (flashback). Diego is very intrigued and mutters to himself - Garcia asks what's wrong? Diego says nothing, he only wishes Esmeralda were there to help him remember. Garcias says that according to Pizarro, Esmeralda and her mother should be gone and sailing back to Spain soon - there's no hope of ever seeing her again.

* Alej and Juan and others stop on trail near rock cliffs to give their horses a rest. They are ambushed by a squadron of soldiers on the cliffs above them. They run for cover - Alej is cornered with no way out - he yells at the others to run to the hacienda for help. They don't want to leave, but Alej convinces him to go. They flee from the scene. The shooting stops. Lieutenant steps onto the cliff face. Alej stands up and pulls out his sword. Lieutenant orders him to drop the sword and surrender peacefully. Realizing he is outnumbered, Alej stabs his sword in the ground and surrenders. Lt. sends greetings from Montero, who will see him in the morning at Callao prison.

* Alone in the wooded clearing, Pizarro makes a solid attempt to convince Montero that he is loyal and faithful; he only went on his own to try and get SK back and prove his loyalty to Montero. Montero is still skeptical. Pizarro apologizes for not completing his orders, but his excuse is that it was all done to prove his loyalty. Montero, still skeptical, asks where SK is now. Pizarro tells him that Renzo was sent to meet with the gypsies and SK - he sent one of his soldiers to follow him. When Renzo gets to the group, the soldier will return and tell them the location.

* Renzo runs through the woods. Soldier follows him. He ducks behind a tree - the soldier loses Renzo in the dark. Renzo waits for the soldier to run past. Renzo realizes the soldier is sign that it was all a trap. He has to find the group and tell them - they need to develop another rescue plan, this time for Esmeralda. He doubles back and runs in the opposite direction from the soldier.

* By the tree, Esmeralda scolds Montero about Fer and encarcerating her mother for so many years and putting the iron mask on her. Montero spouts back to Esmeralda that Fer can't help her now, he's gone completely insane. Esmeralda is tan impactado with the news about Fer running through the town streets naked and abandoning his family, fortune and his duties as governor. By the campfire, Olmos asks the soldier guard for permission to speak with Montero - he has lots of information that Montero will want to hear. Soldier interrupts Montero and Esmeralda to tell Montero of Olmos' last request. Montero at first isn't interested but later changes his mind.

* Away from the group, Olmos starts to tell Montero about his position as chief administrator for Fer. Montero starts to leave, but returns to ask for information on who controls the estate and properties now that Fer has gone crazy and left. Olmos says he has all the papers including the last will and testament for Fer. Montero stops him as he starts to plead for his life and leaves.

Soldier asks Montero for orders to execute Olmos - Montero says no execution; the prisoners will be taken to Callao prison for further interrogation. They will continue their search for the fugitive.

* Lt. tells Alej again the plan for him to be taken to Callao prison where Montero will be there to see him in the morning. Alej starts to eloquently try to talk Lt. into switching sides before it is too late; to fight with Alej against the tyranny of Montero (for leniancy with the Queen of Spain). Lt. says despite everything you say or do, nothing and no one can save you now.

* Yumi wakes Dolores up - Alej hasn't come home yet. Dolores is worried. Dolores and Yumi run into the living room just as Juan appears and tells Diego and Bernardo about the ambush last night. Diego, confused, looks to Bernardo for help in handling the situation (what to say). Diego sends Juan out - Yumi leaves with him.

* Jonas tells the group to be very quiet, someone's coming. Soon, Renzo pops out and slides into home plate. Out of breath, he explains to SK, Jonas and others about Pizarro's trap and that they have Esmeralda. SK wants to go rescue her daughter - Jonas says she can't, it is too risky.

* Soldiers catch Laisha and drag her to Montero. She struggles to break free. Montero greets her cordially - she spits in his face. He pulls out his knife and holds it to her neck. Esmeralda shouts encouragement to Laisha. Montero grunts for her to tell him where SK is; Laisha refuses to say anything. Montero orders Pizarro to take Esmeralda to Callao prison - and follow the order to the letter. As Pizarro leaves with Esmeralda, Esmeralda shouts more encouragement to Laisha. Montero grabs Laisha and grunts that he will get her to talk. The soldiers drag her away.

* In the Z-cave, Bernardo hands a note to Diego - Diego reads it; Bernardo wrote down the explanation for Zorro disguise. As Diego reads the note, by television magic, Diego changes into Zorro.

* In the hallway of the prison, Pizarro and Aguirre explain orders for special prisoners at Callao. Esmeralda can't believe how two-faced Pizarro is - he's worse that Montero. Pizarro says everyone has a path to take, his is littered with blood. Then he pulls out the iron mask and tells Esmeralda that she will be now be the lady in the iron mask.

Labels: Zorro

In the meeting, everyone is excited about using Aurora for the Retromode campaign. Lety contends that its impossible. The client says in that case he will find another production company who can get Aurora for them. With some arm twisting from Fern, et al, she agrees to see what she can do to find and contract aurora. After the clients leave, everyone asks Lety about her resistance.

In Lety’s office, Aldo asks Lety why she doesn’t want to use Aurora. He wonders if maybe she does not want liberate herself from the debt (e.g. Fernando). Lety denies it and promises she will try her best to get Aurora for the campaign.

The cuartel teases Alicia about her engagement to Tomas. Irma raises the possibility that maybe the Oxi really does love Tom. Sarah whispers they should help Oxi plan her wedding. Saimon sneaks up to them. They tell him about la Oxi’s wedding plans. As usual, Saimon has much flowery prose to convey his surprise, and refers to la Oxi as La Pajara Pegy.

The Oxi whines to Marcia about the cuartel’s teasing. Marcia hadn’t even realize that la Oxi was engaged. Marcia warns Alicia to think things through carefully before getting married.

Caro and Lety review the issue at hand. Caro thinks Lety should just go for it and let everyone see that she is Aurora. Lety says everyone (including herself) would prefer that she to continue to be fea. Caro says no, they would fall for her just like Omar did. Caro asks Lety what she plans to tell the clients. Lety asks Caro to tell Manuel that if anyone asks for Aurora, he should say that she went to Europe.

In Lety’s office, Fern enters and Caro exits. Fern sits and grills Lety about her hesitance. Lety says that, to tell the truth, Aurora does not exist. Fern asks how she knows this. She knows this because she knows Aurora. He presses for more. Lety clarifies that she knows Aurora from seeing her in the papers. She is sure that Aurora is just a fea with lots of make-up. Fern disagrees. He believes that an ugly woman could not be helped, even with 25 kilos of makeup. Lety looks offended, and he adds that he’s not referring to Lety because she already knows he considers her the most beautiful woman in the world.

