Caray, Caray!

We get a second look at the deliciously disgraceful scene Rodrigo made at the reception where Gav/Mariana wore her strapless plum dress (such an improvement over Clarita's previous creations). He'd made a scene with Señor Trejo and his wife. Why didn't Rod's family notice he was suffering baying spasms of jealousy and screaming?

Trejo (who's about to have his Hawaii shipments adulterated by Aaron's crooked henchmen) lets Rod know he is quite offended by this behavior; he and his wife leave as Rod mutters this lame excuse: "I've had a bit to drink." Rod glugs out of the bottle watching everybody, including Mariana/Gav, leave.

The valet outside the reception rolls up in Gaviota's new car. After a quick entreaty to San Sebastian she gets in (surely she doesn't have a driver's license?????) and drives away with jerks and squeaks. Right behind, our dear drunken Rod drives Sofia and Isa in car #2. This is not modeling of good behavior. There should be a sober person behind the wheel.

Anyway, car #2 doesn't get far down the road when car #1 is encountered, stopped dead at the roundabout at the foot of that famous statue (they've scraped many a telenovela villain off those very pavers). Gaviota has managed to stall out her car and can't get it started. "THIS is how you repay my affection?" she scolds it.

Sofia says let's help her! so Rod gets out and goes over to help. Mariana/Gaviota tells him to leave. "I can't leave you here, it's dangerous." "Not as dangerous as being by your side. This city has been more dangerous since you showed up." "No, this city is more dangerous cause there are people driving around who, like you, don't know what they're doing."

Sofia suggests Rod could drive Mariana home. He gets the car started and tells her to get in, she says she won't ("I'd rather go in an ambulance"), he makes her.

Their inane elementary school squabble continues as she says he's driving her crazy and he says she should just be quiet till he gets her home. "You're not the boss of me and anyway, I quit as of this very minute." "You can't quit, you signed a contract." "Well I don't have to put up with your asedios (badgering/stalking)."

They fight over the radio on/off button. "I'll complain if I want." "I deserve this for leaving my beloved hacienda to be at your side - to live for you - now I have all these problems - for this I betrayed the memory of gramps and pops and myself?" She tries to get out while the car barrels along - he, drunk, says he'll drive as fast as he can to get her home ASAP - "The less time we're together, the better" - "You got THAT right!" - "Finally we agree on something!"

I imagine the car is swaying back and forth and Gav starts to think Rod actually wants to cause a scene that will be noticed from car #2. "Do you want to reveal our secret?" "You're playing with me." "I'm laughing, ha. ha. ha." "This is the most hellish night of my life." "No, mine is more hellish than yours."

Meanwhile, Sofia cheerfully tells Isa she likes Mariana despite her odd and evasive (esquiva) tendencies. She asks Isa: "Do you distrust her as Minerva does?" "No, and anyway I don't want to repeat Minerva's mistake and pull jealous tantrums. I only have to worry about Gaviota."

They get a little bit lost and don't notice Gav and Rod parked...

... continuing their battle. "Hell is sweet compared to this! It's a good thing we DIDN'T meet last March 21, what a huge mistake that would have been." "Monday I quit." "Tell it to Aaron, cause I'm leaving for the hacienda and I'm not coming back EVER EVER."

Her huge eyes fill with quiet tears. He calms a bit. "It was beautiful to see you again, even though it just proved my efforts have been futile. You're not the same Gaviota. Those times we shared are just precious memories, the happiest times I ever lived. You made me a man. I'd be lying if I said I'm at peace going back without you, but at least I know now I can't hope for anything from you. I'm glad you're doing well and have overcome so much..." (he's just inches away) "... I don't want to hold you back with my stupid, sick jealousy ... I don't want to keep you from flying..." they are nanoseconds from a kiss but her phone rings and she answers it and it's Trejo, "my wife and I didn't get to say goodbye, come meet us at the bar," and Rod gets all jealous again and bolts out of the car saying ADIOS MARIANA FRANCO and car #2 rolls up and he gets in yelling LET'S GO and Gav cries in her car. (Moral: don't let your cellphone be the boss of you.)

Gav wakes up her mom as she enters the apartment weeping. "Ay, you left so dolled up and gorgeous and this is how the world returns you to me!" "Rod sent me to the devil - for him, Gaviota is a dream that's over." Clarita made more sense tonight than she ever has before: "He's in love with you and wounded by your desplantes (insolence, acts of defiance) and he's dying of jealousy." Gav says quitting is now more complicated because, with Rod leaving for the hacienda and Aaron leaving for Miami, she's really needed - she'll quit but it can't be just now.

"If I've lived without him this long I can live without him for the rest of my life." "You lived without him but you were obsessed, thinking about him all the time, don't deceive yourself." They give the car keys to St Sebastian for the night and Clarita goes to bed leaving Gav to drink and cry.

Rod is drinking and sulking (he appeared to pour one whole glass of tequila into his own lap) when Isa wanders in wearing her usual red satin shortie. "You're gonna keep drinking?" He continues with his infantile conversation style: "If you don't like it don't watch." "You have an early flight, haven't you had enough?" "Aren't you meddling? I need more booze." "How long is it going to be this way, when are you going to forgive me for wanting to bear your child?"

He says that's not it, he just vants to be alonnne. "You haven't said if you want me to go with you to the hacienda tomorrow." "That's because I DON'T want you to go with me. I vant to be alonnne."

She knows there's more wrong than usual and thinks it's that Gaviota didn't show up for the harvest. "No, I have a lot of problems, I'm worried. Just go to bed." "For a moment forget I'm your wife, treat me as you did when we first knew each other, when we were good friends. [pause] OK, I'll respect your silence, I just want you to know I love you profoundly and will always be at your side." Kisses his hand and thoughtbubbles that he will soon let her have a baby by artificial insemination.

Next day, a clot of jimadores are getting stirred by a union agitator. They are waving their paddles and shouting as he chants his talking points: "We must fight for our rights. We want a raise. If there is no raise there will be no harvest." Some mutter that the patron has always been good to them but they are afraid to speak against the majority.

Rod arrives from the airport and Roman warns gravely: "That agitator Liborio is putting ideas in their heads." "I'll go talk to them." "You'd better be armed." "Armed? They say the best weapon is the force of the word."

Roman tries to give an update on the unsuccessful Gaviota hunt but Rod, rubbing his hungover head, says he never wants to hear another word about it." "You forgot her already?" "No, but I'm trying, and I don't wanna see anything around here that reminds me of her. So use that little house of hers, or destroy it."

That morning Gav complains that: "The driving instructor said I'm a danger to the city. He filled my buche con piedritas (he filled my maw with pebbles??), no me pique la cresta [don't peck at my cockscomb?]." Clarita is clever again when she says: "Rotten girl, you're used to succeeding at everything, you have to be patient in life."

The phone rings, it's Pilar inviting Mariana to tea! Gav's afraid she's been found out, but it turns out that Pilar had asked Bruno (Aaron's father) to come back from NYC because of her worries about what's been going on, and now Pilar and Bruno have decided to trust Mariana and take her into their confidence: "There are things you need to know about the family..."

Rodrigo drives up to the clot of workers, Liborio recites the talking points: "we get a 25% raise or you lose your agave." "That's abuse!" shouts Rod and he addresses the group: "You know I pay better than any of the other owners. This plantation is all I have and if you don't harvest, we all lose. I can't get more workers this late, and you'll find that the other plantations already have the workers they need." "But you can afford to give us a raise." "Don't you think I would have if I could? Now we're all in a bad place - you'll lose a season's work but I'll lose everything."

Suddenly he edges a little closer to madness. "The devil take it, I don't care. Hilario, Roman, bring me gasoline! Here you see a man who's ready to lose everything, to die! I'll burn these lousy agaves! I don't want you to leave empty handed. Ponganle precio a la quema (??) and bring bottles of tequila too, we'll toast the ruin of this hacienda!"

Hilario and Roman obediently trundle back to the hacienda to get gas. Ofelia wrings her hands (she's like Lassie's Timmy's mother in this scene) as she watches them heave tanks of gasoline into the truck. SanJuana shows up - she tried to call Isa but no answer - Roman says they shouldn't alarm the family but SanJuana disagrees: "They should know Rod's behaving like a rabid dog." Hilario tells her not to meddle but she bundles herself into the back of the truck and off they go.

Back in the City, Isa is blabbing languidly with Minerva ("thank goodness Gaviota didn't show up - at least this year") when Aaron makes an appearance. Minerva says Isa's staying to dinner, Aaron says he has business and leaves. Min says she's going to Miami with Aaron and will see some specialist who'll help her get pregnant again ASAP. Isa cheerfully says she'll soon convince Rod to have (hmm, my friends in the gay community used to call these "turkey-baster babies" but I'm sure somebody will jump down my throat if I use the term so I won't) and maybe she'll get preg before Minerva does. Minerva's smile at this news is less than convincing.

It turns out Aaron's meeting is with Patricio, whom he's trying to convince to rehire some dirty employee (or maybe more than one). "I have to make irregular exports in order to realize immediate gains. You have to help me." "Forget it!" "Hey, you and I will look clean, just set some guy up to sign the papers, I'll take care of the rest." "You'll be found out and ruined." "Not if you help me. It's your chance to escape a life as a mediocre salaryman, we could do great things together." Patricio says no and walks out.

Back in the agave fields, Rod has ripped off his shirt and is making like the fountains of Versailles with his gasoline. He continues to yell: "I NEEDED YOU TO HARVEST THE AGAVES, BUT I CAN BURN THEM UP ALL BY MYSELF! HILARIO, GIVE ME FIRE!"

"Patron, don't do something you'll regret." "HERE LIES THE END OF EVERYONE'S DREAMS. YOU NEEDED THIS WORK AND I NEEDED YOU." Agitator mutters: "He's making fun of us. He doesn't appreciate us." "WHO SAID THAT?" Rod shouts more - he's always valued the workers, it's their place as well as his, it's been their life as it's been his. Agitator sneers: "All YOU care about is the jimadoras. How many have you gotten pregnant?"

Things deteriorate, the testosterone level mounts, soon it's a fight "TO THE HOSPITAL - OR TO THE TOMB!" The two of them roll in the dirt and Rod has his hands around Liborio's throat and Liborio's eyes are bugging out and it's - the circle of goodbye.

Labels: Destilando

The judge tries to serve the arrest warrant or whatever it is on Alej. Alej contests the authority of the judge to issue the order. Meanwhile, Montero is watching the proceedings through his telescope. Pizarro tries to get Alej to go inside. He keeps looking back at Montero. Alej notices that Pizarro is agitated. Montero wonders why Pizarro doesn’t shoot. It’s the perfect moment to rid the world of Don Alej and then Pizarro can die gloriously at the hands of Alej’s men.

