Caray, Caray!

Caray, I missed a few minutes here (not used to this early time slot) not much happened I think, but I guess I missed Perafan’s conversation with Juan as the first thing I saw was Cesar Luis telling Perafan that Juan isn’t just a simple executive, he’s my right hand man. I think Juan told Per that he’s an executive instead of a chauffeur, and CL played along. Juan thanks El Nino again for his assistance. Cl tells Perafan they have to go to an important meeting. Juan tells Per he’s sorry he can’t chat but he’s got to go obviously.

They drive off with Fernando at the wheel and Juan in the backseat with CL. He asks Fer to stop and leave them alone. They rehash this in the car, and CL knows perfectly well what kind of a bad person Perafan is but wants to know why Juan lied. Juan tells him the truth is that he did it for love because he’s in love and the girl won’t be interested in him if he’s just a chauffeur. CL tells Juan that he is a sucker for being a romantic, so he is in luck, CL lets him off the hook and won't fire him, but he does bank this as a favor owed in the future. Juan’s happy for now that he managed his way out of this mess and tells CL he’ll never forget this, (nor will CL).

Ana is burning, literally, mementos of Cachon Transporte and Samuel, pictures of them together and she is crying.

Fer drops CL, and asks him what happened with Juan. Cl says well he likes women by the way. Fer says well he could play both sides. CL says maybe anyway he doesn’t care what people do with their lives and he’s got to get to his meeting.

GAYtan bugs Juan about where he went during work hours and Juan says he left because CL asked him to go. Juan says, what if he wanted me for personal things. Isn’t he the one who gives orders around here? G says look he orders me, and I order you. They bitch fight about this a little until Paula shows up.

Nidia awaits Perafan at Cachon. She’s mad because he was late. He says don’t be mad I have bad news. She worries then that Juan is taking advantage of her. Perafan says on the contrary everything is true about his story. She’s happy because she knew it!

Juan is driving Paula who wonders what’s wrong. He says he knows she’s asking because she overheard his conversation with GAYtan. He says look, that guy thinks he’s in a market and that he can just take out his wallet and buy people cheaply as if they were things and I’m not accustomed to that kind of defrauding. She thinks maybe he did something to let him think he could act that way. Juan says, no way, I have always been really clear with him. She says OK, but maybe you are interpreting things to harshly, she asks how long they have been “friends.” He says not long, we met in the business and she says well maybe this is normal when you are just getting to know someone. He decides maybe he should just shut up because he can’t imagine what story she’s got going on in her head, and he’s trying to score points with her.

Nidia now berates Perafan for even suggesting that Juan is hiding something.

Pastor is crying about his conversation with Juan to Yvonne. Among other things she consoles him by saying that he really needs to just ask Juan straight up if he has the same feelings for Pastor as Pastor has for him. Pastor says he has a grand fear of being direct like that with people. She says well, he really needs to do it so he stops suffering on this emotional roller coaster.

Paula goes into see her Mama who is still crying about her situation. Paula tells her she should be happy on her birthday. Mama tells her she just doesn’t understand the circumstances. The love of her life is gone, and she wonders if her devotion was at all worth it, and he didn’t recognize us by leaving us anything. She cries that it’s as if he didn’t care about us at all, and she questions living as a second hand love for nothing. Paula asks her why she is feeling this way and if she went to see the Cachons. She finally admits that she went and saw the will. Paula wants to know why she would do this on her birthday, it hurts her to see her this way.

Nidia tells Per that she went to Ana’s house. He thinks that was a bad idea to provoke them because he has everything under control with their strategy. He tells her to be more prudent. Nidia says she only warned Ana a little to leave well enough alone with all this stuff. She tells him as Samuel’s wife for 20 years it was her who helped him build the business etc. and she deserves to protect her place. He tells her she might be screwing this all up. She says she wants to do it her way.

Paula begs Juan’s pardon that she can’t go to eat with him because her Mama is upset right now. He wonders if she’ll be ok for tonight’s surprise. She says yes. He asks if he can have the afternoon free then in order to arrange everything because tonight is going to be very special. She agrees, and he beams at her again.

Paula calls CL to let him know this situation, that her mom is depressed, and he says she should stay home with her Mom in this circumstance. She thanks him. He then tells Yvonne that she should get the largest arrangement of flowers and send it over. Of course she doesn’t like this idea and gives him attitude.

Juan gets home and sees Marely’s backside and dreams again of how lovely she is. She wonders where he snuck up from. She asks him if he shouldn’t be working. He says yes, but he’s had a horrible day so far with meeting after meeting, solving all kinds of problems, so they told him to take the afternoon off.

Marely asks him about her request for him to help get her a job. He tells himself he hates lying, but flesh is weak, and he tells her that he’d like her to come for a meeting tomorrow, he’s got a friend who has a business and he’s mentioned her to him, so they should talk with him, as it will hurry up the process of maybe getting a job to have his attention for a bit. She tells him to avoid problems with her mom who doesn’t like her to go by herself, she wants to bring a friend. He is happy because of course that was his plan, and she came up with it first!!

Paula is still trying to cheer up her Mom and tells her that CL sends his birthday greetings. Ana tells Paula there’s something she didn’t mention yet, that Nidia came this morning. Paula gets really mad that this chick would dare to show up in their home. Mama says this is between her and me so nevermind. Paula says yes, but it concerns me to. She wants to go over and give her a piece of her mind. Ana forbids her and won’t give the address.

Kike is telling Juan in the study about all of the arrangements he made for him for Ana’s birthday celebration. Kike tells him the mariachis and food and everything are top notch. Juan tells him it’s a secret and not to tell Nidia or the girls. Just then Nidia, who was listening in at the end through the door crack wants to know what secret he keeps. He says he wants to talk to her. He wants to know what Perafan was doing at his office. He yells at her that they don’t trust him and if not, maybe he should just leave the house. She says no, she didn’t know Perafan would go, but he knows that guy wouldn’t move a finger if she didn’t say so. He tells himself something in his soliloquy that I missed. My machine bugged out for a few seconds.

Back at the house with Ana, Paula finally agrees she won’t go slam Nidia because her Mom asked and she’ll try to calm down. She wants to make her up so she feels better. Just then the door bell rings and that large arrangement of flowers shows up. Paula begs her Mom to come down to see and they discover they are from CL. Paula speculates that maybe CL is in love with her. Her Mom jokes with her that she had a torrid romance with him a while back.

Yvonne is trying to get some from CL. He’s got other things on his mind and asks her for Paula’s address. She claims she doesn’t have it, and he says he knows she does because she sent the flowers. She huffs giving it to him. On the way out GAYtan asks if Paula is coming in and CL says no, he gave her the afternoon off to be with her Mom. (Wish I could pull this stuff). He wonders where Juan is in that case.

We go to the Plaza Garibaldi to pick up the mariachis. Juan thinks Kike did poorly with the tamales in a plastic bag that he got, that they are not special enough for this occasion. They are negotiating with a mariachi who seems to charge more than he told Kike on the phone. Juan says to Kike to just give him the extra money because this is special. Kike realizes he doesn’t have enough. They end up compromising by taking only four people for the reduced price, instead of the full band.

Back at the house, Ana & Paula are still chatting, and Ana thinks CL has never done anything like this for her in all the years he’s known her, so she wonders what’s up. Just then the doorbell rings, and it’s the devil, CL.

Happy 4th!!

Labels: Juan

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Labels: index

I thought I would post some youtube excerpts I found of some of the additional conversations in case you were off partying on the 4th and didn't see or record this. (yeah, I show up in the audience in some of these, he,he)

Just follow these links (Thanks marcela555):

Jaime discusses projects and bigotonas

Angelica as judge of Jaime's girlfriends

Angelica gives more details about her inner beauty

Sergio tells more about beauty

More from Angelica Maria

Hi all, this special covered the last two Monday's Cristina shows combined but had way fewer commercials and hence aired a lot more of the conversations! Much better editing in my opinion, because the extra material set the context up for what we already saw. I wish they had shown this version on a Monday special. I can't believe they still didn't show Angelica and Jaime singing together!!!!!! Ugh. Maybe there will be a third installment?? :)

I think what I will eventually do is supplement the original show recaps with the extra parts that they aired during this special, and I will highlight them accordingly so you know which was part of the first airing and which part of the second.

So check back to the original posts for these extra conversations. If anyone got a high quality, high resolution DVD recording of this entire special, post here if you might be interested in sharing it.

Happy 4th Everyone!!!

Labels: fea

Diego denies that he is Zorro to SM. He is a simple, peace-loving landowner. SM says in essence that a leopard can't change its spots. Some men are born to power and Diego is one of them. Then SM tells Diego that he came to LA to find Diego. Their fellow students from the military academy are rich landowners. They have made a bet with SM and if he defeats Diego in swordplay, he will win a fortune.
“Fine,” says Diego. “Tell them that you defeated me and collect your fortune.”
“You don't understands,” responds SM. “To win I have to kill you.” Diego is impactado.

Esme meets Garcia at their rendezvous. Esme is ready to proceed with her plan to get justice and vengeance. Garcia tells her that her card has already been delivered to the Queen – by Camba. Esme is surprised that Camba is a reliable messenger since he doesn't speak Spanish. Garcia assures her that he and Camba speak the same language – 'vino tole.'

Garcia shows Esme the clothes he bought for her and she is pleased with his selections. He fills her in on the deal with the impoverished Count. He sold his title and his house in LA to Esme so now they have a place to stay in town. Esme compliments Garcia on his intelligence. Garcia tells her he's not doing all this for free – he wants to be the one who arrests Montero. Esme says, “consider it done. You will be there when Montero pays for what he has done.”

SM tries to force Diego to fight him. Diego succeeds in disarming SM and tells him that he never thought SM would sell himself for a few gold coins. SM laughs and tell Diego that he was lying. He just wanted to see if Diego had lost his skill. Diego tells SM that Zorro is much better than he is. SM tells Diego that he believes that he isn't Zorro. Diego warns SM not to go around talking about Zorro. Diego already has a lot of problems and he doesn't need any more. SM agrees in a mocking way and Diego reluctantly shakes his hand.

Al takes Almudena to a place with a nice view. He is proccupied and finally tells her that it was Mangle, not Yumalai who poisoned her. Almudena is impactada.