Saimon and PM have yet another interlude in the hallway. He says the pain of losing her is unbearable. PM plays hard to get and calls him Simon Jose. He says he will suffer forever, etc etc etc. He starts to walks away, then stops hugs her from behind. She shivers at his touch. She calls him Saimon Joseph. This is music to his ears. Does this mean she forgives him? No, she says, but she will give him an opportunity to reconquer her. She is relieved to finally be free if this anorexia de Corazon (anorexia of the heart). Oh, I guess that wans't just another useless interlude after all.

In the boy’s clubhouse, Fern tells Omar that Lety is right, it will be difficult to find Aurora, after all, even Omar couldn’t find her. Omar argues that Caro can find her. Fern says he will support Lety’s decision to find another model. Omar doesn’t like it. He accuses Fern of sacrificing the company for Lety – again (um, again? When was the first time?)

Lety goes to visit Luigi. He asks if she didn’t see the sign on the door that said “Platypuses are prohibited.” Lety says that she saw the sign, but platypuses can’t read. Lety tries to explain that aurora can’t do the campaign. Luigi won’t hear it. He interrupts her over and over until Lety finally blurts out that she is Aurora. Luigi cracks up. Of course he doesn’t believe her. He threatens that she better find Aurora and sign her or he will go to another company.

Omar goes to see the client with a mysterious proposal.

Aldo goes to interrogate Lety about her hesitance to hire Aurora. Lety says she can’t find her. Aldo comments that everyone who knows Aurora says she is a mujer misteriosa, as if she has a double life. Without thinking, Lety exclaims that she does have a double life! Aldo starts to get romantic and Fern barges in to interrupt. Just then Omar comes in, too. He distributes copies of the client contract, which explicitly calls for Aurora as part of the campaign deal. Lety discerns from the contract that the client gave Omar a deposit of $2 million. She gets up to strangle Omar. Fern holds her down and reminds her that violence is never the answer… but then lays into Omar too. He calls Omar an idiota and a pedazo de animal (piece of animal – I guess that’s even worse than a whole animal). Aldo agrees they could have huge lagal problems if they aren’t able to sign Aurora.

The cuartel ask la Oxi about her wedding plans. La Oxi says she’ll have about 500 guests. When the girls mock her, so clarifies that that’s just on Tom’s side. On her side there are 3700 guests. She may rent the Castillo de Chapultepec, including the surrounding forest!

Marcia has joined the interrogation in Lety’s office. Lety continues to insist there is no reason for her negativity. Omar suggests that maybe she is jealous of Aurora, because once they meet her, Aldo and Fern will stop doting on Lety. This prompts Fern to call Omar an idiota. Lety says she simply can’t get a hold of Aurora. Omar advises that Aurora is a friend of Caro. Lety feigns surprise at hearing about that. Fern and the gang want to call Caro immediately, but Lety blurts “No!” as she jumps up to leave.

Claudio is on the phone telling someone (Manuel?) that didn’t realize he would cause so many problems for Lety by giving Luigi the pics of Aurora. Luigi barges in and makes a fuss about the mimisqui Lety is causing him. He wants to know everything Clau knows about Aurora. Clau tells him Aurora is in Europe. Luigi shrieks. He staggers around until he find the couch to faint on.

Fern reads the contract and explodes at reading the fine print, which states that if they don’t sign Aurora for the campaign, not only do they have to give back the $2 million, but they will also have to pay the client an additional fee. Omar retorts that the small print is difficult to read. Fern, Aldo, and Marcia all join forces to assure Omar he’s an idiota. Omar promises Aldo they will get Aurora. Aldo walks away waving his arms dismissively.

Fern yells at Omar for not reading the fine print on the contract. Omar is confident and tells Fern he will eat his words when Omar proves himself right. Fern says he will laugh when Aldo throws him (Omar) out of the company. Luigi comes in with the bad news that Aurora is in Europe. The boys are impactados.

Lety goes to see Mr. Jackson, the client. She advises that she couldn’t get Aurora but guarantees she has many other promising options. He refuses to believe that they can’t get Aurora. Lety explains that Aurora is especial (literally means ‘special’ but in this context is negative, as in “boy, that Paris, she’s something else!”). Mr. Jackson compromises. He wants Aurora to call him, and if he can’t convince her, then he will consider the other options.

Alicia goes to see Tommy. She is very excited after all the talk of the wedding plans. She says she has made plans for a truly magical wedding. She goes on and on dreamily about the reception hall, the flowers, and the dress. Tomas is ecstatic to see her so happy about their marriage plan. Then she drops the bomb – she needs $100,000 (dollars, not pesos!); and that’s just the deposit! Tomas suffers a mimisqui of his own!

Omar meets with Caro. He asks about Aurora but Caro refuses to talk about her. Fern and Aldo come in and plead with Caro that the survival of business depends on it. They beg for help. Caro protests that she can’t call Aurora now because she doesn‘t have her phone or purse with her.

Tomas breaks the news to Alicia that he can’t afford the kind of wedding she wants. She breaks into her usual guilt trip – same ol’ same ol’... yawn...

In her room, Lety argues with herself about having to be Aurora again. She takes out the Aurora wigs decides she’ll have to do it. She uses her Aurora voice to call Mr. Jackson. He asks to meet her at a bar.

Labels: fea

Today's episode starts with Camila and Max in a lip lock. Camila is still looking like a throw back to the 70's with her jaunty red cap and red pantsuit. Camila is raving about the quality of their kisses. "Don't you think we should sleep together tonight?" asks Camila. Alas, pobre de Camila, Max just can't get our enfermita/presidente out of his heart. It's useless for Camila to even try.

Diana is bottle feeding a stiff swath of blankets that is supposed to be Max Jr. Diego starts in asking how her day went. The conversation then degenerates into him asking her if she plans to keep working after Fediota returns. I believe Diana wants to keep working so she can pay for Diego's surgery, which would enable him to walk again. Diego clearly wants her barefoot and pregnant, taking care of him and the baby. He then starts in with the usual hysterics, "You just want me to be healed so you can divorce me and run back to Max!" Diana lamely tries to deny this. Diego starts shouting and the FX technicians cue the "baby crying" effects. The faux baby starts moving up and down stiffly as Diana and Diego are fighting. She tells Diego he's being a jerk and is going to make her drop the faux bambino. She then walks out and Diego tells her he's going to stay in that wheelchair for the rest of his life! If Diego's not happy, by George, he's going to make Diana's life miserable as well!!!!

The exchange continues between Max and Camila. Max will never be attracted to Camila ever again. Diana is the true love of his life, even if a relationship is impossible. Camila tries to change his mind. "Ain't gonna happen," says Max. "Whenever I kiss you, I think of her. Whenever you're in my arms, I pretend it's her." Glycerin Tears of True Dolor course down Camila's cheeks.

