Caray, Caray!

As always, we open with scenes of yesteryear….oops, yesterday. Tweedle Dumb the Creepy Stalker forces his way into Susana’s hotel room, tells her He’s the Man to take her for a walk by the river, and she deftly defers him right out the door copping a migraine. Herbierto can’t understand why she sleeps so much and her head hurts all the time. What’s so difficult about that? You make my head hurt all the time, too, Herbie. If I were she, I’d be putting that chain ON so he could hear it when I slammed the door in his face and heard him chortling evilly outside.

Paula has sent Juan a message that she wants to talk to him, so he’s dutifully called Ana’s only to find Paula has moved back with CL. ¿Qué the heck? Ana works hard to make sure she doesn’t slip too much at her end and lets him ask a lot of yes/no questions because Laura the Spy is painting at the table, which leaves both her ears wide open and ready for chisme. Ana looks over her shoulder repeatedly while she tries to give Juan the story without really giving him the story. Perceptive niño that our Juan is, he picks it up and is crestfallen. Ana tries to get info from him so Paula can call him, but he’s on the move and doesn’t have a fixed place. So he says. Sitting on his lovely desk in his lovely new office. Ana tries to get him to call Paula at her apartment in the mornings, but Juan thanks her and declines. Ana checks Laura the Spy’s focus as she hangs up….Ana smells a rat.

Back in Achichipico, Juan thought bubbles his way from the office to the waterfall, wondering why Paula sent him messages when she was going back with CL. Did she just want to tell him her good news? Put the dagger into him deeper? Juan philosophically wonders what’s his payoff for embittering his life and he tosses rocks into the pool at the base of the lovely waterfall. As he continues to thought babble [sic] about this being what happens to a blockhead (zoquetón). Suddenly, Paula appears and waves to him from across the water, replete in her bikini and beckoning. They swim and cavort to “Ay, Amor” until we realize, and apparently Juan does, too, that the water is real but Paula is a mirage.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, Paula tells her Mami about Monica’s reaction; Moni seems way more upset than Paula feels herself. Ana doesn’t buy it. Paula shouldn’t have told Moni what’s up with CL. Paula just can’t help herself when Moni pressures her so much. [Ed. Note: That’s the point of pressure, genius, that she breaks you and you give it up.] Paula will see her Mami in the morning and they’ll talk. Wait, not yet—
Ana has to convey Juan’s message. Paula is predictably impactada. Booooring. [Ed. Note: if you’re old enough to remember “Laugh-In” (oh, how I miss it!) and you saw Joanne Worley --or however her name is spelled—looking like she was picking her nose and saying “boooor-ing” all the time, FYI, that IS the American Sign Language sign for “boring.” Just thought you’d all like to know, if you’re of a certain age.]

Gutis, Delirio and Manny are celebrating their Grand Sof-Where Success in Delirio’s catacombs. They toast, and it’s entirely possible this isn’t the first bottle of the party. Manny toast to the money that will rain from the sky. Delirio gets on a chair, and regrettably, doesn’t fall on his can. He’s toasting to the money that’s coming from all their hard work. [Ed. Note: What telenovela is he talking about? Not this one.] He pontificates about the success and hablablablabla……They toast to the partnership. May it last forever. The Odd Couple is now an Odd Trio. Whatever.

Paula is So Excited to hear ANY news of Juan. What did he want? To know why you’re looking for him. Ana’s face tells it all. She thinks her daughter is barking up the wrong tree. Paula gets positively manic with joy, then Paula fusses that Ana didn’t get the info about how to contact him; Ana KNOWS how Important It Is to Paula. Ana tried, but he’s roaming and not in a fixed place—she pretty much quotes Juan.. Ana explains that she had to tell Juan it’d be difficult to contact Paula in her home and he knew that she’d moved back with CL. Paula whines. Ana wants to know what she could have done. He asked a direct question and Paula KNOWS Ana won’t tell a lie. What’s the problem. Paula tells her in an accusing tone that probably he won’t call again. [Ed. Note: little do you know; when he’s thinking about you he’s like a dog with a bone.] Ana encourages Paula to come over in the morning and he might try to call again.

The Odd Trio continues to celebrate with delusions of grandeur. Manny utters something that clearly is risqué, and there is simply no way a schoolmarm (especially an English-speaking one) would know it, but he’s talking about something “heart-stopping” (de infarto). Delirio wants to know where they’re intending to find…..BLLEEEPP. He gestures an hourglass figure, so we can assume he meant a soiled dove. He continues, gestures, and gets bleeped again for American Prime Time television. We have the picture. Gutis remarks that perhaps they’ve missed a pair of Bombons, and even one for….you. He gestures to Delirio, who wants to know qué the heck, which Bombons? Gutis is talking about those chicks upstairs, the receptionist and the Boss’s secretary. His hands suggest….Ivonne…. The boys are all excited. Delirio is going to call and make sure Ivonne is still there….and he does, but doesn’t speak. Ivonne is puzzled and Delirio is delirious. She’s still upstairs, and it’s Gutis’ great night. He tells the boys to hang on, he won’t be five minutes and goes off on his safari.

Ivonne finds CL in his darkened office, with his eyes shut, and morbid. She smiles to herself and remarks on the darkness and him drinking alone. What’s up with that? He’s not in the mood. She wants to know if it was that bad with the doc. Yep, worse than you think. He spills the doctor’s diagnosis. Really? She feigns concern for …oh….two or three seconds. But she wants to know if this operation might strip him of his manhood (hombría). [What a dig.] He is Not Amused. She presses her advantage and spells out the possibility of not being able….and how it might be a problem if a guy based his relationships only on that….that’d be like dying while you lived, huh? CL stands up and faces off with her, but Ivonne isn’t done yet. How’s he going to explain to his wife about this self-denial when she comes to him in a diaphanous/sheer negligee? (diaphanous/sheer -vaporoso). He shakes his finger and tells her not to provoke him. Ivonne chortles evilly [Ed. Note: there is a lot of that going around tonight]. She suggests CL can have Pastor present him to some of his little friends. CL looks at her like she’s gone nuts, which isn’t far off the mark. Saved by the ding-a-ling…uh, bell. Gutis interrupts with a cheery greeting, breaking the mood of vengeance just slightly. He excuses himself for the interruption, but he wants a few seconds with his little queen. CL is bemused and Ivonne looks nauseated, then disgusted.

Laura commiserates over this awful turn of events with Monica. It’s terrible. It’s somehow like a divine punishment for CL. [Didn’t sound too divine to us.] Is he miserable? Moni doesn’t want her to talk nonsense, doesn’t she know how much he’s suffering? Laura can’t understand why Monica even cares about this, and Monica tries to explain why it matters to her. Laura thinks they should be realistic. How long will CL’s marriage last without sex? Plus, there’s a third element in this equation: she tells Moni that Juan called, looking for Paula. Moni is excited-impactada. Laura witnessed the call. Moni is pleased.

Ivonne has made it back to her desk, where Gutis is taking full advantage of the View From Above. She tells him she Can’t. CL comes out the door to see what’s up. Gutis is trying to get her to party with the Boys. CL tells her to cheer up; the plan looks phenomenal to him. Ivonne gives him a “thank you for nothing” look. Gutis extends the invitation to CL, too. [He was supposed to pick up more girls, not another guy, but that’s Gutis for you. He’s happy if he’s got one and the heck with the other guys. Ew.] CL says he wouldn’t want to ruin their plans, but Gutis talks him into it. Ivonne gives him the stink eye big time.

Manny is so excited he’ll probably wet himself. He tells Delirio not to be such a wimp (canija, weak or feeble, this is my loose translation). They exchange some chitchat about Gutis and guess who appears with what he promised? Gutis…with Ivonne. And CL. Delirio is Impactado. Gutis asks how about this? Not only is the lovely Ivonne going with us, but the boss. Manny is speechless, a real first.

Paula plays with the remote and twitches nervously. No CL. She calls….the office. No one is there and the answering machine is on.

In Achichipico, Juan and Juanito finish their nightly prayers. Juanito doesn’t want to go to bed; he wants his Papi to help him with something. He’s writing a poem, and he wants to know how to begin. Is it better to say “my sun” or “my bright star (lucero)?” Juan goes into a lengthy explanation that they both work, and it depends on the woman. [Ed. Note: Interesting that Juan IMMEDIATELY assumes Juanito is talking about a woman.] He explains how the woman’s appearance determines whether she’s a sol/sun or a bright star. Juan gets an aha; wait a minute….is Juanito writing about his teacher? She might take it wrong. Nope, Juanito assures him, he has an assignment to write a poem, and he wants his to be better than all the others. [Ed. Note: one hopes that Juanito isn’t learning to dissimulate from his Papi….]. Juan gives him the high five. Of course it will be! It’s in his blood!

The happy five-some has made it to Gutis’ apartment. Gutis, the perfect host, introduces them to the evening’s entertainment. He wants them to sit and get comfortable. As Ivonne tries, followed by CL, Gutis culls her out of the herd. He’d like to chat with her…she invites CL to come chat with her and Gutis. No, CL tells her, no way, he imagines she has a lot to discuss with Gutis. He’ll be comfy there with Manny; he joins Manny on the sofa. Manny is So Pleased to hear it.

Paula Paces.

Gutis exhorts Delirio to wait on CL and Manny, while still clinging tightly to Ivonne. He asks what they want to drink and hustles Delirio to wait on them all. Manny ogles Ivonne’s legs. Ew.

Marely has to tell Yadi (resplendent in a purple silk shorty robe) about Delirio’s mysterious behavior at the office. He has something up his sleeve (algo se trae entre manos - something between his hands, my loose interpretation is something up his sleeve). She tells Yadi about Delirio showing up at the office with some guy with a strange appearance and Gutis. Who knows what they’re up to? Yadi thinks if Gutis is involved, it can’t be anything good. [Amen, sistah.]

Yadi has retired to her room with Kike. Yadi talks to him while she prepares a bottle for the baby. She asks her big baby, in perfect baby talk, if he wants her to make him something for dinner, too. Nope, he ate before he came home. He just needs sleep, he’s rendido (exhausted). But first, he needs a kiss from his little doll. Yadi puckers up and he chuckles and leans over to kiss her as he comes around the bed…which little doll did he mean? Oh, now he wants to give one to his little, itty-bitty doll (muñequitititita). Yadi gives him a “qué the heck?” look and Kike goes to the crib (cuna) and lifts the covers to discover…nothing. There’s no baby here! No. Where is she? Well, with my Mamá. Kike is Very Unhappy; what do you mean she’s with your mother???? Yep, Mami wanted the baby to sleep with her. Yadi looks at him like he’s a nitwit and explains how Nidia gave the last feeding (biberón) and took advantage of that opportunity. Kike’s already out the door before Yadi notices he’s moving. She yells and follows him. They quietly slide into Nidia’s room and we see one adult head and very little of a very little head peeping out of the covers together. [It’s cute but Very, Very Unsettling]. Yadi oohs and aahs about this tender scene as we hear Brahms’ Lullaby in the background. Kike, who clearly doesn’t give a rip who wakes up, lectures Yadi. He doesn’t see it at all that way, and Nidia could squash (aplastar) the baby when she’s sleeping so soundly. Yadi tells him not to exaggerate. She thinks it’s lovely and for that reason doesn’t want to awaken them. Kike tells her it’s not good, nothing good. He’s looking like he thinks his wife has gone off the deep end. [Ed. Note: Nope, Kike, she was already there.] Yadi gazes at the sleeping pair fondly. Kike continues that Yadi’s mother is already interfering plenty (bien metiche, my loose interpretation), and Yadi should realize it. Yadi retorts that he shouldn’t make a federal case out of it (don’t be so tragic about it, don’t be a tradegian and see the worst side of it). What bad could possibly happen to the baby? She loves her!