Diego tells Mangle that he wants to separate. He cannot be with someone that he doesn’t love and she wouldn’t want to be with someone who is tied to a memory. Mangle tries to convince Diego that she does love him but he isn’t moved. He believes a separation would be the best for the three of them – Mangle, Diego and their child.

Poor Pizarro is trying to convince Alej to go inside to discuss the judge’s business but Alej won’t play. Up on the hill, Montero wonders what Pizarro is playing at and says that Pizarro had better not be betraying him.

Diego joins his father and asks what is going on. Alej tells him that the judge has brought a decree ordering he and Diego to come in for questioning. Diego is suspicious. It’s not Montero’s style to send an order in writing. He believes something else is going on. Up on the hill, Montero is saying that Pizarro will never again have an opportunity like this and he should shoot Alej and Diego in the head and kill them.

Dolores has brought some food to Almudena and is urging her to eat. She tries but immediately becomes nauseous. [Pregnancy is looking good as the cause of her illness.]

Back at the standoff, Pizarro continues to try and speak to Alej alone. Alej refuses. All of a sudden, who should appear but the Marquesa! Montero is very annoyed that she has turned up again to interfere in his business. He vows that he won’t let her push him around again and if necessary, he will kill her himself.

The Marquesa says that she got word in Mexico that Alej and Diego were in danger. Diego asks how she found out so quickly and she says that gossip travels faster than official communications. She asks what Alej is doing with the judge and the soldiers. She thinks that he should not permit armed men to approach him. But, she says, that she has come to protect Alej & Diego and cut off a few heads if necessary.

Now we get to see MP in her nun’s outfit. She seems to have a white veil and a giant bib over her blue nun wannabee dress with the weird flared sleeves. MP and PT discuss the lack of news from NN and Camba and they have the suspicion that they fell into the hands of the soulless slave hunters. Up rides Prudencio in his giant floppy hat with the news that FS is taking back the land that mission is on and the nuns and PT have to vacate the premises immediately. They are impactados.

Brother Aaron has been brought to the Governor’s house. FS says that Aaron didn’t take advantage of him but gave him friendship when Aaron found him completely devastated on the road. FS tells Aaron that he even thought of following him and saving his soul. Aaron says that FS gave that up without even trying and FS says that there is an evil in his heart that will never go away. He fears for MP, the woman he loves. He wants Aaron to convince MP that becoming a religious was a mistake. FS will do anything to get her back.

PT tells Prudencio that FS gave this land to the mission long ago and he can’t just take it back. Prudencio says that he is just following orders. MP asks him to tell FS that she will continue on the path she has chosen to help the poor even if she has to do it in a field. PT tells Prudencio to tell FS that they won’t be turned out of the mission and they will fight to the end to stay there.

Aaron tells FS that he is about to commit a sacrilege and God is going to punish him. FS tells Aaron that he knows that MP still loves him. They love each other. He has held her and can feel it. Aaron tells FS that he is at the gates of hell. He can give in to this useless passion but he will die. FS begs Aaron in the name of their friendship to convince MP that she should give up her ‘nun’s rags’ and come back to him. Aaron is looking at FS like he is possessed by the devil. He tells FS that he had dedicated his life to fighting the devil and he isn’t going to be his accomplice. He leaves.

Back at the hacienda, Pizarro wants to end the confrontation and leave. Alej rips up the judge's document and throws the pieces on the ground. Pizarro and the judge leave. Alej tells the Marquesa that he has problems and she says that is why she has returned. Montero didn’t heed her warnings and now he is going to pay dearly for his disobedience.

A drunken Olmos tells the barmaid the sad story of his life. His mother died, he was taken in by an aunt who found him disgusting and made him sleep in the stables. Then she died and he took care of the animals for a neighbor. Olmos demonstrates how he ran after the chickens on the table in the bar much to the amusement of the other patrons. Olmos tells the barmaid that his life got better until ‘she’ appeared. 'She' is the woman who reminds him that he came into the world solely to suffer. The barmaid asks who ‘she’ is but Olmos doesn’t say. She is the woman who hurts him whenever he looks at her but he can’t stop looking at her. He will end up burned in the fires of her passion but he accepts that death.

Montero curses the inopportune arrival of the Marquesa to Pizarro. Then Montero asks Pizarro why he didn’t carry out his orders. He could have killed the de la Vegas and he didn’t do it. Pizarro tells Montero that he was about to do it when the unexpected arrival of the Marquesa occurred. Montero says that he is lying. He was watching Pizarro’s every movement and he had many opportunities to kill Alej and Diego and didn’t do it. Montero calls Pizarro a coward. Pizarro denies it saying that he would only get one shot [this is true unless he had more than one pistol. They are not using revolvers, which hadn’t been invented yet.] Pizarro tells Montero that he was waiting for an opportunity to kill both de la Vegas with one shot. Pizarro tells Montero that Alej tore up the judge’s order and Montero says that of course, now the de la Vegas think that the Marquesa will protect them. Montero says that he won’t let the Marquesa humiliate him again and no one will take away the power that he has over the city.

The Marquesa apologizes to Alej for being in a bad mood but she says that he and Diego are the only ones she can trust. Dolores tells Alej that Almudena is in a bad way and can’t eat. Dolores recommends calling the doctor but Alej asks her to continue to try and help Almudena get better.

Prudencio tells FS that PT and the nuns intend to defend their right to the mission. FS reacts badly when Prudencio refers to MP as ‘madre.’ FS tells Prudencio to round up his men. They will attack the mission.

At the mission, MP tells the sisters that they have to defend the mission by making barricades of furniture. PT tells the nuns that they FS will have to kill them all to get the mission. PT and the nuns start stacking up furniture outside the mission. [This seems like a stupid idea. If the mission is like ones I have seen in the southwest, the adobe walls are about 3’ thick. PT and the nuns would be much smarter to stay inside and barricade the entrances to the mission.]

NN and Renzo running from the slave hunters find Camba in the woods. Renzo is dubious but NN wants to help him.

MP feels guilty for dragging all the nuns and PT into FS’s obsession with her. PT says that MP gave FS a chance and he didn’t take it. He says that before he dares to touch MP, FS will have to kill all of them. [Since FS is wacko enough to do just that, that’s not a very comforting thought.]

Montero comes to see FS. He wants FS to go with him to make peace with the de la Vegas. FS says why should he? Montero says that the situation with Esme and SK is partly his fault. FS believes Montero is hiding something. Montero didn’t hesitate to disobey FS’s orders and do what he pleased. Why this sudden change? FS warns Montero that if this is one of his tricks, he will regret it.

Diego asks the Marquesa if the woman who was held in the Callao prison is really the true Queen of Spain. The Marquesa confirms that this is true and that her real name is Mercedes Mayorga de Aragon. The Marquesa knew her mother many years ago. Alej asks what happened back then that no one helped her. The Marquesa says that times were difficult back then – people were crazy with ambition. Mercedes had to leave or she would have been killed. A law was passed that only males could govern. At this time, the Marquesa says, FS appeared from nowhere and somehow trapped Mercedes. 'He married her', says Alej. 'Later he betrayed her', says the Marquesa. 'He was always very ambitious.' Alej asks for clarificatrion on one point. Does the current Queen of Spain know about how she got the throne? The Marquesa says that she is unaware of the plot. 'Then', says Alej, 'Mercedes could reclaim her title at any time?' 'Not without the shedding of blood,' says the Marquesa. 'That is why we have to keep the secret very well. Those who have seen or know Mercedes are condemned.'

Pizarro comes to check on SK. Agapito tells him that SK is still alive but he doesn’t know for how much longer. He can’t get her to swallow anything and she’s very weak. Pizarro clarifies to Agapito that his continued existence depends on SK staying alive. He locks Agapito in the barn with SK.

Aguirre brings Esme some tea. She is still shivering but seems somewhat better. She asks if Olmos delivered her letter to Diego. Aguirre says that he doesn’t know. Esme asks Aguirre to bring Olmos. She has to know whether Diego got the letter. Aguirre tells her not to worry. When he is gone, Esme tells her baby not to worry – very soon his father will come for them.

The Marquesa tells Diego that he has changed. There is pain in his face. He says that it must be because of Esme’s death. The Marquesa says that she is very sorry about what happened. Had she known what would happen, she would have taken Esme with her to protect her. Diego says that she did all she could. The Marquesa asks Diego to tell her how Esme died. Diego recaps the prison escape story and mentions that a bandit called ‘Zorro’ was involved. The Marquesa says that she has heard of Zorro. Diego says, 'really?' Obviously his is pleased that his fame has spread. The Marquesa asks where Esme is buried. She would like to visit her grave. Diego tells her that Esme supposedly fell down a cliff and her body was never found. The Marquesa says that Montero will pay for what he did.

FS tells Montero that he is in trouble since the Marquesa has returned. Montero says that FS is involved too since doubtless the Marquesa knows about him locking SK up. Montero urges FS to ally with him since they could both end up on the gallows.'Fine,' says FS, 'let’s wait for the Marquesa to summon us. Meanwhile, I have something to do.' Montero offers to replace FS’s bandit army with his soldiers. FS refuses saying that they are allies only out of necessity. He finds Montero to be repulsive. Montero counters that FS is just as bad.' Maybe worse,' says FS, 'but I never stepped on your turf.' He goes on to tell Montero that he abused his power and let things get out of control and the price he will pay for that will be very high. [FS has a nerve here. He didn't 'tred on Montero's turf' but he abandoned the citizens of LA to Montero while he chased after MP and he about to go attack a convent.]

Olmos is staggering drunk through town. He meets Aguirre. Aguirre tells Olmos that Esme’s health is declining. She believes that Olmos gave Diego her letter. Olmos says he would never do that. If I tell her that, says Aguirre, she will lose all her confidence in me.'Lie to her,' says Olmos, 'deceive her.'

Renzo and NN escape from the slave catchers by getting on a raft on one of the large bodies of water around LA. Camba gets on the raft too.

FS and his men ride up to the barricade around the mission. We see Sister Carola sighting up a rifle. MP and PT refuse to abandon the mission and vow to defend it with their lives. FS says that if that is how the Mother Superior wants it, that’s how it will be.

Aguirre tells Esme that Diego doesn’t want anything to do with her. She is impactada.
The credits roll.