Mangle is pacing in Montero's office cursing the fact that Diego threw her out of the hacienda, she's lost a few days and the repulsive Olmos abused her. Montero is not sympathetic and just wants nookie himself. He tells Mangle that with all the problems he has with the Queen, SK, the identity of Zorro, etc., her problems are not important and maybe Olmos didn't do anything to her. Mangle is furious and fights him off when he tries to kiss her.

After the credits, Mangle seems to have gotten over her fury and is reciprocating Montero's kisses. She thinks Olmos gave her a potion and she says that she feels bad. Montero says that she needs a real man.

SM and Diego are in town. Diego tells SM that the whole city is under a reign of terror by Montero. SM asks why no one has stood up to him. Diego replies that until recently Montero had too many allies including FS. SM asks what happened to FS and Diego says that nobody knows. He abandoned his post and disappeared. Diego tells SM that he keeps his ability with the sword quiet so that he isn't seen as a threat to Montero. SM appears to accept this explanation but as he leaves he says to himself, “Quien zorro eres, amigo.” The English subtitles translated this as, “You're so cunning, my friend.” “You are as cunning as a fox,” would be a better translation but no English translation can capture the double entendre in Spanish.

[We know that Al is a famous general. We know that Diego went to the military academy in Spain and was the best swordsman in Spain. Some of Al's buddies from the army were surely at the academy. Is it likely that not a single word of this got to Al? We know from when Diego was preparing for his duel with Montero that Al didn't think Diego could handle a sword at all. What did he think Diego was doing at the military academy? I know it's pointless to expect logic here but until SM appeared, we didn't know how public Diego's military education was.]

Al tells Almudena about Diego's discovery of Mangle 's poisoning plot. She instantly is concerned that she refused to listen to Yumalai. Almudena wants to speak to Yumalai and beg her forgiveness. Al says when Almudena is stronger, he will arrange it.

Dolores tells MP that a monk with a strange voice has come to see her. Since none of the menfolk are home, Dolores is nervous about leaving MP alone with the man. MP remembers the monk that she saw in town who she was sure was FS. She comes into the room where he is waiting and says his name.

FS has come to ask MP's forgiveness and, surprisingly for someone who was a nun and was therefore in the forgiveness business, she won't give it. She can't forgive him for killing Regina right in front of Diego and leaving Al without love & companionship until he found Regina. [Of all FS's many sins, killing Regina seems one of the most forgive-able to me. He didn't know the woman he killed was Regina and he had had the traumatic experience of seeing his parents killed by indians. To me, keeping your wife in prison locked up in an iron mask for 20 years was a much worse sin that might not be able to be forgiven.] Anyway, MP says she can't forgive FS unless Al and Diego forgive him first.

Wow! We see Esme is a nice gown for the first time in ages. As was also apparent in her more revealing Amazon outfit, even though she had been locked up in a windowless cellar for 6 months, Esme managed to maintain the beautiful tan over her entire body. She given up her 'warrior' hairdo, too. Her hair is curly again. Esme thanks the seamstress who leaves as Garcia comes in. Esme asks if she looks like a Countess and Garcia, ever gallant, says that she looks like a Queen. Garcia once again asks Esme to give up her plan of vengeance but she says that it is too late. She then asks Garcia how her son died. Garcia doesn't want to say but Esme insists. She wants to know if Montero killed her son. Garcia says no. Montero gave the baby to Pizarro who left it in a cemetery. The weather that night... Esme stops Garcia. She has heard enough. She tells Garcia that she wants to find the baby's remains, bury them in a nice place where she can pray over them every day until she is reunited with her child.

Montero is fooling around with Mangle. He tells her that he wants her to bring him his baby. Mangle refuses and says that she is first going to negotiate with Diego and take advantage of the fact that Montero is going to announce publicly that Diego is Zorro. Montero says that Mangle had better be right about that. Montero says that if Diego is Zorro, he probably knows about SK and will try and protect her. That is, he will try and protect her if he makes it to the masquerade ball. Montero has a surprise for him. His men will be waiting to capture him. Mangle says that they soon will know if it is true that Diego is Zorro. SM is on the job and he so desperate for money that he will do anything. Montero says that if it is true, Zorro will be dead soon and Mangle will be his widow and inherit everything. Mangle says that she won't count on that. She can use the child to get everything. Montero tells her not to be silly. He wants her to bring him the baby. He wants to humiliate Diego and let him know before he dies that the baby is Montero's and that Diego will die without leaving any heirs.

Diego is in little Al's room. SM comes in and is fishing for information. Since Diego isn't interested in Mangle, has he fallen in love with someone else? Diego tells him that he does love a woman but he doesn't know where she is or if she is alive or dead. SM wants more details but Diego refuses.

Esme, now dressed in mourning, is practicing her swordplay with Garcia. Esme appears to be using a regular sword rather than the broadsword that the Amazons gave her. Naturally, she defeats him. He compliments her on what she learned in her 3 days with the Amazons. Esme asks Garcia if he believes that Diego still loves her. Garcia says that any person who had fallen in love with her would have to be crazy to forget her and Diego isn't crazy.

Back to Diego and SM. SM is impactado that Diego is in love with Esme. Diego tells SM that Montero killed Esme. SM tells Diego about his relationship with Esme and Mangle when they were in Spain. He was infatuated with Esme but Esme wasn't interested in him. SM says that Mangle was infatuated with him. She always liked a challenge. Diego says that who knows what is wrong with Mangle. He tells SM that he threw Mangle out of the house because she was poisoning Almudena. SM is impactado. He tells Diego that Mangle is investigating him because he told her that Diego is a great swordsman. Mangle offered him money to find out all his secrets. Diego is concerned but SM responds, “Our friendship has no price. Anyway, you aren't Zorro, although there are certain similarities. Trust me. I won't get you into trouble.” Has SM gone over to the good side? Hard to tell since he is a pathological liar.

Mangle goes to see the judge with the bad hair (Catalina's father). She tells him Diego has thrown her out of the hacienda and wants to know her rights with regard to the child. The judge asks if the child has been baptized and registered? Mangle says no. It was a difficult delivery and she was ill. The judge recommends that she take care of that right away. If Diego registers the baby and does not put her down as the mother or puts down the name of some other woman, Mangle will not have any legal rights with the child. Mangle is impactada. “How can this be?” she says, “I gave birth to the child.” The judge asks if there were any witnesses to the birth. Mangle says that there was a witness but she doesn't think he will be very helpful. Mangle tells the judge that she will take of matters.

Olmos is being tortured on the rack. No one is asking him any questions. He says, “Do whatever you want to me. Nothing can take away the pleasure of making her mine. She was mine!” He laughs manically, “Mine!”

Al and Almudena are in a carriage when Almudena tells the driver to stop. She recognizes a spot with a lot of yellow flowers as the place that she saw Regina in a vision when she was dying. [How can she tell? It was dark and there were torches.] Al asks her not to talk about it anymore. “But,” he says, “it's very strange. I come down this path every day to the hacienda and these flowers were never here before.” Almudena says that she has to speak to Yumalai right away.

Diego invites SM to the masquerade ball. SM relishes the opportunity to meet all the beautiful women in the city. Maybe the Queen will fall for his charms now that she is a widow. He and Diego are about to go look for a costume for him when MP asks to speak to Diego. She tells him that FS was just at the hacienda. MP believes that he has changed now that he is a monk and she tells Diego that FS has asked for his and Al's forgiveness. Diego says that he believes that anyone can change except FS. He will speak to his father but he doesn't think he can forgive FS.

At the indian village, Al tells Almudena that Yumalai isn't in her teepee. He will ask the Council of Elders where she is but according to indian customs, this is a guys only thing. He says Almudena looks tired and suggests that they go home and send someone to inquire about Yumalai later. Almudena tells him to stop treating her like an invalid. She feels fine and she must speak with Yumalai right away. Al agrees and goes off to find the Council. Alone, Almudena says that she had a bad feeling about the Yumalai situation.

Agapito is hiding at Tobias' house. He is nervous that Pizarro will find him since it is known that Pizarro is a frequent visitor there. Tobias tells him not to worry. He has a brilliant plan to destroy Pizarro at the masquerade ball.

Pizarro comes in to interrogate Olmos and dismisses the torturer. Pizarro apologizes to Olmos for not being able to help him before. Montero is watching him like a hawk and if he makes a mistake, he will take Olmos' place on the rack. Pizarro tells Olmos that Montero knows that SK is alive. That is why the situation is so dangerous. Montero will kill Pizarro if he knows that he tried to protect SK. Olmos' shouldn't have abused Mangle. Unfortunately, his fate is sealed. Pizarro's only chance is to kill Montero and run away from LA. He asks Olmos for his contacts.

Montero instructs his soldiers to search every inch of the walls of the room where the ball will be held to make sure that there aren't any secret passages where uninvited guests can enter. DJ comes in. Montero assures him that the ballroom will be secure for the Queen. DJ looks at Montero and says that he can see fear in men's eyes and he sees fear in Montero's eyes. Is there something he should know? [like SK is alive and at large maybe?] Montero says that everything is under control. DJ says that he expects that the security operation will not distract the invited guests. If Montero's men remove an intruder, they should do it quietly so that no one notices. Montero agrees.

PT tells the Queen that SK is alive and with the gypsies. The Queen is very happy. She wants to go visit her. PT warns her that if she acts openly, SK and all the gypsies will be killed. However, the masquerade ball will be an opportunity for SK to approach the Queen. The Queen is thrilled. If SK can get to her side at the masquerade ball, she will do justice and treat her as a sister.

Almudena sees more flowers like the ones where she had the vision. She picks a couple and Yumalai appears in front of her.

Dolores is walking around with little Al in the town! What a stupid thing to do. Didn't she get the message that the baby was to be kept locked up at the hacienda? Mangle approaches and says that Dolores has saved her the trouble of going to the hacienda. She demands the baby. Dolores refuses. Things are getting ugly when the wet nurse whips a knife out of her leg holster and protects Dolores and the baby.

Diego and SM are walking in some other part of town and SM is strewing compliments to all the ladies he sees. SM wanders off and Diego is nearly run down by a carriage driven by Camba. Esme looks out of the window of the carriage to see what is going on. She conceals her face with her fan while Diego gives her a confused look.

The credits roll.

Labels: Zorro

No episode on TV Wednesday because of holiday schedule with a La Fea Mas Bella special and a Jose Jose homenaje! Hola!
But only 70 episodes left!

