Caray, Caray!

When I was a kid my mother terrified me with a Victorian children's book called "Water Babies." In this horrid story frail, tiny, young, undernourished, tuberculosis-wracked chimney sweeps in London die and are reincarnated underwater. This underwater world of dead children is managed by a sweet, nice fairy called "Mrs. Do-As-You-Would-Be-Done-By" and a scary, mean one called "Mrs. Be-Done-By-As-You-Did." This recap is dedicated to the latter.

By the way, my daughter is here for only one day and this recap is sketchy due to extreme desire to be playing with her. Happy Turkey Day, all...

• Isa realizes that her dear Frankie has stuffed all her dough - except for a few shekels of milk money for Rickie - and all his fancy clothes and shoes and handkerchiefs into her car and has split for good.
  
  She calls her mom, who, with Rickie Sr. happily playing golf in the background, tells Isa "This is all your own fault, take care of it yourself."
  
  She visits Minerva, who is very snippy and says "You should never have come to my house. How did you dare do this? I introduced you to Rodrigo, you just wanted to marry into the Montalvo family to get your clutches on their dough, then you run off with your brother-in-law!"
  
  Isa: "I thought of you as my sister! But it was YOU who used ME - to keep Rodrigo from the real threat, Gaviota. You saw he didn't love me! It's not my fault! Francisco was an accident." Minerva complacently points out she never strayed even when Aaron did. Then she yells: "You won't spend even one night under this roof! I wouldn't trust you with my husband!"
  
  Aaron arrives. Minerva announces that Isa is just leaving. Aaron: "I hope you've changed the last name of that little bastard." Isa: "I was one of the many women Aaron has held in his arms - he didn't tell you? He seduced me. Do you dare deny it, Aaron?"
  
  She leaves and Minerva refuses to hear Aaron's stringy excuses. "Have you forgotten the condition I imposed when I came back to you? That if you ever strayed again, I would leave you? You will never see your son."
  
  Isa then calls her lawyer and reams him out again about money. He says she hasn't been paying her bills. She says the bills are unreasonable. He fires her as a client and hangs up on her, she calls him an old rat and wonders what to do next.
  
  Penniless, she is sneaking out of the hotel in the service elevator when who should enter but Jose, grannie of BigHeadBaby!! She frostily informs Isa she's in the service elevator. Isa tearily whines: "I'm penniless, my jackass of a husband abandoned me, please don't rat me out."
  
  
• Rod makes an incoherent confession and exonerates the honorable and innocent Mariana Franco. He lies a lot despite warnings that if he's found to be lying, he'll be in worse trouble. He says "I had one and only one accomplice, he was in on everything, his name is Lorenzo Oñate." He later tells Videgaray: "I'm sure Oñate is key to this whole business, and I wanted to be sure I'd see him."
  
  Rod is taken to jail where he takes off his shoes and tie and looks quite fetching with his shirt unbuttoned. He sits on the floor in his cell and glowers.
  
  (Am I understanding that there was ten times as much tequila when the shipments got where they were going? Aaron was diluting it 1:10? Nobody noticed?)
  
  
• Clarita and her giant box of saints and her furious daughter make a brief appearance, Clarita complaining that the airplane hasn't come yet and Gaviota explaining federal regulations require them to be at the airport three hours early. Was this a public service announcement (so we in the audience will not miss our flights) or is somebody going to arrive with an important message?
  
  
• Frankie's shirt is as unbuttoned as Rod's, but he is seemingly much better off than Rod, being on his way to a luxury jaunt with Priscilla. Neither has a functioning credit card - they tell each other lies - Frankie pays the hotel bill in cash. Priscilla tells a friend on the phone that her husband has cut her off and she's penniless.
  
  In the car, they are smooching away, eyes on the prize - thinking the "shmaltz-grub" (Yiddish for "pot of gold," literally "pit of chicken fat") has arrived... Priscilla praises him for making stupendous time. "This is just proof," he boasts, "that Francisco de la Vega always does as he promises."
  
  Frankie notices two tractor-trailers side-by-side coming, at warp speed, towards him and his fellow con artist in the sporty little car stolen from Isa. He is impactado - figuratively for now, actual impact will hopefully follow shortly.
  
  
• Aaron is exhilarated in a coked-up way, he's suspicious that Rod has taken the blame but is willing to run with it. He thinks all the Corporation's problems will now be resolved and the freeze on their accounts lifted, but there is an ongoing investigation. He boasts that Oñate has created for him an impeccable paper trail.
  
  Patricio is furious that his girlfriend Lluvia has gotten a subpoena. She's terrified. He promises no harm will come to her.
  
  However, he watches wordlessly as Aaron struts and boasts and blames Rod for everything. Daniela enters and tells Bruno "Your son is so cold-blooded and you won't hear a word against him. You, Patricio, you're not cold-blooded but you're weak. By the way, Aaron, Rod has a message for you: if any harm comes to Gaviota, he'll retract his confession." Aaron gloats that he doesn't need to lift a finger against Gaviota, CRT will do the punishing. Daniela clarifies: that would constitute harm and would trip the retraction.
  
  Daniela leaves. Patricio asks how long Aaron plans to keep this up, and complains that Lluvia is implicated. Aaron says if they move fast they can get it all sewed up, and Rod safely put away, before his team can move against them. Patricio asks: "Have you not wondered how CRT found out about these irregularities?"
  
  Cut to Pammie, not looking so healthy, thoughtbubbling: "Aaron wasn't sure what his feelings for me were. But I am sure of my feelings for him: great love and infinate hate."
  
  Realizing that Margarita plays for the other team, Aaron fires her. In the hallway Videgaray whispers to her that she is Rod's only hope (in terms of getting proof of Aaron's evildoing).
  
  
• Pilar, who has been handed a bunch of bull about the whole situation, hears from Av* that Rodrigo has confessed. She asks if she can come see Av* in the morning. "Yes, but don't bring Aaron or Bruno." Elvis is very sweet to her.
  
  She calls Bruno and insists that he and Aaron come speak to her immediately. Aaron says he's too busy to go but Bruno won't let him weasel out of it.
  
  
• Back in the agave fields, everybody is scattering white stuff around, even San Juana, her baby is going to be born with two heads if she doesn't watch out. Aaron has made some demand about agaves which horrifies James. Sofia tells James about Rod going to jail. He is further horrified. They have a chaste hug.

Labels: Destilando

We start this episode with a few scenes from yesterday, the most interesting one being
ARNALDO and CECI!? Took me by surprise, almost as much as it did them when they woke up next to each other.

After their initial shock, Ceci asked Arnaldo "What did you do to me?" Arny logically responds "What did YOU do to ME because we both know it was probably you who provoked it!" Although neither seem to remember. The doorbell's insistently ringing which makes Arny get out of bed, pulling the sheet with him. Ceci shrieks in horror that he might see her nekkid but Arny figures it's too late for her to be modest. He yells for whoever is at the door that he's on his way at which time Ceci remembers that Andres is coming over this morning. Uh-oh.

Gloria, Silvana and Isela are having breakfast and discussing Silvana's great opportunity. Silvana is grateful to Isela for letting her leave her job at the IHOP while Gloria extols her own virtues as the perfect mother to help Silvana in her career as a model. The doorbell rings and a huge flower arrangement shows up. Gloria takes the flowers, stiffs the delivery boy and raves about how beautiful and expensive the flowers are. Of course, she opens the card and - surprise, surprise - they are for her. As Isela says, what a coincidence...Gloria claims they are from her secret admirer.

At Casa Moran, Diego, Lidia and Clemi are having breakfast. They are discussing Clemi's job and her health. Clemi likes working, Lidia says Manuel wants her to quit and Diego gives his permission that she keep working as long as she takes care of herself too. Manuel comes in from outside where he was trying to get the car running. Diego offers his car to his father but Manuel seems to think that a man of his importance should have a better car. Diego says he could take public transportation at which point Manuel accepts Diego's offer. Lidia makes a joke which I think was Well, call a tow truck when it catches on fire.

Ceci has finally answered the door but it is Julio, not Andres. Julio is looking for Arny because he didn't come home last night. Ceci is spinning lies left and right, trying to get rid of Julio. She gets him out the door and Arny comes out. Arny and Ceci agree to not say anything for their mutual benefit.

Katy and Mo come into the bedroom where Azul is sleeping alone. Azul talks about Katy's Mami Liliana, saying it is better for Katy to remember her. Mo reluctantly agrees but looks severely pissed.

Arny goes to Tia Ines. Ines tells him that Julio was already there looking for him. When Ines asks why, Arny says he was unfaithful to Julio. Ines can't believe it and her disbelief increases when he tells her that, worse yet, he was with a WOMAN!

Azul and Katy arrive at Emilia's for their joint counseling session which starts with Emilia telling Azul that she made up with GSD. Happy smiles all around.

A very austere woman is teaching the modelling class with Silvana and Ceci in attendance, along with a couple other hopefuls. Who should be pacing in the back of the room but GLORIA! The teacher is talking about things a model should avoid - smoking, drinking, and bad posture, which makes Ceci sit up a little straighter from her bored, slumped in the chair, tomboy position. Silvana's status as prize student is emphasized by Gloria's clapping and giggling happily in the back. The teacher talks about how a model should walk, which excites Gloria so much that she has to strut in front of the class, demonstrating. When two volunteers are called, guess who are picked - Ceci (sleeping beauty) and Silvana (which causes Gloria to go into a fit of clapping glee). The teacher holds up Ceci as a prime example of what not to do. Bad posture, bags under her , not enough sleep, too much drinking! She is sent to get some rest and come back tomorrow when she's ready to learn. Silvana is told to walk so that the whole class can appreciate her walking. This sends Gloria into fits of ecstasy. Ceci hangs out in the back of the room.

Gustavo arrives at Casa Moran to talk to Diego. Lidia thinks he's there for her but he talks to Diego about the cars while Lidia looks coy. He meets Clemi.

Manuel is driving Piero to work in Diego's beat up car. Piero is a little embarrassed but Manuel thinks it's better than walking. They talk about Mo and Manuel tries to convince Piero to pad the books a bit and squeeze a little more money out of Mo.

Gustavo and Diego talk more cars and Lidia volunteers a plan to keep Gustavo around a little while longer.

Julio is telling Ceci not to waste his money on the modeling course. Arny walks in and Ceci gets a really guilty look on her face. Julio kicks Ceci out so he can talk to Arny alone. Julio takes Arny to the back room.

Gustavo has taken the Clemi and Lidia to the doctor's office, brought food, and has otherwise ingratiated himself with the women. Clemi gets a thoughtful look on her face and says he reminds her of Paco.

Diego arrives at Azul and Ceci's apartment and he and Azul play kissy kissy until Azul feels guilty again and backs off. Azul tells Diego that Katy found Paco's driver's license in the garden at Mo's old house.

GSD goes to Ines' house at her summons but is annoyed. Ines quickly shuts him up by saying "Last night Arnaldo slept with a woman." No need to beat around the bush Ines. GSD looks impactado. I would have expected him to look happy.

Julio demands to know who Arny spent the night with. Arny says he was with his father.