Labels: Zorro

* At Montalvo Corp. offices, Rod pleads his case with Gavi in her office. Nestor enters and interrupts; he asks Mari to get him some important papers from her files. Aaron enters and orders Mari to leave the papers alone. Nestor and Aaron get into heated argument in front of Rod and Mari. Nestor shouts his resignation over the disrespectful attitude of Aaron. Aaron shouts his acceptance of the resignation. Before Nestor leaves, Aaron demands Nestor give him control of the business according to the will; Nestor tells him so be it - spoiled little boy - and Nestor feels a twinge of pity for Aaron. This angers Aaron, and he grumbles for Nestor to leave immediately, you're no longer employed as a lawyer here. Nestor reminds him that he is still the family lawyer and will always be watching and leaves. Aaron catches his breath and thoughts - Rod approaches Aaron, he tries to clear up his bewilderment over what just happened and get Aaron to change his mind over letting Nestor walk out of the business like that. Aaron reasons that he sees Nestor as old and out-dated and the business needs someone with new fresh ideas and approaches. Rod still baffled leaves. Mari tries her luck with changing Aaron's mind about Nestor, but Aaron won't listen; his mind is made up. Aaron leaves. Mari sits down and feels sorry for Nestor Vidagaray.

* At the ranch, in Isa's bedroom, Hilario is up on a ladder taking down the curtains to be cleaned. TWB Jr. (SanJuana) is sitting on the bed and bothering Hilario with the notion that she wants to go to the movies with him - there's a hot romantic one playing at the town theater. Hilario tells her no to the idea, and tells her to stop bothering him, he has lots of work to do. She gets upset with his rejection. Phone rings. TWB Jr. answers it - it's Isa to tell them that she and Rod will return to the ranch first thing tomorrow, and to have everything ready when they get there. Before hanging up, Isa asks TWB Jr. to keep watch for any signs that Gavi has returned - like a good little soldier, TWB Jr. agrees. Hilario asks who it was. TWB Jr. tells him Isa to say the she and Rod will return tomorrow. Hilario wants more details - TWB Jr. makes like a stubborn clam - TWB Jr. throws her suspicions of his love interest in Isa. Hilario tosses the curtain at TWB Jr. and climbs back up the ladder. She gives him an evil scowl.

* At the condo, Sofia tries to cheer Isa up - Isa is still worried about Gavi showing up and returning to Rod's life. Door bell rings. Isa goes to answer it. Sofia checks out the photo album. She flips through the pages and stops on a photo of her, Rod and James - she remembers her dreams of reconciling with him and his dashing those hopes; she's still heartbroken over his choosing Acacia the farm girl over her. Minnie enters, with Isa following. Minnie greets Sofia and invites both to go shopping with her for dresses for tonight cocktail party for the closing of the ag. convention. Isa isn't interested, besides Rod doesn't really want her to go. Minnie and Sofia use their debate skills to convince her to join them and the family for the party at least. Isa grumbles her jealousy over Gavi and Rod.

* Rod sits and talks with Nestor has he cleans out his desk. Rod tries to get Nestor to reconsider and stay at the company. Nestor says no way, Aaron disrespected him and he can't stay because of him and Aaron's new associate friend. Nestor gives Rod a warning to be careful of those two - there could be real trouble. Nestor leaves.

* Aaron and associate in Aaron's office talking - associate mentions his other clients. Aaron brings up the subject of their business deal.

* As Mariana is in a hurry leaving her office, Margarita stops her outside in the hall and tells her that Rod has been asking lots of questions about her. Mariana asks what kinds of questions? Margarita responds, about all the flowers on the reception desk; don't worry, I told him the truth, that we have no idea who sent them. As the two are about to leave, Rod exits his office and stops them. Margarita leaves - Rod tries desperately to talk with Mariana but gets frustrated when Mari only wants to leave. Aaron approaches and walks Rod back to his office to talk. Mari leaves.

* At the apartment, Clara and Dona Jose are chopping up vegetables in the kitchen and talking about Gavi and her new boss, Rod. Clara has to remind Dona Jose that her daughter's name is Mariana now, not Gaviota.

* Aaron explains to Rod his reasons for hiring a new corporate lawyer to replace Nestor Vidagaray. Rod doesn't like it but will go along with Aaron's decision, after all Aaron is in charge. Aaron continues with his explanation. Rod gets him to stop and warns Aaron to be prepared for the onslaught of arguments from the family when they discovered what happened. Rod excuses himself - he has to get ready for the convention closing meeting/dinner party. Aaron wishes him well, and asks if Isa is going - Rod says no. Rod asks about Mariana attending - Aaron responds about how mysterious and unattached Mariana is. Rod is very curious and intrigued. Rod has to do some fancy work to cover up his curious interest in Mariana Franco. Aaron suspects something is up, but goes along with Rod's explanation. Rod leaves quickly.

* Outside the door, Rod takes a breath and mutters to himself about Gaviota, how he's waited a whole year to be with her and she keeps rejecting him. He's frustrated. Elvira walks up and asks Rod what's the matter. Rod says "nothing, nothing" and walks away.

* Gavi is in her new white car with the driving instructor in the passenger seat shouting for her to use the clutch, her mom's hyperventilating in the back seat, especially when she grinds the shifts and jerks the car to stop in the spot right in front of their building. As they climb out of the car, Clara tries to catch her breath and calm down. The instructor can't believe what a lousy driver Gavi is - Gavi defends her driving style. Instructor asks Gavi if she is going to park in the parking lot. Gavi says no, it is perfectly find right where it is. Instructor holds up his hands and walks away. Gavi and Clara go to the door of the apartment; Gavi is in a hurry to get ready for tonight's convention party. Clara is still recovering from almost having a heart attack during the car drive home.

* Rod wanders in and around the ballroom where everyone is gathering for the pre-dinner convocation cocktail party. He's searching for someone who hasn't arrived yet.

* Clara irons as Gavi puts on her make-up at the dressing table mirror. Gavi tells Clara about Aaron and Nestor's argument and Nestor's resignation because of it. Clara says what a wonderful and kind man Nestor is. Gavi mentions that in the heat of the argument, Nestor mentioned something about a Montalvo having an affair with someone who died - Clara is intrigued - Gavi said he only mentioned that in the argument as well as on a specific date all will be arranged. (Que curiosa!) Clara finishes ironing and holds up the beautiful dark blue strapless evening gown that Gavi will be wearing to the party. Clara thinks that she will knock Rod's socks off with the dress. Gavi reminds her mom she is wearing it for the benefit of Montalvo Corporation's image, not for Rod. Gavi takes the gown and runs to the bathroom to change - she's so excited. Gavi shouts to mom about accompanying Artemio and his wife at the convocation party. Clara picks up Gavi's shoes, sits down and tells Gavi her comments. Gavi walks out of the bathroom. Clara is enchanted and tells her that Rod is going to be blown away, like all the flowers he's been sending her. Clara compares Gavi to a heroine in one of her favorite telenovelas, and that Rod is her charming prince. Gavi reminds Clara that dream had died when Rod got married to Isa. Clara tries to make her daughter keep an open mind because Rod still loves her; Clara reminds Gavi of all the problem areas of Rod and Isa's marriage. Gavi turns to her mom - the taxi cab horn honks outside. Gavi tells mom to give her a huge blessing for tonight - Clara blesses her and ends with a wish of forgiveness for Rod. Gavi leaves. Clara prays.

* Outside, Mariana walks over to cab - she looks at her car parked on street - she pays the cabbie and cabbie drives away. She crosses herself and climbs into her car. She drives herself to the event.

* Isa is camped out on the sofa in front of the television; she thinks about Rod's statement of no children between them. Isa grumbles.

* Hilario is deep in thought, seated outside on the adobe planter box, whittling a stick. He is thinking about Isa. TWB Jr. walks up behind him and asks him what he's thinking about. He tells her to buzz off. She leans on the box beside him and continues to antagonize him over his crush on Isa. He tells her to shut up and leave him alone. She refuses and threatens to tell Rod all about it; threatens to get him fired. Hilario is shocked. TWB Jr. gives him an ultimatum - her silence for him agreeing to marry her. She'll let him think about it overnight and will wait for his answer tomorrow. She leaves him in shock.

* At the cocktail party, the Televisa gossip patrol is mingling around talking with the party guests. Rod talks with Roberto, Aaron and Minnie (Minnie is wearing a off-the-shoulder bright red dress). Rod is nervous and excuses himself to walk away. Rod greets Sofia and Granny, who just arrived - he points them to Aaron and Minnie and Roberto - he continues to wander. After Sofia and Granny greet the others, Sofia leaves to find Rod. Rod is talking with Francisco, Artemio and wife. Sofia comes over and politely pulls Rod away to talk to him. She wants to know why he didn't bring Isa with him - he explains - she then casually on purpose brings up the subject of kids and the artificial insemination discussions - Rod is aghast that his own sister would bring that up then and there - she continues. Rod glances at the door, and goes into shock as Gaviota walks in wearing her glamorous blue dress. Everyone turns to stare at her. She locks gazes with Rod as she walks into the room. She walks away from him - he turns to the buffet table, shaking and looking like he needs oxygen - Sofia asks him if he's alright - he is, he assures her as he takes some deep breaths.

* Mariana walks over to Granny, Aaron, Minnie and Roberto at the sofa. Granny introduces Mariana to Roberto and explains to him what her position with the family company is. Rod and Sofia join the group. Mariana excuses herself to greet others. Rod wants so much to follow Mariana away, but Roberto stops him to toast his speech at the convocation dinner. Rod thanks him, toasts himself, drinks and leaves. Roberto leaves. Aaron sits beside Granny and mumbles to Granny about his argument with Nestor Vidagaray, and Nestor has resigned effective immediately. In fact Aaron has already replaced him. Granny is really upset and mortified by the news. Aaron mumbles his side of the story.

* Nestor is at home, in his pajamas and robe, drinking a glass of wine and talking to Grandpa Amador's photo.

* Granny scolds Aaron for replacing Nestor and she wants him to apologize and talk Nestor into returning. Aaron adamantly refuses to even consider it. He raises his voice to his granny that he will resign if Nestor returns. Minnie sits beside Aaron on the sofa - she and Sofia try to calm Aaron down before he causes a scandal in public. With the raised voice of Aaron, everyone stares at them. Aaron looks around and calms down to mumble again to Granny his disgust over her request and tries to force her to decide right there who is more important to the business - him or Nestor. She's won't choose on the spot - Aaron grumbles that he can't work with Nestor and doesn't want him at the company anymore.