Paula paces. And phones. Monica. ¡Ay, caray! Moni is impactada to hear from her nemesis, and at this hour. Paula wonders if she interrupted something? Nope, what’s happened? Paula apologizes for bothering Monica, but she’s worried about CL. Now Moni is worried about CL. Paula wants to know if Moni knows anything about him. NO! Why? Paula’s called the office and his cell phone and no one answers. She’s afraid he’s done something foolish. Moni fusses at her not to say that even in jest. Paula tells Moni very seriously that it’s true and she doesn’t know what to think. Moni assures Paula he’s not capable of….well, she knows him well. Paula can be calm because he won’t do anything foolish. Paula asks Moni to promise to let her know if Monica hears anything or gets a call from him. Moni agrees that she will, and Paula tells her it doesn’t matter what hour it is. They agree to both do the same, regardless of the hour. [Ed. Note: what I want to know is why she knows Monica’s number, and isn’t it the same as the one she uses to call Laura?] Moni tells Paula now she’s caught Paula’s worry. Paula thanks her and says goodbye and apologizes for the bother once more. Both hang up, muy preocupadas (worried).

At Gutis’ nest, Ivonne is suffering the host’s attentions, wedged against the arm of the sofa as he moves closer and closer, while the other boys are getting their glasses filled by the butler…oops, Delirio. Gutis pushes a little too hard, telling her he’s serious and she finally gets Very Fed Up and pushes him away. Gutis, who never learned the word “no” as a toddler, drags her up from the sofa, kicking and screaming [okay, only figuratively, but she’s fighting back a bit], and tells her the party lacks something. Music. He twirls her, lets her go and asks what she’d like to dance? Salsa? Ballroom? Don’t tell me, let me guess? CL sees Gutis trying to get Ivonne to dance, and chips in his 2-cents’ worth; she is fascinated by the big band sound, in the office, she dances marvelously. [¿Qué? She dances in the OFFICE? Did I hear that right?] Gutis strips his jacket for action and makes a few moves; some years ago he took ballroom dancing (de salón-in English we’d say ballroom). Ivonne protests; she doesn’t like to dance. CL is getting in the festive mood, cigarette in hand and drink in the other, and he scoffs. You’re such a liar, Ivonne, he smiles broadly. Gutis won’t let her deny him the opportunity to dance a piece with him. He runs to put on music. They boys are enthralled by what they’re going to see. [Ed. Note: I’m feeling like I need a shower. Four major sleaze balls against one vengeful woman –the odds are lousy here.] The boys cheer him on, “go, matador!” Gutis slinks back and demands that she show him her moves. He throws himself at her, throws her arms around her neck (not noting her nauseated expression, apparently), and throws his head down on her….shoulder. Gutis bounces Ivonne around so her derriere faces the boys; Manny is mesmerized and drooling. Gutis steps on her foot; Ivonne grunts, give one huge push, and throws Gutis off while she calls him a beast and slaps at him. [Ed. Note: Good one, Ivonne!!!] He looks bemused, startled, and crestfallen and apologizes while she looks down at her injured foot. Gutis notices the boys staring and yells at Delirio to go get ice. Ivonne looks back with disgust at the three of them, especially CL. “I’m out of here this moment!” She goes for her purse. Gutis, who needs a language lesson, struts and postures and tells her the night is still young. She retorts that she doesn’t like him in the least (Ud. me cae muy, muy mal, I fall myself over you very, very bad, literally). She continues that she hasn’t like this a bit. The boys chip in commentaries and she talks over them to ask the Lic Farell to take her home. Gutis tries to touch her and talk to her again, possibly to tell her he’ll take her, and – shades of Pastora, que descanse en paz, she hits him with her purse. Gutis backs off and CL comes to, his stupor at this ludicrous scene broken. He says he’ll take her and he has to leave, also. The music blares on. More conversation is exchanged and CL gets himself and her out while the boys wave and probably wonder why their party crashed.

The bell at CL’s apartment rings and Paula jumps up, sure it’s CL coming home. Nope, it’s Moni. She excuses herself for showing like this, but she couldn’t help herself (no pude evitarlo, I couldn’t avoid it, literally). Paula is resigned but invites her in, though how she could have stopped Moni only heaven knows. Moni was left disquieted by the call and had to come, she couldn’t stay with crossed arms. Paula tells her not to worry. Moni makes herself at home, removing her coat and sitting on the sofa. No news yet? None. Moni offers to go if Paula wants, just say the word. The last thing Moni wants is for Paula to be in an awkward situation. [Yeah, right.] Paula says she can’t deny that she’s very surprised by this ….visit….but she’s not going to make a scene, much less ask her to leave. Moni thanks her and Paula continues that if they want to keep on being sincere, she has to tell Monica that she’s not sure if she’s doing the right thing or not. She offers Moni a drink. If Paula has coffee….no, but she’ll fix it. They exchange polite “not that’s not necessary” chitchat and Paula needs a cup, too. Moni looks around to see what’s changed in the place since she was the dueña.

CL drives Ivonne up to her building. Ivonne waits until it’s time to get out to attack. “And what was that? Vengeance? Sure. If you’re going to hell, take everyone with you.” CL tells her she mocked him, about what’s happening to him. She retorts that he deserved it. He’s destroyed her dreams, played with her. He took away her one opportunity to have a good man at her side. He’s bemused and bitter—it gave her pleasure to hear he has cancer? Ivonne tells him straightforwardly and equally bitterly that it did give her pleasure. He swallows and looks grim; he tells Ivonne he knows she’s not really serious. He looks at her and tells her she still loves him. Ivonne looks back and tells him she does not. Not anymore. He tries to tell her she’s very upset and he was just trying to distract himself and forget all this. He wants her to try and understand. She scoffs; that’s all she needs, for him to ask her to invite him into her house. He denies that’s what he’s wanting. She retorts that’s good, because she’s not in the mood, not now, not EVER. He replies that life is punishing him; he never thought anything like this would happen to him….he feels lost. He doesn’t know what’s going to happen and he’s afraid. Ivonne gets distinctly uncomfortable and tells him not to get too anxious, maybe his punishment won’t last long. [Ed. Note: She apparently doesn’t realize how lame that sounds.] Ivonne gets out on that note and stalks off to her house.

Dawn is lovely over the mountains outside the D. F. Paula wants to know what Moni thinks….she probably knows CL way better than Paula herself. Moni goes into a monologue; she’s not so sure. Until one moment, she thought she knew César Luis, and with that idea she had constructed her world that was apparently happy. When it all came crashing down (when what happened, happened), when she found out what she had refused to see about him, believe it, she realized she was living with someone about whom she knew very little. Paula focuses, listening quietly and soberly to every word. This is the paradox, Monica continues; you should know more about him than I do. Paula gently disagrees. How could she think that? With Paula, he should have far fewer reasons to lie, to hide things. Paula disagrees on this, too. He’s told her lots of lies. Moni replies that then they must facing a man of a thousand faces. Paula wonders if even he doesn’t know who he is. Paula doesn’t understand why they’re both in this state for a man who’s been equally bad with both of them. Monica tells her it’s simple: we women fall in love with men who make us laugh, or who make us suffer, and César Luis is a specialist in both of those things. Paula thinks for her the laughter was very short. Monica agrees; for years of pain there were months of laughter. Paula thinks she’s exactly right. Paula asks her directly: is she trying to get CL back? Monica replies equally directly: no, if she was, she wouldn’t be able to exchange more than two words with Paula. But, Paula tells her, you still love him. Monica corrects her: I loved him. But along with love grows a sense of responsibility. Ultimately, all of us wives (mujeres-women or wives) of the world end up feeling like the mothers of our men, too. And once love ends, this is the feeling that remains. The door opens and César Luis comes in. Paula jumps up. Where were you? Monica jumps up, too. César Luis looks back and forth between them.

Marely stands with a tray in her hand and calls to Nidia outside the bedroom door; she’s brought Mami’s medicine. A very distressed Yadira opens the door to let her in. Marely quickly sees why Yadi’s distressed and calls out “Mamá” again, but the bed is empty. Yadi chews on her finger. “She’s gone!” “What do you mean she’s gone!!???” Yes, our mother has disappeared, Yadi confirms. And she’s got the child. “What are you saying???” Marely, always the pragmatist, searches the room. The bathroom’s empty, maybe she’s in the kitchen? No, Yadi’s searched the whole house and she’s NOT here. Yadi wants to know what they’re going to do. She realizes Kike is going to kill her. Marely assures Yadi that Nidia is incapable of doing anything bad to the baby. Yadi knows, but how’s she going to explain to Enrique? [Ed. Note: especially after she already scoffed at his fears last night.] Yadi has a terrible thought: what if Mami’s flipped out again? (si otra vez se le cruzaron los cables, if again she got the cables crossed?) Marely issues orders to Yadi for what she’s got to do, and Marely’s going to begin calling the list of friends again.

Ana’s door opens a crack, and she’s alarmed to see Nidia with the baby in her arms. Ana is commercial impactada. “Nidia!”

Ana tells Nidia she’s really not going to tolerate this, but Nidia tells her to calm down. She pats the baby comfortingly. She tells Ana she comes “in peace.” (en son de paz - in peace lit. in the manner of peace). She asks Ana not to worry, she won’t be long. Nidia’s come to ask her forgiveness for what she’s done. And, she wants Ana to meet the granddaughter. One more thing; she wants to know if there was a time Samuel loved her. The phone rings; Nidia begs her not to answer because it surely is the kids looking for her and she doesn’t want anyone to interrupt them. Nidia tells Ana she has to clear up the gaps in her head (laguna – gap, one definition) Ana is wary but lets her in.