Meanwhile GSD can't understand what Ines just said. Finally it sinks in and then he looks happy. Almost dances a jig, hugs Ines, all smiles. GSD wants to know who is this wonderful woman who is setting his son on the path to normalcy.

Ceci is eavesdropping on Julio and Arny when Gaspar catches her. She doesn't seem to hear anything. Gaspar knows. Meanwhile Arny is spinning it to Julio as best he can. Julio's not buying it. Finally he comes around but wants to verify it with GSD.

GSD leaves Ines but wants her to find out who the girl is. Ines sees it as a reason to see GSD on a regular basis, as his spy. GSD thinks he will be the happiest man in the world if his son were only normal. (Don't mind that deathly virus your daughter has, fix the gay son!)

Azul and Diego are talking and kissing at the same time. One would think that talking about the murder of your best friend and other people disappearing would kill the mood.

Jacinto calls Mo and tells him Azul went to her apartment and Diego showed up a couple minutes later.Mo jumps up in rage and the music plays... After the commercial, Mo has his usual fit of rage, throws things, pounds things, swears, etc. Meanwhile, Diego and Azul are trying to list all the things Mo has done and Azul finally believes him. More kissy kissy.

Ceci is baring her soul to Gaspar, saying her and Arny woke up together but don't remember anything. Gaspar doesn't like women who have to try and change gay men and not accept them like they are. Julio and Arny make up and come out of the closet - literally. Julio continues the boutique business as if nothing happened. Ceci asks Arny how he could he just go back to Julio after the night they had. He asks if she remembers but she says no, but it must have been great. Arny is not amused.

Mo is still having a major temper tantrum. Andres comes in to try and calm him. Meanwhile Azul and Diego are still kissing at the apartment while Mona Lisa looks on. (I hadn't noticed that before) Diego says he won't let her go back to Mo. They argue, while kissing, and Azul says she has to go back for truth's sake.

Mo's still beating the walls. Andres is still trying to calm him. Mo swears vengeance on them both. Now Andres is encouraging him. Mo calls Piero to ask if Diego's parents still live in the same house. Ominous music.

Arny arrives at GSD's and receives the welcome of the prodigal son. GSD happily agrees to be Arny's alibi, but Arny doesn't know that his father knows he slept with a woman. But I would think he would be suspicious since GSD is acting like he has just won the lottery.

Gustavo takes Clemi and Lidia home. Lidia has talked to the doctor and he has told her that her mother is very sick. Lidia cries on Gustavo's shoulder.

Gloria walks Silvana home from class. Silvana is embarrassed and Gloria is spewing more advice. Silvana says she has to go visit Clemi.

Lidia opens her mother's door to ask if she's awake and then escorts Mo into the room to see her.

Until next episode...

Labels: amar

Whoa! Looks like I had a lot of facts wrong when I originally wrote this. This is what I get for passing on something I've heard without confirming it myself. I've added some corrections below in red. Here's more about piñatas. Here's more about agaves. Here's more about bromeliads, which are only distantly related to agaves even though both their fruits are called piñas. And here's more about anvils.

The word "piñata" refers to Italian pine-nuts and is also related to the word "piña," which refers to pineapples like you get from Hawaii, as well as the fruit of any type of bromeliad, as well as the agave. Just as a piñata is filled with candy, a piña is filled with juice.

A couple of years ago, I went to a birthday party for my nephew; I heard there was going to be a piñata. I was surprised to see Spongebob hanging from the ceiling with strings coming out of his square pants.

Today's kinder, gentler piñata technology lets each kid pick a string and pull, rather than swing a baseball bat around while blindfolded and hopped up on sugar. One of the strings opens the piñata, and then candy rains out of Spongebob's bottom.

The world's biggest piñata has been drizzling little anvils for weeks, but the heaviest anvils are still trapped inside, waiting for some poor sucker to pull the one string that rules them all.

Who will be the lucky string-yanker?
And what noise will he make when he is crushed?

Nestor Videgaray, Pilar, and Dani talk about Rod moving to England. Nestor predicts that Rod will come back periodically to take care of things. Pilar talks about Rod's problems (the few she knows about) and says it's a good thing he has the woman he loves at his side - she will infuse him with the strength to solve all of his problems.

Dani and Nestor exchange such obviously pained looks that Pilar becomes alarmed. They quickly assure her that she's right and everything will be fine. She is too tired to push it.

Meanwhile, Gavi finishes a conversation with Rodrigo and updates her mother:
Gavi to Mom: Rod's still at his Granny's and the big family dinner is canceled.
Clarita: ¿Como así? (ha-ha, that never gets old, does it?)
Gavi: He'll take us out afterwards.
Clarita: Yay! Love is great!

Rod shuffles into Pilar's living room looking like the living dead and tells Pilar he's going to take Gavi and Clarita out for dinner. He suggests that Pilar go to bed. She agrees, but first asks Dani to help her fix up Rodrigo's room. (I wondered where Imelda was, but realized that they probably have to let her sleep once in a while.)

Nestor wants to leave too, to prepare for tomorrow. But first, Rod wants to figure out what they can do for Gaviota. Nestor says there's nothing to figure out - she'll have to appear at the hearing tomorrow. They need to face Aaron's accusations. He warns that until Rod and Gavi clear their names, they might be "detained" and probably won't be allowed to leave the country.

Rodrigo hates putting Gavi in this situation, but Nestor thinks she'll understand that they're victims of circumstance. As for the idea of putting Gavi on that plane, she'll lose her job if the CRT thinks she's trying to flee from justice. That will only make things worse.

Rodrigo very rashly decides that the absolute only way to solve this problem is to confess to everything and claim that he was just using her. He can't let her go to jail. He figures he's going to lose everything anyway, what with all the hacienda problems and debt, so he's got nothing more to lose; while Gavi still has her brilliant career. As for himself, he doesn't care if he ends to prison. He just wants to get her out of the country. He'll take all of the blame so they won't even need to talk to her.

Nestor gets steamed - I don't think I've ever seen him nearly this angry before. They yell and scream at each other. Nestor is furious that Rodrigo won't let him do his lawyerin'; that he's going to ruin his life for something he didn't even do. Aaron's been leaning on the judge to hurry this case, and Rod's just going to make it easier for Aaron to get his way, when Rod and Nestor should be looking for evidence to incriminate Aaron.

Dani comes in to report that Granny suspects that they're hiding something. Nestor asks Rod, "Have you thought about her?" Rod shrugs and says she'll find out sooner or later anyway. Nestor insists that Rod share his cockamamie plan with Dani. Rod tries to weasel out of it. Nestor says he would like to hear Dani's opinion of it, because he doesn't want any part of this decision on his conscience.

Dani tells Rod she won't leave until he tells her, but Nestor loses patience and tells her himself. Rod grinds his teeth in frustration. Dani is speechless.

It is getting late. Clarita begins to worry that Rod has chickened out on them again. Gavi is sure that is not the case. She tells Clarita they're practically married already, because of their little ceremony at the waterfall. They'll be together forever. The cheap seashell necklaces are as good as engagement rings.

Clarita reports that she has a bad feeling about this. Gavi complains about her mother's superstitions, but begins to get a bad feeling too. They try to soothe their troubled souls with some tequila, but for some reason it doesn't work. Clarita tries fanning some imaginary bad-luck vultures away from Gavi's head; Gavi tries to fan away her mother's gloomy omens.

Rod explains to Dani that there's no sense in both him and Gavi going to prison. (He seems less willing to consider keeping BOTH of them out of there.) He asks for her support. She hugs him and begs him not to ask her to do this. Rod feels it's inevitable.

Nestor, the party-pooper, says the ministry is not going to forget about Mariana just because Rod asks them to. She was a manager there at the time. Rod says that she was still a subordinate and he can claim that he made her sign those things. He says this is the only choice they have, and this is what he's going to do, and Nestor has to go along with it.

Dani says it sounds plausible, but Rod hasn't considered what Gavi might think. (He says "she doesn't have to know.") She will never go along with this. How is he going to explain when he doesn't go to London with her? He should tell her the truth. Rod says he's not backing off from his plan.

Change of scenery: Frankie and Priscilla, the two penniless high-living would-be jetsetters, are making out in his car like a couple of kids past curfew. Pris gets coy with him and says she doesn't want to feel guilty in the morning. Frankie asks if she's having such a bad time. She says no, and that's why she needs to go!

Frankie wants to go to her place. No can do - she doesn't want to annoy her friend that she's staying with. He says he knows a place. She turns him down because she has to get up early and get ready for a trip. He asks if she won't feel guilty about leaving him this way. He knows a place!! She tells him to forget it... but she doesn't stop kissing him.

She suggests that he go with her to Careyes (it's on the coast in Jalisco). He loves this idea and says he'll call her at 10. She hurriedly says no - she'll call him at his suite to make sure he gets up early enough. He says don't worry if a woman answers - it'll be his assistant, a workaholic who always shows up very early.

Priscilla goes into her apartment. Frankie mutters to himself that there goes his poverty.

Gavi is on the phone with Rod while Clarita listens to Pepe Aguilar. Gavi has to ask her to turn it down. She teases Rodrigo for leaving them hanging. (There's an unnecessary close-up of the boom box, which looks just like the one from the drunken night at Isa's place when Minnie was singing the Gaviota song.) Rod says he's tired to have dinner tonight after all. Gavi says they can always eat when they're in London, but her mother might not be so quick to forgive.

There is more silly small talk. When it gets too mushy for Clarita's liking, she turns the music way up. Clarita dedicates the song to Rod and has Gavi hold the phone up to the speaker. Rod laughs in spite of himself. He says he'll pick them up at 10:30. Gavi would like to leave earlier to say goodbye to Pilar, Dani, etc. He bites his tongue and agrees.

He winces as she says, "Never forget I love you, I adore you, I idolize you with all my heart. You are the master of my heart. I am completely yours." (She should know better by now - every time she says that, something awful happens.) He doesn't answer right away. He says he's tired. She tells him to rest and asks God to bless him a thousand times. He just says goodbye.

Gavi tells Clarita that Rod was acting strange. Clarita reminds her that he's tired.

Rodrigo broods late into the night. He tells Dani that tomorrow he's going to have to make up some excuse to Gaviota. He's been up all night thinking of what he's going to say. Dani asks what they're going to say Granny when he ends up not going to London? He says he'll blame it on the hacienda emergency. (I forgot - she knows about the plagues at the hacienda; she doesn't know about the fraud at the corporativo.)

He tells Dani he has faith that God will help him, but he needs Dani too. She hugs him and wonders why everything is going against them. Rod says he doesn't know, but he hopes this curse doesn't affect Gavi too. And that nothing else happens to him.

Meanwhile, Gavi is having a happy flashback to frolicking with Rodrigo in his bumblebee shirt.

Frankie finally gets home. Isa makes an icy remark. He says it took a long time to tour the huge plant. She makes another sarcastic remark. He says the time he's put in has paid off - they're going to sign his contract tomorrow, give him the money he asked for, all kinds of benefits, and three productivity-based bonuses a year.