* Mariana is having a wonderful conversation on the other side of the ballroom with Artemio and Eduardo. Rod, in a fit of rage and jealousy, comes over and interrupts the conversation to pull Mariana away. Alone, he grumbles about her always rejecting him at the office and in the ballroom. He is frustrated and angry. She tells him to stop being so ridiculous. He swigs a shot of tequila. Eduardo and Artemio are watching Mariana and Rod's exchange from across the room. Rod asks Gavi point blank if there's any hope for them or if that has completely died. Gavi can't believe he would even dare to ask her that; she tells him for the upteenth time that their relationship ended the day he married Isa. Right now, she sees him only as her boss. He is adamant, he won't let it go, he needs to know if there is anyone else in her life - she blurts out "well, there isn't anyone else, so what?" He's caught off guard, and takes a moment to respond - he desperately begs her to return to the ranch with him tomorrow. She is in disbelief with the request - then Isa appears and says "Hello, My Love!" Mariana looks at Rod and can only shake her head "no". Isa greets Mariana and Mariana quickly, politely excuses herself and leaves. Rod is upset by Isa's presence at the party. He wants to know why she came - she responds - he directs her over to where the rest of the family has gathered. Before they can go, Roberto introduces Rod to Don Francisco and wife - Don Francisco is old acquaintance and business associate of his dad and uncle (Don Francisco didn't even know who Rod's dad was, he had to ask). Roberto reminds Rod to introduce Isa, of which Isa had to give her own name. Rod excuses himself and Isa, and drags her away after she started to respond incorrectly to the question from Don Francisco's wife about children.

* Alone, Rod scolds Isa for her answer and reminds her of their marriage agreement includes NO SEX and NO CHILDREN!!! Isa can't believe his attitude and anger. He scowls and growls at her. She runs away as he gulps down some more tequila.

* Gaviota is hiding in the bathroom, fixing her make-up and giving herself a peptalk to not let Rod get to her tonight.

* Artemio and Granny talk together about Aaron's work at the company; Artemio compares Aaron to his father and grandpa.

* Minnie and Sofia talk with Isa about Rod and Mariana. Minnie advises Isa to stick like glue to her husband Rod; as well as keep an eye on Mariana, she's dangerous.

* Artemio leaves Granny; Aaron joins Minnie, Sofia and Isa. Aaron mentions Rod and Isa leaving for the ranch - Sofia says of course, she's going, they're married. Isa says that Gaviota hasn't appeared and probably won't. Aaron thinks that is reason enough for Isa to stay in town (Aaron want more loving from Isa).

* By the buffet table, Mariana pours herself a glass of water to drink. Artemio walks over and talks with her about dinner afterward with him and his wife at a mexican restaurant - Mariana laughs and would love to join them, especially if there's a mariachi band - Artemio will see about hiring one just for her. That's when Rod appears, and is angry and jealous. Mariana has to step in front of Rod and explains about the dinner invitation with Artemio and his wife. Rod is still angry and jealous. He thinks it is only a way of stealing her away from him. She tells him outright that she is the one who sought Artemio and asked for work. "I'm no one's property, least of all Montalvo Corp." (YIKES!)

Labels: Destilando

The 'A Continuacion...' at the beginning of the show is accompanied by the wedding march.

Cut to Duhmilio and Angel scampering away from outside Soledad's room and Don Loco roaming the halls with his pistol.

Luba tells a sleeping Gaspar that today is The Day. If Duhlina doesn't take the magic potion it will be their last day there. She tells sleeping Gaspar that they have to leave before he finds out his little cub was born. The baby will be handsome and have a big heart like his daddy. She begs Gaspar to forgive what she has to do. She has to save his life.

On the way home Duhmilio starts whining about loving Duhlina. Angel tells him to be quiet, he loved Duhlina too.

Thelma frets over Duhmilio's disappearance. Duhlina asks Orlando to look for Duhmilio. He asks her when she's going to start treating him like her husband. "Never never never," she answers back.

Emilio and Angel return from their mission of nothingness. Well, they tranquilized Sergio and that was funny.

We were wondering what happened to the hootchies that murdered Edelmira...they came back to El Meson, got the smirks slapped off their faces in the catfight, and now the cops are hauling them off to jail.

To celebrate, Coral counts all their lana and Grani says he's going to buy a divine new dress. Coral plans to give some money to Luba for protecting her the night she was afraid.

Thelma is a witch and a nag. With her puppet Orlando at her side she demands that Duhmilio tell her where he was. She makes Duhlina leave the room, she tells Angel he's a good for nothing, then she stomps out of the room. I know several ways to get a man to spill his guts and this isn't one of them.

Luba takes down her giant bottle of Green Potion and asks the Virgencita to forgive her and her aching back. She tells Gaspar v e r y c a r e f u l l y to take it to Duhlina who does not want to marry Orlando. Gaspar freaks, says it will kill her and lopes out of the cave.

WOW! Soledad looks hot!! She's wearing a pink-toned spaghetti strap dress that looks great on her. She and Don Loco are preparing to leave for the wedding. Alfonsina interrupts them to Don Loco's annoyance. Why is she still here, he asks? She should be gone by now. Alfonsina tells him she wants to stay a few more days but he tells her to get out today! She curses Soledad.

Maybe the dousing that she receives at the commercial break will cool her off.

Luba catches Gaspar outside. She manipulates him with guilt. If he doesn't give Duhlina the potion and she ends up marrying the ghastly Lieutenant it will be Gaspar's fault. She promises that what happened to the Cacique's son won't happen to Duhlina. Doesn't Gaspar want to help save Duhlina? "Si Mama!" he says and kisses her. OK I'm confused, I thought Duhlina already had some green potion. Why does she need more? Never mind.

Orlando tells Duhlina he wants to help her starting today. (So basically, "forget I drugged you and told you I raped you, we get to start fresh from today.") "Today is too late," she says, "Me das asco!!" He says he will make the effort to get her to feel something for him. She already feels it, she hates him with all her soul.

Alfonsina paces the empty room and says she's not leaving before she gives Don Loco a little surprise, a surprise that will leave him speechless. She pulls out the blackmail letter.

Soledad visits Flor to bring her a wedding dress. I wonder if it's the same one that got all bloody when Don Loco shot Duhmilio at Duhlina's first wedding attempt?

Don Max, Duhmilio and Angel say they never thought Don Loco would allow Duhlina to marry. Duhmilio says he doesn't want to attend the farce. Orlando strides in and says, "Oh come on, don't you want to see the woman you desire marry your best friend?" Is it any mystery that this guy is always walking around with black eyes and a split lip?

As Soledad brushes her daughter's hair she senses something is wrong. (Duhlina is wearing a different wedding dress for her second go at it thank goodness.) She asks does Duhlina really love Orlando or is she marrying him to forget Duhmilio? After Soledad leaves Duhlina stares at the green potion on her vanity.

Duhlina joins Soledad downstairs. Emilio sees her and notices she's wearing his heart necklace. It looks a little worse for wear to me. He asks her for one last kiss. He tries to lay a big sloppy one on her but she runs away. I would too.

Duhlina grabs the bottle, says "I can't live without him," drinks the green goo, and drops the bottle on the floor.

After the commercial Vera finds the bottle on the floor and gets a big question mark over her head.

Luba tells Gaspar that after they save Duhlina they will have to leave Sierra Escondida or the Cacique will kill them. One-track-mind Gaspar says he will kill the Cacique first, then wait around for his little cub to be born.

Coral arrives at the cave and asks what's with the funeral faces? She has a wad of cash to thank Luba for taking care of her the other night. Luba says all the money in the world can't help her problems, not the least of which Flor is getting married today. Coral is impactada.

Singing Auntie doesn't think Thelma should go to the wedding and gloat. Thelma tells auntie to stop being a drama queen, she wants to party down. Actually, they both want to go because there is nothing else to do in Escondidaville.

Vera comes into the room. She's dressed up and excited about going to Duhlina's wedding. Thelma, bitch queen of the galaxy, says "Where do you think you're going? You have to stay and take care of the baby!" When Vera suggests taking the baby with them Thelma says she doesn't want anyone in town to know the baby was born. Vera looks at her like "Hey crazy woman, last week you were carrying a watermelon under your shirt and this week you're not. Do you think people will be fooled?" Oh wait, it's Escondidaville so yes, they probably will be fooled.

Don Loco hangs around outside the church waiting for Sergio. Sergio, finally awake from his tranquilized sleep, is still a little shaky. Don Loco says he hopes Sergio has a steady hand when he pulls the trigger.

Luba fills Coral in on Duhlina "having" to marry Orlando and her plan to impede the marriage. She decides to recruit Coral for Team Luba, Coral agrees to help them carry out their plan.

Don Loco and Sergio talk about Duhmilio. So far nobody has found his body but at the same time nobody seems to be looking for him either. They are about to ask Orlando about Duhmilio when the bride arrives in a carriage.

Suddenly Duhmilio rides up on his horse. He looks at Don Loco and asks, "What's wrong Montellano? You look like you've seen a corpse."

Alfonsina puts the blackmail letter back on Don Loco's desk. I'm not sure exactly what happened. Either Hugo wrote the letter anonymously and she signed his name to it, or she wrote the letter herself. At any rate, she sticks the letter on Loco's desk and says he deserves it for betraying her. Now she'd better get back to Veracruz.

Don Loco is muy impactado to see Duhmilio because he thought he killed him with his own hands. They tussle over Duhlina. Duhmilio says Don Loco will pay dearly for what he did. Surprise, Don Loco pulls his gun and aims it at Duhmilio's head. Duhmilio asks Loco if he needs a gun to feel like a man. Ha, Loco falls for it and puts his gun away. Sucker!

Pandemonium ensues. First Soledad yells at Don Loco, then Orlando yells at Duhmilio, Loco yells at Duhmilio, then Don Max yells at Don Loco, Duhlina yells at Loco and Duhmilio. Finally the Padre comes out and yells at all of them to shut up or he'll cancel the wedding. "OK by me," snaps Duhmilio.

Thelma arrives with Auntie and we see she's wearing a hideous purple loose fluffy dress that makes her look kind of fat. It's her pregnant disguise.

The Cacique's henchman wants to leave Sierra Escondida right away but the Cacique doesn't want to go until he's completed his mission of vengeance.

Angel escorts Alina down the aisle to Pachelbel's Canon. (Based on the music they've played this week I think the producers splurged on the Greatest Hits of 1720 CD.) Many doleful looks pass between the wedding guests, bride too, but Orlando looks smug.

Hoorah! Malena, Mariana and Dr. Love have made it back to Mexico City. Mariana in her excitement manages to squeak out a word. Dr. Love and Malena are happily surprised.

Luba and Coral see Duhmilio outside the church. When Duhmilio asks about the letter Luba tells him some bad men burned it.

Gen. Ochoa receives a letter. He looks impactado and the creepy, chanting music plays.

Coral pipes up that Luba seemed so terrified of going to San Mateo that she (Coral) took the letter from Luba, carried to it San Mateo when she went, and mailed it herself. Way to go Coral! Luba's happy to have Coral on her team. They all tiptoe into the back of the church.