Kike is revving up to go postal. ¿Qué? Where IS the baby??? How COME she is not here???? His voice raises to unprecedented levels of volume. Yadi, cowering on the end of the bed, tentatively tells him it’s that her mother took the baby. Kike’s voice goes up several decibels and a few pitches. Well, what happened with your mother? Is she nuts?? Wellllll……yes. Yadi chews on her finger, eyes wide with fear. Well, WHERE did she take her? I don’t know; we don’t know. Yadi’s voice holds a pleading note as she gets up and tries to put her arms around him. Kike is having none of it. He grabs her wrists and puts her away from him, shaking her as he pushes her back onto the bed and yelling about how they’re going to have to fine the baby. Her own grandmother kidnapped our baby! He lets Yadi go and she rubs her wrists, yelling at him that her mother didn’t kidnap the baby; she not capable of doing something so bad to the baby. Kike points out that Nidia is a danger to herself and everyone around her. He yells at Yadi to quit defending Nidia. He heads to the door and Yadi goes after him to drag him back, yelling. Kike yells that he’s going to search! If needed, he’ll move the heavens, the earth and the sea, and when he finds his daughter, they are all getting far away from this house, better said, out of this crazy house! (manicomo – insane asylum, mental hospital) He heads to the door again, furious. As he jerks the door open, Marely falls into the room. She’s called Thelma, Gladys, she lists them off. Mami’s not there with the baby and there’s no answer at Ana’s. Kike shakes his finger helplessly.

Paula, still in her jammies, is lecturing CL while Monica sits uncomfortably listening. What, he isn’t going to give her any explanation? [Ed. Note: while I can’t STAND César Luis, I wouldn’t want to be in his seat at this moment, with 66.6% of the women in his life ganging up on him and the other 33.3% he’s just left fussing at him when he let her off, all while he’s contemplating losing his manhood and having cancer treatment. In that order]. Moni excuses herself; she’ll leave them alone. The important thing is that he showed up. She tells him she’ll see him later and hustles out. CL just looks at Paula somberly. What HAPPENED to you? What are you thinking? Because you are sick you can just do as you please? (puedes hacer lo que se te venga en gana: from venirle en gana a algn - do exactly as you please, whatever you feel like). She rails at him about the anxiety his actions provoked and without a word, CL gets up, walks into the bedroom, and closes the sliding door with a resounding clunk that’s hard enough to bounce it partially open again. Paula is Righteously Indignant and Sputtering.

Ivonne just has to talk about CL to her buddy, Erika. She tells Erika that she saw CL last night and it didn’t seem like him; it was a stranger. Erika looks a little worried, and well she might. She wants Ivonne to tell her what to do; should they stop this little “joke?” [Ed. Note: My quotes-heaven save us from “jokes” like this.] Ivonne thinks so and wonders if Erika has the correct papers for the diagnosis. Yes, Erika does, but no one is in yet at the doctor’s office, and she’s not quite sure how to hand them over when someone DOES arrive. Ivonne wants Erika to let her know. Erika agrees and they say their farewells; Ivonne thanks her. She gets off the phone and tells herself to calm down. This despot (sátrapa, from Latin) deserves this, and more.

Paula follows him into the bedroom, where he has changed his clothes and is wearing another lovely pink tie that goes nicely with her pink shorty silk robe. She fusses at him that now HE’S the one who’s angry, this is the last straw. CL walks to her and says only “con permiso.” (Excuse me, as in I’m taking my leave now, not forgive me). The Harpy in Paula continues to press and nag; “Please, what’s happening with you?” It’s not a polite request for information. We were worried for you and it’s the most normal thing, taking into account that…..What? CL finally retorts. That I’m sick? Say it, Paula. No, she tells him, taking into account that you’re in this state of mind and have had better days. He mutters. What do you want? That I should hop around on one foot? No! What a shame! I have the right to feel the way I want to, CL replies bitterly. Paula wants to know what he expects of her. It’s logical for her to worry about him. Oh? Sure; you worry about me and tell all to my ex-wife. Now CL is indignant. Paula fusses about him being out all night without any calls, nothing. She thought it could be…..CL cuts her off again. Paula, this isn’t going to work. What? We left it very clear that if you came back to the house, it would be because you want to, not because you pity me. And that’s just what you are doing. You’re treating me like I’m a terminally ill person. Like I’m not able to control my life or do anything for myself. CL, you ARE ill. He yells back “Ill, not DEAD, Paula! Are you clear?” He walks away and Princess Paula raises her hands in irritation, facial expression full of annoyance and indignation.

In Achichipico, however, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Juan is bouncing into the office to greet Herlinda, who is finally dressing for the 21st century. He tells her good day, and she goes into a diatribe about it being good for some, but no way is it good for others who are on tenterhooks (estar en ascuas)-and makes a subtle reference to Juan being with others. Juan’s happy mood skids to a halt momentarily. Juan registers that she might be ticked off and asks her directly if she’s mad with him. (¿Sigues enchilada conmigo? From enchilar, annoy, bother). He pulls her over to the desk and tells her to cut it out, because he was very clear with her. Their thing is done. Why isn’t she understanding that between the two of them there is nothing more than a sincere affection of friends? She know what his feelings are, but she knows what she feels and it’s nothing like friendship. And when Herlinda sees that Susanna she feels like choking her. [Ed. Note: Was this a nun-wannabe?] He chides her gently that she would have more productive feelings. Herlinda wants to know what’s left for her. Juan reminds her she could be looking elsewhere, right in front of her. Molondrón, she says with resignation in her voice. Is she going to accept him? Herlinda is doubtful. He’s good, doesn’t deserve the rejection, but…..But? But? Juan presses. She tells Juan Molondrón came later, after Juan himself. She puts her hands on his knees and he sits back up like a ramrod, lips pursed. She asks Juan to tell her how to stop loving him. He sternly picks her hands up and puts them back in her space, and gives her a long spiel with the bottom line that he’s not good for her. He tells her all his bad qualities. Capricious, a storyteller, (liar, politely), who easily falls in love, mañoso- which means: crafty, cunning, lazy, vicious, obstinate, shy, nervous, difficult (esp about food), thief –it depends on which country you’re in. I am guessing that Juan means either lazy or obstinate. Herl calls him a liar; he’s got lots of good qualities. He says he’s like a plush toy, pretty on the outside and inside, no good. Herl denies it again; he’s a good man. They play a denial game; Juan tells her he’s not and she needs a man with marrow in his bones, committed, with solid feelings and good principles. With a heart of gold, and it’s invaluable that it be compatible with hers. Romantic, a singer, who will offer her the moon, stars and heavens. Well, that’d be Molondrón. She walks over to Juan and tells him that Molo would be that and more, but….as she sees it, Juan’s still going to be in the picture. They grasp hands, and he tries to convince her again. He only asks that she doesn’t close her mind but opens a little window in her heart and if it doesn’t work, okay, what else can she do? (So be it.)

At the Casa Cachón, the kids have prepared for battle, changing out of jammies and coming downstairs to start the Big Search for Nidia and the baby. Marely is exhorting Kike and Yadi that they need to focus and contact the authorities when the phone rings. They all dive for it and Marely gets there first. It’s a very quiet Ana, who is hiding behind a corner out of Nidia’s line of view. She lets Marely know that Nidia and Marely’s niece are there. What a relief! Kike and Yadi beg to know what’s up. Ana sticks her head around the corner, holding the cordless phone out of sight and asks if Nidia wants one lump or two in her coffee. Nidia sweetly asks for three. Ana nods and pops back out of sight. Ana tells Marely Nidia’s calm, but she thought it better that they know. Marely thanks her; they were all tortured about it. Ana whispers in distress; what should she do now? Marely tells her they’re on the way; distract her mother. Ana thanks her hurriedly and gets off the phone. She hides the phone and slinks into the kitchen, depositing the phone on the counter and fixing the coffee quickly. You wanted three, right?

Pastor is fussing at Remolacho about Enrique being late and his brother leaving the business with someone so unreliable. Remolacho points out Kike’s in charge and he doesn’t have a fixed hour to arrive. As they chat about this situation, Angarita puts in his first appearance in weeks. Anga is bubbly, Remo is delighted, and Pastor is annoyed. As Remo and Anga greet each other warmly, Pastor scolds Anga about finally showing up. Anga cheerfully asks how his brother is, how everything’s going? Bad! The worst! It’s a debacle and it’s your fault!! Anga remarks that this is such a lovely reception. All it lacks is a mariachi band. He and Remo laugh. Pastor continues his harangue; he’s been looking for Anga for days. He’s IRRESPONSIBLE. Anga notes that his brother is raising his voice, or….he sarcastically asks Remo if it’s just his nerves? Remo confirms that Pastor’s yelling. They joke about Pastor getting into Extreme Sports and laugh like crazy. Pastor, however, is not laughing. He tells Anga that because of Anga, he’s in a mess up to his neck. Anga tells Pastor first to give him an appropriate welcome, then makes him calm down to explain with all the details (con los pelos y señales). He points out that Pastor is screaming like a diva (vedette – star, starlet, chorus girl). Pastor agrees to calm down.

Ana sits, still in her robe, and chats with Nidia as Nidia gives the baby a bottle. [Ed. Note: this baby – or these babies – is/are the most mellow little ones in the world. Have we ever heard a peep?] Ana explains that Nidia has a very special (peculiar) personality. She pauses before “special” like the Church Lady on Saturday Night Live. But, Ana continues, Nidia is not a bad person. Nidia agrees, but remarks that she’s feeling very ashamed of all the ruckus she’s caused in the last few days. Ana comforts her and excuses her because of the memory loss; Nidia shouldn’t worry. Nidia bemusedly tells Ana that fortunately Marely had told Nidia that some time ago Nidia and Ana had “resolved our differences” and it seems we’ve become good friends. Ana smiles gently and nods to her. Who would have said it? The bells rings and Ana grimaces a little before excusing herself to answer. Kike bursts in, followed by Yadi—they almost knock Ana over running into the living room though Kike does say “excuse me” and asks where “she” is. Ana indicates and Kike demands that Nidia give him his baby. “You have no right to take the baby out of the house!” He shakes his finger at his mother-in-law. Nidia disagrees; she has a right as the grandmother. Kike agrees she’s the grandmother, but she took her, that was bad and behind their backs (escondidas - hidden). Yadi tries to move him away and move in front of her mother. She pleads gently with Nidia to give her the baby. Nidia points out she did nothing bad to the baby. Kike yells about it being purely a miracle, because Nidia is nuts. She could forget where she lives, and could lose his baby. Yadi resumes gently pleading to get the baby. Nidia confronts Yadi: is she also going against Nidia? [Ed. Note: Yadi is wearing a very…um…different top, with only one shoulder strap, if I am seeing right. But, it’s very Yadira.] Ana watches anxiously in the background as Yadira assures her mother it’s not that, and don’t play the victim, but give up the baby. It was an atrocity (salvajada). She has no idea how worried they all were, how scared. Kike decides enough is enough and goes in for the baby. Although he says excuse me, his tone is harsh and he demands her to give him the baby. Nidia whimpers and doesn’t want to comply. Kike asks Ana’s pardon. He and Nidia fuss at each other; she didn’t think it was such a big deal. She’s going with them; she left with the baby and with the baby she’ll return. Into this melee comes Paula. The door is still open, after all…Nidia tells Ana it’s such a shame, and Ana gives her a sympathetic look. Kike tells Yadi if Nidia goes nuts, he swears he’ll put her out of the truck. Yadi snaps back. Nidia begs that they let her take care of the baby and she promised to behave well. Kike yells “NO!” Nidia is crushed and backs off. He and Yadi storm out the door. Nidia looks at Ana, crestfallen, then walks out with Ana patting her back a little as she and Paula watch Nidia’s sad departure.