Peyote is crying in her jail cell. She is appropriately dressed in her gray Daisy Duke outfit. Apparently it's the same cell as the one previously occupied by Luscious and Debora. Once again there is not another soul in sight and all is quiet in this Miami jail, but I digress. Pancho has come to bail her out. "Why are you so unhappy?" asks a self-centered, clueless Pancho. Pancho tells Peyote she could have been robbed or raped at the park. Woe is poor Peyote. She had so much hope for their marriage. She thought she was going to leave her misery behind, but alas, that wasn't the case. She didn't care he was the poor son of a servant or a criminal. Blah, blah, blah.

Pilar runs into Little Doormat at the hospital. P—"Just the person I was looking for!" Gaby wants to know what the heck Pilar is talking about. Pilar is clutching her
"Envelope of Doom" and drops it on the floor at Gaby's feet. Gaby, bless her heart, doesn't dive down to pick it up for once. Pilar tells her to read it, but Gaby doesn't move. Finally Pilar gets to the point and gloats she and Larry are going to be parents! Gaby is impactada!!

Peyote's tale of woe continues. Pancho deceived her and doesn't love her. Pancho tries to calm her down by telling her "Of course I love you!" After some fancy footwork by Pancho, Peyote tearfully buys his pathetic excuses hook, line and sinker. He then leads her from her cell.

Max v. Camila continues. Max, ever the thoughtful one, owes Camila his honesty. Apparently honesty is not what Camila wants. After this whine fest goes on for awhile, Camila finally spills the beans that Diana isn't as saintly as Max thinks. Max, the dolt, asks, "What are you talking about?" Camila blurts out that Diana has been deceiving him; Maxito is his son!!!! Max goes into lemon-sucking mode. Commercial.

Max is pressing Camila for details. How did she find out? Camila says it's not important, she just knows. Diana is a devious fox who has denied Max his own son, passing the baby off as Diego's! Max doesn't want to hear about it. He's had this feeling all along Maxito was his. . .No pulling one over our psychic hero. He has to talk to Diana! As he runs out, Camila smugly tells us that Max will never forgive Diana's deceit. Camila then calls Diana a fox. A cretin!

Pillow is continuing to gloat. Much to my disappointment, Gaby bends over and picks the envelope off the floor. Pilar tells Little Doormat it serves Gaby right for setting her sights so high. She's nothing more than a servant. Larry's never even touched her! This whole scene is painful to watch. Pilar makes Gaby promise to have nothing further to do with Larry. Gaby promises – the baby needs both parents. Pillow struts off, all smiles and joy. Poor Little Doormat just stands there with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Diana is staring at herself in the mirror of Max's old room at Villa Vengeance. The phone rings. Obviously it is for her, since she's the one answering. It's a frantic Emili-Oh. They need to meet at 8:30 in the morning! Diana wants to know what's going on, but Emili-Oh doesn't want to bother her. "No bother," retorts Diana. Apparently some contracts are not properly signed. "No hay problema," says our plucky heroine. A boring business discussion ensues, with Emili-Oh telling her she's like the best president that has ever walked the planet. "I couldn't have done it without your flawless assistance!" says Diana. More mutual admiration society exchanges occur. Barf.

Camila is now recounting her exchange with Sylvie. Sylvie is still doing her Cher-wanna-be impression. Camila says she took Sylvie's advice and told Max that Diana has been deceiving him all along. Max was furious! Sylvie, still in her cervical collar jumps around all excited that her plan has worked. Lots of celebrating their good fortune until Camila reminds Sylvie about having spent their last $10,000 on the Mistress of the Lost Dutchman Mine. Buzz kill for Sylvie.

Gaby is telling Fediota about Pillow's pregnancy. True to form, Fediota tells Gaby it serves her right for believing in Lunkhead. "Those Irascibles are bad news! I've told you a thousand times!" "You're right," snivels Little Doormat. Fediota then turns it around to make it all about her. "I've got to forget about Paco as well." Misery at Miami Mercy Medical. Fediota and Gaby embrace in shared sorrow.

Max shows up at Diana's office looking for her. Beatriz, the receptionist looks quite happy to see him. She tells him Diana isn't available. Max slams his hand on her desk and says he'll return later. After he's gone, Beatriz wonders to herself, "What's up between Max and Diana?"

Lala is providing Peyote with a PSA about the dangers of drugs. They're bad for your health.

Beatriz comes in to tell Diana Max came by looking for her. Diana gives us her typical head tilt and vacant stare.

The PSA continues. Peyote tells Lala Octopus never loved her. Lala tries to talk Peyote into giving up Pancho; she deserves a good guy. Peyote is standing by her fool—I mean man.

Little Doormat is on her way to the hospital to take care of Fediota. She asks Nancy to call for a cab. While she's waiting in the garden, Lunkhead appears. He wants to talk. Gaby tells him to leave, but Larry is persistent. Finally Gaby beats him to his news; Pillow is preggers with his kid. The orchestra of doom hits a dramatic note!

Intracoastal Resorts. The doorbell is ringing persistently. Camila goes to the door wearing her jaunty black fedora, a black halter that is tied together in the front, and her finest Catholic schoolgirl plaid micro-mini skirt. It's Debora. Camila and Debora start insulting each other and each trying to claim Max for themselves. White shoes and all.

Back at Perfumes 'R Us, Max shows up again looking for Diana. Emili-Oh greets him at the elevator. "What's with the lemon-sucking face, bro?" asks Emili-Oh. M—"You're my good friend right?" E—"Of course I am; you're living at my homeless shelter." M—"Be straight with me. Did you know Maxito is my son?" Emilio-Oh's speechless face is all Max needs to see. Emili-Oh doesn't have a dishonest bone in his perfect body. Max struts off down the hall looking for Her Highness, our heroine. He hurls himself into her office and slams the door. "What is the meaning of this?" drones Diana. "I'm the true father of your baby!!!!" The Orchestra of Doom starts crashing its cymbals. Head tilt, vacant stare (see above). Lemon-sucking face (also see above). Commercial!

Back to Max and Diana. He reiterates he knows he's the father of Junior. M—"Admit, you deceived me!" Diana tries to deny it, but Max doesn't believe her. More Orchestra of Doom. More vacant stares. Diana is impactada!

Gaby is in the garden talking to Lunkhead. She's yelling at him for knocking up Pillow and standing her (Gaby) up at the church. He tries to explain he was arrested for hitting Kike, but Gaby isn't buying what he's trying to sell. He finally takes her in his arms and all Gaby's resolve dissolves. Their love song plays. They are millimeters away from locking lips when the scene ends and we're back to Debora and Camila. What's up with that?