Isa sits up a bit but does not jump for joy. She tells him to ask them for an advance, because they need to rent a place. As usual, she insists on going with him for his meeting at 10. She'll get a sitter for Ricky. She wants to personally meet his bosses and make sure it's a real job. He says he's getting irritated with her attitude, after all he's done for her (what has he done for her?), blah blah blah. She sarcastically says yes, she can see how much he's suffering.

The next morning, Rodrigo is studying the family photos on his desk while finalizing his plans over the phone with Nestor. Pilar comes in and notes that he's in the same clothes; didn't he sleep? He says he did, but got up early.

He tells her that the plans have changed. He's not going to London. He gives her a hug, says he'll explain later, and leaves to take a bath.

Alone in the room, Pilar glances around nervously. (Don't be scared, Granny. It's probably just the anvils rattling.)

Elsewhere: Aaron in casual clothes, chatting with Larry "The Snake" Oñate on a very frightened telephone. He tells Larry to stay in the Caymans for a while, and don't call. Aaron will find him. And of course Larry should go on distributing their "special" hooch. All of it. They've already got a couple of suckers to pay for the "broken plates."

Aaron smiles coldly; the phone breathes a sigh of relief, having cheated death for the time being.

Doña Jose is saying goodbye to Clarita and Gaviota and saying how much she will miss them. They talk about the furniture (are they letting her keep it?) and Gavi says she'll send her some tickets in a few months so she can visit. She begs them to call her as soon as they can.

At the Public Ministry: Nestor tells the judge (?) he doesn't need to see Gaviota - Rod's coming over voluntarily and is pleading guilty. He hopes to spare his family, the corporativo, and Gaviota any trouble.

With a tiny scoff, the judge says that's not up to Rodrigo. They still need to do an investigation. Nestor argues that Gavi's taking a big job in London for the CRT, so he would appreciate it if they'd at least listen to Rodrigo before issuing a warrant against her. That's Rodrigo's condition for giving himself up and cooperating fully. That way they can resolve the case as quickly as possible. He has no prior offenses, and he'll be there in just a couple of hours.

The judge agrees to this and tells his clerk not to issue the warrants yet. The judge doesn't exactly lick his chops, but he looks quite happy at the prospect of landing such a big fish.

Gavi and her mother are now saying goodbye to Liliana, to whom they have given a potted plant. (I don't know who she is - maybe she's the neighbor who warned Rodrigo away all those many months ago when he was stalking Gavi? Whoever she is, I certainly feel better now that we have closure.)

Gavi assures Clarita that they can bring Clarita's santitos on the plane as carry-on luggage. Clarita's nervous about moving so far away.

At Pilar's, Rod is saying goodbye to Dani and telling her to tell Sofie what's going on. Pilar comes in and he tells her he's going to meet with Nestor and then go to the hacienda. Pilar is concerned that Gavi and her mom are going alone. He's like yeah, he'll catch up with them in a few days.

She looks at him intently and asks if everything's okay. "Oh sure, everything's great! And it's going to get better! You'll see!" She gives him a blessing. He gives Dani another hug, and Granny another hug. Pilar shivers slightly, in spite of the sunlight shining on her from the window. Dani tries to cheer her up.

Up in the Presidential Suite, Isa answers the phone before Frankie can reach it. It's Priscilla Llorente! He whispers to Isa that she's his future employer's HR director. He makes a date with Priscilla right in front of Isa, who must be wondering if anybody at this unnamed company has an actual office with desks and chairs. She asks why he didn't tell them she's going too. He insists she can't go with him. The meeting's in an hour! She says no problem - she'll be ready in 15 minutes. He says he'll give her an extra five.

Gavi is getting nervous. She wanted to leave early to say goodbye to Rod's peeps, but now it's getting late. Clarita suggests calling, but Gavi doesn't want to pressure him. The she sees him waiting outside. She tells Clarita to say goodbye to the house. Clarita gives the magic telenovela-machine a big hug. (I guess nobody told her that they have TVs in London too. I bet she'd love Benny Hill reruns.)

Frankie is packing up his things as fast as he can. He takes the money out of the safe in big sloppy handfuls that he stuffs into his pockets, ignoring the knocking at the door.

The baby catches his eye. Frankie backs away from him warily, like a vampire catching a whiff of garlic. He tosses a few bills back into the safe. "That's for your milk." He seems almost ashamed to be leaving money behind. He zips his bags shut, and catches the baby staring at him innocently again. Frankie sighs - probably just from the stress of the moment - and hurries out the other door as the baby starts to fuss.

The window-washer at Gavi's building helps put their things in Rod's car and refuses a tip. Gavi gives him a hug goodbye. (Yes, the window-washer. We are truly saying goodbye to everyone. We totally mean business.)

Rodrigo is subdued. She asks what's wrong - "you seemed a little depressed last night." He says he can't go - something suddenly came up! Gavi asks if it's about the agaves.

Clarita, who is clutching her Big Box O'Saints nervously, greets Rod and complains of anxiety. Rod tells her to breathe deeply and she'll be fine. Gavi practically has to shove her down the sidewalk.

Gavi says it seems like Rod is trying to get rid of her. At first he gives her a line about not wanting to make problems for her at her new job. Gavi reminds him of their pact to stay together through good and bad. She'll stick with him no matter what, and to hell with her job. She'll help him out.

But he insists that he will solve it alone. She says she can tell he's hiding something and lying to her. He says he really wants her to go and refuses to tell her anything more. She asks if he wants nothing more to do with her; he says no he doesn't - not for now. He's still the same immature idiot she's been with for the last four years. He's not ready for the responsibility. "But you told me a thousand times yesterday that you loved me." "That was yesterday!"

Gavi tells her mom to call for a taxi. Rod still wants to take them to the airport; I don't know why Gavi doesn't punch him.

She wonders where this is coming from. Was it the psychologist? He says no, he just realized that he made a mistake, and he doesn't love her enough to marry her.

"So you were just fooling around with me?" She hits him, calls him a liar, etc. He is holding her as she screams at him. She tells him he's changed; he denies it and says he's the same jerk. He kisses her, but she pulls away and screams that she hates him. She rips his necklace off, then her own and throws them both at him. (The fact that he hadn't taken his off yet disproves most of what he's tried to tell her today.)

Gavi curses the moment they met and leaves with her mother, who is too nervous to understand what's happening. Rodrigo picks up the necklaces and crushes them in his hand as the womens' taxi speeds away.

Isa comes out of the bathroom. Someone with remarkable knuckles and patience is still knocking. It's the sitter, who hasn't seen Frankie. She takes the baby.

Isa tells herself she's not going to sit around in the apartment all day. She goes to the closet for some clothes, and it takes a few moments for her to wrap her mind around what she's seeing. Or not seeing.

She calls the front desk and asks if he left a message for her. Yes, he did! We don't get to hear what it was, but from the way the phone slips out of her hands (another one bites the dust) we can guess.

"Francisco abandoned me!"

Back in Montalveña, Sofie gets the bad news about Rodrigo from Dani. She's impactada. They worry about what will happen if their grandmother finds out about this.

At the public ministry, Rod calmly answers yes to all of the charges (did it behind Aaron's back, knew it was illegal and did it on purpose, and sold ten times as much product as he actually exported). Then he gets fidgety when he claims that he wanted the money to finance a personal venture. The judge gives him a funny look. Nestor wrings his hands.

Gavi and her mother are at the airport. Gavi is grumpily ordering her mom, who is still lugging the box of santitos, to hurry. Clarita is still confused by the change in plans and wants Gavi to call Rodrigo. Gavi says she has nothing to say to him. Clarita says she should give him a chance to explain. Gavi says that he already told her all he had to say - he screamed it in her face.

There are no more next-episode previews, so I leave you with this quote from G. K. Chesterton:

"I caught him, with an unseen hook and an invisible line which is long enough to let him wander to the ends of the world, and still to bring him back with a twitch upon the thread." from The Innocence of Father Brown

Labels: Destilando

Bad news. I won’t be able to continue my Juan re-capping duties. I’m going into next semester with two huge papers and two new jobs. It will just be too much. If anyone is able to take over, please e-mail Melinama at the e-mail address at the left. I can keep doing this until January so if you need some time for the holidays, then that will be okay! Thanks, guys and sorry I won’t be able to finish this series with my fellow re-cappers. :-( (Keep me in mind for subbing!)

Kike sits on the stairs of the mansion thinking that he would have been better off staying in Acapulco.

Guti gives it to Alirio about get his butt-beat. Alirio defends himself, but Guti won’t hear it. He thinks that Alirio is a chicken. Alirio grumbles a bit and then asks if Guti will help him. Guti agrees, but only if Alirio will help Guti get some Marelicita love. Alirio warns Guti that it will be three times as difficult with Marely as it was with Yadira. Guti makes it clear that Marely is what he wants.

Anga tells Nidia how happy he is that she came to see him. Nidia clarifies that she did not come to see Anga. Alirio jokes that she must have come for a kilo of tomatoes. He toasts to tomatoes. Nidia says she didn’t come for that either. She just wanted to come to be friendly and explain that she didn’t talk to him at the wedding because she did not want to cause a scandal at her daughter’s wedding. Anga asks her if they can continue what they started so long ago. Yadira leans out to overhear her mother say that what she and Anga had lived and died in this place. Nidia says that running into each other was just chance. She begs Anga not to try to look for her or pursue her because it would be a waste of time. Anga replies by telling Nidia that the day she married Samuel was the beginning of his life of torture. He thought it would always be like that, until the day he saw into her again. He felt again, after thinking he never would.

Has anyone else noticed that all of the Ana/Paula scenes always revolve around food? That hussy eats and eats and the only thing that seems to get bigger is her chest. Jealousy courses thorough my veins… Oh, never mind. Today she’s not hungry. Paula insists that she and her mother talk about what happened. Paula effusively tells her mother that she did not intend to commit suicide; it was just a mistake. Paula claims not to have remembered taking her pills that morning. Good thing Ana’s daughter is not an addict, because she has to be the biggest sucker ever. Ana buys it hook, line and sinker.

Fernando greets Juan when he comes into the garage. Fernando asks if Juan was on vacation. Juan explains that he was taking care of Paula. Fer sarcastically asks what Paula would do without Juan. Fernando warns Juan that the “Big Boss” is waiting for him upstairs. Juan wants to know why CL wants to see him; but Fer doesn’t know. Pastor enters the garage with a frantic look on his face. Juan explains that he rushed to work and didn’t even have time to change. Juan tells Pastor that he’s going to speak with CL. Pastor won’t let Juan go until Juan clarifies things and, most importantly, changes his clothing.

Monica comes over to Marely’s desk and asks for Paula’s address. Monica knows that she’s sick and wants to visit Paula. Marely explains that it wouldn’t be prudent to give out Paula’s address; the doctor wants her to relax. Monica, extra gleefully, says that part of relaxing is enjoying time with friends. Marely agrees and says that she will give Monica the number after looking it up in the directory. Marely immediately picks up the phone and begins dialing. Ever watchful Yvonne strokes her chin pensively, watching the entire scene unfold.