Anga is astonished that Pastor is suspected of being an industrial spy. A spy? You? Pastor explains how the one person who could have gotten him out of the mess is Anga. He has to explain to the bosses that Pastor had nothing to do with that matter. Anga looks at him, offended—do I have the face of a liar, or what? He wonders how Pastor could actually blame the boss, given Pastor’s history. The landscape is looking pretty dark for Pastor, Anga notes. Pastor tells his bro that Anga has to mitigate (ablandar) this with Don CL. Anga shakes his head and looks back at Pastor, eyes wide. Does he mean no way, or is he simply totally impactado?

Ana is fussing at Paula. Nidia Cachón is not the only crazy here, Ana’s own daughter is competing, and every day Ana has more evidence. Paula is indignant (her customary stance), and retorts, asking why? Because she has buried the hatchet [Ed. Note: could be a wrong translation, in fact, opposite of what she said “no me agarré del chongo] with Monica like Ana did with Nidia? Their case is similar. Ana points out the differences. Samuel was already dead, for example. Paula doesn’t think she had to wait to resolve all this with Monica. [Ed. Note: you haven’t resolved it, Paula, but you’re too nitwit to see that.] Just because they’ve been involved with the same guy doesn’t mean they have to be enemies like her mother believes. This is part of the therapy that Paula is taking. Ana retorts that it sounds lovely, very civilized. The only thing needed is that Monica feels the same way. Ana doubts it. Paula gives Moni the benefit of the doubt; deep down, she’s a decent person, and sincere. And if Mami doesn’t object, Paula wants to change the subject. Anyone especially? Paula wants to talk about Juan. NO! And Ana doubts that he will call again. Well, Paula thinks Ana has lots of doubts about him. Ana retorts that she’s a realist, and if she has doubts, it’s because Juan was not the least bit amused to learn that Paula has returned to CL. Why? Did Juan say something? No. But his tone of voice changed immediately. These things are easy to note. Paula obsesses on Juan calling again because she just HAS to talk with him. Ana shakes her head in disbelief at Paula’s obsession.

Marely strolls into the office, with a cute sparkly pair of jeans and nifty white jacket. She finds a lovely boxed arrangement of white, pink and green anthuriums on her desk. They’re huge—look just like the ones they grow on the windward side of the island of Hawai‘i (aka, the Big Island) just outside of Hilo. But, we know they’re from Juan’s tierra. Fern comes up behind her and leans into her ear to ask softly if she likes them. From her impactada-pleased look, we can safely say she does. Marely turns and beams at him, affirming her pleasure. They’re precious…did he bring them? Fern makes a shy, nervous gesture with his hands. He saw them where he was and brought them, a little gift, so pretty and he thought of her. She thanks him for the lovely gesture; she didn’t know he’d returned. She loops her hand in his arm and they walk around the desk. He tells her he couldn’t spend so much time far from the people he cares about. The lobby lizards look on.

In Achichipico, Juan and Susanna watch some workers, while Juan holds a potted plant and tells Susanna about the land—it lives, it has a life, is full of passion and colors like that anthurium. He philosophizes on, comparing it to a bleeding heart. What about white anthuriums? He hands the plant off to someone and changes the subject a little, showing where there will be lots of anthuriums and pulling out a brochure of plants. Juan explains how they’ll grow to the sky and have lots of colors. Susanna says she can picture it. For most folks, though, it’s just a business. She remarks that for Juan it’s more, something into which he’s putting his heart. He confirms it; for Juan Dominguez Coral it’s all or nothing. It’s not just a business, it’s a passion. Not just for him, either, but for all the people of Achichipico. She smiles lovingly at him and Juan thought bubbles about how this put a lot of cream on his tacos that day (made him feel pretty darn terrific). He wasn’t telling her any little lies, it was coming from his soul. He continues about how he has been bleeding for Paula and what’s developing with Susanna.

Fern has bent down in front of Marely’s desk to face her, and they have a little tête-à-tête. She’s concerned that her boss has asked for her in hysteria. He tells her she’s lucky; he hasn’t seen anyone else yet, not their bosses nor Pastor. He’s been waiting to give Monica his report. She’s jokes about what saint to thank for this miracle. Ivonne walks through the lobby in the background, eyeing them suspiciously. Fern makes a sarcastic crack when he notes her presence about how nice the day had been until this moment, what a shame. He smiles mischievously down at Marely who smiles back equally mischievously and rolls her eyes.

Juan gets a lovely little kiss from Susanna across the desk and tells him she’s going to the hotel. Will he come by later? They could eat together, or something. He thought bubbles as he gazes at her, preoccupied by that “something,” and aloud tells her yes, they’ll talk. But his demeanor changes and Susanna notes it as he goes off in his thought bubble again. He didn’t want to give her hopes, because not even he himself knew what would happen. Susanna nails him-Why? Has something happened? He hurries to tell her it’s not that, he has lots of unfinished tasks. She eyes him with a question in her eye, while he thought bubbles that what he’s really thinking about is calling his Palomita again. [Ed. Note: apparently Paula knows Juan better than her mother does.] Susanna touches his face and tells him fine, if he decides, she’ll still be there. She has No Plans. He thought bubbles that this is how he likes them, well behaved. He tells her he’ll let her know one way or another in a little while (te hablo o te caigo, my loose interpretation, tell me if I’ve missed the meaning, someone). Juan ushers Susanna out of the office in a little bit of a rush, with his hands on her shoulders, while he thinks about calling Paula, because according to her mother at this hour the marble rose would be at Ana’s house.

Well, Juan is right and probably a mind reader, because she’s there to answer the phone. Unfortunately, so is Laura, who is painting some little artsy objects with Ana. Juan thought bubbles when he hears her voice that his legs were turning to jelly at the moment. Paula asks who is it several times while he’s lost in thought and not responding, but is predictably ecstatic to hear his voice when he finally finds it. Laura is totally tuned in as soon as she hears Paula yell “Juan,” too—she and Ana turn around to look at Paula, in unison. Paula babbles on…. she’s so happy to hear his voice, so how has he been, etc. Juan is all business, fine, he’s simply returning her call—Licenciada. Paula doesn’t pick up on the tone of voice or choice of words. She thanks him for calling and tells him Ana had let her know he called, what a shame she wasn’t there. Juan’s spine stiffens as she stands tall in his office, listening to her voice and steeling himself to not fall into a trap. His voice gets harsh. “Yes, yes, she told me about you returning to your house with Don César Luis.” Juan thought bubbles that after that moment he doesn’t know what happened to him. But, he felt the urgency to tear this woman out of his heart (lit., let go of this woman), and all the irritation, spite, doubts, that had immobilized him such a long time. His face screws up with rage as Paula continues softly –with a rapt audience behind her – that she wanted to talk to him. He asks about what, Licenciada? Paula, still not registering the bad vibes, says she doesn’t know, for nothing special, but to now how he’s been. She’s excited that finally she can talk to him. Juan cuts loose and lets her have it with both barrels: frankly, he doesn’t understand her insistence in looking for him to call just to ask such stupid questions. Her face falls, she’s finally getting it. She stutters and he interrupts. Did she just need to tell him how happy she is with CL? Paula protests, no….and he interrupts again, yelling, what is it you want? To see if you still have the power to mess with my mind? Do you want to know if here, at your feet, I can offer you anything? Paula feels desperate; she’s lost control of this conversation and doesn’t understand qué the heck is happening. Why is he talking to her like this? He tells her they better drop the stupid games, because they’re not going anywhere, and do him the favor of LEAVING HIM IN PEACE because though it’ll be hard for her to grasp, he’s better off far from her and he’s succeeded in regaining his life there and he has no place in his life for her, nor for her damn memory. Is that clear, Señorita? He quiets and breathes again, while Paula’s tears come.

We are reminded that any similarity to reality is purely coincidental. And we are deeply grateful for that tonight.

Monday: Paula’s devastation, Moni’s comfort for CL, Juan’s remorse.

Vocabulary

Zoquetón – blockhead
Hombría – manhood, manliness
Vaporoso - diaphanous/sheer
Rendido – exhausted, worn-out (also submissive or obsequious)
Cuna – crib, cradle
Biberón – feeding, bottle, baby’s bottle
Aplastar – squash, crush, overwhelm
Bien metiche – already interfering enough, a great meddler
No pude evitarlo – I couldn’t help myself (lit. I couldn’t avoid it)
Con los pelos y señales – in great detail, with all the details
Si otra vez se le cruzaron los cables – if she’s flipped out again, lit. if again she got the cables crossed
En son de paz - in peace (lit. in the manner of peace)
Laguna – gap, one definition
Manicomo – insane asylum, mental hospital
Enchilada – annoyed, mad with someone, from enchilar
Puedes hacer lo que se te venga en gana: you can do exactly as you please (from venirle en gana a algn - do exactly as you please, whatever you feel like)
Estar en ascuas – to be on tenterhooks
Sátrapa – despot, from Latin

Jeanne

Labels: Juan

Camila has rightly told Santiago off, asking him how it’s ok for him to get married and knock up GRita but she isn’t allowed to move on. He tries to make her feel guilty by asking if she forgot him so quickly (um hello dude WIFE AND BABY?) and she sheds a fake looking tear.

Sofia is playing with Ursula’s daughter when Fortunata sweeps in and announces that Alvaro Fernandez de la Cueva, Ursula’s fiancé, has arrived. I like how they already call him her fiancé even though they haven’t actually met yet. Sofia reluctantly says goodbye to the little girl and goes to greet the Don. Fortunata then goes to tell Ursula that HE has arrived and she says “Ricardo?” No, the other HIM. Ursula reluctantly gets up to go meet him.

Alvaro tells Sofia his sad story about how his poor nephews, who were the heirs to his title, ‘mysteriously disappeared’ (the sound guy lets us know that something is fishy with that) and that his wife, their mother, then died of a simple fever after being so sick from missing them. Sofia is impactada. She asks how the kids disappeared, he says that they just were out one day and they were gone. Were they killed or kidnapped? He doesn’t know. Yeah right.