More posturing between the two fieras. Finally Camila tells Debora that Max knows Diana's baby is his, and he's mad at Diana. Orchestra of Doom. Debora is impactada.

Diana and Max are still squabbling over "Name That Dad." Finally Max says he's going to find a judge and order a blood test. Diana then relents and admits Max is the father. Max is impactada and the Synthesizers of Suspense strike up the band.

Back to Lunkhead and Gaby. Still no kiss, although he talks about wanting to kiss her so badly. Gaby's mouth is saying, "No! I hate you! You destroyed my life! Kike rescued me and treated me right! You wouldn't even take my virginity on our wedding night!" Gaby's eyes and body language are saying "Rip my clothes off, take me right here and right now, you luscious hunk of love!!" Still no kiss. Kike drives up and smirks at Larry as Gaby gets in the car with him. Lunkhead the Loser is despondent. Serves that bone-head right for breaking our Good Girl's heart!

More of Camila and Debora. Camila is bringing Debora up to speed. Did I mention that Debora is wearing some outfit that wardrobe rescued from Rowan and Martin's Laugh In? Suddenly Camila and Debora are bonding and singing Kumbaya.

We're looking at Max's hideous white loafers, but wait, they appear to be on Dismal Diego. He's starting to walk to the sofa as the phone rings. It's Debora. She tells him Max found out the truth about Diana's baby and has gone to the Perfumes 'R Us to see Diana. "You have to go and confront them!!" Diego whines that he can't go due to his "limitations." Debora tells him to suck it up and figure it out. She hangs up and the doorbell rings. Nancy sees Diego on the sofa and wants to know how he got out of his wheelchair. He says it isn't important and orders her to answer the door. It's Pancho. Diego orders Pancho to take him to Perfumes 'R Us.

Diana and Max and still arguing. She has denied his right to see his son. He has already lost so much time. If she doesn't let Max spend time with Maxito, he'll take her to court. See above: head tilt, vacant stare, lemon-sucking look, etc. etc.

Credits roll!

Labels: acorralada

After Thelma gave birth, Singing Aunt Rebeca said it was "the most beautiful baby I've seen in my life." Doctor Vasquez also assured the worried Thelma that the baby was fine. Thelma looked at the baby, cried, and said, "He's beautiful."

Her aunt gave her the baby. Thelma reluctantly took it and cried some more. (Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but this wasn't a dream sequence. Thelma actually behaved like a human being! Yesterday I was sure she would name the baby Maldito Estupido, since those are her two favorite words, but maybe not.)

In jail: Elias insisted he had the right to make a phone call. Alvaro's pet policeman just laughed at him. Elias said Alvaro could pay off the whole world, but he would find someone to listen to him. The cop kept laughing.

Meanwhile, Luba, Gaspar, and Alina took the unconscious Emilio to the cave.

Soledad begged Alvaro (aka Don Loco) to tell her the truth about where Alina was. Don Loco said he would find Alina and all the hatred would be forgotten on her wedding day, he and Soledad would be happy again, bla bla. (Even he doesn't seem to believe this rubbish.)

Hugo woke up, still trapped in the hole. He tried to climb out and I thought maybe he, unlike Hapless Emilio, would be able to escape, but no! He was reduced to yelling, "Auxilio! Auxilio!" ("Help! Help!") Maybe that should be the name of this show.

At the cave: Alina kissed the still-unconscious Emilio, saying, "I don't want you to die." He woke up and said, "Alina" (that's pretty much all he ever says). Alina said, "If you knew how much I love you..." and Duhmilio asked, "You love me?"

Alina assured him that Luba would save him with her herbs again. Duhmilio was surprised to hear that Luba had saved him once before, asking, "When, Alina?"

She explained how she and Luba had sneaked into his house at night to nurse him through his previous gunshot wound. Duhmilio apologized for treating her badly, saying, "I am an impulsive man, and proud."

Alina said their love was impossible. Emilio said, "If we love each other, we have to fight." He informed her that her father had shot him (again).

Elsewhere: The old white-haired guy who hates Luba told a friend that he would find Luba and kill her son just as she had killed his son.

At Dr. Z's house: Santos heard Castulo's voice echoing in his head, but didn't remember whose voice it was. He told Dr. Z he was afraid.

Back in Hugo's hole: Hugo hit on the idea of using stones to build some steps. (At least he has ideas, unlike most of the other characters on this show.)

At La Rinconada: Susi visited Angel and told him to be patient, his health would improve and he would be able to marry Flor in a few months. Angel said he was no longer thinking of marrying Alina.

Orlando rode his horse around looking in vain for Alina and Emilio. Nearby, Don Loco also rode around looking for Alina, telling himself he couldn't let the girl go free, he had to keep her under guard.

Back at the cave: Luba told Alina to leave while she treated Emilio, but Alina refused. Luba tore open his pants leg to reveal the bloody wound, disinfected it with alcohol, and sterilized a knife.

Outside, Gaspar was worrying about whether Orlando would shoot him again. Don Loco rode up and said he would pay Gaspar to help him find Flor. Gaspar asked if Don Loco wanted to save Alina from Orlando, and Don Loco said yes, "He isn't trustworthy."

Poor Gaspar beamed innocently and said Alina was in the cave with his mother, then asked for money. Alvaro rode off without paying him, but Gaspar skipped away happily.

In the cave, Emilio said he didn't care if he died as long as Alina was by his side, then passed out. Luba told Alina, "I'm not going to lie to you. He was outside a long time. The wound is infected." She said she thought he would die.

Alina cried and Luba told her to pray. Alina said, "I can't stand to lose him."

Suddenly Don Loco's voice called from the front of the cave, "Luba!" Alina went out to meet him, saying, "Here I am. You're looking for me, right?" She said she was there because she had nowhere else to hide and didn't intend to marry Orlando.

Meanwhile, Luba gagged Emilio and warned him not to let the patron hear him because Don Loco would kill him and Alina.

Don Loco seemed pleased by Alina's docility. He said he would start a rumor that she had gone to San Mateo. Then he noticed blood on Alina's clothes and asked about it. She looked very nervous but explained it away by saying (I think) that Luba had smacked her and given her a nosebleed.

While Luba poured liquor down Emilio's throat to keep him quiet, Alina told Don Loco she wasn't interested in Emilio anymore. Smugly pleased that everything was going according to his plans, Don Loco left the cave.

At La Rinconada: Airhead Vera told Jaime that they could trust Thelma because "now that she's a mother, she's going to change." Jaime was skeptical.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vasquez told Tia Rebeca that it was natural for Thelma to have postpartum depression and it would pass. The baby started crying and Thelma crankily asked her aunt to quiet it. The aunt warned her to act like a good mother so Emilio wouldn't reject her.