Pastor warns Juan not to shoo him away. Juan doesn’t understand Pastor’s urgency; it’s as though Pastor is saying that CL wants to strangle Juan. Pastor advises Juan that CL is a man in love who’s insecure and jealous of Juan. Juan doesn’t understand; he wants to know why CL would be jealous. Pastor points out that from Juan’s mannerisms and clothing it would appear that he may have spent some “time” with Paula. Juan adamantly denies this. He explains that Paula’s sick and that he, Juan, spent the night caring for her. Pastor comments that Paula must love it when Juan’s there for her, caring for her. Juan pipes up that if Paula’s sick it’s all CL’s fault. Intuitive little Pastor catches that there just might be a hidden meaning behind this. Juan tries to cover it up with “you know how women are” type comments, but Pastor’s not buying it.

Nidia tells Anga not to waste his words. Anga doesn’t care what Nidia has to say. He lost her love once and he swore not to lose it again. He knows she still feels love for him in heart. Anga hits the nail on the head; he tells Nidia that he can see that she’s unhappy with her marriage. He tells her that if she was happy; he wouldn’t be doing this. He would respect her happiness, but because she’s not happy he’s going to continue fighting. He tells Nidia that they adore each other and she cannot deny that. She never forgot him; she never stopped loving him. Nidia asks why Anga didn’t fight for her when she married Samuel. He explains that he did it out of respect and because he thought she was really happy with Samuel. Anga grasps Nidia’s hand and tells her to say to him that she loves her husband; that she doesn’t want to see him anymore; that she forgot about him; that there’s no possibility for them. He tells her if she says that he will leave her alone. Nidia can’t do it, but she asks for a friendship.

Marely comes into the president’s office to give Monica the phone number. Monica immediately picks up the phone to call Paula. Paula also tells Monica that she’s not supposed to have visitors. Besides, she wants to keep things professional. Monica reminds Paula about following Monica and CL to the apartment. That wasn’t very professional, now was it? Monica says that she wants to break down the wall between them by being more sincere with each other. Monica advises Paula that Monica will be president. Paula appears to be threatened.

Juan goes to CL’s office; CL has a question. He wants to know what happened to Paula. Juan thinks to himself that he was expecting another question. He knows that he promised Paula not to say anything, but he feels the urge to tell CL that it’s all his fault.

Paula tells Monica that she doesn’t have any skeletons in her closet. She did something stupid the night before, but that error will not be repeated. Monica agrees that she also feels confused. Paula says that she hopes that it will just take some time. Monica uses this opportunity to tell Paula that CL has announced that he’s leaving this weekend. (Um, did she seriously just stab the desk?) Paula looks disconcerted. Monica tells Paula to take all the time she needs to recover.

Juan must have bit his tongue, because CL says he doesn’t believe that Paula would be absent due to a simple hangover. CL mentions that Paula didn’t seem that bad when he left the reception. Juan slickly asks CL if this is the reason CL wanted to speak to him so urgently – to talk about Paula. Caught in his own trap, CL makes the excuse that he wanted to tell Juan about CL leaving the country. Juan thinks that this a good idea. CL opens up and says that Paula’s not for him because she’s decided that he doesn’t deserve him. CL tells Juan to take charge of Paula because in Juan Paula will find the happiness she seeks. Juan thinks that it took a lot of effort not to believe CL’s sincerity. CL claims that he can tranquilly leave knowing that Paula’s in Juan’s hands. CL just wants the best for her.

Juan slowly exits the office, confused. He wonders if CL has finally come to love Paula as much as Paula loved CL. He catches Marely’s eye and half smiles.

The doctor advises Paula that she can go home. He reminds her to speak with the doctor who prescribed her medicine. Ana says that she will be in charge of that.

Pastor, the good little gossip that he is, tells Yvonne that all he was able to get out of Juan was that Paula was sick because of CL. Yvonne hypothesizes that Paula couldn’t handle it and slit her wrists. Pastor doesn’t think it was that drastic, but he definitely knows that there’s something secret going on. The phone rings.

It’s Alirio, dramatic introduction and all. Alirio thinks it’s the moment that they clarify things. Pastor replies that Alirio can spend all the time he wants scratching his belly, but Pastor has responsibilities to take care of (like gossiping with Yvonne). Alirio asks Pastor to come to his office. Pastor says that if Alirio needs to see him then Alirio can come up to Pastor’s office. Alirio repeats his request, this time offering a cup of coffee. Pastor says that it better be worth it. They hang up. Alirio tells Guti that everything is ready. Guti maliciously laughs.

Pastor gets into the elevator and heads toward Alrio’s office. Guti stands behind him, doing nothing until the elevator companion leaves. Guti tries to give Pastor a butt-kicking, but gets an armful of teeth instead. Needless to say, Alirio’s a little shocked when Pastor walks through the door. Pastor reminds Alirio that he called Pastor. Alirio frantically looks for a paper for Pastor. Pastor accuses Alirio of creating a pre-text to get Pastor into the elevator. Pastor warns Alirio that he will look like his friend if he tries anything else.

Juan steps onto the elevator with a very injured Guti. Juan tries to help, but it looks as though he might fall at any moment. He calls for help and about twelve employees come to carry Guti off the elevator.

Yadira’s finally home and Kike immediately wants to know what she was doing. Yadira may not have a lot of honorable qualities, but you have to admit that she’s honest. She tells Kike that she was following her mother. Kike accuses Yadi of spying. Yadi confirms that she was; she had some suspicions concerning Anga that needed to be confirmed.

The office staff comforts Guti. He claims that he only needs a minute. Guti refuses help and an ambulance. Guti stumbles away with Juan following him.

Yadi puts forth the hypothetical of going to eat with someone to whom you owe money. Kike denies that he owes anyone money. Yadi tells him that it was just a hypothetical. Kike wonders about the debt that Nidia owes Anga. Yadi’s not sure, but that’s what her mother said. Why would Nidia lie? Kike pipes up and says that Nidia has a right to a private life. Yadi yells at Kike for defending Nidia. He tells her not to get worked up; she might harm the baby. Yadi doesn’t like this; she shoves him away and tells him not to talk.

Juan asks Guti if he wants Juan to take him somewhere. Guti insists that he does not. Pastor steps off the elevator and Guti immediately shies. Pastor asks about what happened to the man. Juan says that he doesn’t know. Pastor happily straightens his toupee and walks away. Guti slowly gets onto the elevator and leaves the office.

Juan chases after Pastor to find out what happened. Pastor plays dumb. Juan notes his observances. Pastor claims it would be impossible for him to do that to Guti. Pastor finally owns up and admits that Guti wanted to beat Pastor. He tells Juan that Pastor sent Guti. Juan’s impactado. (Is that word a great catch-all for the “soap opera” stare or what?)

Alirio can’t believe that Guti just got his ass handed to him by Pastor. Guti claims he’s never lost a fight before; especially when he attacks from behind. Guti tells Alirio that he needs to learn to lose. Alirio insists that he’ll never give up when it comes to Pastor. Unfortunately for Alirio, Juan overhears this. He accuses Alirio of stooping. Juan tells Alirio to leave Pastor alone. Alirio points out Guti’s poor condition. Juan tells Pastor that it’s his fault. Juan again tells Pastor to quit. To emphasize his point, he gives Guti a “handshake”.

Pastor gave Juan permission to go home and change.

CL tells Pastor that he complied with all of Pastor’s direction. CL says his only hope now is that Juan goes directly to Paula to tell her what CL said. Pastor mentions that he doesn’t think that’s necessary; he has a new idea. Pastor explains that he got some information from Juan. Paula’s sick because of CL. Pastor explains that this means that the plan is working. She got sick because of CL’s indifference. CL likes what he hears.

Yadira paces in front of the fireplace, waiting for someone. Juan enters and asks why she’s not in Acapulco. Yadi says that she didn’t like the climate. She immediately accuses Juan of having an animalistic night with Marely. Juan begins to deny but then says he’s in a hurry to change. Yadi stops him and asks if he knows anything about her mother. Juan denies that he knows what Nidia’s up to.

Nidia drinks and eats some more. Anga lets Nidia know that he wants some touching. She pushes him away and tells him to find another volunteer. He won’t allow her to leave him there, abandoned. He wants to have a passionate night together. Nidia’s slowly falling for it. I don’t think she’ll hold out for long. He proposes that they take a trip together. She says no, but her body language says yes. He tells her that he wants to make her the happiest woman in the world. Her walls are falling.

Ana asks if everything is okay. Paula says that everything is. Ana gives Paula some tea; she asks for some taquitos. Ana says no. (What did I tell you – food!) Ana agrees to leave the house.

Juan and Kike talk about the failed honeymoon. Kike would rather talk about Juan’s special night with Marely. Kike knew it was going to happen eventually. Juan shushes him and closes the door. Juan denies that they passed the night together. He explains that he was with Paula in the hospital. Juan warns Kike not to say anything, but Paula tried to kill herself.

Yadi continues to pace. Marely’s home early. Yadi asks Marely about Nidia and Anga. Marely thinks that Nidia just went to eat. Yadi doesn’t buy it; Nidia and Anga were acting very familiar. Yadi thinks it was weird.

Kike says that he can’t believe it. I guess Juan told Kike about CL’s speech. Juan says that he’s confused whether to believe CL or not. Kike asks Juan what he’s going to do, but Juan says that he has no idea. Juan says that he loves Paula and will do whatever it takes to make her not suffer. He would even renounce his love.

The doorbell at the Davila house rings. Big surprise, it’s CL. Paula looks pissed and so am I. How many times have we had this same cliff hanger?

*Mark Twain

What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving? ~ Erma Bombeck

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Labels: Juan

Scenes from last time on Amar:

--Mo gets Azul to share the same bed with him but as he’s wearing old man PJs and she’s wearing a track suit, no hanky panky ensues. When he tries to guilt her into giving him some lovin, she gets huffy and reminds him of his promise of no sex until she’s able to fall in love with him again, She runs out of the room to jump into bed with…Ceci? Mo follows her and announces that Ceci is now banished from the new pad. Effective immediately.

--A meeting takes place between Clemencia and Azul . (Diego left his cell phone at home by mistake and Clemi answers it). Clemi tells Azul to leave Diego alone until she divorces Mo. Azul takes her advice even though Clemi obviously knows nothing about what’s going on and won’t let Azul explain anything. Anibal gives Diego the same advice. When Diego finds out what his mom has done, he goes ballistic and Clemi looks like she’s having another heart attack. When Azul tells Ceci she agrees with Clemi, Ceci’s reaction is “are you nuts?”
Old scenes recycled from the last episode:

--Azul at Emilia’s office, recounting how therapists always end up not following their own advice. Emila looks sadly at Azul and says that nobody has a perfect personal life. She would know.

--GSD shows up at Inez’ place supposedly to fix a leak in her bathtub. Inez answers the door wrapped only in a towel, with her hair wet. I think we all know where this is supposed to go. GSD looks uncomfortable.

--Cut to Arnaldo who is recounting this plot to Julio. Apparently he is responsible for given Inez the idea for this obvious ploy. Julio remarks that if Arnaldo is this devious, he can only imagine what awaits him.