Jorge and La Font the rooster dig through the cofres of gold. La Font wants to keep a little bit of it, specifically a nice necklace of pearls he found. He looks at it with a look of lust normally reserved for women. The actor who plays La Font is also very good at acting with his eyes, he is very convincing when he is lusting, hating, or disbelieving. Marcelo is still the master of the stink eye, though. I don’t think we’ll see anyone perform that look better than him. The boys go back upstairs and are summoned to come meet Uncle Alvaro. Before going, they discuss how it will be difficult to sell the booty as it could be recognize. La Font doesn’t seem pleased at the whole ‘someone else marrying Ursula’ bit.

Out in the living room, Fortunata leads Ursula in to the room. Ursula has an enormous pink feather sticking straight up from the top of her beehive, like some kind of lavender Indian. Fortunata tells Uncle Alvaro that Ursula has a seven year old daughter, he tells her that she looks much to young to have a daughter that age. Ursula, who seems to be doing a Lis imitation and focusing on nothing, says she was married at age 16. Uncle Alvaro doesn’t seem to care about this, he is really checking her out good. I suppose back in the day with business arrangement marriages, actually getting hooked up with someone even remotely pretty is cause for celebration, he can’t believe his luck. Jorge finally arrives, he introduces himself and La Font. Jorge orders wine for all, then gets Uncle Alvaro to tell his story. He also asks how the kids disappeared. No answer right away, but the sound guy chimes in again with some music of doom.

Santiago comes home and whines to Ofelia about Camila getting married, he tries the whole “something’s not right about that guy” bit to cover his jealousy. Then, he explains that he ordered Vasco to tell Ines that he won’t marry her. He says he’ll never allow Ines to marry that loser Vasco.

Speaking of Vasco – he wants to write the ransom note for the ED card, he asks Bernabe (who I referred to previously as ‘the 4^th Musketeer’ because I couldn’t remember his name) to write the note, as Camila would know Vasco’s handwriting. Bernabe says no, Vasco says why not, Bernabe says “you know I can’t read or write!” I thought this was going to be an after school special, but they move on. Bernabe will hold the quill and Vasco will move his hand to shape the letters. I was impressed, they came up with that pretty quick and it’s a good idea.

Uncle Alvaro says he can’t stay long, he name drops the Virrey, he has an appointment or something. He asks if Jorge goes to the capital much for parties or whatever, Jorge says he prefers to have his own parties, where everyone kisses HIS butt rather than him having to go around kissing OTHER butts. He actually said that, in so many words. Uncle Alvaro asks where he should stay; Jorge insists that he stay at the palace. Sofia leaves to make preparations. The rest of them drink some more. Ursula looks not at all displeased at her prospects here.

After leaving the living room, Sofia says to Fortunata that Uncle Alvaro doesn’t seem like a good guy, he just fell into his title (like anyone who is born an heir isn’t just as lucky?) Fortunata says what’s wrong with luck, and he’s friends with the Virrey! Sofia, along with me, rolls her eyes.

La Font, of course, doesn’t like Don Alvaro either. Back in the privacy of Jorge’s office, La Font says the guy is pretentious, among other things. Because he, of course, is so perfect right? La Font says he lied about some stuff too. He said that Salvatierra is a poor area, he isn’t so high and mighty like he says. Jorge says whatever, as long as Ursula likes him. La Font says sure, then you’ll get that male heir you want. Changing the subject, Jorge says the cofres of gold and jewels are surely stolen. La Font says not necessarily, some business people will transport goods by caravan or other routes. Jorge says that the coins are from various places, so the owner is a business person or a thief. Then he says can you imagine if this was all the money in the world that this guy has? Now he’s poor! Poor Ric is right. He’s broke and doesn’t even know it yet. I guess he could just sail to Africa and spend two weeks and get rich again, just like last time. Jorge asks if anyone was left alive from the assault on the caravan. La Font says no. Then, La Font asks if he can keep the necklace of pearls. Jorge teases him that he wants it as a gift for Lis.

Camila shows up at the mill and runs into Bernabe leaving, he is nice to her but acts very nervous. Guilty conscience maybe. Camila goes inside and Vasco is staring out the window, sitting on his ass. “Working hard, like always!” my wife opines. Good one. She tells him that she has come to talk about Ines, who told Camila the whole story. Vasco says it was a mistake, etc etc.

Ursula admits to Fortunata that she kind of likes Uncle Alvaro. Fortunata just can’t shut up about how great he is, being friends with the Virrey! Gag me. Fortunata tells Ursula that if she marries this guy, she needs to stop fooling around, like with Vasco. She says she’s going to get back at both of them, Vasco and Ricardo. Fortunate wants to know what she’ll do, but Ursula doesn’t say.

Vasco keeps whining that he needs time to think. About what? Back then, you break the seal you buy the product. Simple as that. For some reason, maybe because she’s a big softie, Camila gives him FIVE days to think about it. Five days? Are you kidding me? He has been ‘thinking’ for two days already at least and has made no progress. Five days will just give him time to get that much farther out of town. Camils tries to convince him that Ines is a great catch and that Ines loves him. He says he knows. Why is he resisting so much? I guess because he doesn’t want to be responsible, it’s the only answer. He wants to go out drinking and whoring as he pleases. From what I’ve seen, being married doesn’t stop any men from doing those things, so what is he worried about? He can continue to be himself and as long as he doesn’t hit Ines, she won’t see him for who he really is, and he’ll be fine.

Manuela comes to the mill as Camila is leaving, she tells Camila about Ric’s new house and that she has been hanging out with Lis. Camila says whatever, Manuela says she knows the whole story and understands why Camila doesn’t like her. She doesn’t understand, though, why Camila is so down all the time, having a family and friends and men who love her, etc. She tells Camila that she only has one friend, Ursula, who isn’t really a friend, but at least her father wants her to spend time with Lis. She doesn’t know what’s in it for her father, but she’s happy to have another friend.

Lis is smelling the flowers. Fran approaches, all upset that the other whore, the first whore Camila’s friend, is going to come to nurse that ‘troglodyte’ (her word, I laughed) that is injured in the house. Lis freaks out and grits her teeth. She confronts Mario, who doesn’t back down. Mario basically says we need Pablo to live, Ric gave him orders and he follows orders by his code of honor. Lis says fine, but why Jimena? Fran starts in on the whole stealing the inheritance bit, Mario says whatever, he’s doing what he needs to do, the end. He stomps off, Lis turns into the incredible hulk and starts breaking stuff. Fran tries to calm her down. Of course we realize that Mario has one more reason to bring Jimena, because he luuuuuuves her.

Camila arrives at Santiago’s house looking for Ines, GRita appears and says Ines must be off with Paco. Camila says ‘uh thanks’ and turns around to leave quickly. She doesn’t want to deal with GRita any more, obviously. I don’t blame her. GRita catches up with her and says she is happy to hear of her engagement to Ric. “I imagine that when you’re married, you’ll move far away from here?” Nice thing to say to your sister. Camila says they haven’t discussed that yet. GRita says that with his business he’ll be all over the place right? Camila says “You want me to leave, right?” GRita says yes, because she wants things to get back to normal with Santiago. Camila says the thing with Santiago is over. Now he married GRita and they are having a baby. GRita asks if she still loves him. Camila starts to answer, then just says “Enough already. I’m sick of all your crap and your attitude sucks, so get over it, be happy, and leave me the hell alone.” Yeah! Finally! I would have thrown a few curse words in there too, telling her what a bitch she was, but I guess Camila is too polite for that. GRita actually says fine, you’re right, I’ll get over it. She then warns Camila to beware of Lis, because she is in love with Ric.

Lis is still going completely crazy, now she has to know if Ric has had sex with Camila yet. She says they are going to go over and ask her. She thinks that Camila has bewitched Ric with sex.

Uncle Alvaro sniffs Ursula’s hair, very creepy. I imagined him thinking “MMmmm I love the smell of hair that gets washed monthly.” Gross. They discuss what their married life would be like. They will live in Salvatierra, she can visit San Fernando whenever she wants. She’ll live like a Queen. They kiss and Fortunata, who is totally watching the whole thing from around the corner, spies on them. She runs inside to tell Sofia that they are kissing. Sofia, who is potting plants, doesn’t really care. She is only concerned with Ursula’s daughter. Fortunata wants to know if it’s ok for her to move away with Ursula, Sofia says sure, whatever. Fortunata dances around, imagining that she’s going to be going to parties in the capital. “It’s a dream!” Sofia, along with me again, can’t believe what she is seeing.

At the forge, Santiago is very pissy. Ascanio asks him what the problem is. Santiago again tries to mask his jealousy as concern for what kind of person Ric is. He tries to pump Ascanio for information, Ascanio doesn’t want to tell him anything more than “he’s a normal guy.” Ascanio tells him to forget about them. Whatever Santiago thinks, Ric is still the best person to protect Camila from Jorge. Santiago says what about Jorge? Ascanio says don’t be stupid, he knows the whole story. Santiago says if either Ric or Jorge hurt her, he swears he will kill them. Ascanio tells him again to stop being stupid and just worry about his wife and baby.

Camila comes home with apples for Claudio, Chismosa Cleo tells her she has visitors, Lis and Fran. Camila stifles an eye roll and groan, then goes to see them. Inside, Lis asks what is up with her and Ric, she doesn’t want to answer, which is an answer in itself. Lis tells Camila that Ric can’t ever have a relationship with him because he can’t have a wife, because he is an adventurer. Did he lead Camila on with talks of a wedding? Camila says yes, and really, it’s none of your beeswax. Lis then says yeah well he’s a PIRATE! Camila says yeah, I know. The wind is completely taken out of Lis’s sails. Camila says Ric was the captain of the boat that took her to La Mariana in the first place. Lis says if you know that how can you trust him? Camila asks, don’t you trust him? Lis says for her it’s different. Camila says for her it is different too. Good one!

Outside, Lis is falling apart crying while Fran tries to hustle her home. I’m sure she thought her pirate revelation was going to rock Camila’s world and it fell flat. Fran insists again that Camila bewitched Ric.

Camila stands by the window and wishes for Ric to come home. On his way home on a boat, Ric also comments that a voyage has never felt so long. Just then, the lookout calls ‘Land, ho!’

Ascanio goes to see Justo about a room, Justo says fine, and you can pay me whatever you think you should pay me. He can move in right away. Ascanio says he’ll wait until Camila’s fiancé comes home, he doesn’t want to leave her alone. Justo likes that attitude. Gosh, but that Ascanio is a swell fellow. Tip top.

Manuela gives La Font the latest dish. Stinky guys in Ric’s house, along with an injured guy, he was in a caravan that was assaulted. La Font wants to know who or what he saw, but the guy hasn’t woken up yet. Manuela starts to tell him about the inheritance thing, but he already knows about it. Manuela says she ran into Ascanio and would his freedom be lost if Camila’s marriage to Tim is voided? La Font says yes. Then he gets suspicious of all this Ascanio talk and wants to know how/when/why she saw him. He basically calls her a slut and wants to know if she is sleeping with Ascanio. She says of course not. He says if she is fooling around like that he’ll bury her alive. I love you too dad. What a louse.