Sergio stands outside the window and aims his rifle at Orlando.

The Padre asks Orlando if he accepts Duhlina as his wife, he proudly accepts. The Padre asks Alina if she accepts Orlando as her husband. She teeters and faints. Everybody rushes around Duhlina. Sergio backs away and Orlando gets to live another day. As Jaime carries Duhlina out of the church everybody starts arguing again. This is truly the family from hell.

Well, well...guess who shows up at General Ochoa's office? It's an uncharacteristically sensible Elias. Ochoa has just read Duhmilio's letter and plans to go to Sierra Escondida. Does Elias have more information to add? You bet he does.

Jaime carried Duhlina out of the church but she has somehow ended up on Duhmilio's horse in his arms. She's unconscious and under the magic spell. I'm not sure why he took her from town, presumably where a doctor lives, into the woods or back to La Rinconada, but this is Stupidville so I guess that explains it.

Don Loco yells at Orlando for letting Duhmilio take off with his bride. He says when Duhlina recuperates Orlando had better act like a man and get Duhlina back to the church. Orlando snarls and gets that limp-weenie look on his face, you know, like when he tried to rape Duhlina and he couldn't get his soldier to salute.

Thelma is annoyed at Duhmilio for helping Duhlina. "You poor thing," says auntie snidely, "how humiliating to see your husband leave with another woman." She and Thelma glare at each other. This relationship is going down fast.

Don Max snickers at Rosita and Braulio. Castulo arrives and says he knows where Santos is. Max sends him off to do his dirty deed, he looks at the altar and says "Don't judge me harshly, you'd do the same," then crosses himself.

Gaspar is freaking out back in the cave. Coral and Luba try to calm him down. Luba convinces him to trust her and help them finish the plan to save Duhlina. She starts to mix the antidote and sends him out for water.

Luba gets a dreamy look and tells Coral that according to her plan Duhlina will live many years and have a life of tranquility and happiness. She sends Coral off to keep an eye on Gaspar.

Duhlina lays on a bed at La Rinconada. Duhmilio tries to wake her. He weeps and says he's going crazy. He hopes the doctor arrives soon.

Dr. Love gives Mariana some magic medicine that will help unblock her nervous system. She thought bubbles that she wants to go back to Sierra Escondida to tell the truth about Soledad and Duhlina. Concurrently, Dr. Love tells a shocked Malena that he and Mariana will return to SE when Mariana is better because she some things to say to her brother. I'm not sure this makes sense, couldn't she just write a letter?

Santos paces in the cabin while Carmen frets. Castulo busts in and tells Santos to go with him or he will kill Carmen.

Dr. Vasquez and Sexy Nurse Susi arrive at La Rinconada. He says Duhlina has a faint pulse. Duhmilio goes downstairs, sees the Locos and says Soledad can stay but Don Loco must leave. When Loco starts to sputter Duhmilio says "Have you had the nerve yet to tell your wife that you tried to kill me?"

Advance for tomorrow: The doctor says Duhlina is dead. Soledad slumps to the floor and Duhmilio practically gets a hemorrhoid trying to look anguished.



la carcel = jail
esforzarse = to make an effort
helado = frozen, but also speechless, dumbfounded
jalar el gatillo = to pull the trigger
mareado/a = dizzy
vinagrillo = sourpuss

Labels: duelo

I cannot believe it. Tomas and Alicia are married! Well, they are and Tomas feels the need to thank his father-in-law for paying for half of the wedding. Alicia looks horrified.

Marcia stands outside the reception, looking distraught. Luigi approaches her to find out what is wrong. He jokes that she must be bored of the horrible wedding and came outside to purify her soul. Marcia agrees that the wedding is a horror, but that’s not the problem. Alicia married a man who loved her. The wounds that were so easily covered shed their band-aid for a moment. Marcia points out that Tomas didn’t leave Alicia two days before the wedding. Luigi tries to comfort her. Marcia tells him that she’ll never forget it. They embrace.

Back at the wedding everyone seems to be having a good time, especially Alicia. She toasts herself. Tomas tries to slow her “roll”, but Alicia says he should be drinking too. He needs to prepare for his surprise. What surprise? Tomas and I are left clueless. Alicia changes the subject and takes Tomas to dance. The crowd cheers them while Alicia stumbles around the dance floor. Tomama pulls Alicia aside and asks for the ever absent father-in-law. Alicia says that he’ll not be much longer. She walks away to toast with some friends.

Tomas walks over to his mother and scolds her for the scare she gave him back at the church. Tomama explains that she was thinking of what Topapa would have thought of Tomas marrying a divorced woman. Tomas thinks his father would have liked to see Tomas happy. The pair reminisce about Topapa. They dance. Everyone on the floor cheers them.

Outside, Omar gives a strange toast to Aurora. (To the woman who scorned him and made him the must unhappy of men.) Omar may be good at Carvajalmarks but I have to hope he’s never anyone’s best man. The toast was a wee bit of a downer, no? Caro either doesn’t care about that or didn’t hear the toast. She approaches Omar with a smile. He calls her his shadow which doesn’t go over all that well with her. She takes his hand and has him touch her face so that he can see that she is real, not a shadow. Omar agrees that she’s real. He’s the one who has ceased to exist. Caro strokes his face and tells Omar that he is real. Omar says that he only appears to be real. Caro kisses him just to make sure. Good move, Caro; good move! Yay, Besos! She pulls away and asks if that too is just an appearance. Omar apologizes and tells Caro that he can’t. Before he leaves he grasps her and thanks her. She lightly touches her lips when he leaves.

Omar walks into the door, and then Caro follows a few moments later. Caro walks over to Lety and says that she’s leaving. Caro explains that she’s tired. They say good-night to each other. Caro politely takes her leave of the rest of the table. Omar watches from his table with Fernando.

The moment has come! The bride will throw her bouquet. It’s like a madhouse on the dance floor. The only single woman who doesn’t want to go is Lety. Julieta and Aldo convince Lety to go. Erasmo encourages Julieta to go try too. Before the bouquet is even tossed, there’s a push and pull going on between Luigi and Sara. Next comes the slow-motion-for-effect-bouquet-toss. Continuing with the classic tossing of the bouquet storyline, it’s the girl who doesn’t want it that catches it. Lety seems unsure, but Fernando and Aldo both look thrilled. Julieta comments to Erasmo that soon there will be another wedding.

The garter toss comes next. There’s a part of me that really hopes that Lopez catches it, but I have a feeling it’s going to be between two certain galanes. Tomas only pulls up the dress a little and very delicately removes the garter belt from Alicia’s leg. There’s another slow motion throw. The garter lands right in the hands of Fernando Mendiola, who did not go up to the dance floor. The men surround and cheer him. Fernando appears to be much more impressed with himself then Lety did when she caught the bouquet. He leaves the reception and runs into Lety outside.

Lety notices that Fernando has the garter. He tries to explain that he got it by accident. Fernando tells Lety that catching the bouquet means that she will be getting married very soon with Aldo. Lety tries to interrupt, but Fernando tells her that he hopes she’ll be happy. Lety tells him that there’s been no talk of a wedding. Fernando asks her what it would be like if he and Lety had stayed together. Sometimes I feel bad for Juan Soler; they really give Jaime Camil all the making the heart go pitter-pat lines. “You caught the bouquet, and I caught the garter. I would marry you tomorrow, Lety.” Sigh. Fernando places the garter around the flowers. No one says anything. They just stare at one another.

Inside, Tomas gets to crowd surf. Aldo sits at his table and begins to wonder about Lety. Marcia and Alicia watch Tomas get tossed about. Marcia thinks that Alicia should go help her husband, but Alicia won’t do it. It was sacrifice enough to have to marry Tomas in the first place. Marcia lashes out at Alicia saying that one should get married for love. Alicia says this only happens in soap operas.

Lety begs Fernando to stop. He says that dreaming about their wedding costs nothing. Lety reminds him that it hurts. Fernando replies that sometimes life only leaves the option to suffer. Lety says she wants to see Fernando happy; not because she feels at fault but because she loves him. Fernando tells Lety that he cannot lie; that isn’t sufficient for him. Lety responds that he has to resign himself and that she’s sure… Aldo interrupts. Fernando quickly excuses himself. Lety tries to explain, but Aldo makes some cutting remarks about Lety spending so much time with Fernando lately. He understandably says that it’s difficult watching his girlfriend with her ex. Aldo knows how important Fernando is for Lety. Lety says yes he is; he’s her friend and her assistant at work. Aldo reminds Lety that Fernando is still in love with her. Lety responds by saying that she’s in love with him, Aldo. There’s a very brief kiss that’s just long enough for Fernando to watch from the background. Aldo pulls away and remarks that wedding atmosphere is contagious. Yes, like a sickness, Lety replies. They kiss again. These two really need a class about kissing.

A bunch of men waive a bunch of pesos in front of Tomas. They place the bills in Tomas’s tux, ears, his hair and wherever else they’ll fit. Marcia tries once again to get Alicia to go to help her man. Alicia doesn’t budge until she realizes that Tomas is being stuffed with money. She alights from her “throne” and comes down to check out her new mini fortune. Alicia is not pleased with the amount and tells the people to be more generous. You know your manners are bad when the cuartel scolds you. Tomas announces that they’ll use the money for a honeymoon. Alicia would like to go to Hawaii or Bora-Bora but Tomas thinks that Acapulco would be a better location.

Aldo’s outside with Lety trying to get her to say that it’s possible that they may get married. Lety tells him that he’s making her nervous. Thankfully, they go back to the reception.

The newlyweds sit at a table and count their new funds. It’s 13,000 pesos. The cuartel cheers the good luck. The good mood cannot last. A man comes over to the table and asks who’s going to pay the balance. Alicia jokingly scolds him for interrupting the wedding in order to receive a payment. Tomas tells the manager that Alicia paid for the entire thing. The manager corrects Tomas and says that he’s only received half of the payment. The manager asks Tomas to accompany him. Tomas nervously takes his leave. Alicia drunkenly proclaims that she doesn’t understand. She tells the manager that her father deposited the money for his half. The manager asks for the receipt, but Alicia doesn’t have one. Tomas gets mad and makes Alicia cry.

Back at the table the cuartel gossips about the scandal about the money. Sara interrupts everyone to remind them that Alicia’s father has never helped Alicia. He let her lose her car and her apartment.

Tomas has no choice. He gives the manager all of the money he received during the reception. The manger tells Tomas that it’s not enough. We never get to hear the exact amount due, but by the look on Tomas’s face I’m guessing it’s pretty high. Tomas reluctantly turns over his credit card to the manager. Alicia cries about her lost honeymoon.

There’s more gossip among the cuartel. Now they’re talking about the honeymoon. Saimon and PM talk about their trip to Acapulco next weekend.