--Mo and Piero are meeting with Andres in attendance. Mo is telling him to step up the construction of the new lab. Piero says it will cost more. Mo says that Andres will supervise construction. Andres gives his assent. Piero says, he’ll tell Manuel to contract more workers. Mo asks him if he trusts Manuel and Piero laughs and says that as long as there’s money involved, Manuel is capable of selling his own mother. Andres suggests that if anything goes wrong, they can always use Manuel as a scapegoat. Mo nods.

--Manuel is with Lidia in a café. He is counseling her to keep Piero’s love for her alive. The gestures he makes seem more like he wants her to rekindle the lust. Lidia argues instead, that she wants Piero jealous, that if he’s not careful, he’ll lose her. Manuel smiles and says that will work too.

--GSD comes out of the bathroom, sweating and having been unable to fix the leak. Inez fusses over him and suggests that he take a shower. When she hands him a towel, the one covering her “accidently” drops to the floor. She stands there naked and GSD picks it up and hands it to her. She grabs him and kisses him and he lets her for a few seconds and then pushes her away. “No,” he says. She pushes him “Don’t you want me?” He agrees that he likes her and that she has always been able to get him hot and bothered but now he’s in love with Emilia. She makes another play for him and asks him if he desires Emilia as much as he desired her, if he feels passion for her. GSD says that he loves Emilia enough not to deceive her.

--Jacinto is outside Emilia’s office building on the phone with Mo, recounting the results of his surveillance. He tells him that Azul is inside with Emilia. And no, Diego’s nowhere in sight. Just then, Diego pulls up in a taxi.

NEW SCENES

--before Diego can get out of the taxi, Anibal calls from the office where Diego has just been. Clemi has fainted again. Anibal says he tried to call Casa Moran but nobody’s there. Diego decides to return to the office.

--Back at the office, Clemi is coming to. She complains that this is the first time Diego and she have ever had a conflict. All because of THAT WOMAN. She’s sure that Azul is just playing with him. Then she launches into a speech about how guilty she feels for having brought all this drama into Anibal’s office. Anibal assures her that it’s all OK. He offers to get a doctor and she refuses so he goes to make some tea.

--Azul arrives home with Katy in tow. Mo makes a big fuss over them. Mo pumps Katy for information in front of Azul about where they went. Katy tells him that they went to meet Azul’s friends. First, she went to a class that was very cool. (Emilia’s). Mo wants to know where they went to eat. Before Azul can respond, Katy volunteers that they went to eat with the Mama of Diego, Sra. Clemencia. Mo looks pissed.

--Lida is returning from her lunch with Daddy. She meets up with Gustavo who has fixed the car. She expresses doubt that he was able to fix it so quickly and demands that he wait until she starts it. He makes a crack about how “he’s poor but honest.” She cracks back OK. Pedro Infante, referring to the famous Mexican movie actor, maybe from some specific role I don’t know. Lidia gets into the car, which of course hikes her micro-mini skirt even higher. Gustavo appreciates this but pretends to look away. But can’t.

--Mo is furious about Azul seeing Clemi. If looks could kill…Katy is oblivious to the tension between the adults. Mo turns to her and says he’s happy she had fun. Katy runs off to tell her dolls about what she did. Azul starts to explain and Mo immediately cuts her off and demands to know why she talked to Clemi.

--Piero is now meeting with Manuel at the same restaurant where he was just eating with Lidia. (Amazing timing, how he didn’t allow them to meet. ) Piero tells Manuel that they need more workers. Manuel tells him that finding workers has not been that easy. It costs money. Piero says that if he’s asking for more money, there isn’t any. Manuel says that maybe he can get a bonus later for his efficiency and honesty? Piero says, not everything is about money. Manuel laughs and says look who’s talking. He stuffs his face some more and then changes the subject. He tells Piero that Lidia is beside herself after Lucia came and made her sign the divorce papers. Piero says that Manuel should know that everything that he’s doing is to give Lidia a good life. Manuel tells him to hurry up and get what he can out of Lucia, because his daughter might get tired and find someone else. “She’s already got her admirers.” Piero complains that nobody can give her what he can. Manuel agrees but tells him “one never knows.”

--Azul is trying to talk her way out of the Clemi meeting. She tells him that she went to get Clemi to convince Diego to leave her alone. Also that Clemi invited HER to thank her for getting the charges against Diego dropped. Mo asks her if Clemi asked her to see her son. Azul says, no, of course not. Clemi is a respectable lady, with values. “She’s the last person to want her son running around with a married woman.” Mo is still unconvinced. Azul hands him the phone and asks him to call Clemencia to confirm it. Mo hesitates then says it’s not necessary and puts the phone down. Azul says, if she was going to meet Diego, why would she bring Katy? “If you think I would be capable of something like that, why would you want me at your side?” Mo looks like he’s buying it finally.

--Lidia’s trying to start the car and failing. Gustavo’s sitting beside her and grabs the key in the ignition, with his elbow in her lap. She slaps his arm away and complains. He says that he didn’t do anything. She demands that he respect her as a married woman and her husband…Gustavo cuts in “Yeah Yeah I know, he’s brilliant…” Lidia tells him to shut up. Gustavo says he’s sorry but he’s incapable of disrespecting her. She’s very pretty (bien chula) and out of his league. Lidia smiles and liking the flattery, forgives him. But she says that she’s not like the girls that undoubtedly he goes out with. Gustavo says that’s why he likes her, because she’s a respectable girl. (This proves he barely knows her.) He’d like to see her, after she’s divorced. Lidia says that she’s not going to let Piero divorce her. She goes on a tirade about Lucia. Then she apologizes and says that he can show her how to start the car, but he’s got to keep his hands outta her lap. Gustavo smiles a goofy smile. He’s in lurv.

--Diego arrives at the Office and Clemi is already mostly recovered. She whines about how guilty she feels for being sick all the time. The two men reassure her. Diego finally says that they have to talk. Anibal says he’ll step out, only tell him when they are ready to leave since he doesn’t want them to take the bus home. Diego apologizes that his problems are affecting her health. Clemi is apologetic too and says that parents should respect their children’s decisions. She tells him she regrets having talked to Azul. Diego says that children should understand when their parents do things because they love them. She did wrong, but he understands. Clemi says this is the first time that they’ve fought. They’ve always figured out a way to agree. She says she doesn’t want that to change. Diego tells his mommy he loves her.

--GSD goes to Emilia’s apartment and pretty much attacks her. Looks like Inez did get him hot and bothered. Emilia’s getting the benefit . Unfortunately, GSD is orange flashbacking Inez towel falling off and the kiss while he’s kissing Emilia. At first he stops suddenly horrified but Emilia grabs him and pulls him back on the couch.

--Julio is talking to Gaspar and Ceci. He’s worried because Arnaldo’s family is pleased with him because they think he fired Diego. And he hasn’t. He tells Gaspar and Ceci that they are all going to have to be very careful and not make any mistakes that will reveal the truth. “Especially you, Cecilia, you are really good at putting your foot in it.” Ceci tries to make him promise to make her a model in his next show in exchange for her silence.” Julio says no way. She a clutz. She doesn’t have what it takes to be a Julio Corso model. Ceci insists that she can get training. Julio tells her she lacks “mystery.” A quality that is required for his creations. He tells her that she could be a very good and nice saleslady, if she works hard and is disciplined. Ceci complains that she could acquire mystery. She grabs a shawl from a rack and wraps it around her head. I guess she’s trying for Holly Golightly. Instead she looks like an old lady. Julio tells her that you can’t get it with training. You either got it or you don’t. And she don’t. Gaspar points out that the chick who wore Azul’s wedding dress in the show had it. Ceci complains that Silvana isn’t a model, she’s just a friend of Diego. Julio says, no matter. She’s got the deportment and the gift or talent for it. (el don). Gaspar pats the mopey Ceci on the shoulder.

--Casa Silvana, with Gloria, Isela and Silvana. (I think this scene is also from last episode, but no matter, we haven’t seen these three in a while.) A huge bunch of flowers have arrived and Silvana remarks that the older women of the house get flowers but not her. Isela says she’s the oldest and Gloria laughs that a real lady never reveals her age. Isela continues that even though she’s older, the flowers are hers, from Anibal and that he’s taking her out later. Silvana continues to pout that she’s the only one who doesn’t have anybody. Isela has Anibal and Gloria has…..Don Chucho. Isela chimes in that Don Chucho is the ideal guy for Gloria. Gloria says NO WAY. Don Chucho is a nice guy but she’s young enough for a young guy! Silvana complains that she is insulting Don Chucho. Gloria is still flustered that they would stick her with Don Chucho . Silvana interrupts to say that at least a man is visiting her at the house, but not her… The phone rings and Silvana goes to answer it.

--GSD and Emilia are still getting it on. GSD stops again. This time he puts his head in his hands. He says he’s not being honest with her. He says that he really didn’t spend the night with Inez. He swears it. Emilia tells him to forget it and come back to the couch. He interrupts her to confess that today he saw Inez nekkid and…he felt A LOT of Desire for her. Emila looks more sad than impactada.

--Anibal and Diego arrive home with Clemencia. Manuel is there and he complains about Anibal again. Clemi defends him and says that he’s been a complete gentleman.

--Apparently the call to Silvana was to summon her to the boutique because she’s already there. Julio tells her that he thought he was doing Diego a favor when he asked her to model in the show. He didn’t expect to “discover” her. Silvana thinks he’s joking but Julio says nope, she’s got IT. He offers her the opportunity to take modeling classes and to work for him. Silvana smiles the biggest smile I’ve seen her do all show. But she’s still skeptical. Julio asks her if there’s anything in her life that would complicate his plans. Silvana says no, but models are “stick thin whereas I …well…” Julio dismisses this talk and says that’s old, the new hotness is “real women” not “little girls with no body.” “And that’s going to save a lot of lives,” he adds, launching into a PSA about eating disorders. Silvana agrees and admits, smiling, that she likes her little curves. Julio laughs and assures her that she’d make a great model and a healthier and more realistic image. All of the sudden, Silvana gets teary eyed. Julio asks her what’s wrong and she replies that “These kinds of things never happen to me. My life hasn’t been easy and ever since my Nico died, everything has gotten worse.” Julio says he understands. “It’s hard for you to grasp that something so good could happen unexpectedly. “But sometimes this happens: right before dawn comes, it looks like everything is going to be gray. Then all of the sudden, the sun comes out.” Silvana is still in tears but she’s smiling

--Back to GSD wrapping up his confession to Emilia. He couldn’t fix the leak…Inez was in a towel…the towel fell off. Now it’s Emilia who is in tears. Emilia huffs that she knows that Inez is attractive…WAS THAT WHY he was so intent on doing the wild thing with her (Emilia) because he saw Inez nekkid? GSD hesitates for a second then nods. Emilia hauls off and give him a mighty SLAP. She screams at him and tells him to get out. At first, he makes a move to the door and opens it, then he thinks the better of it and slams it shut. “No,” he says he’s not going anywhere until he gets a few things off his chest. Mainly that she accused him of things he did not do and now, when he’s being completely honest with her, she’s angry and throwing a fit. He wants her to understand that he rejected Inez. Emilia asks him if he wants her to believe that he gave Inez a chaste little hug and then left. GSD screams “YES! YES! I HAD HER NEKKID IN MY ARMS! But you know what? I told her I couldn’t make love to her, DO YOU KNOW WHY? Because although I felt desire for her, I’m not a BEAST, I’m not an ANIMAL. I am a man with feelings. I may respond to the beauty of a woman but I only love YOU. “ He grabs her and they kiss passionately.