Uncle Alvaro and Jorge walk through town, finalizing the business of the marriage. Jorge plays ‘mine is bigger’ by talking about how important he is. He shows off by breaking up a crowd of people yelling about something. Finally Jorge asks if he likes parties or whatever, Uncle Alvaro says he likes everything. EVERYTHING. What does that mean? Does it mean he also likes drugs, or also likes gambling, or also likes MEN, or also like assaulting caravans with his face covered but with his trademark hair proudly displayed? What does that mean? Whatever it means, Jorge likes it and they decide to go drinking.

Ursula tells Sofia that she is going to marry Uncle Alvaro and move to Salvatierra. Sofia says fine, but she wants the little girl to stay here with her. Ursula says fine without hesitation. Lots of love there. Fortunata says, “how can you ask her that? She is her mother!” Sofia says no, she has never been. And why is Fortunata getting upset after Ursula just said ok so fast anyway?

It’s night and Vasco is drunk. Bernabe wants to go extort Camila now, Vasco again wants time to think. They argue.

Jimena and Mario, the old married couple, tend to Pablo. Mario complains about Lis and how she is in love with Ric. Jimena says never mind her, but then wants to know if Ric really loves Camila. She says never mind, he’ll just say yes, since Ric is his boss. Mario decides to tell her the story of that night when Ric couldn’t sleep because he was so in luuuuuuuve with Camila. Jimena says really? Mario looks sad, she wants to know why. Mario says that love makes pirates weak. She says, is that bad? He says when survival is at stake, then yes, it’s bad. He says something about risk and they are about to kiss when Pablo wakes up moaning. Jimena very comically slams down the rag she had in her hand to go see what he needs. Mrs. Ferro and I both laughed out loud at that one, I guess she really wants her some Mario. Mario runs to the bed and tries to pump Pablo for information on the assault, Pablo says he saw them. Mario wants a description.

After getting to land, Ric buys a horse.

Uncle Alvaro and Lis walk through the square with an entourage of armed guards. I guess this was normal enough, but it’s funny. They are trying to act normal, but they have guards with rifles thisclose to them, right in their faces. They parade past Justo’s store, where Vasco glares at them. Ursula smiles at him for a long time in passing, twisting the knife.

Chismosa Cleo is telling Camila all about Uncle Alvaro and how Ursula is going to marry him. Camila says great, she couldn’t care less. Claudio starts coming down the stairs, so I was waiting for Cleo to say Alvaro’s name so we could have the impactado end of show moment, but she doesn’t. Camila gives her the night off so she can go the plaza that night and ogle the prometidos with everyone else. Camila tells Claudio that Ursula is getting married, but she doesn’t know the guy’s name. Claudio is bored. She suggests that he go to the plaza too to see what the hubbub is all about. Uh oh, Monday should have some good Claudio pissed off scenes.

Ric rides hard to get back home to his woman.

La Font tells Jorge that the engagement is the talk of the town. Jorge says whatever, as long as Ursula gets married. La Font changes the subject and says that he thinks the cofres of gold and jewels belong to Ric. Of course we knew that, but how did he figure that out?

Outside, Gonzalo shows up. This guy is a troll. He barges into Jorge’s office to deliver the news that Dr. Bonerficio died and he couldn’t get a new ED card. He also delivers the news that Lis has a cousin that is a pirate, who is also named Ricardo, just like the Ricardo that’s in town. Coincidence?

The song that plays when Camila dreams of Ric, something about ‘suenas de amor’, plays at the closing credits. This song annoys me for some reason, it sounds like it’s from a Disney movie. I guess it’s the Ric/Camila love theme.

Monday – Ric returns, swears that if Jorge touches Camila he’ll kill him.

Labels: Pasion

It seems a supreme irony that it falls to me to recap the gran final of this show, which I bailed on recapping months ago. I hope I can do it justice. (Please chime in, everyone else, including departed recapper Chris!) I found this episode quite tedious. There is little dialogue beyond insipid pleasantries as the characters meet to rehash at various gatherings.

This is only my third novela, but I thought it was a tradition that you have a wedding of the main characters in the last episode. I don't know if tradition has been broken before, but here, the main couple were already married and we had a tacked on amnesia fest for the last few weeks. Since the main couple are already married, we don't have their wedding in this episode. But nuptial fans will not be disappointed.

We start with the scene where our last living villains, Silvana and Manuel, are supposed to apologize to poor Frijolito. Of course, they do a bad job. He magnanimously says that even though they don't repent we should pray for them.

We now see a screen for "three months despues." Azul and Diego have adopted Frijo, and they're picking him up at the orphanage with Caty. He invites all his friends for a visit at his new house. The family goes home to the mansion, where Frijo sees his fantastic new room. Azul has a medium-size baby bump now. They talk about how it's three months till the new baby is coming. Hugs all around. Diego and Azul go alone to their bedroom where he gets more opportunities to kiss her tummy and call her "preciosa." I still see no chemistry between these two, and I still find him not much of a galan. Through the run of this show, I never got used to Diego. I am always taken aback when I hear his deep raspy voice emerge from his Keebler elf face.

Cut to a scene of Ceci preparing for her wedding. (She does look pretty. She is wearing a mermaid-style halter dress.) She is chatting with her bridesmaids Azul and Lidia. She is nervous, and the girls trade nervous bride stories. Clearly ignoring church teachings, Lidia says she and Tavo are waiting for their church wedding until they have hijos. And they're not doing that yet, since they are still enjoying their honeymoon. I still don't know what Tavo does for a living. Anyone?

Cecilia asks Azul if she is okay with her having asked Luis Felipe. She knows it's awkward, but at the last minute they decided to ask him to be padrino of the lazo (godfather of the lasso). This apparently is the person who assists in that part of the ceremony where they put on the twin rope.

Outside the church we see everyone meeting and greeting. Emilia is clutching her baby bump. She has been given special permission to get out of bed to attend. GCSSD seems to have stopped smoking for the last week or so, so we will call him GSD. He actually looks much better lately--not so disheveled/mad scientist.

LuisFe arrives and is introduced to his partner, the madrina of the lazo. Her name is Elena. He can now have a new girlfriend as consolation. They are going to help each other through the ordeal, apparently. He says this is the first time he had to play a part in a wedding.

The wedding takes place with essentially no dialogue to recap, lucky for me! GSD gives the bride away--he says she's like his own daughter.

I've taken a break to go shopping and get some soup on the stove. Now back to the show.

Here's what we have all been waiting for: What happened to Silvana and Manuel?
The scene setter tells us we're in Las Vegas, and the camera pans over what purports to be the wheels of a slot machine. Then we see a shot of Silvana trolling a casino for male prospects. She is leaning against a wall, sulkily smoking a cigarette. Her face looks kind of dirty, and she is clearly down on her luck. And wouldn't you know--her hair has grown at least 8 inches (or she is no longer wearing that fake short wig).

Manuel seems to be Silvana's pimp. He tells her that he has found a perfect client for her--perfect for her special charms. He's a producer, and maybe she can even wangle a role in one of his films. But smile, he adds--with that look you won't manage to get anything. He takes her over to a poker table where a fat man in a Hawaiian shirt is playing. He is introduced as Mr. Hughes (is she supposed to think he is the reincarnation of Howard Hughes?). You get the feeling that he is a porno producer. The man says "sit down" in accented English, and she obeys sullenly. This is pretty sad, even though we wanted to see her come to a bad end. Moreover, this scene was really low budget. They didn't even try very hard to make it look like Vegas. This cheap set would hardly pass muster at Casino Night at the VFW.

Back to the main action.

After the wedding, Ceci comes over to the castle (is this Mo's old house?) to visit. The honeymoon was really great, yada yada yada (a bit too much information for my taste, if you know what I mean). Th;is part made me remember poor old Andres. Well, at least he's alive and well over at Pasion.

Azul teases her about having a baby--she wants to be an aunt. Then, wouldn't you know it--something is wrong with Azul's pregancy. She is rushed to the hospital at only seven months.

The three gay caballeros--better known as Julio, Arnaldo and Efrain--are discussing the latest episode of Project Runway, or whatever they do in their busy fashion business. They get a phone call and rush to the hospital.

Luis Fe is needed to do the special treatment to save the baby. Once again, everyone is wondering if this will be awkward. Come on--are there no other doctors in all of the DF? Diego is in the delivery room with Azul. Good thing he is wearing a surgical mask for some of this--so it will keep us from seeing how he is laughing. Diego wants to make sure they do everything for Azul so she doesn't suffer. He says "I am here for you."

Meanwhile, Gloria talks to Chucho about Silvana. She wants her to change her attitude. Too late!

Back in the delivery room, LF is there to check the dilation. Please save my baby, Azul cries. LF tells her to bend her knees and relax. Ewww. Uh-oh. No dilation. He has to perform a C section. Azul faints in the OR. Finally, the baby is born, and we actually get to see a gross bloody plastic cord getting cut. I swear, I am not making this up.

The baby has no heartbeat, but--surprise, surprise, he's revived. It's all so exciting, that Emilia, in the waiting room, goes into labor too!.

Two weeks later, the family is having a welcome-home party for Azul's little boy, who is now released from the neonatal ward. The children have planned a party for the homecoming. Everyone talks about how wonderful everything is. Diego and Azul go off alone to the side and trade endearments. She says that sometimes she lost hope, but something kept her going. He will love her always--a love without limits--and they kiss.

And that's it, believe it or not!
I won't say it's been fun recapping this show, but it's always great to connect with all the people who participate in this web site. See you at Diablo.

Labels: amar

Two requests, anybody can play!

"First, the easy one: At the blog page Pasión photos and profiles page, we could post new significant characters we figure out, so people could go there for reference.

Second: could you make a blog page for the panoramic scene at the beginning of the show, when they play the opening credits? It goes so fast, but it is obviously full of hints about who ends up with whom. People have posted observations on various days' blog pages. If you had one blog page dedicated to the topic, we could post all comments there, and people like me who are utterly clueless, might have some hope of figuring it out."

Would one of the recappers like to take on the start of that second challenge? Have at it, y'all!

Labels: Pasion

Looks like the perpetrators . . . er, I mean the cast of the show we love to hate will be appearing on Cristina this week. It's amazing that she gives the exposure to all the shows, no matter whether they are good or bad.

Labels: amar

We get the usual repeat of last night’s ending. I won’t rewarm the leftovers, they really were best fresh. I’d do them no justice, so I suggest you read the hilarious recap from Wed. if you missed it.

LuisFe is at Emilia’s and so is Azul. Their song begins to play. Azul’s glad to have a chance to talk to him, he apologizes for leaving the church, but he had to get out of there because it was so painful for him. She apologizes to him because it was never her intention to hurt him and that what she felt for him was real---it was what she felt at that moment. LF says that seeing Diego changed all of that. He knew it could happen, that she’d get her memory back and he’d end up with the short end of the stick, but he was willing to risk it. LF is ever the gentleman and says that as long as he knows that Azul will be happy, then that’s enough. He can live with their memories. They both blather on about how neither one is to blame and that they are both sorry. Then Azul says something that bugged me and I had to watch it a couple of times to make sure I got it right….she tells LF that if she knew him before then he would have been the love of her life. This just seemed so odd to me, did it strike any one else as odd? Anyway they hug and Diego walks in at this moment and we cut to commercial.