Alternatively, you might want to tune in to the Nathan's hot dog eating contest. This year, they say, the defending Japanese champ may have some serious competition. It's pretty disgusting viewing, however. But no more disgraceful than the appearance of Niurka on the Cristina show, for those who caught it! (P.S. to above: the results are in--the challenger won, 66-63 hot dogs.)

Now, back to our show. Every time you want to kill the writers, they give us a good episode like this. There are some moving scenes. There are even some interesting new vocabulary words. Bonus: no Kike or Diego or Fedora!
(BTW, remember that where they cut back and forth before finishing a scene, I am often compressing into one complete recap of the scene.).

We open with a recap of scenes from Monday. Max and his roommate Pedro discuss Nurse Ratched. Samanta is quickly revealing herself to be a perfect replacement for Bruno. We needed a new sirvienta with all the resentful class-consciousness of our late lamented lunatic.

Samanta catches Diana chatting with another nurse and castigates them for moving like turtles. She asks Diana whether it's true that Max has "baptized" (bautizar) her Azucena (white lily). Por favor, she sputters (English: "puh-leeze"). He may have lost his mind, she says, but he has not lost his "cursi" (pretentiousness or affectedness).

Diana asks why she has to be so venemous.


Larry and Rene talk about how it will be hard for Gaby to go against her mother.


Diana and Samanta continue to wrangle. Samanta wants Diana to obey (acatar).


In the manicomio office, Diana greets Fiona, who wants to visit Max. Diana puts the kibosh on that and talks to her about Eduardo. I love how Diana is becoming Eduardo's Cyrano.


Granny M calls Larry to tell him that Gaby went on a two-month honeymoon with KickMe. Larry looks impactado. Back to Granny M. The camera cuts away to reveal a stricken Gaby lying on the bed, looking close to comatose. She says it is better that Larry believe she is gone for a long time so he won't call. Fans, let's hope that Lunkhead works his two brain cells to see through this ruse.


Over at Casa Paco, Paola is trying to break down the front door with a hammer, and Octy is trying to stop her. Octy is having trouble because the cleavage on her black halter is too low and she might fall out. Not to mention her stiletto heels are keeping her off balance. Paola manages to knock her over and starts a great screaming fit. She rivals Debora in her best weasel-on-crack days. She also starts choking Octy. Finally she lets go and manages to get out the door. Octy staggers to her feet and runs after her. Paola runs out into traffic, Octy screams, and oh, no, Paola has been run over. It looks to be the same street where Paola and Silvia had their accident two weeks ago. Paola lies on the street with a lot of fake blood on her face and the orchestra of doom swelling.


Cut to Paco. He is chatting with that old guy at the bar (I don't even know his name) about the Paola situation. At the same instant as the accident, he hears Paola's name and is startled. He drops his glass. Paola--this crazy girl, he says, who I hate. Why am I hearing her name?


Back at the manicomio, Max and Pedro are talking about how much Max wants to kiss Diana. Pedro eggs him on. Diana comes in. Followed by Samanta, who sneers that she figured Diana would be there.


Now for some fun stuff: We cut to Miami's only jail cell, where our orange-clad Puncho is weeping bitterly while Caramelo visits. (I wonder why Puncho is the only prisoner who has been given the orange jumpsuit. All the others have worn their street clothes.) She is finally dumping him! He says he only wanted two women to be happy. She reminds him that two women can never be happy with the same man. He's really turning on the waterworks. He begs forgiveness. But she says no. She is burying their love (enterrar-ah, Eng. cognate inter).

Octy gets into the ambulance with Paola. She mutters that Paola can't die. The camera cuts to a poignant picture of Paola's flipflops on the street next to the bloodstains. Octy now calls Paco to tell him about the accident. He asks how Paola got out of the house. She says it doesn't matter--just call Larry and Yolanda. The Irascibles will pull together!


Back at the manicomio, Diana tells Max that she loves him but they have to be professional. No kissing. He wants to know why he can't remember.


Larry, Rene and Yolanda arrive at the hospital and get clued in by Paco. Who is going to go in the room. Larry wants to go in, but Yolanda says that Paco should have the honors. Paco goes in, and Larry wants to know why, since they hate each other. Yolanda reveals the secret to Larry. Larry is impactado again today!


Back at the manicomio, Max tells Diana he's beginning to feel better and less confused. He has more nitidez, or clarity. He remembers he has three enemies: Their names are Diego, Ignacio, and Pancholon! He wants to flee (fugarse) immediately and start fighting them.


Over at Emilio's Silvia is sporting a day-glo green wig. She opens to the door to Isabel, who wants to see Diana. Silvia blabs that Diana is no longer at the fabrica, but she's working as a nurse again at the manicomio--the same one where Max is. Who is Max? (it's not clear to me why Isabel can't remember Max's name.) Silvia reveals that she is taking care of the chilpayate (kid). She jumps at the chance to get Isabel as a baby sitter, as it will give her time to land a new boyfriend. (she wants to pescar--fish--for galanes--boys). She will give Diana the message, as she knows Diana will love the idea of Isabel taking care of the escuincle (also kid)since Isabel took such good care of Maxito during the kidnapping.

Octy goes to the lobby. Paco is sorry. He talks to Paola. Although they have their differences, he cares. She is young, and she must recover. The others are all crying in the lobby. They ask why Octy hid the secret for so long. Octy just lays into Yolanda.

It's life or death, and Larry wants to tell Paola the truth.

Debora and Isabel are rehashing Isabel's visit to Silvia. Debora wonders why they would be so trusting, but it's because Isabel gave the baby back safely after the kidnapping. Anyone notice that Debora now looks like Valerie Bertinelli with her new wig? (save for the large face bandage, of course).
Debora thinks they'll have to be very careful, since there are too many people at the mansion. But no, Diana's not at the mansion, etc. Isabel fills her in. This "tipa de pelucas," that is Silvia, or the gal wearing wigs, is a real charlatana (charlatan, but here a slang for chatterbox or blabbermouth). She told her all about Max being in the manicomio, etc. Isabel kind of forgets Max's name again, inexplicably, or is she playing dumb? Debora says they only lack one thing . . .I'm not sure what it is.

Caramelo talks to Emilio at the fabrica. She looks sad. She tells him that she has thrown Puncho over forever. Emilio smiles.

Samanta is supposed to give Max another injection but he escapes her clutches. She gives the injection to the pillow. She calls Iggy, who rails at her incompetence. Here's something I could not understand. He wanted her to put herself in pilas--a sink or basin? I just went through this quickly and didn't review, so if anyone else understands this, please fill in.

Back at the hospital, Yolanda comes into Paola's bedside, and Paco wants to leave. Yolanda tells him to stay, that he has more right than anyone. You hate each other, but you should know the truth. Octy kept this secret for a long time and only I knew. Paola is your daughter, and you are her real father.
Orchestra of doom crescendo. Paco is impactadissimo. What are you saying?

Meanwhile, Larry is telling his mother that it would be terrible if Paola died without knowing. Octy is furious, because if Paola finds out Caramelo is her sister, it would be worse. Rene butts in, saying that if she had known earlier, the whole Puncho thing could have been avoided. (we could add that if Rene hadn't given Paola drugs, she wouldn't have had a drug problem, but they seem to want us to forget that Rene used to be her connection, now that he is new Rene. I'll play along.) Octy just fumes some more.

This is perhaps the best scene ever in this dumb show. I really want to do it justice.
Yolanda is explaining the scheme to Paco. When he and Octy first met 20 years ago, she had a reputation to protect. She had her daughter pass as her husband's. That's why she never told him her name was Octavia.

Paco now has the scene we have long been waiting for. He says he can understand, but how could she not have told him before they got married. It is crazy. He says that Octavia was a mute witness to all the hate between them. He is appalled. She let Caramelo and Paola hate each other for no reason. Octavia's evil knows no limits. Her silence was unjustifiable. Yolanda tells him that she didn't dare to tell him because she was afraid of Octavia.

Now he kneels near Paola tearfully. (She manages not to move a muscle through all this. She has blood painted on her face and a ventilator and bandages on her head.) He addresses her sorrowfully. You were a daughter I hated. And now you are dying. I want you to open your eyes and I will beg forgiveness--Paola, my true daughter. Yolanda cries too, as the credits roll.

Labels: acorralada

[Wow, it’s been a long time since I recapped—June 11th--and I haven’t even gone on vacation yet like Chris. Thanks for the break, Univision. Also I got today’s Episode by tivo’ing Juan Querendon. It’s a crazy mixed up world here, just like in Duelo-land!]

We come into the picture in Veracruz with Hugo, Alfonsina and Tito, down in the basement where Alfi was formerly tied up and now we have Don Loco, knocked out cold and tied up in a chair. DL’s Sleazy Lawyer who Alfi just shanked is quietly bleeding out on the floor. Hugo and Alfi are trying to decide what to do with DL. Hugo, who has a nosebleed, thinks they should just let the cops come and find DL to take him to the madhouse, so that he can suffer there the rest of his days. Death is too good for him. Alfi, who wanted to kill him is down with that only she wants to scram outta there before the police come, since she’s wanted for murder as well. Hugo says fine but where’s the money. Tito, asks for his cut but Alfonsina says he didn’t really help that much and they both boot him out of there. Alfi grabs the money in a bag from a drawer and they vamoose.

At Coral’s mansion in Puebla, Alina wakes up to a creepy scraping sound. She’s alarmed but goes to the door to see who it is. WOOHOO! IT’S TONKEY!!! Tonkey has been missing Alina and he wants to play. Alina tells him he’s out of luck. She has to shower and get ready to go to class . She wants to be an excellent nurse so that she can help people and when she graduates, she’ll be able to go reunite with her mom.

Back over to DL who is alone with Tito, who is waving something under his nose to revive him. He wakes up . He fills DL in BEFORE untying him. Smart one, that Tito. Tito tells him that Hugo and Alfi have fled in a car.

Next we’re in Sierra Escondida. It’s the creepy administrator guy who won’t do a lick of work, Lauro (?) from Rancho Viejo who has arrived at La Rinconada. He meets Vera, who seems to be in charge of everything there now since Santos is AWOL. She tells him that Santos is in San Mateo and the owners are not in residence. Lauro tells Vera that Luba and Gaspar are at “his farm” Rancho Viejo. Vera beams with excitement.

Back over to Coral’s in Puebla Coral’s in her peignoir and Alina’s in her whites. Coral remarks that “boy it’s early.” After a brief exchange, mentioning Soledad’s absence, Alina takes off. Coral says out loud, “Who could have thought that I’d look on her like a sister.” Not sure if she’s referring to Alina or Soledad.