At the construction site: Sergio for some reason told Engineer Nuñez that Elias was in jail for trying to rob Don Loco's hacienda. (I guess Sergio just wanted to gloat.) Engineer Nuñez said Elias wouldn't do something like that.

After Sergio left, Nuñez told himself, "I can't leave things like this. I have to help Elias."

Back in Hugo's hole: His plan to climb out of the hole didn't work. He fell down again, and then finally spotted The Mystery Box. "What is this? A buried treasure."

Hugo opened the box and it cast a glowing red light onto his face! (For a moment I thought it would be like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and his face would melt, but no.)

The viewer didn't get to see the box's contents, but Hugo immediately said, "It can't be!"

He mused, "If Alvaro finds out that I know his secret, I'm a dead man." He tried again to climb out of the hole, and again failed.

At La Rinconada: Orlando came home and Vera told him that Thelma had given birth. Orlando looked shocked. Didn't he notice that Thelma was pregnant? Did he not know what that meant? I think maybe someone needs to talk to Orlando about the birds and the bees.

Meantime, Thelma held her baby and gushed, "He's precious. His little hands. He has my nose." (Wait a minute --I still can't believe it -- this is Thelma?? Maybe I'm having my own dream sequence.)

Tia Rebeca found Thelma's whip hidden in the baby clothes and lectured Thelma about it, then said she would hide it in Thelma's underwear drawer instead, because no one would look at a lady's underwear. Poor Singing Aunt; she lives on her own planet.

Orlando came into Thelma's room and complained that he couldn't find Emilio and Alina. Thelma began to cry and said it wasn't fair, her baby had been born but no one cared about anything except Flor!

Back at Hugo's hole: Nora came along, saw Hugo, and pulled him out. (She spends a lot of time pulling people out of animal traps, doesn't she?)

Hugo gratefully snarled, "Listen, you never saw me with this box, do you understand?" He grabbed her face threateningly. Too bad his own face didn't melt when he opened that box.

Nora went home and Adela asked her what was wrong. Nora said, "He threatened me, Adela, this man threatened me. I can't say anything; I can't!"

Adela said, "I want to help you, like you have helped me," and promised not to tell anyone what Nora said, so Nora explained that she had saved Administrator Hugo and his Mystery Box. In a flashback, Adela remembered Luba telling her about the box.

At Casa Loca: Don Loco told Soledad, "I found your daughter. She was in the church talking to the priest." He said Alina wanted to find a man who would accept her even though she was the daughter of a foreman.

Then he started again telling Soledad he wanted to win back her love so they could be happy like they were before etc. etc. Soledad said, "I'm never going to go back to loving you, Alvaro."

After he left, she yelled to herself that she hate! hate! hated him! and wished she could talk to Adela.

Outside, Engineer Nuñez rode up and asked Don Loco to drop the charges against Elias. Don Loco, of course, refused.

And at the show's end, without explanation, Emilio and Alina were shown cavorting naked in the water near a waterfall. Wow, Luba's herbs sure worked fast! (OK, I know it was a dream sequence, but what about Thelma cooing over her baby -- DID I dream that?)

Personal note: As I mentioned before, I will be on vacation for the next two Thursdays and unable to do my recaps. I will not have any Internet access, so I would appreciate it if someone could post a note on those days and let the commenters fill in the rest. I'll be back to recap the May 24 episode!)

Words from this episode:
cazadores = hunters
piedras = stones
plomazo = shot wound
nariz = nose
cura = parish priest

Labels: duelo

Mariangel tells Diego that they are going to have a baby. Rather than be overjoyed at the news, Diego is disconcerted. He tells Mangle that since his amnesia he’s not been able to feel a connection with her. She pretends that she understands and tells him with time his memory will come back (I’m sure all the while hoping it doesn’t). Even without his memory, Diego’s logic and mathematical abilities are still sharp. He realizes that if they just got married, how could she be pregnant already. Mangle tells him about the time “he got her drunk and they ended up in bed together, only to be discovered by her father.” The look on Diego’s face is priceless, while Mangle is spinning her version of the story. He deduces that then they “had” to get married, it wasn’t because they were in love. Mangle says that indeed they were/are very much in love and she questions how he could be doubtful of so many things. She gets hit by a wave of morning sickness (even though it isn’t morning) and has to leave Diego. Here’s hoping that morning sickness is like Mangle’s own version of Pinocchio, ever time she lies she’ll get sick----she’ll be using the commode quite a bit.

Sgt. Garcia (SAM) makes it back to the de la Vega compound, avoiding any wounds from Alejandro’s soldiers. He meets with Al and fills him in on the plan to attack the north side of the prison, creating a distraction in order for Pizarro to have time to free Esmeralda and Dolores. Al tells SAM that he trusts him, calls him sergeant. SAM reminds Al that actually he’s been demoted and no longer carries that rank. Al tells him that if he thinks and believes that he is a sergeant, then that’s what he is. SAM gets puffed up by Al’s kind words. Al tells SAM that by attacking the prison, he (Al) is going to be leaving the hacienda basically unprotected, so Al wants to know if SAM believes Pizarro is being on the up and up. SAM says that he’d remain at the hacienda with a few good men. Now, I don’t know if this was an offer SAM was making, to remain and guard the hacienda himself, or if he was speaking hypothetically, but by Al’s response of “I knew I could trust you” I’m led to believe that it is the former.

Pizarro unshackles Esme and tells her that it’s going to be dangerous with Al attacking the prison, there is going to be crossfire. He’s going to leave the cells unlocked and with his signal, Esme and Dolores are to escape. Esme asks about Renzo, isn’t he going to be freed. Piza says he doesn’t trust him, so no. Esme is insistent, Renzo must be freed and after all, he’s the only one who knows where to find my mother, Sara Kali. Piza agrees and unlocks her cell and tells Esme to wait for his signal, even when she hears gunshots, she needs to wait and don’t do anything before the signal (this is being stressed so much, that I’m afraid she’s not going to wait and something bad will happen). While he is saying all of this Piza’s face softens up a bit, I think it’s because the deep furrow in the middle of his brows are gone, he actually doesn’t look mean, but wait, it is only a passing moment, the scowl returns and he wishes them good luck. Piza unlocks Renzo’s cell and leaves the three soon to be fugitives.

Almudena finds Al preparing for his battle. She tells Al that she wants him to tell Diego about Esme and that he loves her not Mangle. Dena’s overheard Mangle telling Diego so many lies and she doesn’t like it one bit. Al says now is not the time, there is just too much going on right now, like the attack on the prison. Besides, it isn’t going to be easy to tell Diego that he made a mistake and then had to marry a woman he didn’t love, while leaving his true love behind. Dena says he’s right, but they better tell him soon, she knows Mangle is her niece, but she’s a regadora (that’s what I heard, but have no idea what it means) and Dena doesn’t want Diego to fall under her lies. Al promises that tomorrow things will change. The couple exchange words of love and kiss goodbye.