Caro enters her house. She’s still upset about Omar.

Tomama sees Alicia and Tomas enter the room. She rushes to them and asks about what just happened. Tomas doesn’t blame it on his new wife. He blames the whole thing on his wife’s father. Tomama doesn’t seem to buy it so Alicia drunkenly shoves her. Tomama uses the opportunity to lecture Alicia about treating Tomas well. Luigi pulls Tomama aside and warns her to be careful with Alicia. Fernando comes up behind Luigi and greets Tomas. He also warns Tomasa to beware of Alicia. Omar just offers condolences. Irma watches this and tries to calm Tomama. Tomama rushes over to the newlyweds and says that this marriage will be terrible. Tomas assures her that he has the most important thing in his life now. His life will be full of happiness. Alicia changes the subject and says that it’s bad luck to start out without a honeymoon. Right at that moment PM and Saimon enter the scene. They tell the newlyweds that they gave a big gift for them. PM and Saimon give their trip to Acapulco to Tomas and Alicia. The Moras are very impactados. Everyone applauses. (Hopefully, Saimon and PM remember in the morning that they gave their trip away.) The reception ends with lots of applause and some fireworks.

Alicia and Tomas enter their hotel. Alicia drunkenly stumbles around the desk while the receptionist checks for the reservation. Before Tomas can sign for the room, Alicia falls asleep in his arms. Tomas has to drag his wife to the elevator. Methinks Tomas will not be getting any bella lovin’ tonight!

I love how Tomas carries Alicia over the threshold. He does it exactly like a caveman bringing home the meat! Seductive music plays. Tomas strips. (and I pray that someone will interrupt this scene) Tomas proclaims himself a wild animal. He growls and Alicia snores right back at him. Tomas sweet talks Alicia and kisses her feet. She thanks him by kicking him away. He climbs onto the bed to get some love, but she snores him right off. He tries making noise and jumping on the bed but it’s all to no avail.

It’s the next day and things are as normal at Conceptos. Fernando asks for the news, and Luigi begins to recite the morning broadcast. Fernando doesn’t want that information. He wants to know about the project! Luigi confirms that everything is ready for today. The only thing not ready is the director. Fernando clutches the script for the pilot episode. Luigi tries to take it from Fernando but gets smacked away. Luigi explains that he needs to study the script in order to direct, but Fernando won’t give it up. He says he’ll give it to Luigi ten minutes before. Luigi says he needs to know the writer. Fernando says that the writer is…people. Fernando asks if Luigi’s gotten a leading man. Luigi says that he’s talking to a lot of important actors. They’re all dying to work with Luigi!

In the Vortex Saimon and PM are back in full relationship swing. Irma congratulates them for what they did the night before. PM can’t believe that Alicia will be enjoying her (PM’s) trip. Juan reminds the women that they still have their dinner with Fernando Colunga. PM immediately perks up. Saimon can’t believe that she really wants to eat with that man. Martha’s just looking forward to eating a lot of food.

Fernando enters the vortex and imitates Saimon’s bad English. He asks for Lety. PM says that she’s here and that she’s in her office with her boyfriend. Fernando smacks her with the script. He drops it, but Saimon picks it up and hands it to Fernando. Fernando warns Saimon not to touch the script or to read it. Saimon assures Fernando that he would never read it.

Aldo’s in Lety’s office and he’s once again complaining about the amount of time Lety spends with Fernando. Fernando leans in between the pair and announces that he has something. He rushes into his office and then comes back to interrupt. Fernando presents the receipt for the deposit made to Aldo’s account for $3,250,000. That’s half of the debt! Aldo thanks Fernando. Fernando announces that from this moment he and Aldo are partners. Lety congratulates Fernando and mentions the presentation of the show to Jacks. Aldo says that he would like to see it, but Fernando continues insisting that no one can see it. Aldo excuses himself to go to his editor.

Lety tells Fernando that he really doesn’t need to be afraid. He replies that he just doesn’t want anyone to know that he wrote the script. He has to prove that he can get the company out of trouble and this is the way to do it. They realize that they’re sitting in their old chairs and immediately rush away to the correct places. Lety tries to tell herself that everything is okay.

Fernando stands in his office and kisses the script. Lety peeks in to make sure that he’ll have the pilot ready for tomorrow. Fernando assures her that it’s under control. He says he has to go see Omar. Apparently, some of Omar’s stupidities inspired Fernando. They awkwardly pass each other. Lety remains in Fernando’s office and touches the drawer. Fernando opens the door and looks at her. She assures him that she’s just making sure no one touches the script.

For once, a character actually goes where he says he will. Don’t the writers know that doesn’t happen in novelaland? Fernando pops into Omar’s office. He wants to know about the money from selling everything. Both Marcia and Omar explain to Fernando that they’re nervous about the upcoming presentation. Marcia has Fernando sit and asks him about the writer of the script. He won’t answer and tells her to have faith in him. She tells him not to be a fool. He’s the only one who’s worked on the pre-production. Omar corrects Marcia. Lety helped Fernando. Marcia and Omar continue to rub the salt in the wound. They have faith in Fernando, but he’s never produced a television show. Fernando defiantly says that this is personal and he needs to do this his way. Marcia and Omar warn Fernando about Luigi.

Lety and Caro are also discussing Fernando’s seemingly infamous script. Caro asks if Aurora will be part of the program. Lety assures Caro that Aurora is completely done. She’s disappeared for forever.

Luigi alights into the vortex screaming for his lagartija (small lizard) Fernando. It’s a code read. Luigi utters an Omar worthy scream which makes everyone come running. Fernando asks Luigi what’s wrong. Luigi tells Fernando that since he didn’t give Luigi the script, no actor will do the show. No actor will accept to do a show when he doesn’t know what he will be doing. Fernando says they can’t cancel the pilot. He, Fernando, will be the protagonist in the show!

Labels: fea

Zorro and Fernando face off at Fernando’s home. FS goes for his gun, but Zorro, skilled in knife throwing, is able to precisely aim and get FS’s shirt pinned to the wall, leaving FS’s arm trapped. Fernando demands that Zorro tell him what he came for, and Z answers that he came for FS’s wife, where is she? Fernando isn’t too surprised that Z asked for Sara Kali because he suspects that Z played a role in her escape from prison. He asks Z what he knows and Z answers that he knows all that Fernando does and they rehash the history of him holding SK in prison for years. Fernando takes this opportunity to pull out his sword and the two men face off again, this time with swords drawn on both sides.

Montero orders Pizarro to kill the two de la Vega men. His plan is to send Pizarro over to the hacienda as an escort for the judge who will be serving Alejandro with some legal papers. Piza it to use this opportunity to assassinate the two men. Piza asks his boss if he’s thought about the repercussions of this, that Alej has men and weapons and right now Monty’s supplies are wiped out---no money and arsenal destroyed by Zorro. Piza states that it is all risky. Monty, ever the overblown ego, doesn’t like it when his “brilliant” ideas are questioned and rages as Piza. Monty wants to know what happened to Piza, he’s changed. Monty tells Piza he’ll either follow orders or die. Sgt. Garcia/SAM comes in with the judge at this point. The judge is a little hesitant to draw up papers against the de la Vegas, but Monty insists that Alej attacked the prison with his personal militia, and therefore has committed crimes against the Crown. The judge questions if this is legal because it is an uncommon procedure, Monty puts the squeeze on the man and he capitulates. With the orders drawn up, Monty tells Piza that it is all in his hands.

Fernando and Zorro give us our semi-weekly sword fight. Very impressive. While matching blades, FS asks Zorro who is paying him. Zorro replies that he is not a man so easily sold, unlike Fernando. Zorro is able to unarm FS, and FS calls for his men as back up (here is where I want to contrast Monty to FS, when Monty faced Zorro he called for his men pretty much from the get go….all talk, but really a coward; Fernando faced Zorro on his own and it wasn’t until he was disarmed and backed into a corner, so to speak, that he called for his men---just a subtle difference I noted).

Agapito is tending to Sara Kali when his friend Facundo finds him. Facu is convinced that Aga knows the secret liar of Zorro and wants his friend to give him the skinny. Facu thinks that Aga is out to get the reward and Facu wants a piece of the pie. Aga is concerned for his friend, he tells him that he’s here to care for this woman under Piza’s orders and if Piza were to find Facu there, well Facu would be dead (Aga’s worried, ulcer 1). Facu wonders who this woman really is and Aga implies he knows but doesn’t fill his friend in on the details (a missed opportunity to rehash, I’m surprised).

Alej tells Almudena she needs to snap out of it, she’s not eating and has slumped into a deep depression since she rec’d news of Esmeralda’s death. Dena knows she needs to get over it, but she just doesn’t know what to do without Esme, she just doesn’t have the strength to over come it. She and Al discuss how they love each other and he dangles that as her carrot for getting better.

Zorro is surrounded by FS’s men, Z returns his sword to its sheath and knocks out all of Fernando’s posse, leaving them in a heap on the floor. Fernando meanwhile draws his gun, Zorro draws both of his….What we have here friends is a real Mexican standoff. Fernando tells Z that someone else has Sara Kali, but the Crown doesn’t know of her and they never will. Zorro assures him that he’s going to help SK fulfill her destiny and in the process make sure that FS pays for Esme’s death (how all these people fail to see that Zorro’s interest in Esme is suspect, is beyond me….but it makes for some entertaining moments, so I won’t complain too much). Zorro escapes and as soon as he’s gone all of Fernando’s men immediately pop up from the heap---I had to laugh, it was like they were playing opossum until he left. GO AFTER HIM, Fernando orders.

Monty questions one of his soldiers who tracked Zorro after the arsenal fire. He tells Monty that they lost Z, he disappeared as if he were a ghost. Monty says he’s not a ghost, he’s a man and sends the soldier away with the usual threats and put downs. Monty talks to himself and says he needs money and now may be the time to dip into Esme’s fortune. Soon he’s going to be invincible.

Prudencio shoots after Zorro as he rides away from Fernando’s home. One day, one day Prudencio mutters. Prudi finds FS and they rehash some about Zorro and the explosion at the prison. Prudi says he doesn’t have all the details, but will find out more tomorrow. Fernando says this is going to be the beginning of the end of Montero. Prudi also tells FS that there is some activity at the mission and that the Cardinal hasn’t left yet. He suspects that the consecration is taking place. FS freaks out and takes off for the mission immediately.

Zorro returns to the Bat Cave and finds Bernardo. He fills him in on what happened and swears that he’s going to make everyone who betrayed/hurt Esme pay. He tells Bernie that his life is not the same without Esme, but when he’s Zorro out fighting the criminals somehow his pain is less.