In Veracruz, Alfi and Hugo have stopped to dispose of the sleazy lawyer’s body. They drag it from the car and push it off a steep slope. Hugo remarks to Alfi that when they get to Puebla, they will split the money and go their separate ways. Alfonsina smirks and using the element of surprise, comes up behind him and pushes him off the slope. He rolls over the SL’s body and ends up nearby. Alfonsina runs back to the car to discover that Hugo has locked it and pocketed the keys. Alfi must make her way down the slope to Hugo’s body to get the keys. She rolls him over and roots around in his pockets and finds the keys. As she turns to go, he comes to and grabs her by the ankle. Ewwww! He looks like a horror movie zombie with his eyeball hanging loose from it’s socket. DISGUSTING!

Finally, we’ve made it over to wherever the flood is and Emilio is helping. Emilio wakes up in his tent and finds Karla fully dressed next to him, asleep on the bed. He’s annoyed. “Again? She won’t give up!” he complains.

Back to the dramatic scene on the cliff with Alfi and Zombie Hugo. Alfi grabs Hugo’s gun and screams at him to let her go. She shoots him and scrambles away. [Note to Hugo: Ya shoulda had a semi automatic, not a revolver. You could have pocketed the magazine with the keys and kept them separately. With a girlfriend like Alfonsina, best not keep a loaded gun within her reach. Oh well. Oops.]

Vera and Lauro, who has made himself at home at La Rinconada are still talking about Luba and Gaspar. Lauro tells Vera that the owner of Rancho Viejo has let them stay on the farm as workers. Vera chimes in that she must not know that they are responsible for the death of the young girl, Florecita. Lauro nods solemnly and say, sure, he’ll be happy to make sure that Vera and her merry band of villagers can get into the ranch so they can come and burn Luba and Gaspar alive. At just that moment, Orlando who apparently has been staying at La R. while searching for Luba and Gaspar, shows up and asks what’s going on. Vera is impactada.

Over at the nursing school, the Nursing teacher tells the class that there has been a change of plans. The nursing students are not going to the old folks home for their service. Instead, they are going to the flood zone where there is a rotavirus outbreak. It’s more dangerous and so she tells them they are free to back out. She smiles when she sees that all the students are re-volunteering, including Alina.
In the flood zone, Emilio and Karla are putting on their boots in Emilio’s tent. Emilio is like “Give it up already, Karla, I’m not into you.” Karla tries to wheedle him that she thought he didn’t look so great yesterday and she just wanted to check on him. She saw him there asleep on his cot and decided to just hop in bed with him. I wouldn’t buy that explanation and neither does Emilio who gives his sucked on a lemon face. He doesn’t want an argument; he just wants her out of his tent. As soon as she leaves, Rodrigo comes in, face contorted in fury. He chortles that Emilio hasn’t wasted any time with the ladies. What would Alina think if she knew that he’d just got outta bed with a new lady friend? Emilio looks unhappy. BUSTED!

Now we’re back with Alfonsina scrambling up the hill. She’s huffing that Hugo was a hypocrite for trying to kill her. Now she got him back. As she crests the hill, who does she meet up with? Don Loco. Don Loco thanks her for having saved him the trouble of killing Hugo. He grabs her and throttles her, telling her that he will have his revenge for her ruining his marriage. Alfonsina begs him to spare her and then proceeds to knee him in the groin. She breaks away and runs to the car. Ooops, dropped the car keys! DL tells her she’s trapped. She runs off and nabs the horse that apparently DL got there on. While she steals the horse, DL grabs the keys and gets into the car.

Back to Emilio and Rodrigo. Rodrigo is still riding Emilio about his womanizing ways. Emilio argues weakly that it wasn’t so. Karla’s just a friend. Rodrigo laughs that off and complains that Alina refused his offer of marriage but wait till she finds out how faithful Emilio has been to her. Emilio is probably supposed to be impactado but you wouldn’t know it.

Back to the climactic scene of Alfonsina escaping Don Loco, horse vs. car. DL sticks a nice engraved silver revolver out the window and starts shooting at Alfi. Eventually, she’s hit and falls to the ground.

Emilio and Rodrigo are still tussling over Alina and Emilio’s apparent lack of faithfulness to her. Rodrigo says although Alina has rejected him, he’s still going to “protect her” by finking on Emilio.

Alina, back in Puebla, calls Coral and tells her that she won’t be home for supper. She’s heading out with the nursing students to the flood zone. Coral tells her to be careful in the scary flood zone.

Over at La Rinconada, Orlando is confronting Vera and Lauro about what he heard about Luba and Gaspar. Vera lies (badly) and claims that Lauro is looking for Luba because he knows she’s a curandera and he’s sick. Lauro catches on quickly that Vera doesn’t want Orlando to know what’s up and agrees that that is why he came. Lauro and Vera leave. Orlando is left standing there like an idiot, musing about how odd it is that everybody is looking for Luba and Gaspar. He will continue his search in nearby areas for them

Rodrigo and Emilio are still pissing back and forth about Alina. Emilio is fed up and complains that he’s done talking. He has nothing to explain. He doesn’t want to go any further to save Karla’s reputation. [Yeah, I did a double take and replayed that when I heard it too.] Emilio stupidly says that when he left Puebla, Rodrigo and Alina were engaged. [That item doesn’t really make him sound innocent.] Rodrigo says that it didn’t take him long to jump in bed with the first woman who crossed his path. Just when things are heating up, Frank comes in and says they’ve got to go.

At la Rinconada, Vera sees Ifigenio coming downstairs carrying off a rug [what? Is he going to sell it on ebay?] and she explains to him and to us that Santos is off taking care of his sick mom and Jaime is out of town for two weeks [no reason given]. But guess what? She’s found out where Luba and Gaspar are! She’s talked to a guy from Rancho Viejo who knows that they are there. Ifigenio is all ready to run over there, torches ‘a burning but Vera tells him that Orlando overheard her conversation with the Rancho Viejo guy and undoubtedly, as a representative of the state, he will want to have Luba and Gaspar turned in to the authorities, not burned at the stake by the villagers. They’ll have to be stealthy. Vera will make sure that Orlando is occupied and then Ifigenio can go and round up a posse.


Out in the boonies, Don Loco is tracking the wounded Alfonsina. She gets up and tries to run away. It’s hard to see where’s she’s been hit, maybe the hip or the back. She doesn’t get very far when Don Loco drives up and hits her with the car. She falls on the ground again, panicked. DL jumps out of the car and mumbles “Here’s where you pay, you disgrace!” He whips out the revolver and shoots her in the forehead. Goodbye Alfonsina!

[Commercials: There’s Karyme Lozano in Amar Sin Limites. I’m not a fan of the stick thin model type but she’s looking a little broad in the beam these days. That red satin dress they put her in makes her look like a tomato. She is a good actress though, very appealing, so I will be giving ASL a try. Also, Fea-mania is still alive and well on Univision. They are doing a 4th of July special with all the actors. La Parodia is also doing a Fea special. The people playing the principals look hysterical.]

Back in Veracruz, Tito is now being interrogated by the cops who are trailing Don Loco. Tito tells them that he left pursuing Hugo and Alfonsina who had stolen a bunch of money. He doesn’t know where. When the cops leave, Tito says to himself that he hopes Don Loco caught up to them—“They didn’t give me my money.” Geez, what a cold-hearted little bastard!

Meanwhile, DL has gone back to where the other two bodies are lying, Hugo and his Sleazy Lawyer, Mauro’s. Apparently he just wanted to have a chat with Mauro’s corpse. He tells him that he’s sorry he has to leave him behind. He needs to get away before the police catch him. His plan is to make Soledad forgive him and to “take her far away.” [Oooh! Sounds like kidnapping to me!] He stops to taunt Hugo’s corpse before waking up hill.

Alina is travelling in an open truck with about 7 or 8 student nurses headed to the flood zone. [What? Army nurses in Mexico wear their hospital whites while on campaign in a rural disaster? I doubt it.] Anyway, It looks like a lonely soldier’s dream come true…eh, Chris? Alina is orange flashbacking the altercation at Edelmira’s between Soledad and her crazy Daddy, when Soledad is horrified to find out that he stashed her in a bordello. She looks sad and the teacher asks her what’s wrong. She thinks it’s boy trouble with Emilio. Alina tells her [over the din of the road] that it’s her mom she was thinking about, her dad is sick, mentally ill of jealousy…made all their lives hell, went to jail, escaped…blah blah blah.

Vera is seeing off Orlando, she’s brought him some food for his trip canvassing the area looking for Luba and Gaspar. She tells him that maybe Luba is being hidden by the priest, Padre Cristobal. Orlando looks intrigued, he thanks her and leaves. Without the food. Vera gets all twitchy-bitchy and chortles to herself that Orlando will spend the entire day getting to the church and meanwhile, they’ll be having roast Luba and Gaspar over at Rancho Viejo. Man, did Vera get a personality transplant or what? Whatever happened to dumb, happy face Vera?


At Rancho Viejo Gaspar and Luba are helping Raquel feed the cattle. All of the sudden, Raquel doubles over in pain. At first Luba tries to calm her and makes her breathe some herbs that she just happens to have with her. She tells her that some women are more delicate than others in pregnancy but that she has nothing to worry about, “You are a female of strong stock.” Then Luba bends down to listen to Raquel’s belly and jumps up impactada—“Caray!” she says.

Back in the military vehicle, Alina has finished telling her tale of woe to the Teacher Nurse, whose name apparently is Valentina. Valentina says she admires Alina even more, knowing her family history. She admires her generosity helping other people when she has other problems. Alina says there’s not too much she can do for her mom right now anyway. Valentina changes tack and tells Alina that if she’s going to be distracted, that will be a problem on this mission, since it’s so dangerous. Alina assures her she won’t be.

Karla, Rodrigo, Emilio head off in a jeep through the countryside to do some more flood management stuff. Rodrigo has come with reinforcements to relieve the volunteers from the community who are tired out and ill. Karla gets out to talk to some of the residents and makes some insinuating comments about seeing Emilio later. After she goes, Emilio tells Rodrigo that he knows what he’s thinking but there is nothing between him and Karla. He stops cold and tells him that they’ve got to work together on this project, put their differences aside because the work is difficult and dangerous and if they don’t pull together, their men and the victims will be at risk. He extends his hand and Rodrigo shakes it.