--Lida and Gustavo are wrapping up their discussion about the car. There’s some kind of visual joke of her sticking one long leg, then another out of the car when she’s getting out while Gustavo holds the door open for her and remarks that if she drives the way she cooks, she has two weapons to go against almost anybody. ( Is it the driving and cooking or is it her legs? ) Lidia says she cooks fine and drives fine but this car of her brothers is a piece of junk. She laughs and he compliments her on how pretty she is when she laughs. For that reason alone, she shouldn’t get depressed about the divorce. Gustavo says if she needs a friend, even if he’s poor, he’ll be there for her. Lidia smiles a little.

--Inside Casa Moran, Clemi is lying down on her bed and Diego and Manuel are with her. Diego is upbraiding his dad for having dumped on Anibal when he helped bring Clemi home. Manuel complains that ever since Clemi took the job with Anibal, she’s been getting sick more often. He says that he can’t depend on Clemi for anything, not even cooking. Diego comes back at him that Clemi is sick and the only thing he cares about are his own needs. Manuel says that he’s got it wrong. He’s just arguing that Clemi doesn’t need to work for Anibal. Now that he’s earning good money he can afford to support her very well. Clemi sits up and tells him that when she came back from their brief separation that they agreed on a few things and that he isn’t respecting their agreement. “ I’m not going to leave my job.” She asks Diego to leave so that she can talk to Manuel alone. Diego leaves to go get the dinner that the doctor prescribed.

--Ceci and Azul are at the boutique. Ceci asks if Azul has seen Diego. Azul swears that no, she hasn’t. Ceci points out that she should have told Diego what happened. Azul complains that Ceci is being a gossip and Ceci mimics her mockingly. She complains that Azul is being a wimp when there are very important things at stake. She tells her that she has to tell Diego what she discovered about Paco. Just then, the special Diegophone TM rings. “What are you waiting for? asks Ceci. The phone keeps ringing. Azul picks it up but still doesn’t answer it. Ceci pushes on her some more to answer the phone. Azul whimpers that Ceci is right bbbut…” Ceci goes to work on her explaining that she’d better get Diego that info about Paco’s ID being found by Katy. Azul is now in tears and finally answers the phone. Diego asks her if she’s mad at him because of what his mom told her. Azul launches into her Clemencia induced guilt trip about being “a married woman.” Even if Mo is a terrorist or gangster or whatever, that doesn’t absolve her of the sin of cheating on him. Diego tries to buck up her courage by telling her that they have good reasons for what they are doing and that his Mom doesn’t really know what’s going on. Diego asks her to forgive his Mom and Azul responds that she has nothing to forgive and in fact she thanks her for caring about her son. Diego lets it slip that Clemi took sick, just from this dispute over his relationship with Azul. Diego says that that’s why he couldn’t catch up with her at Emilia’s but he wants to see her—he’s dying to see her and will tomorrow. Azul says me too, and starts crying. They go back and forth about how much they want to see eachother…blah blah blah. Azul says she has important news for him that she’ll tell him…tomorrow.

--Back to Clemi and Manuel. Clemi complains that She’s back but nothing’s changed except that she’s now supposed to work and do housework. Manuel isn’t chipping in at all. And he continues to take her for granted, not even bringing her a flower. (Hmm, ya think Anibal sending flowers to Isela made an impression?) A man who loves a woman does nice things for her. Manuel scoffs and says that they are too old for that kind of crappy stuff. (cursilerias). Clemi says she LIKES that kind of stuff and she reminds him that he promised to try to rekindle her love. Manuel changes the subject. “Instead of complaining, you should be thanking me for convincing Lidia to divorce Piero.” Clemi is happy about this. He claims that he was going to surprise her with this news but she’s bitching about how he never sends her flowers.

--Ceci’s at the boutique putting dresses on the rack. Gaspar sneaks up on her and surprises her. She’s ticked but that’s just the beginng. Gaspar tells her that Julio just offered a course of modeling and job to Silvana. Ceci’s not happy with this news.

--Silvana is already back at home, regaling Isela and Gloria with the news. (What, does Isela not work anymore? And Gloria’s hotline must not be working yet.) Gloria is all excited and says that Silvana’s gonna be a “top model.” She imagines a headline about Silvana appearing mentioning her actress mother of course! Isela rolls her eyes.

--Ceci bitches to Azul who is still at the boutique that Silvana is trying to take Diego from Azul and she’s taking her job. Azul tells her that Silvana isn’t to blame, Julio offered her the job. Ceci rubs in how Julio noticed her when she was wearing Azul’s wedding dress. Ceci thinks this will get a rise out of Azul but Azul just kind of stands there which makes Ceci angrier. When Ceci demands she explain her non-reaction, Azul says she can’t really explain it but she can’t really hate Silvana. Ceci pushes her some more and Azul divulges that Silvana and she have formed an alliance to help Katy. Ceci gets angier. She can’t believe that Azul would work with somebody who is trying to take her boyfriend away and just took an opportunity away from her best friend.

--At Casa Moran, Diego is bringing the now cold dinner to Clemi (he was on the phone with Azul) when he encounters Lidia coming downstairs. He notices that Lida seems depressed. She tells him that she’s decided to divorce Piero. Diego thinks that this is good news and he promises to support her. They hug. She goes on to mention that she just met Gustavo and she’s happy that Efrain has given him a job. Diego says yes, “he seems like a nice guy." In spite of the fact that he-Diego made him lose his job.

--Azul is laughing at Ceci, telling her not to exaggerate. She says that Ceci is her best friend. Silvana could never be. Ceci pouts and wants to know why Azul is defending her. Azul laughs some more and tells her she’s just trying to be objective. Ceci gets madder and says that what? “That Silvana’s got what it takes and I don’t? “ Azul laughs again and says that Ceci is her best friend and she’s made a different kind of deal with Silvana. Ceci brings up how Silvana is in love with Diego. Azul says that they’ve agreed to leave that aside. Ceci complains that Azul needs to see Silvana as her Rival and she’s just taken away Ceci’s dream of being a model. Azul tells her that she needs to just take her course and work on her modeling skills so that she can earn her place as the Julio Corso model. Ceci bitches some more about how it’s harder than she thinks. She has been working all this time at the boutique and then Silvana comes along and Julio just gives the job to her. She pouts some more. Azul laughs some more.

--Anibal is having coffee with Isela, Gloria and Silvana. (Some date!) Gloria remarks on the flowers that Anibal sent Isela and Anibal says he hopes that Isela liked them. Isela gushes over them and his attention to her. Gloria says that she hopes that the flowers sweeten the sour disposition of his girlfriend. Silvana reproaches her mom. Gloria notes that they weren’t able to go on their date. Anibal explains that he arrived late because Clemi had another fainting spell. Isela and Silvana look worried. Anibal says that she’s fine now and he’s there, better late than never. Silvana says she’s going to go over to Casa Moran to see how Clemi is doing. And her Mom is going with her. Gloria makes noises about staying but Silvana tells her not to be a brat (they should leave the two lovebirds alone).

--Back at the boutique, Arnaldo has arrived. He comes over to Ceci and notes on how she’s working, for once. Ceci tells him she wants to be alone and sniffs. Of course he asks her what’s wrong. He walks off with his arm around her and Julio notices them.

--Lucia is sitting in the living room of her mausoleum like house. She tells Piero, who is serving her tea, that she’s gotten the papers back from the lawyer for the divorce. Piero says he has something to celebrate too—Mo has given him more work. Lucia complains that she doesn’t want this work to take him out of the office too much, leaving her all alone. Piero says no, but he needs more money than she gives him, to invite her out. He asks her if she wants to go out tonight. He takes the teacup away and he kisses her passionately. She smiles and says that if he continues to behave well, someday, she’ll let him back in the boudoir.

--Lida is at home and brings her Daddy a big mug of beer. She says that she’s been thinking about the jealousy idea and she likes it. She needs a lift after the divorce and besides, “this guy” has something in him that she likes. Manuel says that she should be careful not to make a mistake—Her divorce with Piero is fake—she’s only shining on this other guy to make Piero jealous---unless the guy has more money than Piero can get out of Lucia) Lidia ia confused. (So am I, why wouldn't he jump ship on Lidia, unless Mo still wants them married? I don’t see why he would anymore).

--Ceci is with Arnaldo, having some red wine back at her apartment. That’s a good way to cheer her up. They confer about Silvana getting the modeling job. Ceci complains that she thinks she has what it takes to be Mexico’s top model. She’s also upset that she got kicked out of Mo and Azul’s place..and that even though Andres is supposedly her boyfriend, she doesn’t want him around either. Arnoldo tries to comfort her but Ceci complains that he can’t really…not the kind of comforting that she wants anyway. (Because in case we’ve forgotten, Arnaldo is GAY. ) Arnaldo looks nervous and clinks glasses with her.

--Azul is with Katy, who asks if she can call Azul Mama or if she should wait a few years. Azul balks at the curious question. She tells her that no matter what she calls her, the love she feels for her is forever. Kissy Kissy.

--It’s the next day and ARNALDO AND CECI ARE asleep IN THE SACK together! Apparently Nekkid from what we can see. The doorbell is ringing furiously. They both wake up with a start. Arnaldo looks at her the way a straight man would look, upon waking up with a man in his bed. With horror and disgust. And Impactado into the ending with drums beating.

In the next chapter—Arnaldo talks to Inez about his boozy fling with Ceci.

----Tivo cuts off here

Labels: amar

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Labels: announcements

Pastor is on his office phone with Juan who is at the hospital. I wouldn't ask you this favor (to be off work) if it weren't so important. Pastor sees no problem with it but Juan should advise Paula. Juan says, Paula already knows, (clearly they are hiding Paula's little visit to the ER). Pastor starts to say are you absolutely sure you are telling the truth... Juan cuts him off with a thanks and hurriedly ends the conversation. Take care Juanito. [how can he look so good in that white shirt after his night up, thankfully that hideous green jacket is gone].