Mario tells Emilia that she should rest. That nothing is more important than her baby. She tries to explain why she felt the need to get to the church---Silvana needed her. I say Silvana isn’t worth it, especially not at the expense of the health and well-being of your child, but you know that Emilia-- she’s ever the caretaker.

Diego wants to talk to LuisFe. He doesn’t punch him (as I actually expected him to do) he wants to thank him for being there for Azul, for helping her when she was lost and alone. (I daresay, there is some growth in the eleventh hour for our Diego) LF gives Diego the same line about seeing Azul happy is enough for him and as long as Diego will make her happy that’s all he needs, blah, blah. The best part of LF’s whole schpeil is that he tells Diego that the baby is his. Diego is obviously impactado. It is what he and Azul hoped for and he hugs his wife, overcome with emotion.

Silvana is sitting on a bridge overlooking a busy road. She contemplates jumping. I’m at home encouraging her to take the jump. She didn’t hear me. She has a little conversation with herself (she is crazy, after all). “Don’t be stupid, you can go and get back everything that is lost to you”. We don’t get to see her splattered on the highway in her wedding gown, darn.

Diego tells LuisFe that he would like to be friends, but realizes that under the given circumstances that would really be hard. LF agrees and says that all he wants is to get away from here. Thanks are offered again from both Diego and Azul. LF wishes all three (Diego-Azul-baby) happiness. Alfredo walks in, offers his thanks and tells LF that he’s a great doctor.

After commercial, Diego and Azul are now home. They both apologize and ask for forgiveness for messing around with Silvana and LuisFe respectively. They agree to forgive and forget---they intend to start anew. Azul says that Diego is the only love of her life (what about the earlier comment to LF?). Diego tells her that she is his life and will always be his. He slips her wedding band on her finger, which despite her being pregnant and most likely puffy, slides on easily and still fits. Oh the marvels of television.

The next morning Chonita fawns over Azul and express her true happiness at having Azul back home (IMHO she’s just happy to be rid of Silvana, who treated her so poorly). Diego and Azul decide they need to go pick up Caty and head to the chapel to pray. Our next scene is them praying in the chapel at the orphanage. Caty is in the middle and they all join hands. Azul asks about Frijolito, and they all go to see him.

Frijolito is so happy to see Azul. They hug and she says something about him figuring out who she was. He spills the beans (no pun intended) about what really happened---how evil Silvana was and how Manuel was involved. Diego says that Manuel is his father and Frijolito is surprised that such a nice guy as Diego would have such a cad as a father. Diego and Azul agree that they need to help Frijolito get out of juvie (which actually looks like he’s still at the orphanage, but I just figured they were trying to save on their set budget—why build a new set for the last few days of the show).

Silvana is eating breakfast in the hotel when Manuel finds her. He shows her a copy of one of the papers giving all the details of the wedding. She blames him. He blames her mother. She has some other choice words to say to Manuel and tells him that his cash cow is gone forever. She can’t spare him any change because she’s going to have to watch her money really carefully because her career is sure to be over. He says, not necessarily, there are plenty of celebrities who create scandals just to keep their name in the press (Britney Spears come to mind?). Silvana could use this whole thing to her advantage. The waiter comes over at this point, and gives Silvana some attitude and makes reference to the wedding that wasn’t. She plays the diva and gives him major attitude right back. The manager comes over and tells Silvana that she is no longer wanted as a guest at their hotel and she needs to vacate the premises immediately. Silvana continues the diva mode and says she’s sooooo out of there. Manuel, afraid that he’ll be stuck with the bill makes a hasty exit right behind her.

Diego tells Frijolito that they will make sure to teach Silvana and Manuel a lesson. Frijo it going to the police station to denounce Silvana and Manuel. The two will be charged with calumnia (slander).

Diego calls his mom and fills her in on what they found out from Frijo. Clemi makes a comment about how low Manuel has sunken, but she wouldn’t have thought he’d sink so low as to harm an orphan. Speaking of el rey de roma, the phone call is cut short when Clemi bumps into Manuel and Silvana. Come to find out, Clemi’s come to the hotel to find Silvana as a favor to Emilia. Clemi tells Silvana that Emilia is concerned and wants to make sure that Silvana gets help. Silvana says there is no need, she’s not crazy and doesn’t need any psychobabble from anyone. Clemi tells Silvana that the person in front of her is so drastically different from the nice woman she met how many ever months ago. She urges Silvana to change her ways and to get help. Then Clemi tells Manuel that he’s hopeless, he’s always been cinico and tramposo (cynical and deceitful/ a cheat). She then tells Silvana and Manuel that Frijolito intends to denounce them. Silvana says that his accusations are absurd. Just then Bruno shows up and overhears. He says that he’s also going to testify against the two of them.

LuisFe has flashbacks to his romp in the waterfall with Azulcena. His mother can tell he’s thinking of her and tries to comfort him. He’ll find another girl to love someday.

At the boutique, Gaspar is reading the recount of the wedding that wasn’t to Chucho, Gloria, Julio and Arnie. Gloria says she’s worried about her daughter and that she hopes she’ll be able to make peace with her. Julio says he hopes that Silvana sees the evil of her ways and repents.

Caty asks Azul and Diego if Frijo can come to live with them. Teasing Caty a little, Diego acts like the idea never even crossed his mind. Azul and Caty use their combined female charms to win him over, but they weren’t necessary because Diego was into the idea from the get go---and we, the viewing, audience has known for weeks that our little bean hero will get the happy ending and be adopted into the loving central family, so the pieces are falling into place. Diego and Azul tell Caty that it isn’t easy to adopt, there are many things that they will need to do and get approved. So they make her promise to keep it a secret, not say a word to Frijolito, as they get all the details worked out with the officials.

Frijolito gets his freedom and the judge has declared him to be innocent of the crimes he was accused. We find out his name is really Roberto Sanchez, but he’ll always be Frijolito to us. Anyway, he says that he really doesn’t want to accuse Silvana and Manuel of slander, he just wants them to apologize for what they’ve done.

Manuel and Silvana have been summoned to the orphanage. The diabolical duo meets with Frijolito’s lawyer. He tells them of Frijo’s wish for an apology. Silvana acts all indignant and says absolutely not. Manuel hops on her bandwagon and says apologizing would be humiliating. The lawyer says, well I guess you can leave….you know the way out and soon you’ll know the inside of jail.

Clemi and Anibal discuss the latest happenings. Clemi’s upset to think that she was ever married to a person like Manuel. Anibal reminds her that she wouldn’t have her children, her pride and joy, if not for Manuel. (My mother says that often to my sister about her ex-husband. My sister’s flip comeback is that yes, her children are awesome but she can only wonder how much greater they would have been if she would have selected higher up in the gene pool. It makes me laugh every time she says it, and I actually like my ex-bro-in-law). OK, back to the show, Clemi says, yep Diego and Lidia are the 2 best things Manuel ever did (and if you think about it, his part in the whole deal could be summed up in a matter of seconds---I could have said minutes but I’m going out on a limb here and say that Manuel isn’t probably the most giving lover---more like the wham-bam-thank you ma’am type).

MS meets with LF. He’s leaving his position as the orphanage doctor. They say their goodbyes. Mario, I guess, will be taking LF’s place. Is there really a need for an OB-GYN at an orphanage? As LuisFe is leaving the orphanage, he sees the Moran family arrive. Diego acknowledges LF and Azul gives a wave. The three of them look so cute together, it’s got to be a dagger in LF’s heart.

MS takes Manuel and Silvana to see Frijolito. Apparently they’ve agreed to offer up the apology. Silvana tries to use her smarm on the MS, telling her that Frijo is wrong, but finally MS’s bulls**t meter is working and she doesn’t fall for it. They enter the room where Frijolito is waiting, along with everyone else……END OF EPISODE

Labels: amar

EPISODE 29:

* Jesus and Mario walk into the underground tunnel. Mario looks around at the pirates and doesn't find Lazaro. Jesus explains how he left for food and drink and when he returned Lazaro had left. Mario fumes and presses Jesus against the wall for letting Lazaro escape. Jesus complains it wasn't all his fault. Mario lets him go and scolds the others for letting Lazaro leave. Guerrero and two others speak up about attempting to stop Lazaro but Lazaro has a mind of his own and left. Mario orders everyone to search everywhere for Lazaro and drag him back there like the pig that he is. Mario mounts his horse and leaves.

* Mario rides into town, first to search the saloon, then through the streets, the cafe, hotel marketplace, and even the brothel -- no sign of Lazaro anywhere.

* That night, Uriel rides back to Alberto and crew with news about the caravan coming. They lay in wait on top of the cliff overlooking the road. Below them are Juancho and his crew of pirates laying in wait for the same caravan. Caravan with multiple guards riding on horses in front come down the dusty forest road. The wire is tripped. Two guards and horses fall down. Pirates spring down the cliff to the road and start to swordfight with the guards. Pablo rides up front and dismounts and yells at the caravan to turn back, it's an ambush. Tuerco(?), crazy on adrenaline, doesn't hear Pablo yell at him who he is and stabs him in the chest. Pablo drops to the ground. Juancho and the rest take out all the rest of the guards and take off with the cart, and Rico's treasure chests.

* Mario and crew return to the tunnel. No luck so far finding Lazaro. One makes a smart-aleck remark and Mario slugs him, steps on him and tells him to just do his job. Man jumps up and asks just what is this job anyway?

* Alberto and crew watch Juancho and crew take off with the cart. They head down to the road and follow. Pablo rolls his eyes; he is just barely alive.

* Alberto and crew catch up with cart. As driver pleads, Alberto shoots him dead. One lone pirate pops up from the back and two of Alberto's crew stab him dead.

* Lazaro wanders down to the road. He finds half-dead Pablo; flips him over and says "Well, well, Pablo." He kicks dirt on Pablo and leaves quickly.

* Back at the tunnel, Mario and crew wait. Guerrero and other return with news about an ambush on the road outside of town. Mario wonders about Lazaro. Guerrero isn't sure. They leave quickly.

* Alberto walks Jorge, still in his pajamas and robe, down to the mansion dungeon room. Alberto shows Jorge the chests they picked up tonight; and all the riches inside each one. Alberto assumes that it is pirate treasure. Alberto, Uriel and Matias are giddy with joy over the loot. Jorge is stunned.

* Team Mario gets to the road. Mario jumps off his horse and finds Pablo on the ground, gravely wounded. Mario realizes that they got "Antillano's" money. Mario checks and realizes Pablo is still alive. Mario grumbles and then orders Jesus to investigate and meet them back at Rico's hacienda. Mario, Guerrero and other man take Pablo to the hacienda.