Finally, we have a glimpse at Claudia’s unhappy home. Recall that in the last episode, Angel brazenly confronted Rosendo over the theft of the dresses from Coral’s boutique and his attempts at assaulting his stepdaughter. Rosendo tells her to get rid of Angel she will be sorry and he grabs her face and tries to kiss her right there. Claudia screams at him and tries to get away.

Back at Rancho Viejo, Raquel is alarmed at Luba’s reaction, listening to her belly. Luba doesn’t want to tell her right away. Gaspar asks if the baby is going to be born soon. Luba says no. There is still aways to go. But…she’s going to have more than a child. She’s having twins! Luba and Raquel are all smiles.
From the sublime to the awful---Claudia breaks away and grabs a pan from the stove. She hurls the contents at Rosendo’s crotch and runs out the door. Hope it was hot, whatever it was.

Next we check in with Soledad and Elias at their hotel in San Mateo. Soledad is freaking out. She’s sure Alvaro will find them. Elias tries to comfort her and even suggests that they go take a walk. Soledad is uncertain that this is a good idea but Elias tells her that yes, this is THE LAST PLACE that her crazy husband would look for her.

Over in Puebla, Coral is talking to Angel at the boutique. Claudia still hasn’t arrived and she’s worried. Angel is concerned too, Rosendo is a piece of work. Coral can’t believe that Claudia’s mother won’t listen to her own daughter, “How can there be mothers like that?” she exclaims and pounds the table for emphasis. At last, Claudia rushes in crying. She says that she can’t go home again. She asks Angel for his help.

In San Mateo, Orlando has arrived at the Church. Padre Cristobal is out of town. [OK, we’ve lost Jaime, Santos, Rosita and now Padre Cristobal…instead of SESD now we have Sierra Escondida disappearing disease SEDD. ] Orlando tells the new priest to get in touch with him if he sees Luba or Gaspar. The priest asks why he wants them and Orlando gives some lame excuse. Just then, a woman rushes up to the priest and tells him that they found Luba and Gaspar and that they are at Rancho Viejo. Orlando gives his classic shifty eyed smile.

Soledad and Elias are out strolling in San Mateo. She doesn’t want to talk about Alvaro anymore. She’s done with him. He asks if she is going to divorce Alvaro. She says yes and he immediately kisses her. Although she looks uncomfortable, in the next second, she is telling him that yes, he should have hope, that she will see him as more than a friend. She wants a little more time to divorce DL and then put the whole nightmare behind her. Elias is ecstatic and tells her that he’s waited years for this, what’s a few more?


Over in the flood zone, the nurses have arrived. Karla shows up to give them instructions, like that they have to wear masks so as not to spread the contagion of rotavirus. Valentina goes over to look at some patients and calls out Alina’s name to come help her. Karla is impactada and orange flashback’s Emilio calling out for Alina in his sleep.

Karla goes over to Alina and asks her if she knows Emilio Valtierra. Alina says yes and asks Karla the same thing. Karla says …yes…”we’re goooood friends.” Alina looks puzzled behind her mask but says nothing. Karla looks dissatisfied at her lack of a jealous reaction. She interrupts again and asks Valentina what the experience level of the student nurses is. Valentina tells her that they all have varying degrees of experience but that Alina is a recently registered student. Karla tells Valentina huffily that Alina can’t be permitted to work. It would be too risky for the victims to have someone inexperienced working there. Alina now looks impactada behind her mask.

Next we are at Vargas’ the prosecutor’s office when Dra. Loca walks in. Varga tells her that DL hasn’t tried to kidnap his wife. Just then the phone rings and there’s news—DL has been spotted in Veracruz with a trail of bodies behind him, including his own lawyer. Dra. Loca says now, for sure DL will try to get at his wife and she runs a grave risk if she is with Elias.

At Coral’s boutique, Coral and Angel are comforting Claudia. They are trying to convince her to denounce him. Coral points out that that is why there are men like Rosendo, because nobody stops them. Angel urges Claudia to ‘fess up to the Coral about everything. Claudia finally grudgingly allows that Rosendo was responsible for the robbery of the boutique. Coral is impactado.

In the flood zone clinic, we are still at the standoff between Karla and Alina, with Valentina in the middle. Valentina argues that Alina is the best student in her class and that in addition, she’s an expert in natural medicine. Karla laughs this off and says that natural medicine is inferior to scientific medicine and that people will only be treated with scientific medicine here. Karla insists that Alina leave and be responsible decontaminating the linens and clothing (I think this means she’s got laundry duty). Valentina starts to protest but Alina tells her not to worry, she’ll be fine. She has done this kind of work before. She takes off her mask and leaves. Karla smirks behind her mask. I am sure she’s thinking, SCORE!


Over at Rancho Viejo, Vera has shown up with the villagers and their unlit sticks, rakes and pitchforks. It’s broad daylight anyway so the effect wouldn’t be that dramatic if they were lit. Lauro urges them to be quiet and sneak around so that Luba and Gaspar don’t escape.

Over at the flood zone clinic, it’s not over yet between Valentina and Karla. Valentina reproaches Karla for having mistreated Alina. Karla is now super insulting to Valentina. She says that if Alina didn’t want to do dirty work, she should have stayed home with Mommy and Daddy. Valentina takes umbrage at this, saying that Karla has no idea what Alina had to do to get there and she has no right to be so insulting. Valentina rips off her latex gloves and leaves in a huff to go talk to Alina. Karla looks ticked.

Frank, Rodrigo and Emilio are out in the woods. Emilio remarks that another storm is coming soon, that they’d better get a move on with evacuations. Rodrigo tells Emilio to go report on their progress to General Ochoa. Emilio pauses to thank Rodrigo for all his help. Rodrigo says that although they make a good team, and that he’s grateful for the work Emilio did in helping to find Gaby, they will never be friends, because of Alina. Emilio nods.

Meanwhile, back at the Ranch (Rancho Viejo) Raquel is starting to reconsider whether trying to hold on to the ranch is such a great idea after all. With two kids on the way, the task seems more daunting. Luba tries to encourage her by telling her that with two kids, she should want the ranch even more. The children will grow up strong and healthy in the country instead of the city.

[Sorry, tivo cut off here—Tune in tomorrow, I guess, when the villagers arrive and try to burn Luba at the stake!]

Labels: duelo

Question: If there's a real baby and a fake baby, do they cancel each other out?

Another question: How many people think Aaron is really a Montalvo? I was just thinking that he's so much like Fedra, but not at all like Bruno... maybe Fedra had a little help "decorating the family tree"...

Pammy is taking another bath. Between baths and pool time, she must be getting awfully pruny. She wants to go to the theater, or see an opera. Aaron doesn't. He wants to hang out with Johnny, his big local client. Johnny's got some big wingding coming up, and he wants Montalvo's crazy-expensive Turquoise Tequila as a sponsor.

Minerva calls, sounding conciliatory. Aaron brushes off her fake apology, knowing it's just a prelude to manipulation. She begs him to come home, and he says he'll probably be back by the end of the week.

"I'm glad, because I have a big surprise for you. I am sure you'll be as delighted as I am!" And then, as already reported by Beckster, the camera pulls back to reveal Minerva in a fully-decorated nursery. Yes, boys and girls, that's how a woman becomes pregnant: by spending lots of money at the baby store. That's what the expression "keep it in your pants" refers to - your wallet. Really.

Meanwhile, and also as reported, Gavi in her pink dress follows the record company guy out to his car, singing her heart out like that time when Cindy Brady tried to impress a talent agent (played by Mrs. Howell) by dressing up and dancing like Shirley Temple. "Did he give you his card?" Clarita asks hopefully as his car pulls away. "No, Ma. He gave me a donation." She shows Clarita the grubby coin. It's not even shiny.

Back in New York, Pammy is temporarily out of the bathtub, helping Aaron with his tie. He admits that he was not being honest with Minerva, but he didn't think it would be a good idea to "tell her" over the phone. He wants to say it person. Pamela asks why he didn't do it before he left. Things are going to be more complicated when he gets back, because he's been deceiving Minerva.

¿Que the hell? He's been deceiving her for months already - what's another week? Ah - Pamela is referring to the "surprise." Aaron assures her that it will be something dumb, as usual. Pam nervously says she wishes he wouldn't go - he should leave it in the hands of a lawyer. But Aaron says he can't terminate his marriage long-distance. She pouts. He tells her to relax, and reminds her that he's doing this for "us." He thought-bubbles: "And to secure my grandfather's inheritance with the child you are going to give me!" The thought puts a warm smile on his face.

Back in the DF, Minerva continues the anti-Mariana telemarketing campaign: If Mariana shows up asking for a job or a favor, deny her, or you'll be inviting a lot of trouble! Fedra watches and listens with a warm smile on her face. She tells Minnie it's strange that "the migrant worker" has not, ugh I'm sorry, having trouble with this sentence, something about threatening Aaron with the union (of tequila companies? agave farmers?), or somesuch.

Minerva tells her MIL that Aaron's coming back at the end of the month, and she's already apologized for her fits of jealousy. Fedra approves. Minerva confides that she's thinking maybe she'll go see him in Miami, since her "boycott Mariana" mission is finished, and she'll never work for another tequila company again Now she can dedicate herself to giving Aaron lots of care.

Fedra thought-bubbles: "If you knew, Minerva - if you knew that you're not in my son's plans." Another melted-caramel smile. They run in the family. (FEDRA'S family.) Minerva beams too.

Clarita and Gavi schlump back to their hotel. Clarita is even more embarrassed than Gavi, and apologizes that her help only made things worse. Gavi says forget it, they'll never see that man again anyway. (Hmm. Novelaland being what it is, this seems unlikely.) They make up, and Gavi cheerfully says that thanks to the 10 pesos the man gave them (that's like 90 cents), they had a free trip home. Then she sings a song for her mother! Clarita hums along supportively.

Daniela and Videgaray are meeting at a restaurant. It looks like he might be the Dish of the Day, because Dani is grilling him! Videgaray tells her Rodrigo asked him to manage the annulment and negotiate with Isadora. Videgaray also helped him buy a lot on an island where he was thinking of building his house. Rodrigo was in a hurry to go, right after that board meeting. But he never mentioned Gaviota or Mariana to him, and he made it clear that Videgaray wasn't to discuss it with anyone.