Esme is afraid, she said that Piza was nervous and that concerns her (ulcer 1). Renzo feels the same (ulcer 2). Dolores obviously agrees, because she wants to leave now and not wait for Piza’s signal (ulcer 3). Renzo isn’t so sure that’s a good idea, but Dolo says they need to figure out another way of getting out of the prison. Renzo reasserts that he is willing to save Esme and her child with his own life.

Yumali has been caught in the prison. She is brought to Piza, and he tells the soldier escorting her that he’ll take care of things. He tells Yumi that he knows she’s from Alejandro and she insists that she is acting alone. Piza grabs her by the throat and tells her that now she’s complicated things. He takes her to Esme and her peeps. He tells Esme that they need to rehash with Yumi to bring her up to speed and make sure that Yumi doesn’t do anything stupid (ok, Esme hasn’t always made the best of choices herself, so this is kinda like the blind leading the blind, and then you throw Renzo and Dolores into the mix and we are just poised for something to go awry).

Piza leaves them and his asthma kicks in. He is able to recover and goes to find Montero who demands to know if he’s got his men ready for the attack on the hacienda. Piza tells his boss that he sent some men ahead, to be a jump start. Monty calls him stupid and begins to berate him. Piza has a flashback to his childhood when he was being punished by his papa. Monty questions Piza’s lack of response as him being afraid. Piza says on the contrary, I think we should leave to attack the hacienda now. Monty orders Piza to remain at the prison, he’ll take care of the de la Vegas himself and when he gets back they are going to get some things straightened out between them.

Suddenly shots are fired. The prison is under attack!!! Monty, in the melee, just shouts insults to his soldiers. Al is able to make it into the prison courtyard and is face to face with Monty. Al pulls out his sword, Monty his gun. Monty shoots and Al is able to dodge the bullet (seriously, he just leaned to one side and avoided being hit---this man is amazing!!). I have no doubt that Monty is a poor shot, but Al is obviously some kind of super soldier---that’s why he’s a general. Monty kills some of Al’s men, right in front of Al, I guess to prove how he’s such a bad @ss. The two men face off.

Olmos is roaming the streets and wonders about the gunshots at the prison. Two men approach him and tell him that they were sent from the Duke to find him.

Dolores tells Yumi that she is impulsive…..

Sorry to say at this point my recorder stopped L So, I’m asking all of you wonderful commentators to please fill me and the rest of the reading audience in on what happened after this point. And if you want to keep up the ulcer count, we are currently at three so far.

Labels: Zorro

Tomorrow Luba tells Alina that they will have to cut off Emilios leg.


tesoro - treasure
majadero - fool, idiot
me importa un rábano - I couldn't care less
rechoncha - chubby
tarugo - blockhead, lump of wood, hunk
cacatúa - old bag, cockatoo
parto - childbirth

Labels: duelo, Vocabulary

Lety blows off Juli telling her she knows very well what she feels for Aldo, and she starts whispering so Fer can’t hear as easily. He goes back into the cave. Lety tells her ma, now please just go and I’ll see you later at home.

Luigi is at a fashion house talking to one of the designers Clau who appears to be a part of his “club.” He is an associate of Manuel the designer who “created” Aurora. Oh what a small world is telenovelaland. Lui chats about them being the best, and explains who he is and the pres Orni, (aka Lety) and that he has to do a retro fashion project and he is begging to learn more about retro fashion and the gentleman agrees he’ll show him the models and the fashions.

Lety invites the cuartel to her house for a party and a surprise. First they think she might introduce them to the MM, but she says no. They can hardly stand not knowing why and beg her to spill. She won’t until later. They remark she looks content.

Alicia wanders into Tommy’s office and notes a folder with a pay stub lying around. She curses him that he makes so much money as the VP. She decides then she must accept him as long as he will treat her like a queen. She tells him she’ll still marry him, and agrees to meet his mom again but she says she won’t say when. He is happy and says tonight is bad anyway because he already has a commitment. He goes to hug her and she doesn’t hug him back. He begs her to hug him and she says fine, it’s all in the name of your pay stub. He asks what stub? She says nothing.

Omar is looking in the paper for a new apartment for the two of them. Fer is upset and can’t focus on that. He tells him of his eavesdropping that Lety is having a big party and inviting everyone except him and Fer broods that it must be for some important reason. Omar speculates that it must be because she is going to announce her engagement to Aldo. Fer is impactado.

Aldo and his pop are dining. Aldo is worried and nervous because he has behaved badly with Lety. Pop thinks the party will be for a good reason. Aldo confesses he is jealous of how much time Lety spends with Fer, and because they had a relationship. His Pop says that he thought Aldo was so sure of her love, though, and asks if she ever gave him a reason not to trust her. He says he trusts her, but she has been acting very strange lately.

The cuartel is babbling in their area about food and Don Fer sneaks up with an idea. Don Fer starts to fish; he wants to know what the party is about. Sara volunteers to tell him. She pulls him away and says that really they don’t know. They all say they don’t know, he doesn’t believe them because they’ve always known all the gossip in the business and could find out anything. He thinks they’ve lost their cosmic connection. He says they have always told each other everything, and he thinks the silence he hears is ugly. Cru Cru Cru (like a bird I guess.....)

Papa tells Mama he is nervous about the night. Mama calms him that they (the kids) know what they are doing.

Luigi is getting shown the designs. He is so excited he announces he wants to be the new face of the house of fashion, but he is told the designs are for divas. He says he could have been Luigi Gaynor or Marilyn Lombardi. He thinks he should have been around in the 50’s. He sings the famous Monroe version of the birthday song and mocks the whole act. I think Marilyn and Anna Nicole are turning in their graves. When he looks through the model photo album he sees Aurora’s picture, and a light bulb goes off. He wants her for the campaign. The buddy is quite reluctant about using her and tries to reject the idea, but Lui begs and pleads saying she’s perfect.

Lety too, in her room, is nervous, she wonders what Aldo will say.

At Casa Padilla everyone shows up for the aforementioned partee. Everyone is on hot coals wondering what the fuss is for. They all comment that none of them know.

Alicia shows up in peasant garb to Tomas’ and tells Mama they need to talk. Mama isn’t sure she’s interested.

Lety, ignoring the doorbell and presumably not waiting for the pending entrant (something I wouldn’t do if I had invited people over) begins with her grand announcement. “Aldo and I are now officially boyfriend and girlfriend.” Fer walks in, just in time, to hear this, of course, he’s impactado.