Cut to Yadira and Marely on the stairs. What are you doing here, Marely says. Well, I had a fight with Enrique and he's still sleeping it off (durmiendo la mona, as in sleep off a drinking bout). the slug. Nidia appears asking, why are you questioning Yadi and not yourself. where did you sleep last night, brat (escuincle). Marely confesses to having been with Juan. You slept with Juan!!??, they chime in stereo. Yadi says at least someone had a ball (pasar la bomba). Oh tell me about it, was it incredible (brutal). You had better luck than I did. We need to congratulate her. Both Yadi and Nidia look amazed and disappointed at being left out...) It was so amazing (suave), Juan and I were together the whole night. Oh yes, we made love like animals in a five star hotel. We drank champagne and watched a movie rated XXX! It was a fury of pleasure (rabia de gusto). NIdia plays the shocked mother, you're not the kind of woman who goes to a hotel with a man and spend the night when she isn't even married. Yadi is enviously empathetic, but Mommy it wasn't just any old man she was with, it was JUAN...Juan. Nidia says but I almost thought of him as a son with a distinctly un-motherly sigh.
Marely, says I wanted to be discreet but that is impossible around here so now you know. And some of us have to go to work and leave this kingdom of old gossips. She caresses her own body and slinks out the door. Leaving Nidia and Yadira in spasms of lust.

A quick transition to Acapulco with an athletic, graceful diver jumping off a cliff. Our poor little Enrique looking anything but athletic or graceful is taking his own dive on the phone with the hotel operator asking if by chance they know where is wife might be. She took a taxi to the airport very early this the morning.

Back at the hospital, Juan comes through the door with a bowl of food (red jello is my guess) and coaxes Paula to having just a little spoonful to make her strong. (how does jello make one strong?) She says she isn't hungry but just tired. He treats her like a small child and shovels spoonsful of whatever it is into her mouth, as he sits on the bed. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I think it would be better for you to let Cesar Luis know you are here. She says, the last thing I want to do is talk to that man. Juan, says give me just one reason why not.

Marely walks into the office and sits at her desk. Quickly CL crosses the room and asks if Paula is in her office. (CL maintains such a shield, I think he actually believes himself). Marely demurely says no she is not in. She called her at home to say she was ill. Ill, what does she have. Marely, the good protective secretary says, it's some stomach thing. I think she had too much food at the wedding and that made her feel ill. CL, backs off saying he will be in his office if needed.

Paula in bed. What happened last night is the end of the story with this man. She and Juan discuss the suffering and pain of love. She says the verb to love should be the verb masochist (look, we know Paula is dumb, she also is confusing the parts of speech, I could swear that masochist is a noun).

Meantime, Nidia and Yadira are still sitting on the stairs sighing lustfully in stereo. Marely finally won the big one ohhhh like animals, she remembers. More duet of the sighs... Nidia, ever the sage advisor says, we have to get back to the real world. Now what are you going to do with your husband?? I told you what I am doing, Mama. Nidia says there are arrugadas (wrinkles, problems but the priest told her at the wedding that vows are for life. Yadi, whines no, I'm not going to an inferno of snores with that orangutan. Nidia, repeats, you have to return to your husband. No, Mama, god forgive me. Nidia reminds her that her honey moon is still there at that expensive little hotel. Saved by the phone ringing, NIdia makes Yadi get up to answer it and guess who, its Enrique: I want to know why you left without telling me. She says, I wanted to return (home). He goes from sweet to irritated and says, I demand an explanation, I am your husband. Yadi, well husbanddddd, I don't have to explain anything. He demands that she return to the hotel. She counters with if you want to see me, you return and if I can and want to, we will talk. Upon hanging up, she assures NIdia, we'll see who wears the pants!

Another phone ringing in Ana's bedroom. It's CL who identifies himself and asks if he woke her. Well, yeah, she grumps. I wonder if I could talk with Paula... She left. He retorts, left, how strange, she reported in sick to Marely. Ana, quickly picks up the baton with oh, right, she left for the pharmacy. How good that you WOKE ME UP because I am already late for work.

Marely is surreptitiously dialing and asking for the woman in room 203. Juan is administering water and answering the phones. Marely, asks how Paula is doing. Then, please put Paula on phone. She tells Paula, I am glad that you are better. But, I need to tell you that CL is asking for you. When I told him you woke up sick, he didn't seem to believe me. Just then CL crosses the room to hear better while Marely says, what shall I tell him? Paula says, nothing. I am still sick! Marely gets off the phone, I gotta go, I'll talk to you later. CL then says did Paula's chauffeur show up yet? Marely phones down to the garage and reports back to CL, no he did not arrive yet. Break to Commercial, although Marely was doing a nice little Cecily water product placement on her desk...

CL enters the garage and asks Fernando if Señor Dominguez has arrived yet. He observes that even though Paula has called in sick, Juan should have come in to see if he needed any coverage. Do you have the remotest idea why Juan hasn't arrived. Just as Fernando is saying no again, Monica arrives and Fernando helps her out of the driver's seat. CL says snidely, you always arrive sooo early. She returns, I try to. How did things go last night at the end? He shuffles his feet and says a little bit alone but I'm not complaining. She goes on to a new subject. Can we talk, since your trip to Spain is a fact, we need to meet to go over operational issues for the company so the change over won't effect the business. If you don't have time today that's fine but we shouldn't delay too long. I want to take advantage of the little time you have left in Mexico. He takes her arm and they go off while he says, now is perfect.

Marely is on the phone to Juan telling him that CL has asked for him again. But Juan says he already talked with Pastor. Marely says ohhh, there is another little thing we can't wash away... I made a scandal at the house because they knew I was gone and your bed had not been slept in. So I was sick of their questions and wanted to be left in peace. So it became: It was so unbelievable (brutal) and the 5 star hotel and toasting with champagne and all those things. Juan looking alarmed, all WHAT things. Oh you know, expressing the best repressed desires...Juan looks scared and shocked as he hangs up.

More mundanely back in CL's office he and Monica are going over issues. Just as Gaytan if you need help. Monica, asks isn't he going to announce to the staff that she will assume the presidency. Why don't we call a meeting and tell them now? CL, more nervous, What's your hurry? Well, she says slyly, how many days do you have left, don't you have a firm departure date set yet?
What's happening, he stammers. She smiles again, it's only that I don't believe one word about your trip. I think it's rigged to impress Paula.

Acapulco diver jumps again: Kiki in a little boy voice is saying, oh my queen I beg you to come back. Yadi, I see we've changed our tone a bit. He says, it's annoying to not have my woman at my side for our first night together. The weather is luxurious, the beach is ... and we have paid. She retorts, you sound just like my Mother. He worries about damage to the baby. (Is the constant bickering good for unborn babies??) She snaps back, if you are interested in our marriage, you have to return here. Is that your last word. I demand that you come back, I am the man of the house. Dial tone indicates her reaction. Next call is a humble little voice asking for a taxi to the airport.

Back to CL: How can you believe I invented this trip to Spain. This is my life and I am putting into play my future. Monica asks, yours or yours with Paula? He says, the future with Paula doesn't exist. Monica smiling ever wider, says it depends on whether this lie works on her. He sputters, what an imagination you have! Monica says, I know you so well CL, you invented this simply to get Paula to return to your side. CL: Your theory is so beautiful, how do you propose that this would serve me? I have nothing left for me in this country. Your psychological theories about me are just all wrong. I'll show you how serious I am. He picks up the phone and orders Gaytan to call an administrative staff meeting immediately.

Nidia and Alirio are coming down the stairs with Alirio in high whine mode. NIdia chides him for being in this hung over state because he was out tying one on with his work buddies last night. He says everything is spinning, he's dizzy, he's really, really sick. And she just quips that the fresh morning air works miracles and he has to go to work. He even implores Yadi to reason with her mother but no. She wants him out of the house. After, Yadi wants to go shop for baby things but Nidia has a very important meeting and nobody is going with her....

Cute bear comes into the hospital room followed by the cute body, err I mean Juan doing everything to cheer up Paula. But he is being cute to an empty bed!! Switch scenes to Paula and the doctor. He says this is not the first or the last time for this behavior, you are risking your life as you know. You are lucky to be alive. It would be better to confront your problems in another manner, you need to seek help, or are you trying to commit suicide? Break for commercials. The doctor persists, the blood analysis shows the presence of anxiety or anti-depression drugs. and the amount of alcohol in your system could have killed you. Paula says in disbelief and big time denial, you think I would try to end my life. It wasn't deliberate. Didn't your doctor warn you not to mix this drug with alcohol, well yes, but I haven't taken them for a while and I didn't drink much (yeah, the he's heard this one look spreads across his face.) But he says, your mother will be relieved to hear that it wasn't deliberate. Paula, she thinks I tried to commit suicide? Well, yeah we all do. Do you want me to talk to your mother for you? No, I can talk to her myself.

Back in CL's office in front of the Admin. staff, CL announces he is going to Spain for an unknown period of time but long enough that the operations need to be turned over to someone and Monica will assume the president's position (I'm trying hard not to think sex thoughts here...) There is nothing to worry about things will go on the same and there won't be layoffs. Monica then says a few words about how she will keep things running smoothly and will count on the able staff to help her and they should know they can count on her. Everyone applauds except Yvonne who has a look of horror etched on her face.

Back at the hospital, Paula emerges from the Doc's office and Juan wants to carry her back to her bed. She wants to go alone and be alone and she wants Juan to go back to work. He hesitates and pleads to stay there to help.

CL is now alone with Gaytan in his office and reveals that things got out of his hands and he had no intention of going to Spain and Paula is playing sick because she saw him outside his apartment with Monica and she is playing this game again with Juan so where is Juan. Gaytan leaves to make an urgent call for Juan to show up or be fired. Yvonne burst (or busts, in her case) into CL's office and begins to cry.

Nidia dresses in slinky, sexy red from head to toe and admires herself in the mirror while Yadi peeks from another room.

Yvonne avers that she loves CL and can't imagine not seeing him every day. All she want to do is breath the air that he breaths even though he devalues and deloves her (desamor is a uniquely Spanish term, but I like it). CL is rather touched by her protestation of love and lifetime devotion and gives her a big hug. And guess what, yep, Monica walks in to see it.
Well, previews include Monica's instant lights on realization. And Nidia shows up at the...Market to hug Angarita and that sneaky Yadi is hiding behind vegetables to observe all! FIN.

Labels: Juan

Didn’t record this so feel free to add anything.

A big welcome back to the epic Destilando. You have been missed.

Well one mystery was finally solved this evening. For those of you who have wondered about that big clog in Aaron’s throat that has plagued him for these past nine months, well he finally coughed it up. Yes it was Gavi & Rod. Aaron coughed them up and spit them out into the laps of the authorities. Aaron canonized Gavi and Rod as the Patron Saints of Illegal & Irregular Shipments.

Meanwhile Gavi & Rod arrive back at Clarita’s apartment. Clarita acts all surprised and standoffish. “Are you going to live in SIN?” For clarification readers, please note this is the english word SIN, meaning having great fun, not the Spanish word SIN meaning without. Nah Ma, once Rod gets his divorce & annulment from the Church, we are gonna do it up like an Ugly Girl would in Monterrey, if the whole town paid for the Wedding, threw in a big parade and a lot of plot dragging pointless storylines. Sorry readers I have my stories crossed. Anyway our teen twosome, plan to have an awesome life. Rod wants Ma & Gavi to head on over to Pilar’s for the evening, for a big announcement. Methinks Rod is planning to formally ask for Gavi’s hand. Clarita is muy thrilled.