As for why (in response to Dani's angry question) he went to talk to Bruno, Videgaray just wanted to know how the problems had been resolved. He had thought that Rodrigo had abandoned his job when he disappeared to Manzanilla.

Dani still seems unsure. Videgaray adds that it was BRUNO who informed him of Mariana Franco's true identity! He tells her the tale of the song that did Gaviota in, and the ensuing investigation of Mariana's job application, the phone calls, etc.

Pilar and Sofia are having lunch in the big house (not to be confused with the Big House where Ricardo is being forced to eat his own shorts). Sofie says she's got a busy day (I'm sure it's a lot of work finding just the right fashions of yesteryear in a modern store), but she's going to make time to go see Isadora. Pilar warns Sofie to watch what she says around Isadora; the woman is trying to get half of Rodrigo's stuff! Sofie is surprised to hear of such crass behavior on her dear friend's part. She thinks Isadora must be really angry about the divorce. Pilar says that according to Videgaray, Isadora doesn't have any rights to Rodrigo's inheritance.

Sofie thinks maybe Isadora is doing it to put pressure on Rodrigo and get his attention. Pilar reluctantly agrees, and says she's not sure if she's doing the right thing. Keeping quiet about the truth is the same thing as lying. If her husband were still alive, he'd say she wasn't being fair with Rodrigo or with Videgaray.

Sofi says that if they told Rodrigo what really happened, it would provoke a lifelong lawsuit between Aaron and Rodrigo. She advises her grandmother to be cool. At least Rodrigo isn't with that "mujercita." As for Videgaray, he's the one who matters the least in all of this.

The man who matters the least in all of this is still filling in all the blanks for Daniela. He is expressing great skepticism about the Mariana story: First of all, it was pretty vile of Aaron to say that Mariana was a con woman. Videgaray can attest to her honorability and the quality of her work. The people in the union respected and loved her. Dani says she had the same impression and Aaron's story about being Mariana's lover really wrecked Rodrigo.

Rodrigo says that was another vile lie from Aaron. All he ever saw between them was a very professional relationship, and Mariana was the pulse behind every advance the company made. She was always correct in every sense of the word.

Dani asks about the money that Mariana supposedly extorted from them. Videgaray says that Margarita - Mariana's only friend at the corporativo - said that Mariana did not leave happily, like the Montalvos all claimed. No, she was destroyed, and her last words as she left were that the company was a pit in hell and that Margarita had better be careful. It wasn't the attitude of someone with five million pesos (about 455,000 dollars) in her wallet.

Videgaray's ultimate impression is that something happened, and Aaron didn't really pay that money. Dani says only Mariana and Aaron know for sure, and there's no way to find out because they can't find Mariana to sort it out.

Back at the hotel, Gaviota is complaining that there's not a single job that doesn't ask for experience. Mom leaves with the laundry, saying she got permission to use the hotel's washing machine. She makes a big deal out of announcing that she's taking the key with her. Wheee!

Gavi wonders how she can prove she has job experience. She calls Margarita, who reports that Bruno has taken over because Rodrigo went back to the plantation. "With his wife?" Gavi asks. "I suppose," Margarita answers.

Margarita still doesn't know what happened when Gavi left. Gavi gives her the short version - "They said I was a cheat. When we meet, I'll tell you the whole story." She says she's dying of embarrassment, but she's going to ask anyway: she wants Margarita to give her some blank Montalvo Corp. stationery!

Margarita is shocked, but nervously agrees. Gavi is reluctant to give her any contact info, and swears Margarita to secrecy. Margarita writes the address and room number in a notebook which will surely fall into the wrong hands. At Margarita's request, Gaviota describes her plan to write herself a recommendation from Rodrigo, on Montalvo letterhead.

Clarita comes back from the laundry room, overhears Gavi's plan, and flips out. She informs Gavi that copying Roddy's signature is a SIN. And also, she had promised her saints that she wasn't going to be a liar. Gavi tells Marg to forget about that little favor. Marg mentions that Videgaray is urgently looking for Gavi. Gavi says she'd rather die than see any of those people, and asks Marg to please say she doesn't know where Gavi is. (Clarita is gesturing furiously!)

After the call, Gavi recounts that Rodrigo went to the hacienda with his wife, and Videgaray is looking for her. It makes both of them nervous to know that that traitorous lawyer is searching for Gaviota under every rock.

Dani and Videgaray are still wondering why Gaviota never came back to talk to Rodrigo. Surely, if Aaron had fired her without giving her severance, it would have been logical for her to have spoken to Rodrigo. And there are still more missing pieces. What did Aaron say to Rodrigo? They only have the version that Aaron told to them. Dani and Videgaray agree that they need to find Gavi and hear her side of the story. They hope Margarita will give her their message. Dani says a love like Gavi and Rod's mustn't die this way.

Isadora goes to her fertility specialist, Dr. Kamasutra, or whatever his name is. Naturally, she kisses him on the cheek. She also calls him by his first name - Paulino. (Hmm - did I miss something? Do they already know each other socially?)

He tells Isadora he has her test results, and there's not going to be an insemination: she's already pregnant. For some reason, this surprises Isadora. He's surprised she doesn't seem happy and wonders why she didn't mention that Rodrigo had gotten over his problem of not being able to have relations. She just wants to know how many weeks. He says about five weeks. She flashes back to some Kodak/Maalox moments from her New Year's vacation with Frankie. She says her cycle's been regular. He sends her home to surprise her husband. It's the best gift she could give him. He tells her to get lots of rest, and extends his congrats to the new dad.

Now there's a filler-ish scene with Rod and Crispin talking about the tequila school. He wants to get local small businesses involved, especially those who cater to tourists. Crispin is honored to be part of the project. Then James shows up in one of those sad little ties and Rodrigo makes plans with him for tomorrow.

James notices that Rodrigo doesn't look so good. Rod starts moping over Gavi again. The men listen patiently as he describes how he can't sleep at night, he can't believe it ended this way, it was all a deception. (I guess these are the only three men in Mexico who wouldn't rather talk about soccer.) Crispin offers some flippant advice to be like a bee and go to the next flower for the honey of love. He adds, "un clavo saca a otro clavo." (Some saying about nails?) Then he tells Rodrigo to go home to his wife. Rod reminds him there's nothing between him and Isadora, but he leaves.

Gavi is interviewing for a job! She shows him her application reminds him that the ad said no experience was necessary. She wants to know more about this great multinational company. He says they're affiliated with a publisher in Spain. They publish encyclopedias. In the three months since they've been in Mexico, they've sold 2 million of them. They hope that Mexico will catapult them into the rest of the Latin American market.

Waving away smoke from the man's cigar, Gavi asks if that means the job is selling encyclopedias. He says yes! They need people who are poised, cultured, professional - and most of all, ambitious.

He asks if she's a bachelorette. She says she's single for life. She'd rather gut a crocodile than get married. (?) He laughs.

Meanwhile, at the Heartbreak Hotel, Isadora's father Ricardo is informed that he's going to prison. And at the apartment, Isadora informs her mother of the miraculous pregnancy. "But you said you've never had relations with Rodrigo!" Nuria exclaims. She mentally connects the dots as Isadora breaks down in tears and sinks to the floor.

"WHOSE KID IS IT?????" Nuria demands. (I guess she wasn't able to connect ALL of the dots... given what she saw in the hallway last night...)

Isadora admits it's not Rodrigo's. All her plans have gone down the drain. Nuria complains that now there's nothing they can do to help Ricardo. Just then, Ricardo's lawyer Montesinos calls. Dad's going to be transferred to the prison. She wants to see him, but they make it difficult to get permission to do so. Nuria is horrified that Isa's poor father will be mixing with ill-natured riffraff. "We are cursed!!" Isadora howls, and runs to her room.

Gavi questions whether she can really make 10,000 to 30,000 pesos (about 910 to 2700 dollars) a month selling encyclopedias. He says his people sell at least 10 a month. She thinks that sounds pretty reasonable. He says a leader can sell up to 25. 15 can sell like hotcakes, what with neighbors and friends. (She jokes that she hopes she has 15 friends.) He reminds her that the products can also be sold to schools and businesses.

Gavi says it sounds like an interesting challenge. The guy calls in a pal named Vidal, "our star salesman." He asks Vidal how many encyclopedias he sold last month. "I didn't do so well," Vidal admits. "I was only able to sell 75." Oh, clap clap, give this man an Oscar. He must be a good salesman, because Gavi totally buys his act. The boss tells Vidal to keep his average up - he'll have to do better next month. Vidal promises to do so, but he's only got 72 so far.

The boss says to Gaviota, "See? In a bad month, our salesman makes 100,000 pesos in a month." (100,000 pesos divided by 72 units means your commission, as a salesman, is 1388 pesos or 126 dollars per unit.) And that's on top of a base salary.

Gaviota asks when she can start. He says that if she makes the cut, they'll call her tomorrow. She is grateful. After she leaves, he puffs his cigar and tells himself that if that smart girl can't sell an encyclopedia, he'll have to swim back to his homeland. (I'm no expert on accents, but this guy doesn't sound very Spanish to me.)

Back in tequilaland, the guys are walking around the plantation, still talking about the publicity campaign. Rod zones out of the conversation and into GaviVision again. He runs towards the big tree, stripping off his shirt for no better reason than to tantalize Rod's Rangerettes. Gaviota is there, jimadoring. She ignores him at first, but he keeps talking. He says the only happy memory he has of them is from when they first met. Then, she was sincere. (She turns slowly to look at him.) He was the first man in her life. She gave herself to him without conditions the first time. Her kisses and caresses were only for him. Why can't this be like that time again?

He kisses her. She lets him.

Back in the real world, Dani keeps Elvis company while he paints. She tells him that Videgaray is going to look for Rodrigo so he can clear things up with him. Elvis agrees that it'll be best if they can find out the circumstances of Gaviota's departure from the company. Dani is also curious about that big pile of money that Aaron supposedly gave her. Elvis thinks there must be a way to get that info from the company, but Dani says the family will get defensive if Videgaray starts nosing around.

"Hmm, so then who's going to get those documents?" Elvis asks semi-rhetorically. Dani says yep, she'll do it. Videgaray says that as a member of the family, she has the right to look at the financials. She'll have to be careful about what she says as to why she wants to look at them. She's going to do it today, because she's worried that Isadora is going to try to get back with Rodrigo. Elvis thinks Rod will be too stubborn, but Dani tells him Isa's not satisfied with what she's been offered, and wants half of his stuff. She doesn't have the right to it, but she's going to fight for it anyway.