He greets everyone. Lety and Aldo want to know why he’s there. Lety proclaims she didn’t invite him. He admits he was not invited and in fact he was told not to show because he would be uncomfortable, and now he understands why, but he’s not going for drama or anything, so he wants only to congratulate them.

Mama T ends up letting Ali in and giving her food. She’s in heaven. Alicia asks if she can call her Mama. She says it depends on what they discuss, just eat. Alicia doesn’t want her to get the wrong idea about her. Ali tells her that destiny hasn’t been good to her, but she is a decent, chaste, church going woman but everyone envies her so she goes around dressed like that, tough and superficial to earn respect from the rest of the people. Mama T says she doesn’t have to be that way, look at her, Mama, as she too is a hard working and good woman but she meets life’s blows head on and she demands the respect of others. Si, Si, Si, they pump their fists in unison. A bonding smile ensues. Ali recovers and says it’s easy for Mama because she is strong, but Ali is weak and fragile. She asks then if she’ll reconsider and allow her to marry her VP, er, son. Mama says that she will, but she has to pass 3 tests first. Yep, they bonded.

Fer begs the Padillas’pardon for showing up uninvited and takes his leave gracefully, but reminds Aldo not to hurt Lety or he’ll have to deal with him. Aldo remembers the warning quite well. Juli feels bad for Don Fer.

Alicia learns the fine domestic art of making bread. Mama T tells her she needs to learn because one day when she dies, Alicia is the one who will have to take over the bakery. Alicia is not sure that she could do that. She is not sure what to think about making the bread, but I think she likes it.

Aldo tells Lety he’s very happy that she did this and Fer didn’t even spoil it. She said she wants to show him how much she loves him in front of everyone. He proposes a toast to the prettiest woman in the world, his girlfriend. Robopop chokes with emotion (oh wait he always sounds like that) and says she made the best choice and he hopes they are happy together.

Aldo papa wants to know when he’ll have grandkids. He forces the issue asking them why they just don’t announce their wedding date already. Lety and Aldo are very impactados!

Fer waits outside of the house and Omar comes up essentially telling him I told you so!! Looks like their roles might be reversing on us here. Fer says I just wanted to congratulate them. Omar says, no, he’s dying of jealousy so he really came because he just wanted to make a scene in front of Lety to make her feel bad. Fer disagrees. Omar says you say that on the outside but inside you are dying. Fer denies it, but Omar pushes it and actually does something sweet saying he knows how he feels and that maybe they need to go because Fer is probably getting a little cold right?


Lety and Aldo say they have many commitments, including Conceptos debt and getting back Aldo’s money, and they have to wait until Lety is successful in her commitment, etc. Fausto toasts to his “kids” and begs for grandkids. Aldo asks Erasmo if he can kiss Lety in front of everyone. Julieta waits for his answer with her breath held. He says yes! They mini kiss. Then mini kiss again. Then when Erasmo is toasting Fausto, he kisses her deeper. She shies away. The cuartel cheer.

Fer writes in his diary: maybe I should not have gone to her house. I might have avoided this pain to my heart. I have to stop being so impulsive but I can’t help it. I feel so bad because today my Lety announced that she is officially Domensain’s girlfriend. Maybe this means there’s no way out, that in effect I should just accept that I’ve lost her forever. I hope that whoever reads these memories is not so heedless as to not learn to accept defeat in good time, and stop hoping for miracles that will never come. Today I am the most frustrated of those in love. Storybook Casanova.

Tomas tastes his love’s bread. He is a bit critical of it until his Mom explains who made it and if he doesn’t like it, she’ll withdraw the pass she gave Ali to see if she will make a good wife. He then explains how much he loves it. He rubs the roll all over him saying it still smells like her perfume. Blech! Stalker....

Lety dreams Robopop is taking a picture of her and Aldo and 7 mini-me Letys. She smiles.

O & F are looking at an apartment. Omar tells them they can’t live here because it doesn’t fit in with their new plan of being woman chaser Casanovas again. Fer says he’s a frustrated Casanova. O not. Fer reminds him of Aurora. O is mad he was reminded. The real estate guy presses them and Fer says where do we sign. Looks like we are going to get some Oscar/ Felix roomie schtick in the future...

Luigi sports some new fashions, the idea for which came from his exposure to the retro period. He makes a jokee, and Irma, she notes he’s very inspired. He shows her the Aurora picture and tells her she’s going to be the image and don't you recognize that it’s the MM everyone is looking for. He says they are intimate pals. Irma asks him to do her a huge favor. She wants him to help her find out who the MM is so they can win the Colunga contest.


Fer and Lety act awkward in Lety’s office. Lety asks Fer to tell her and he cuts her off and begs Lety’s pardon. He explains that he was a fool and he only showed up because he wanted to know what she was going to say. And he’s sorry and he won’t meddle anymore and please forgive him. She says for him not to ask her that and that it was very hard for her to make the decision. He knows and he just wants her pardon. She says he’s him and he’s one of the most important persons in her life. And he shushes her and says he’s resigned and respects her decision and goes to his office.

Alicia’s hands are wrapped in bandages. She very quickly counts money until Tomas makes an appearance, she is then in extreme pain. His Mom made her knead bread for 3 or 4 hours and look at the price she paid! He thanks her and appreciates that she did all this to show that she wants to marry him, a true test of love. Uh, huh.

The cuartel walks in to see Tomas blowing on her hands and they think he is crazy. He says yes for something. He wants to tell them all something. Alicia starts quaking in her corset. He builds the suspense, while she tries to quiet him, then he outs with it! They are getting married!!!!

What a puss on Ali’s face!! She looks possessed. The cuartel loves that. They begin to chant that the Oxi chick is getting married, Oxi-chick is getting married!!


Fer gives Lety a report when Luigi walks in. Luigi goofs that Lety is with her “assistant fool” and he doesn’t want to share his news in front of him. Lety says as assistant he can hear everything. Fer tells Lui to take that! Lui says fine and explains that he has found the image for his new campaign, but he wants to reveal it to everyone at the same time and asks if that is ok with them. Is it clear? Lui says in English, and Fer tells him, thanks, they both speak English. They agree.

Fer and Omar are making fun of Luigi and his pending grandstanding, and Omar says well let’s at least see what he’s got. So, now let me think of my Aurora. Fer chastises him and said let’s make a pact I won’t talk about Lety if you don’t about Aurora.

Businessmen show up for a meeting with Lety. Alici yells at Tommy about her hands. He says look if you are ashamed to marry me then lets just…she cuts him off, nope! You are going to marry me no matter what now! They return to their kissy poo behavior. She asks him for money and he gives her everything in his wallet. Ugh, he better get some good booty for this.