Meanwhile for dramatic effect we are shown scenes of True Love, then scenes of Aaron betraying Gavi & Rod. Aaron explains he was in Miami during the period in question. He shows his passport to “Joselina’sNotDaddy from Mundo” sorry I don’t know the guy’s name. Anyway if this was Broadway, he’d of sung, he was in America and named his Amantes.

a little bit of Sandra in the sun
a little bit of Mary all night long
a little bit of Jessica here I am
a little bit of you makes me you're man

Aaron literally implicates Rod and Gavi in everything from the kidnapping of the Lindbergh Baby to missing votes in Florida back in 2000. Aaron is so evil; Gavi and Rod weren’t even doing the Horizontal Bop back then. The guy takes Aaron’s passport, the American translation would be “Don’t leave town”. Aaron and his toady lawyer leave. A summons is ordered for Rod & Gavi.

Rod calls home to get the dinner set up. Dani answers and says get home, Now. Rod tells Gavi and Clarita he will return for them later.

Rod arrives back at Pilar’s with a plastic bag. The family fortune isn’t even officially lost and already he is living like a bagman. Seriously was that spur of the moment luggage? Dani proceeds to tell Rod that Frankie sold the sulfate and the crops are dying. Videgaray arrives. Dani gets Pilar out of the room. Videgaray is like, calm down, the dying crops are actually the good news. Tequila has been suspended due to irregularities and by the by, you and MariAnna have been implicated. The face of muy impactedness.

Commercial break…where we get to see Rulli & Susan Gonzales crying. I have a sneaking suspicion that Susan is going to be crying each and every episode. Well, there goes my plan to give up Tequila.

Rod is on the phone with James. James tells him the Agave is infested, they are trying to save what they can. James takes the blame for not keeping a better eye on Frankie. Sofie snatches the phone away (while doing a fine imitation of Ellie May Clampett), she shrieks to the winds that it is all her fault, she takes full responsibility. She has brought this down on the family, James tried to keep an eye on Frankie, but alas she let Frankie run wild. Now Sofie as long as you are confessing, take the blame for those bad fashion choices.

Now let’s flip over to Frankie the Grifter. He is on the cell phone with Isa, earlier he told her he was going for a salary of $20,000 per month (I think that is dollars, cause pesos would only be $2,000 monthly and he spends more than that on loofahs in a month). He is telling her that things are going fine and ooooppps gotta go here comes his contact. His contact of course is the equally jaded and scheming Priscella. He orders a bottle of champagne (the best) from Nelson, the waiter. Question viewers, is Nelson Celso from LFMB?

Isa takes BigHeadNotRod’sBaby for a walk in his stroller. In the hall, Jose (Frankie’s mom), asks if Isa needs more towels. Jose sees the baby and makes over him. Jose thinks to herself, that BigHeadKid would be about the same age as Frankies spawn. OMG, do you realize the odds? The odds are like 20 million to one that they would run into each other.

Videgaray fills Rod in that Rod and Gavi have been implicated, Videgaray recalls that there were rumors of Aaron’s odd money transactions at the time. Videgaray proceeds to tell Rod that MariAnne Franco and Rod signatures were all on the paperwork. Who could have done this betrayal? Ummmmm we travel into the past via RodVision, he remembers Onate..Lorenzo Onate..We get a flashback to Rod with longer, much more run your hands through hair, sorry I digress and Gavi & Rod making taboo “I wanna do ya on the desk eyes”, while signing anything and everything Onate slipped under their yearning fingertips.

Back at Gavi’s, Clarita asks if Gavi would like some Coffee. For the love of Gawd Clarita get with the program. Coffee was so four days ago, Gavi has moved on, from now on it is Tequila morning, noon and night. This conversation was about how happy Gavi is, mostly Clarita just talked in her baby voice about how Gavi went off into the skies three days ago and came back all happy.
Readers we must remember here that Clarita is quite the stranger to romantic love. Based on the information given in this saga, Clarita had one encounter, got pregnant, was abandoned and followed an old rich guy around for the next two to three decades. This may explain why she sounds like the ugly twelve-year-old sister listening to her Prom Queen sister telling tales. Or in other words Sofie talking to Isa and Minnie.
Gavi says Rod really misses NotRod’sBaby. Clarita brightens up at the words and wonders if Gavi could be pregnant from Rod.
I totally heard the torn screen door slam on the singlewide when those words were uttered.
Gavi is like “Oh Ma” & dismisses the idea.

Now then Rod and Videgaray stop by to visit Aaron, Fedra, Minnie, Patricio & the always-ineffectual Bruno. Aaron had been laughing and talking about what an idiot Rod is while sucking down a drink.
-My husband says, Aaron is so coked up that he has to drink to be able to even sit still-
Bruno looks uncomfortable and Patrick looks a bit green at the news, of Aaron’s implication. When Aaron sees Rod, he is like welcome back LOSER. He calls Rod an imbecile and proceeds to gloat and bait Rod. Then he says Gavi is going to jail. Rod can take no more and punches Aaron squarely in the mouth. You Go Rod. Aaron’s mouth bleeds, I laugh. Harsh words are exchanged. Aaron blames Rod for the failed Agave. Rod says if he hadn’t had to babysit the company, Rod would have been on the ranch. Aaron says MariAnne stole the money and Rod says of course that Aaron is the culprit. Bruno tries to get them to calm down. You can see Rod’s words have an impact on Bruno. Rod tells Aaron if he does anything to Gavi, Rod will kill him. Time for mucho muy impacted looks. Rod storms out and Bruno calls him back, but Rod continues Videgaray says family time is over, it is time for the lawyers.

Aaron gloats, Bruno laments over the son of his brother and chastises Aaron for gloating and taunting Rod. Fedra (her relationship with Aaron totally creeps me out, Fedra just needs Aaron to slay Bruno (in the modern sense another heart attack would suffice and she’d be all Jocasta on Oedipus Aaron’s Ass)), anyhow she chides Bruno for always taking Rod’s side over Aaron.

Another moment in the lives of Clarita & Gavi, while going through Clarita’s suitcase, Gavi discovers Clarita has stowed kitchen objects. Like a rolling pin (I’m not sure if that is the word, I’m a buy it in a box person myself), and other things, plus the big mortar thing. The mortar thing is really heavy it is for grinding things up in and making salsa and stuff like that. We have one, but I say that is why God made blenders so mine does not get used. Yes Clarita plans to sneak this into Merry Ole England. Gavi teases her. Clarita talks like a six year old.

Out in the plague infested netherlands Sofie (sporting one of her trademark Rancho Denim skirts) and her sidekick James are kind of making an informal confession to the good Padre. At first the Padre mistakes Sofie for an Amish girl and thinks he may have a convert. He soon realizes it is one of the erring Montalvo’s and he must listen to yet another tale of rich, but stupid decisions. Oh Sofie laments, her bad choices have led to family ruin, she is not only responsible for the downfall of her family and it’s loss of fortune, but the losses of the poor folk who work there. I know Sofie feels really, really bad for this as she was so kind to them and had concern for their poor families. The Padre speaks kindly to them and gives them generic religious words of encouragement. James then seizes the opportunity inquire after a dispensation to allow Sofie and James to have passionless sex, while he is still married to the crazy girl and not married to Sofie. The Padre in the spirit of healing grants this. Okay Okay I made that part up.

Frankie and Priscella talk about going somewhere (we see a scene of an uber big hawt tub surrounding a house on a cliff), I am not sure what is going on..other than they are conning each other and will no doubt be disappointed when they realize they are both penniless. Priscella takes off for the bathroom and Frankie gives another series of lies to Isa on the phone. Isa is realizing that Frankie is worthless and she must by this time must have serious leg cramps from trying to kick herself in the ass for not choosing the “Turkey Baster” rather that Frankie.

Clara and Gavi are dressed up and ready to roll waiting for Rod to come and get them. Gavi is watching out the window as anvils are dropping right outside. Clarita questions why Gavi is so nervous. Gavi says she isn’t. Nothing can go wrong. At long last love. We here the shriek as a passerby dies from an anvil to the head.

Rod arrives at home with Videgaray. He calls Gavi and tells her he has been busy with Videgaray and dinner with the family is cancelled. He will come by and pick them up and the three of them will go to dinner. Gavi plays this news off to Clarita, she acts unconcerned. Clarita is clutching two religious statues.

Rod and Videgaray discuss the dilemma, Videgaray tells Rod that neither Rod nor Gavi can leave the country with this summons. Likely they maybe held after the summons. Rod can’t screw Gavi over again. He decides he will cop to the whole thing and say Gavi was innocent. That way Gavi can go to London and continue her career.

Stay tuned: No previews as we are in the final episodes.

So I guess Gavi really will live in SIN only the Spanish version without.

Labels: Destilando

Yesterday I created a chat room for the Destilando recappers. Just now I created chat rooms for viewers, too. Although I had only intended for them to be used during the gran finale, there's no reason people can't start using them now.

However, before anyone goes to check them out, I want to give some instructions, because frankly the chat room interface is not newbie-friendly.

1. When you first go there, you'll see a little sign-on window. If you're not already a regular Meebo user with a Meebo login, then IGNORE THIS WINDOW. You don't need to create a login/signin/signon to use the Meebo chat rooms. In fact, I don't even recommend doing so. Just wait for the chat room window to open. It might take a minute.
   
   
2. To silence the annoying stuff that's playing in the media window to the right, double-click the narrow divider between the text window and the media window.
   
   
3. Now type "hello" or something equally pithy and hit Enter. You will be prompted to enter a name. This will be the name that appears on the screen next to your comments. Go ahead and enter your name.

Tips:

• To make all the text in the window bigger, do a Ctrl-Plus sign. To make it smaller, do a Ctrl-Minus sign. This works in Internet Explorer and Firefox. (Sorry Mac people - I'm not sure how you do this in Safari - it would be some type of zoom control.)

• Use the pulldowns above the text entry box to change your font, text size, style, and color, and to add smileys. Note that the text format controls (bold, color, etc.) affect all of your text, not just selected words. In other words, if you hit the big B it will make your entire comment appear in bold. It's not like in a word processor when you're highlighting a word and applying bold to just that word. (If the above makes no sense to you, don't worry about it.)

• Meebo seems to be optimized for Firefox (as opposed to Internet Explorer or Safari). This means that you might have some difficulties with the text controls.

• Meebo censors chat room profanity. There's no way for the chat room owner (me) to control this. It used to be really bad; if you typed "it's hitting me now" it would show up as "it'*****ting me now" which was both hilarious and vexing. It's slightly better now, but it still doesn't let you say "skank" which I consider pretty mild in the universe of unkind words. The thing is, if you enter some profanity you won't see that it was censored, but everyone else will. That is also pretty vexing.

These tips ought to make the chat rooms much easier to use.

To avoid spoiler conflicts, I created one chat room for the East & Central viewers (http://www.meebo.com/room/destilando_fin_east), and another for the West viewers (http://www.meebo.com/room/destilando_fin_west).

I'm a little confused as to how TV scheduling works in Mountain time. Do you guys watch at the same time as the east coast, the west coast, or do you have your own feed? If you need a separate chat room, I'll be happy to create one.

Labels: Destilando