Sofia makes good on her promise to visit Isadora, but Isadora is hiding in another room. Her mother sets the stage for the inevitable by saying that Isa's gone to the doctor because she hasn't been feeling well lately. After she leaves, Nuria advises Isadora to make nice, but Isa says she doesn't feel like seeing anyone.

Sofie loafs in the hallway, debating whether to knock on Frankie's door. He magically comes out of his apartment at that precise moment, and Sofie pretends not to have been waiting for him. I'm sure he wasn't watching the peephole the whole time. He greets her in Pepé le Pew-style French and kisses her. He claims to be on his way to a job interview, after which (he makes a creepy noise) he was going to see her.

She tells him she came to see Isadora, but she's at the doctor, nothing serious. She invites herself along on his interview (I'm not sure Sofia knows what a job interview is), but he has a better idea: a great intimate place he knows for people in love. The waiters don't bother you unless they really have to. She is surprised that he's willing to blow off a job interview, but he says she's his priority. If that consortium wants to hire Francisco de la Vega (practice it a little more, Frankie, and it'll roll right off your slimy little tongue), they'll have to wait. She offers a token protest, which he silences with kisses. He says he was born on a Friday night. "Let the ants work, while we have fun!"

Back in the apartment, Isa says she doesn't want to have anything to do with Rod's family. She's not even sure if she's going to have this baby.

Nuria advises her to tell the father, but Isa thinks it won't be worth the trouble. Frankie is irresponsible. Rather than give her help, it'd be more likely that he'd be another mouth to feed. "But you love him!" Nuria protests. Isa doesn't want to talk about that. Nuria reminds her that if Rodrigo finds out, he'll accuse her of adultery. She'll be left with just the apartment.

Isa decides that she will get Dr. Paulino Tejeiro to say that he inseminated her. Nuria looks shocked. I don't know why. She co-created this monster daughter. She tells Isa she's lost her mind. Rodrigo is not going to take the news well if she tells him she got the procedure while they were separated, but Isa can only see the benefits. Her future, and that of her child, will be secure.

Nuria worries about the plan and says she's scared. Isa reminds her that she should be more afraid that tonight, her father will be sleeping in a filthy prison. She promised she'd help him get free, and she's going to keep her word. (At that moment, the guards are leading a stunned Ricardo to his new cell. He looks ten years older from fear and lack of sleep.)

Isadora and her mother snuggle on the couch. Isadora assures Nuria that with this baby, she'll have Rodrigo in the palm of her hand. He'll forget all about Gaviota when he finds out about the baby. She can just imagine his face. (Nuria smiles malevolently.)

In Tequilaland, James and Rod are still talking about tequila stuff. Rod thinks they need to open an office there. James thinks that after 2 or 3 sessions they'll have the info they need to flesh out their program and present it to the authorities. Rod says James will present it. Rod's going to do some of the legwork tomorrow. He needs to keep busy so as not to be moping around the hacienda. James says Rod shouldn't be obsessing over that one woman. In Tequila, there are lots of gorgeous women. Crispin encourages him to be like a bee. Rodrigo rues having fallen in love with Gaviota, his ruin. Now he can't look at another woman.

Crispin tries to encourage Rodrigo about the women, without success. Rod says any woman who gets involved with him will end up a mess like Isadora.

At home in the DF, Gavi tells her mom about this great Spanish concern that will make her rich. With base salary and commissions, she can make 25000 pesos a month. In three months, they've sold 2 million encyclopedias in the city.

Two million? The population of Greater Mexico City was 19.2 million in 2005. That seems like a lot of encyclopedias. Where's Gavi's BS detector? Come on - the woman was practically running Montalvo Corp. for a little while!

Clarita is practical and says she can't imagine Gavi as a saleswoman. Gavi says she couldn't either at first, but the star employee was what changed her mind. (That's right. A montly salary of 10,000 pesos didn't sound plausible, but 100,000 pesos did.) When she found out how much he sold in one month, she told herself she had to do it. She'll find out tomorrow. She won't get an advance on her pay, but they'll pay her within a month.

Gavi asks why her mother is making such a tragic face. Clarita reminds her that they have bills to pay. Gavi wants to get them back into a decent apartment. Aaron told her to get far away from there; she doesn't want to give the Montalvos the satisfaction.

At the corporativo, Elvira tells Bruno that Daniela's here. "Why didn't you tell me? Send her in!" he replies. Elvira says she went straight to Finance. She doesn't know why. Quintana is now asking for the bank account statements. Elvira asks Bruno if that doesn't seem odd.

Bruno calls Quintana in. Quintana is reluctant to talk, but confirms that Daniela wants to review the bank statements. Bruno meets with Daniela and asks why she wants to see the statements.

Sofie and Frankie are on a hot date. She murmurs that she loves him. She asks if he loves her too. Ew.

---

Thursday
(Soccer on Wednesday)
Isadora drops the baby bomb. Sofie is impactada.
Gavi throws herself at Rodrigo and tries to explain about Aaron, but he shakes her and tells her to leave him alone!

Labels: Destilando

Juan asks Yadira why she’s there. She replies by crawling across the bed and puckering her lips at him. He starts to fall for it but realizes his mistake and squints his eyes shut.

Nidia enters Mareli’s room and wants to have a chat. Nidia thought it was strange that Mareli was out with Juan. Mareli instantly asks her mother if she was jealous. Nidia tells Mareli that she’s Mareli’s mother, and she deserves respect. Nidia explains that her thing with Juan was out of confusion; she doesn’t want Mareli to think there is anything more than a friendship between Nidia and Juan. Nidia goes so far to say that she thinks of Juan as a son. Mareli replies that she wasn’t born yesterday. Both she and Yadira know about Nidia’s thing for Juan. Mareli asks Nidia to stop playing games. Nidia immediately asks Mareli if Juan interests her.

Juan’s in his room, and he’s not happy. He asks Yadira why this occurred to her. He even goes so far to ask if she’s crazy. Yadira seductively moves her body and tells Juan that she’s on fire. Juan grabs Yadira’s skimpy robe and puts it on her. She tries to seduce him when he gets close but he pulls her across the room. She almost wins him over when she collapses into his arms, but he pulls away and says that there is nothing between the two of them. Yadira wants to know why. Juan says that he’s there to take care of them and she’s Kike’s girlfriend. Yadira replies that she’s not Enrique’s girlfriend and he and Juan are not that good of friends. Juan says that Yadira and Enrique’s problems are there own, but his friendship with Enrique is a totally different thing. Yadira wants to know why, if they’re such good friends, does Enrique go around saying things about Juan. This question interests Juan. He leans against a wall and asks “about what?” Yadira plays dumb and says there terrible things. She finally spills the beans and tells Juan that Enrique said that Juan played for a different “team”.

Mareli denies that she has any interest in Juan. Nidia wants to know why they came home so late. Mareli points out that it’s not really that late. She explains that Juan offered to take her to the university and afterward they went to eat something. Nidia tells Mareli that she isn’t trying to interfere in Mareli’s affairs. Nidia wants Mareli to be careful. Juan is a nice person, but they really don’t know anything about him. Mareli excitedly tells Nidia that now that Mareli’s talked with Juan, she doesn’t think he’s a bad person at all. In fact, she likes them and could talk calmly with him. I have to admit, I’m a bit disappointed. I was looking forward to what Mareli would do to Juan to get him out of the house. We’ll see how this pans out! Nidia looks nervous but Mareli assures Nidia that Juan is not the type of person that Mareli could love. Nidia wants to know why. Mareli says she can’t explain it, but he’s just not her type.

Juan asks Yadira if Enrique really said that. Yadira says yes, and later Enrique made jokes about it. She tells Juan that is the quality of friend that he has in Enrique. Juan assures Yadira that Enrique will hear about this tomorrow and he will give Juan an explanation. Yadira stands on the bed and said that Juan can do that tomorrow; tonight he and Yadira can prove Enrique wrong. Juan says that he doesn’t have to prove himself to anyone. He doesn’t want to do it. He picks up Yadira and deposits her outside the door. She complains about being denied, but eventually leaves the room to allow Juan to rest. Juan slams the door behind her and breathes really hard.

Juan rushes out of the house, but Nidia catches him before he descends the stairs. Nidia notes that Juan has not eaten at the house lately. She asks if he’s found better food elsewhere. He explains that he has a lot of work. Nidia points out that Juan arrived early yesterday and left with Mareli. Juan gives the same story as Mareli. Nidia warns Juan that she’s a jealous woman and that she did not like seeing him and Mareli together. Juan hurriedly excuses himself to attend a meeting. Nidia stops him and asks if she may have a phone to call him at his job. He pretends to look for a business car, but says that he must have left them at the office. Juan says that he will call later and leave her a phone number. Nidia falls for this. They part ways.

Enrique exits his microbus. Juan circles around Enrique and asks about what’s up. Enrique wants to know why Juan looks at him that way. Juan pulls Enrique to the side of the bus and wants to know why Enrique said anything to Yadira. Enrique flinches.

Ana comes to the dining room and notices all the food. She’s confused. Paula rushes from the kitchen and wishes Ana happy birthday. Paula brings out a cake with the number 20 on it. She explains that her mother only looks twenty; that’s why Paula used those particular candles. They walk to the table and Ana blows out the candle. She looks said, so Paula asks her why. Ana explains that this is her first birthday in twenty years without Samuel. Paula replies that she will be with her bother. Paula will take care of her, for lunch they’re going to a nice restaurant and after that Paula will take Ana to buy a gift. Ana wants to know about Paula’s job. Paula explains that she may do as she pleases with her time. Ana tells Paula that it would be better if Paula went to the office for the morning because Ana has to go out. Paula wants to know to where.

Juan pushes Enrique around a bit more and demands some answers. Juan says that Enrique damaged Juan’s reputation and image. Enrique denies that he said anything. Juan doesn’t buy it. Enrique caves and says that he innocently mentioned it. He asks Juan to forgive him. Enrique asks Juan what he would do if he saw the same situation from the day before but in reverse (with Enrique in Juan’s boots). Juan doesn’t think that is an excuse for Enrique to go and say something about it. Enrique says that he’ll tell Yadira that he made it up; none of it was true. He begs Juan to tell him what he can do to be forgiven. Juan says there is one thing that Enrique can do for him. He needs a serenade. Enrique wants to know who will receive the serenade.