At the meeting, Lety expresses her appreciation that the PR folks are here. They compliment Fer as a great salesman. They ask Caro to show them finally the grand image. Caro says ok, and she hits a remote and says this is the face Luigi wants for the campaign. A slide flashes up on the screen and it is none other than Aurora!! Omar notes it and Lety’s eye just goes bonkers, and cut!!!!!

Labels: fea

After lying to Rodrigo ("You've reached the International House of Chicken Soup") Gav hangs up and gasps a bit. Maybe the huge number of lies she's been telling lately are starting to tell on her. Her mom Clarita is indignant, Gav shouldn't have called. Gav promises, if he's not free I'll bury my longing. "While you're at it, bury the phone so you aren't tempted to call again," sez ma.

Rod works up the farm production balance sheet. He writes to his Granny - he has to talk out loud while he writes, his tongue hangs out a little, maybe he's using a crayon - saying he doesn't have the nerve to face her and the rest of the family since he's sure they're preparing to ream him out. And in fact he's going to abandon the farm and the land he loves...

Well in stomps Granny, she's come to visit. He cries yet again. "I'm not a coward, but I've defrauded you, I've committed error after error, I'm in a dark hole and I can't get out," etc. She says he's her most loved grandchild. They have the usual conversation (her: "Stay with Isa your wife," him: "I only love Gaviota").

It turns out Isadora is standing right outside the door waiting to give him another chance.

Granny Pilar and Sofia rush right back into their private jet so they'll get back to the city in time for the big meeting. Isa and Rod kinda make up, his lame offer being: "You know I love another, but if you stay I'll do the best I can, and maybe things will get better day by day." This is good enough for her.

Lying in bed she calls her mom and gloats, "I won't be coming to NYC with you, I'll be here at the hacienda with my hubby." Sigh.

There are a couple scenes of her coming on to him in bed. She gives him kisses but when she looks away he sulks and wipes them off. [I think the creators of this show honestly believe this dead straight polyester white hair is a turn-on, but how wrong they are. --Ed.]

Gav nags her computer professor mercilessly, she made him stay up all night to help her and she's mad that the numbers aren't all crunched, but then ok, finally the report is ready.

I suppose in return he gets a hair flip and a perky smile -- not enough in my book.

In his office, Aaron is throwing things and clenching his jaw and gnashing his teeth about Mariana Franco, Spy. She's late coming in, and Elvira gloats because when she calls the home phone number Mariana gave them, Mariana doesn't live there! Aaron's mad at Mariana but that doesn't make him dislike Elvira any less.

Mariana/Gav arrives! With an armful of notebooks! Aaron calls her a vile imposter and tears up one of her notebooks and throws it on the floor in a rage. She gathers it up and gives him the 2-minute precis of her study of the feasibility of Turquoise Tequila.

In the meeting room, Minerva is gloating: Aaron is at that very moment, no doubt, reaming out that foul Industrial Spy. Some around the table think Minerva's seen too many espionage movies.

They all gossip a bit about Rod's reconciliation with Isa while they wait for Aaron's arrival. Some are happy and gloating at the news: "No doubt there'll be an announcement of a new little Montalvo varon soon!" Others sulk and gnash. Elvira brings little treats and cheerily says "Aaron is killing his secretary, he'll be here soon."

Aaron and Gav emerge from his office; he asks Gav to call the hacienda and get Rod on the horn.

Unfortunately, Isa answers! Gav: "It's the corporation for Señor Montalvo." Isa: "Mi amorrrrr! Phone!"

Of course Gav is muy impactada. She hands the phone to Aaron and while she eavesdrops avidly, Aaron snidely snickers to his cousin: "Oh, you slept better, did you? Must be that HEH HEH marital reconciliation of yours HEH HEH." Gav has to go off and drop a few picturesque tears.

To sum up the boardroom scene: Minerva's hoped-for bloodbath does not occur. Aaron introduces Mariana/Gav and she passes out her notebooks. ("My wife and my mother don't need copies," he says.)

She gives a talk about marketing Turquoise Tequila, which will cost $2,000 a bottle (said bottle being encrusted with silver and turquoise). All are impressed. Aaron sticks it to Minerva: "And Minerva, yes, as you requested I'm putting Mariana in her place. As of now she's not my secretary." Pause for Minerva to gloat and Gaviota to look surprised/indignant. "With this new initiative, I'll be out of the country and traveling a lot, so I'll need somebody here to take my place. Mariana will be the Assistant Director."

Minerva flounces out, furious. The others congratulate Gav for work well done. On the way out, Granny asks: "Which branch of the Francos are you with? Who's your dad?" Gav has to trot out some more lies. They'll do for now. Granny, to all: "We can trust Mariana, she comes from a very good family."

Rod shows Isa the tequila factory, boy does she think that's really great. "Really? I thought you wouldn't be interested." "Well, frankly, I used to think it was boring, but now it fascinates me."

Then he takes her out to the fields. Hilario is not so happy to see her and she says: "Hilario doesn't seem that happy to see me." "I am but a humble worker on this farm and you are the wife of the owner." She and Rod leave, arm in arm, as Hilario glowers at the retreating backside of the woman he wanted even before he chowed down some of that gol-darned love potion and boinked her.

Minerva calls Isa to yell about Mariana. Isa: "Minerva, I'll give you the same counsel you gave me: be patient!" "NO!" "Be calm, for the baby's sake." "If it weren't for the baby, I think Aaron would divorce me."

Later that night Aaron is sulking in bed. "Are you still mad at me?" "I'm tired of your sick jealousy, your paranoia." "Don't yell at me, the baby doesn't like it." He stuffs a pillow between the two of them and sulks in the dark.

Meanwhile, his redheaded squeeze Pamela is dreamily remembering their illicit weekend. Her mom asks who she went with. "You really want to know? You aren't going to like it." They rehash: Pamela had disappeared from Aaron's life but then decided to reappear, he's married and his wife is pregnant. The mom then mysteriously says, "Because of your Condition you act impulsively. Don't add ANOTHER complication to your life." "I won't see him ever again."

Isa, again, strokes Rod in his sleep. He grunts unwelcomingly. "I want him to have the same passion for me that he has for the odious farmworker."

Gav tells her mom about Pilar's genealogical inquiries and decides the only way to cover her tracks is to change her name legally to Mariana Franco: "Gaviota and Teresa will be buried in oblivion."

Later, brooding and sulking in her jammies, she calls herself a taruga (blockhead) for pining over Rodrigo, who has obviously betrayed her by sleeping with his wife.

Labels: Destilando

Martha Roth (Pilar) was born in 1932, in Padua Italy. I couldn't find a fan club site but here are a couple pictures of her way back when.

Labels: Destilando