Maria Pia is getting consecrated as a nun, and she and the other sisters are wearing the most ridiculous looking wreath of flowers on their heads (just my opinion, sorry if any of you like them). MP has a flashback to her almost wedding to Fernando. Sister Carol has a dopey smile on her face and MP looks pensive, she then lays prostrate on the floor in front of the Cardinal.

Monty pours water onto a sleeping Esme. He tells her that the noise she heard earlier was her people attempting to rescue her, but they weren’t successful (no duh, she’s still in a cell isn’t she). He says that every time they strike at him he is going to punish Esme. She spouts some hateful words in his general direction and he tells her that soon her mother will be joining her in the cell.

Piza finds Facundo with Agapito and SK. He looks none to happy. Aga tries to explain that his friend was worried (ulcer 2?, not really since this is a lie) about him and so came looking for him. Facu swears that he’ll go back to town and say nothing now that he sees his friend is fine. Piza says fine, go, but I’ll go back to town with you (this isn’t good, let me tell you). Piza heads out with Facu and Facu swears he won’t say a word. At the first opportunity Piza guarantees that statement will be true, he silences Facu forever. **Now at this point I was thinking I wish I could keep a count of all the people Piza has personally killed, he’s got the bodies stacking up. Do you think together we could come up with an accurate body count so far and keep track from this point onward?**

Fernando rides into the church and shouts out that this is all a lie and it ends now!!! He pulls Maria Pia out of the church and asks her if she has erased her feelings for him. She tells him she’s been consecrated and now belongs to God. She adds, kill me if you want and dirty your hands some more.

Next time we see Fernando, he’s brooding in his office. He tells Prudi to go find Brother Aaron, somewhere on the road to Mexico City. He says that Prudi should tell Bro Aaron that Fernando Sanchez needs him.

Olmos visits Mariangel. Mangle asks him if he’s back working for her father and if he told him about her questioning her inheritance. She tells Olmos that she’s pregnant. He’s upset, but offers her congratulations. Mangle asks Olmos to come work for her, and he gets excited about living at the hacienda. She tells him she doesn’t care where he lives, but he should go tell her father he’s coming to work for her. After Mangle walks away, Olmos whines that she’s having the baby of a man who doesn’t love her.

Diego and Alej rehash Dena’s depression. Diego says that she’s got no place to go mourn over the body. Alej goes on to say that Esme died for a cause she believed in and it is there duty to keep up the fight and to never give up. They rehash Mangle’s pregnancy and Diego wonders if God did this to remind him of what he lost with Esme or as a source of comfort from his loss.

Aga asks Piza if he can return to town, he’s got lots of people depending on him (he’s, after all, someone who works four different and important jobs). Piza says no go. He tells Aga that caring for Sara Kali is his only priority and if he’s unsuccessful, Aga will die. Piza lets Aga know that Facu has been silenced. Aga knows Piza means business.

Diego rehashes his plans with Bernie. He’s going to destroy Monty. He speculates that Monty’s next move will be to use Esme’s money, because it is obvious he’s desperately in need of funding.

Auggie finds Esme burning up with a fever in her cell. He takes care of her.

Monty scolds Piza for him (Monty) no knowing where Piza was. Piza says he’s a busy man, with lots to do and proceeds to list off all the different projects Monty has assigned him. Monty says that’s no excuse and orders Piza to carry out the de la Vega assassinations. When Piza leaves, Monty mutters that he hopes Piza doesn’t come back, but then who will do all your dirty work Montero? It is pretty obvious that you are lacking in trustworthy men to carry out your deeds, that’s why you’ve piled the work onto Piza.

The de la Vegas are eating breakfast. Mangle almost faints, I don’t know if she did this on purpose or if it was genuine, I suspect the former. Diego takes her to their room to rest and she says the baby is kicking, does he want to feel (how far along is she?).

Al gets news that the judge is coming with a military escort. He tells his men to get ready, but he’ll go and personally meet the envoy.
Monty is watching all this from a distance. The judge gives Alej the warrant and says that he’s needed for an interrogation, but no harm will come to him. Piza reaches for the pistol behind his back, and a watching Monty orders him to DO IT!!! END OF EPISODE/ ulcer count =1 real/ 1 fake Piza’s daily body count = 1

Labels: Zorro

When last we saw Fernando and Lety, Fernando was asking Lety to tell him the truth--that she's still in love with him. Fernando was telling Lety he can't live without her. They were leaning in for a kiss and then…

Then they toy with all of us by springing apart (complete with springing noise) like a couple of magnets with the same poles facing. I actually think I heard a collective groan going up from homes all around the metro area…or maybe that was just me. Lety quite defensively tells Fernando that he's wrong, she's in love with Aldo and she's very happy with him. Fernando says not to pay attention to him, imagine he's not there, he never said anything, he knows she has a good relationship with Aldo and hey, she knows him, he's impulsive…see what he did with this television program? Lety tells him again it's all going to turn out ok. Fernando said he let his emotions get away with him because she was showing such solidarity with him. He says he thinks he's not keeping his promise to leave her in peace to live her life and to accept her decision and that he's been trying (emphasis on trying) with all his strength. Lety says she understands and he shouldn't apologize. Fernando leaves to see how Marcia's doing with getting the meeting together. Lety starts to call him back, but changes her mind and lets him go.

Out in the Gossip Zone, the Cuartel are fighting over the prizes they won for finding the Mujer Misteriosa. Aldo comes in and listens to them fighting for a few seconds, then whistles to get their attention and asks why the lovely ladies are fighting because he's never heard them fight like this. Aldo asks them to take deep breaths, imagine the sea, calm down, and then discuss the matter calmly. After a few deep breaths, the ladies are calmer and there are hugs all around.

In the boardroom, Lety, Fernando, Marcia, Omar, and Luigi are lamenting their lack of ideas. Omar wants to bring Aurora into the meeting for inspiration. Caro remembers her hot kiss with Omar and then berates Omar for not being able to forget about Aurora. The entire room sees through her grouchiness and ay-yiiiii's her about it. Aldo comes into the meeting and Luigi tells Fernando to tell Aldo what kind of mess he's gotten them into. Fernando tells the room that he's about to give Aldo back 50% of what he owes. Aldo asks Lety what the problem is and Lety says it's nothing, it's got a solution just like any other problem. Aldo says since they're all being so friendly, why don't they tell him what happened.

Out in the GZ, PM says it's el colmo (the limit, the last straw, the living end) that Aldo had to come scold them to get them to stop fighting. They decide they're sharing the dinner with Colunga (although Marta gripes about possibly having to split the meal into six measly parts). To decide who goes on the trip for 2 to Acapulco, they're picking slips of paper out of a cup. PM wins and asks Saimon to go with her to celebrate their reconciliation. It must be noted that Saimon comes into the GZ like one of the knights from Monty Python, but without the coconut shells. He quite gladly accepts PM's invitation.

Aldo wants to know if they actually have an idea about the TV show or not? The correct answer is "no," but since this scene is filler (you know it, I know it, the writers know it) it drags on for a while. Omar actually makes a decent suggestion, that it be a telenovela--since the target markets for fashion and telenovelas are pretty much the same. Then he goes on to suggest that the plot be a story of impossible love starring…"AURORA," the entire room chimes in, unenthusiastically. Lety suggests a comedy starring an ugly woman. Marcia suggests a story about a woman who can't marry the love of her life, but ends up living with him when they both become poor. Luigi suggests the story of a creative director, who is gay, of course, and well, if they'd like to base it on Luigi, he thinks that's ok. Omar asks Aldo if he'd like to do a program about cooking and Aldo says "no." Fernando suggests an homage to the great seducers, the honorable Casanovas of all time. *sigh* That's probably more time than I should have spent on that scene. Anyone else have suggestions? I think they should do a steamy telenovela about recappers. Cause our lives are pretty damn hot … seriously … somebody back me up here.

Fernando is in the Bat Cave, typing something that makes him think he's a genius. Then he rips up some stuff he'd printed earlier, saying it's no good anymore. He says he needs collaborators to help him aterrizar (typically means "land," but apparently also to "set down") his idea about the Casanovas. Lety comes in and tells him it's really late and isn't he going home to rest? Fernando says he wants to finish what he's doing first. Aldo comes in and asks if Lety's ready to go. Lety (quite unnecessarily) tells Fernando that Aldo invited her to dinner because he's prepared something special that he wants to share with her. Aldo asks Fernando how he's doing. Fernando says he's fine, just too much information (see, told you!), he tells them to go on, have fun, he can work alone, don't worry about him, he'll concentrate better with less noise. He goes back to typing as he says aloud, "and fun about the great seducers of history" before he realizes they haven't left yet. Lety asks Aldo if he'd mind if she stays and works with Fernando since it's such an urgent project and they still haven't figured out what the program is about. Fernando tells her to go, but Lety says she's the president, she's responsible for this company, and she can't just leave and eat a gusto (as she likes; comfortably) while he works. Aldo tells her to stay and don't worry, he knows the project is important for the company. Fernando looks away and types some more as Aldo kisses Lety goodbye. Fernando says he doesn't have a chair to offer her, but she can sit on his desk, then he says, "that's my boss!" and gets a bit handsy, including acting like he's taking a bite out of her arm, before he backs off and goes back to typing, "the kisses have llegaron a recrear…" Lety sings, "aquí en mi boca" (gone so far as to recreate, here in my mouth). Fernando says that's a good idea, but Lety says it's a song, so it won't work.

At PM's apartment, she's telling her son she's tried finding a father for him, but it's hard work and it's not that she lacks the ganas (a combination of wanting and willing in this context) to do it or that it's because she can't get a man, but the thing is….He asks if she's gotten him a dad and goes to open the door to Saimon, who announces that the party has arrived. Saimon asks the kid for permission to…. The kid asks if he's going to marry PM, but Saimon balks. Still, the kid hugs Saimon and tells PM he's the best dad she could have gotten him. Is he really? She couldn't spring for a better version? Saimon brought the kid a model airplane for a present, but the kid says that the most important thing is that Saimon is there.

At Casa Tomás, Tomás is hugging Alicia and reminding her that they're just one step away from their wedding. He sighs with happiness and Alicia sighs with…well, something else, but I'm not sure exactly what.