I don’t eat fast food, but I have to say I loved the Burger King Commercial! I want to go on hunger’s vacation!

Ana and Paula enjoy their breakfast. Ana explains that she’s going to a beauty salon. Paula asks if that’s really true. Ana changes the subject to the delicious food in front of her. Paula asks again what her mother is doing; she wants the truth.

Alirio appears pleased with Gutierrez’s work on the fake will. Alirio excuses himself to answer the phone. It’s Nidia and she doesn’t have good news. Alirio replies that he also has news, and it’s good. He allows Nidia to speak first. Nidia says she knows where Juan works. Alirio wants to unmask Juan that very night. Nidia’s not sure that’s the right thing to do. Alirio assures her that it is; they must see if Juan is who he says he is. Nidia decides to leave it in Alirio’s hands; at his request she tells him that Juan works at Farell industries. Alirio can’t believe it and he wants to know how Nidia found out this information. She doesn’t tell him how but she does order him to go immediately to Farell’s offices. Alirio assures her that he needs to take care of the will first, and then he will go to Farell’s office.

Paula demands to know the truth. Ana explains that she demanded that Alirio show her the original will. Paula’s upset that her mother continues with this. Ana says she can’t stand around with her arms crossed; she doesn’t trust Nidia. Paula tries to talk her mother out of playing the game. Ana won’t have it.

Enrique tries to push Juan to tell him who’s getting the serenade. Juan half tells the truth. He says it’s for the sister of someone with whom he works. Enrique thinks this is a game to win over the girl from work. Juan denies this. Enrique doesn’t push anymore, but he though the serenade would be for Mareli. He thought this thing for Mareli was serious. Juan explains that Juan must always have two “candles” lit. That way, if one goes out he would still have the other. Enrique likes this explanation. Juan leaves for work.

Juan arrived home last night in what appeared to be a Lincoln, but today he drives Paula in a Mercedes. They talk about Juan’s friends. They change subjects to the night’s serenade. Paula tells Juan that the singers should be there around eight o’clock that night. Juan says that they will be there at exactly eight and not one minute later. Juan thought bubbles for a moment about Paula’s smile. He asks if everything is okay. She confirms that it is.

Ana looks at some documents in the safe. She tells her friend that Samuel left nothing for Paula. Alirio enters and asks Ana if she didn’t find what she had hoped. Ana confirms that she did not. Alirio walks into the office and tells Ana that she committed a serious offense. She opened the safe of a deceased man without the permission of a judge. This could be a very costly mistake. Ana explains that she had to be sure. Alirio replies that because he holds Ana in such high regard, he will forget he saw it and will not report her. He turns to Rosario and scolds her for allowing Ana to enter when she is no longer employed by Cachon. Ana insists that it was her fault. Alirio asks Ana to come with him for a cup of copy.

Paula exits the car and compliments Juan on his boots. Juan thought bubbles that he will not take off his boots, not even to bathe. He looks at Fernando and asks what’s up. Fernando replies that he’s okay, but Juan not so much. CL has been asking for Juan ever since he arrived. CL wants Juan to go to his office. Juan asks if Fernando knows why CL wants him. Fernando does not and suggest that Juan ask CL. Fernando urges Juan to hurry; CL does not like to wait.

Alirio pours Ana a cup of coffee. She takes it with sugar. Alirio accuses Ana of wanting to stick her nose in other people’s business. Ana retorts that she only wanted to take care of her doubts. Alirio hopes that she’s now satisfied. She says that she still hasn’t seen Samuel’s will. She asks if Alirio has it. He advises her to relax and not be impatient. She replies that she’s in a hurry. Alirio says he first wants to tell her that what he’s about to do is not ethical. Ana flies into a rage. How is it not ethical that she wants to see the will of the father of her child? Alirio says that she’s within her right, but he reminds Ana that she was not Samuel’s legitimate wife. This means that she does not have certain rights. He pulls from his drawer the fake will. He hands it to Ana and tells her to read it.

Juan knocks on CL’s office door. CL has him enter and sit in front of the desk. CL asks if Juan would like a nip of something to drink. Juan says that he does not, but CL goes to the bar and pours some for himself. CL says that he will get straight to the point. CL explains that Juan is new and he needs to know certain rules. CL says that he understands that Pastor is giving Juan a helping hand, but CL and Pastor want very different things from life and the people who work at this company. CL gives his speech about the fast track path and the slow path track within the company. He says that he likes Juan, so he’ll tell Juan about how to ascend the fast track. CL says that if he’s happy, then ascending the fast track will be much easier. Second, CL explains how to keep him happy. He likes his coffee with sugar, beautiful women and employees who obey without questioning him. CL hopes that Juan belongs to that group. Juan sits through this little speech with his mouth agape. CL asks if Juan has a question, but gives no time for an answer. CL says he will not waste anymore of Juan’s time, but he will need Juan soon enough. Juan meekly takes his leave.

Ana looks over the will, paying particular attention to Samuel’s signature. She looks at Alirio and says that the signature is not Samuel’s. It’s an obvious fake. Alirio laughs and reminds Ana that Samuel suffered from Parkinson’s. That’s why the signature looks strange. He was also nervous because this would be the last signature he would make in his life. Ana says fine but there’s something fishy must be going on here. Ana says that she won’t believe it. Alirio replies that she has the proof in front of her. Alirio thinks that Samuel believed Paula would make it on her own. As an act of compassion for his other, useless daughters, he left them all the money. Ana looks as confused as I feel.

Juan exits CL’s office and runs into Pastor. He asks about the movie the night before. Juan says that it was impossible for him to go. Pastor ignores Juan and goes to talk to Yvonne. He sees Juan’s boots and tells Yvonne that one cannot hide who they truly are. Juan thought bubbles that Pastor is much more angry than he would have though. Juan follows Pastor and asks if they can speak for a moment. Juan wants to explain what happened the night before. He explains that he hit a dog. Juan gives a very colorful account of how he hit the dog, resuscitated it, named it Dino and took it to a veterinarian. Pastor asks if Juan thinks that Pastor is an idiot. The whole office watches the lovers quarrel. Pastor enters CL’s office. Juan thought bubbles that he doesn’t want the whole office watching him walk on tip toes in front of Pastor. He goes to leave. Yvonne stops him and says that she likes Juan better with the boots. Juan dances his way over to the elevators and greets all of the women in the office. They sit at their desk and smile at his antics.

Juan makes it to the garage. Fernando asks how it went. Juan says that it went well; CL is good people. Fernando half sarcastically says “is that so?” Juan asks Fernando if CL is always so peculiar. He had Juan come to his office for a discussion, and then acted as though he didn’t know what to discuss. Fernando replies that CL always knows exactly what he’s saying. Fernando recants the whole CL speech. Juan asks if Fernando spied on his meeting. Fernando replies that CL always gives this speech in order to get his employees on his side. Juan wants to know why CL would want Juan on his side. Fernando guesses that Juan got on CL good side. Juan thinks this is a good thing. Fernando sarcastically says yes.

CL asks if Pastor’s problems are with Paula’s chauffer. Pastor says yes, but he can’t believe that CL would want to know about it. CL replies that Pastor’s personal life doesn’t interest him. He wants to get through the day’s business quickly so Pastor can go home and cry in his home. They move on to business; Farell Industries has been invited to participate in a motivational seminar. Pastor thinks this is a good opportunity. CL can’t believe that Pastor would be so interested. Is it just me, or does it seem like we’re getting half of a commercial here? Pastor says the magic words. You get to do activities in pairs. Geez, I wonder who will be CL’s partner. Pastor says that he knows the perfect person to be CL’s partner, himself. CL says that’s a fabulous idea, but he’s going with Paula.

Nidia waits outside Ana’s home. Ana arrives and demands to know what’s going on. Nidia replies that she and Ana need to settle some things. Ana says that she doesn’t need to clear up anything with Nidia, but Nidia replies that she does. The ladies proceed toward the house.

Juan pours himself a cup of coffee and thought bubbles. He knows that soon or later he will be friends with Fernando. First, Juan needs to break the ice and make clear his sexual orientation. Juan decides that today will be the day. He asks Fernando what he’s doing tomorrow. Juan explains that the has a date tomorrow and needs someone to accompany the second woman. Fernando looks suspicious so Juan asks him what he’s thinking. Fernando comes right out and tells Juan that he doesn’t believe Juan likes women. Fernando thinks that Juan is doing this to maintain his macho appearance. Juan says he likes things clear. They’re two beautiful dolls with great…attributes…and personalities! They love to rumba. Fernando agrees to come. Juan thought bubbles that his plan is working. Now he only needs one thing. He must convince Mareli to come out and to bring a friend.

Nidia enters Ana’s home and falsely notes that Juan took good care of Ana. She looks around the home. Ana wants to get to the point. Nidia comments that this is the place where Samuel slept all those nights when he did not return home. Nidia tells Ana that she wants Ana to leave her and her daughters alone. Ana says that she wants nothing from Nidia or her daughters. Nidia reminds Ana about Samuel’s will. Ana replies that this is another matter. Her daughter also is Samuel’s and Ana will fight for what is rightfully Paula’s. Nidia warns Ana to forget about the money. She also says that Ana should not forget that she was always second best. Ana demands that Nidia leave her home at once. Nidia willingly does so, but not before insulting Ana’s home and telling Ana to heed her warning.

Pastor paces in Paula’s office and talks about what makes a great business. Paula agrees with all of Pastor’s ideas. He’s pleased that she’s agreed. He asks if she’s going to help with the seminar. He explains that it will be this weekend and she will be going alone with CL.

Juan blows some bubbles. Alirio walks into the garage and greets Juan. He tells Juan that he really likes his beautiful office.

Tomorrow: Juan makes his move, but CL ups the game.

Some vocab:
Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda = You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
Hay gato encerrado = something fishy going on
Plato de segunda mesa = second best

Labels: Juan

Commenter Kim P. took these great pictures of Jaime Camil (and a little bit of her thumb) at the Magic Mountain show.

Hope everyone enjoys the pics. Sorry about the first one, yes that’s my big fat thumb in the way! I’m not the world’s greatest photographer, sadly. I’m also sorry there’s so few pictures, we were misinformed on how they were going to be handling the autograph thing, so I was saving most of my film for that, and then of course it didn’t happen. Ah well, I think the ones I have are pretty cute.

Labels: fea