And now, let the wedding nonsense begin. A crowd is gathered outside the church. The Cuartel are wearing coordinating outfits that include a fabric that looks something like camouflage tie-dyed chiffon. They're wondering if La Oxi will actually go through with it and Irma tells them not to tempt fate by talking about it. Lety and Aldo show up and dear sweet heaven, what is Lety wearing? A black turtleneck, a tan linen(?) tank dress, and a brown and black coat in some kind of pattern. This is how she dresses to her BFF's wedding? Granted, he's marrying Alicia, but still. Lety teases the Cuartel about showing up on time for the wedding, but not for work. They joke around and Lety's dad scolds them for it. Tomás and his Mama show up and Aldo asks him for a word. Aldo reminds him he should be enjoying this day, but Tomás is worried that Alicia's dad hasn't shown up and he's supposed to pay for half of everything. Lety's mom tells Tomama that she's looking quite excited. Tomama says that at first Alicia le daba como mala espina (made her feel uneasy), but later she realized she's the perfect woman for her Tomás, she's transparente (open), honest, como dios manda (as God orders). The Cuartel choke on their laughter.

Omar and Fernando are at the Bachelor Pad complaining about not wanting to go to the wedding. Omar is wishing that Aurora had agreed to go with him. Show of hands…who would like Omar never to say the name "Aurora" ever again? Fernando wants Omar to forget that woman and pay attention to work, seeing as how they've got a paquetote encima (big punishment hanging over them). Omar wants to know what the big deal is since Fernando finished his guioncito (little script). Fernando says, it's done, but it's probably no good since he's not a writer. Well, there's a thought, they could hire a writer. Fernando is grouchy because Marcia's taking so long to get ready. He shouts, "Marcia are you ready yet?" and Marcia replies "Ya voy!" (I'm coming) Fernando says that's the 28th time she's said "ya voy" and asks if Omar wants to hear the twenty-ninth. He shouts for Marcia again and she obligingly yells back, "Ya voy!" and the boys have a laugh. Fernando tells Omar he's an idiot and Omar wants to know what for this time. Fernando supposes that maybe Omar was dropped as a child like Ariel was, just with different effects. Omar says he doesn't believe it, but he looks doubtful.

The executioner, digo, the priest, comes out to the steps of the church to tell everybody that it's time. The Cuartel start talking smack about Alicia within earshot of Tomama, which doesn't sit well with her. They let slip that Alicia is divorced. Tomás knows his mom is hearing the whole thing, but rather than tell them to shut it, or hustle his mom out of there, he tries giving her a big smile. Tomama mutters that Alicia deceived her. People are starting to shout that Alicia has arrived. Tomama mutters that Alicia is going to pay.

Alicia walks down the aisle on the arm of Luigi, who says he's not sure if he wants to cry from fear or excitement. Luigi tells Tomás that he hopes he makes Alicia happy or else (he motions that he'll scratch Tomás…not much of a threat coming from Luigi, but if my cat did that I'd feel the fear.) Luigi goes over to take his place on the bride's side of the aisle as Marcia straightens out Alicia's train. Gotta take a moment here to describe Alicia's dress. She's wearing bright, satin-y white. The bodice is very tight, por supuesto, deep-v, off the shoulder. The girls are pushed up about as high as they can go without being right in her face. The skirt looks like an A-line, not meringue-y at all, with about a 6-foot train and embroidery and/or beading from about the knee down and down the train. She's wearing a tiara and dangly diamond (ok, probably CZ) earrings; no necklace. The veil is just a big poof with a shorter section covering her face and the longer section hanging down the back to about knee-length. Her hair is up, probably in a French twist. She's wearing elbow length gloves sprinkled with pearls. I kid you not, except for the excessive boobage, this is the classiest I've ever seen her. Oh, not to leave out the groom, he's in a black tux with a grey ascot and he did get some new glasses, much smaller ones. Now, if only someone had done something about his hair! Anyway, on with el show. After Luigi completes the handoff, Tomás asks about Alicia's dad again, but Alicia drags him up to the chopping block, digo, altar and they kneel. We get a montage of the guests as "Ave Maria" plays: Luigi looking verklempt; Tomama looking angry and sad; Alicia looking at Tomás; Tomás looking at Alicia; Aldo and Lety looking at each other; Fernando looking at Aldo and Lety looking at each other; Lety's dad looking constipated; Caro and Omar grinning at each other; Marcia smiling beatifically (she looks hot, by the way--the hair alone was definitely worth the time, kind of a semi-updo with a lot of cascading curls); Lety looking at Aldo again and Fernando looking at Lety wistfully. The priest asks if anyone knows of any reason why these two, etc. and Tomama kind of moans and starts to leave the church, but she turns around and says she has one as she marches back up the aisle and pulls Tomás away from Alicia. Alicia is impactada and lifts her veil to stare at Tomama. Commercial!

When we return, Tomama is pushing Tomás into a room adjacent to the altar. The priest, Tomás, Tomama, and Alicia are all there, under the watchful eye of the Virgen, as Alicia wonders what's up and protests that the cuernos she made were perfect. Tomama cites Alicia's divorce as the reason she can't marry Tomás. Of course, she doesn't do this right away--we have to get some shots of the shocked guests, the Cuartel engaging in schadenfreude (that would be German for taking joy in the pain of others), Luigi wondering what Alicia has to do to get a man to maintain her, Marcia telling Luigi if he wants to help he should shut up and pray! Lety is saying "pobre de Tomás" as Fernando (who is sitting right behind her and Aldo) butts in to say that marriage is a big step that can't be taken lightly. Lety snaps at him and then tells Aldo marriage isn't difficult…just look at her parents. Tomás is actually doing a decent job of showing some spine and saying he's an adult and he wants to marry Alicia. Tomama lays some mom guilt on him, saying she brought him into this world, fed him, took care of him, and he can't pay her back like this. Alicia makes what seems like a very genuine plea to Tomama, "It's true that I have a past that I can't change. I made many mistakes and one way or another I've paid for them. I ask you, please, don't deprive your son of happiness. He'll die if he doesn't marry me!" Tomás agrees. "And besides, I'm going to give you that grandchild that you want so much." Ka-ching! The ladies hug to seal the deal. Tomás says he takes Alicia as his wife, Tomama gives Alicia her bouquet back and says she takes Alicia as her daughter-in-law and borron y cuento nuevo (let bygones be bygones; let's start again), the priest declares them husband and wife, Alicia asks after her other ring, Tomás asks about his father-in-law, Alicia says he won't be much later, and Tomás tries for a kiss, gets an air kiss, and Alicia takes the ring and puts it on her finger. If you're wondering if you missed something there, you didn't. This all happens in the little room off the altar.

From there we go directly to the reception, which is in a reasonably nice-looking building with a dramatic staircase out front. Lety, Aldo and Lety's parents are at a table together. Lety tells them that, according to Tomás, Alicia talked Tomama into letting them get married by talking about grandchildren. They all laugh. Tomama comes up and asks what they think of the party. There's some nonsense about the decorations. Lety's mom puts Aldo on the spot and he quite nicely says it looks like it was decorated by a woman who adores her son. Then he goes off the rails and says there's a certain chaos provoked by that infinite love. One presumes that this is before the drinking starts, so Aldo has no excuse, except that he's Aldo. Lety's dad grumps that he doesn't know anything about decorations and Lety and her mom joke that all he cares about is eating and dancing, but especially dancing.

At the next table over are Caro, Omar, Fernando, Marcia, and Luigi. Marcia disses the decorations. Luigi attributes it to Tomás and Lety being involved, what else could they expect but the maximum expression of horror. Fernando calls them superficial and reminds them that Lety had nothing to do with this wedding, so leave her out of it. Luigi says that Lety and Tomás came from the same mold. Fernando starts to object, but then writes down "the same mold" in his notebook. Caro is listening to Omar whine some more about Aurora. She'd really like him to shut it for an hour, say, or perhaps half an hour if an hour is too difficult. Fernando says he has an idea, what about a lovesick imbecile like Omar showing up at a friend's wedding, no, wait, showing up to a wedding he wasn't invited to, or, or…. Marcia asks him to put away his notebook, he's obsessed. Fernando says it's not an obsession, it's his work and he needs ideas for the TV show and any idea could work, no matter how stupid it might seem. Hm, I could make a comment there about this show and the Aurora plot, but it's just too easy. Fernando starts writing down something about a waiter getting to a table with a bottle…but, no, he doesn't like that idea and rips it out of the notebook. Commercials.

Alicia and Tomás are arriving at the reception in a white stretch limo. The driver goes to open the door for Alicia, but Tomás claims the right to do it. Alicia is lying on the back seat, probably because her dress was so tight she couldn't get in or out any other way (I hear Oprah did that once, back in the day). Alicia says she feels like a princess arriving like this (I assume she means the limo and not the lying down in the back seat). They stand on the steps outside as Tomás asks about Alicia's dad again and Alicia says he's trapped in a snowstorm, but he'll be there soon because his helicopter is on the way to get him. Tomás is worried because Alicia's dad was supposed to pay for half of everything and things are looking really expensive to him right now. Alicia says it's already taken care of and asks him to quit worrying about money and enjoy himself. Tomás agrees and reminds her that after this is the wedding night. I wonder how she'll get out of that one!

After some silliness with the Cuartel, which mainly consists of a lot of grousing that the shindig hasn't actually started yet, the MC welcomes them all and presents the wedding couple. Alicia and Tomás parade around the dance floor to applause and then make their way to their seats at the high table. Tomama takes the mic and announces that she'd like them to dance to the same song she and Pangracio danced to at their wedding. She orders Tomás to dance with her daughter-in-law. Tomás and Alicia dance, if you can call it that, to the waltz the band plays (I should be able to identify it, but the title escapes me at the moment…anyone know it?). Tomama pulls Aldo out onto the dance floor and dances with him for a while. We then get the following pairings: Lety's mom and dad; Lety's dad and Alicia; Lety's mom and Tomás; Lety and Tomás (and such dancing has not been seen since Elaine on Seinfeld, although Lety and Tomás have better senses of rhythm); Aldo and Lety's mom; Omar and Alicia; Fernando and Tomama; Marcia and Tomás; Lety and Luigi start to, then think better of it; Caro and Omar; Luigi and Alicia; Fernando then realizes he and Lety are partner-less and dances with her, even going so far as to dip her, until Aldo and Tomama bust them up; Caro and Tomás; then Tomama has them all join hands and traipse around the dance floor. As the song ends, the crowd starts clamoring for a kiss, to which someone (Omar or Fernando, I think) adds "on the mouth!" to the chant. Alicia gives Tomás the stingiest possible peck on the lips. Tomás takes the mic and asks for a round of applause for the bride. Alicia tells them they're all honored to be there because she invited them to her wedding (one person laughs; and that actually would have been funny if she'd meant it as a joke). Tomás, for some reason, takes the mic back and announces that they're still missing the most special guest of the evening, his father-in-law, Alicia's father. He says that Alicia's dad is the special guest because he's paid for half of the wedding and asks for a round of applause for that while Alicia looks like she's got some 'splainin' to do.

Tomorrow: More reception fun and a really big bill!

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