* In the office, Alberto, Matias and Uriel report to Jorge about the pirate ambush team and how they eventually stole the chests from them. Alberto is all but convinced that they are indeed pirates. Jorge says, "What a pity for them, but what luck for us!" Uriel toasts to their success. Matias wonders when they will start to split up the fortune. Jorge advises to wait for things to calm down before divvying it up.

* Jesus opens the gate of the hacienda as Mario and team ride inside. They stop in front to dismount and carry Pablo inside.

* As Guerrero and Mario light the candles in the bedroom, Mario then takes a look at the wound on Pablo. He tells Guerrero and the other guy to get some stuff from the kitchen and get Pablo comfortable in bed; he's off to find a faith-healer.

* At the front gate of Ofelia's house, Mario stands and bangs on the door and shouts for "Santo!" Santo hobbles out in his long john pants and unbuttoned shirt. Mario tells him he needs Ofelia's help right now; he has an injured man at the hacienda. Santo looks confused. Mario says for the love of G-d and Santo Cristo, please. Santo goes inside to get Ofelia. Mario is worried.

* In the bedroom, as Ofelia starts to examine Pablo's wound, Mario asks her to try and save him. Ofelia will do what she can and asks Guerrero and the other guy to help keep Pablo immobile. Mario leaves to talk with Santo. Ofelia empties her basket of the herbal treatments on the table.

* In the salon, Mario tells Santo about the ambush and robbery tonight, about all the men killed along with Pablo. The caravan was bringing Rico's possessions to the hacienda. Santo wonders about valuables. Mario thinks not much. Ofelia enters the salon and tells Mario she did what she could for tonight, now it's up to G-d. Mario tries to pay her. She refuses, and tells him to give Pablo the balsamic three times a day. She will return in the morning to check on Pablo; and bring over the bedspreads that Dona Fran had ordered. Mario walks Santo and Ofelia to the salon door. They leave. Guerrero enters the salon; Mario grumbles to him, How could this happen? Captain is going to kill someone when he finds out. grumble. grumble. Demon.

* Cami tosses and turns in her bed. She can't sleep. She smiles with the happy thought of Rico telling her to trust him. She sits up, and asks, Why am I always thinking about him?

* Rico, sitting on deck of ship, thinking about his conversation with Don Gaspar (about clearing his name). Rico murmurs, "why?"

* From high atop the fortress wall, Lazaro spies on the pirate party below and La Paisana wandering through the mass of people.

* In the hacienda salon, Jesus startles Mario awake to report in on what they found on the road - tracks that lead in one direction then take a detour in another direction. Mario is puzzled.

* In the kitchen, Ofelia and Santo talk about Rico's 'servants'. Santo grumbles about why Cami won't take his advice and not trust the guy. Ines stops by, still sad. Santo is curious where they are going. Ofelia explains and asks Ines how she is feeling. Ines says fine, fighting back the tears. Santo says don't worry, sis. I spoke with Ascanio and he has agreed to break off the engagement. Ines says thank you, then runs inside. Ofelia asks Santo to speak with Vasco. Santo refuses and hobbles to the shop.

* Manuela and Alberto in his office. She reports in about her day with Lis and Fran at the hacienda. She wonders if Rico is wealthy? Alberto glares at her and refuses to answer.

* Fran and Lis say good-bye and thank their hosts Jorge, Sofia and Fortunata. Sofia says they have an open invitation to visit whenever they wish. Fortunata walk Fran and Lis outside. Jorge walks to the side salon. Sofia wonders what he's up to now? He asks why she always thinks so poorly of him? She says she knows him too well, and knows he's up to no good. He takes her hand and tells her some romantic sweet nothing to her. Her eyes swell up with tears and she tells him it has been many years since he last said that to her. She takes her hand back and leaves.

* Santo talks with Justo outside the market, as Justo unloads the supply cart, about Justo possibly renting Ascanio a room at his house. Ascanio wants a place of his own and not feel like a "moocher" at Cami's house. Inside the market, Cami and Rita have a short pleasant conversation. Justo looks in and shouts to Cami. Santo walks in to greet her and then leave. Rita feels invisible again, and Cami and Justo walk away together.

* In the market office, Cami and Justo discuss Rico, when he will return and the marriage proposal. Justo supports her and will play an idiot if Jorge ever asks. She feels like an embarrassment to the family. Justo assures her that's not the case, don't worry about it. They then discuss her money loan and he insists on repayment; she says her fortune is the family's too. He says they'll talk about that later. He reminds her how much like her mother she is - pretty, kind, happy.

* Mario and Jesus walk around to the front yard of the hacienda - Mario is still puzzled by the direction change of the tracks. Mario does his own "Oh, Crap" version as he spots the coach pull up outside the gate. Jesus opens the gate and Mario welcomes Fran and Lis to the hacienda. Fran panics with the sight of two strange men walking out of the house. Mario explains that there's been a problem. Lis is angry and doesn't want anything to do with it. Fran shuts her up and asks Mario about the problem. Mario explains about Pablo's injury and he's recuperation inside the house. Fran and Lis are stunned. Mario snaps and says they can take up their grievances with Rico when he returns. He and Jesus leave. Fran whispers to Lis that is what they will do, and they walk to the house.

* Rita waits on customer as Cami and Justo come back to the market. Justo hugs Cami and then goes to talk business with peddler out front. Rita asks Cami when she'll invite her over to her house - Cami says no invitation needed, you can come whenever you want. Cami leaves.

* On the street, Cami finds Jimena. Jimena tells Cami that Claudio went to find Ines. Cami tells her that Ines is the woman Claudio was referring to the other day. Jimena is surprised. Cami explains what Santo told her about wanting Ines to marry Ascanio, and she is infatuated with Vasco. They walk away together and gossip.

* Tuerco and companion find Lazaro on the wall sleeping.

* Tuerco and companion hogtie Lazaro's hands and drag him down to the patio grounds. Juancho greets Lazaro and thinks Lazaro is there as a spy for Antillano. Lazaro says no, he isn't a spy. Juancho doesn't believe him and beats him up. La Paisana comes out to break it up, backs Juancho and others away from Lazaro. She unlatches the rope from his hands.

* Santo finds Ascanio and Claudio out at the picnic tables. They talk and walk back to the shop. Santo tells Ascanio that Justo has agreed to rent out the room to him. Ascanio has to explain to Claudio why he has to move out - he doesn't want to be a "kept" man. Claudio understands but hoped he would wait until Rico returned, then mentioned Rico's promise to help him recover his inheritance at Salvatierra. Santo is stunned and Claudio has to explain. He and Ascanio inadvertently let it slip that they knew Rico from La Mariana island (which is contrary to what Cami had previously told Santo).

* In the dining hall, la Paisana and Lazaro talk about Ricardo and his new hacienda and Mario. Juancho doesn't believe it. Paisana knees Juancho in the groin and orders everyone to leave the hall. She returns to talk with Lazaro - he shows his ego and says that he is a better captain that Antillano. Paisana and everyone laugh. Lazaro is offended. Paisana grabs his face and sits him back down. Lazaro continues about Mario's death threat, then about witnessing the latest pirate ambush, of which there were several of Antillano's men hurt and killed. Tuerco stands up and proudly proclaims he did it, he killed Paisana's son with the twist of his knife. She glares as he cackles. She presses her hand on his good eye and stabs him in the chest. He falls dead on the table. She wipes her dagger on his shirt and says when a dirty dog dies, he doesn't get clemency. She huffs and leaves the hall. Juancho mumbles.

* Paisana, in her room, sits on her bed and cries. (ed. note: so Pablo must be Paisana's son.)

* In the courtyard, Claudio and Ascanio tell Cami about their slip with Santo. She isn't too worried about it. Ascanio agrees to go to Rico's hacienda and ask about any word from Rico and his arrival date. Cami gives him directions. He leaves. Claudio and Cami sit down - Claudio is upset because Ascanio is moving out to Justo's house. Cami sighs and says he does have the right to have his own life. Claudio wonders when he will get that chance too. Cami tells him to be patient, wait for Rico to return and complete his promise. Claudio wants to go and kill his cousin. Cami says don't talk like that.

* In the bedroom, as the guy works on the compresses, Ines and Ofelia care for Pablo's wound and wonder about the other scars. The guy covers with explanation that the scars are from beatings by his former master.

* Ascanio enters hacienda yard and asks Lis and Manuela where Mario is. He needs to speak with him. Lis antagonizes Ascanio about where he is living. Ascanio mentions to Manuela to tell her father, he doesn't need that loan, he has a job and is earning money. Lis laughs/cackles about Ascanio having a job. Ascanio leaves the message for Mario and leaves the hacienda. Lis then reveals to Manuela that Ascanio was the butler for her father in La Mariana, and that Cami was bought at auction and Tim married her and she inherited his estate and her freedom letter. But once they prove the marriage was never consumated, due to Tim's advance age, she will get the whole entire estate back. Manuela hides her curious interest behind her fan.

* Inside the salon, Ofelia explains to Fran about Pablo's injury and treatment. Fran is disinterested - let the guys handle it. Ofelia and Ines leaves.

* Out by the front gate, Ofelia rambles on about Pablo - his family, scars - then asks Ines what's wrong? Ines continues to say she has a stomach ache. Mario rides up to the gate and greets them. Ofelia reports to him that Pablo is still the same, she doesn't think he will survive.

* On the street, Ines isn't paying attention to Ofelia as she rambles on and on about her doubts and questions about Rico as a businessman. Ines has to go visit Cami right now and leaves.

* Mario is in the bedroom. Guy complains about doing a woman's work in caring for Pablo. He thinks Pablo should die; Mario says shush about that, he is the one person who can tell them what happened at the ambush and stole Ricardo's stuff. Guy grumbles about the work. Mario says shush and just do it.

* Ines cries to Cami in her salon - about Ascanio and Santo's talk to break off the engagement. Cami suspects about Vasco's involvement. Ines breaks down and tells Cami about the other night, when Vasco drunk as usual made out with Ines in his room. Ines is scared to tell Santo, he may hit and hurt Vasco. Cami grumbles Vasco deserves it. Ines confesses that she consented to it (not rape). Cami promises to help - she will first talk with Santo, then Vasco and then to Ofelia and Justo. She assures Ines that Ofelia and Justo will understand - no hitting or fighting. They hug.

* Pancho, Crispin, Ascanio and Santo are busy at the blacksmith shop. Jimena wanders it and bugs Ascanio about being too busy for her. She then pulls Santo aside to tell him that Cami needs to speak with him right now. He hobbles to the house to change. Jimena leaves.

* Mario finds Jimena on the street as a caravan rolls passed. He asks her for a huge favor and explains about the ambush last night and Pablo's injuries.

* Outside the mansion, Don Alvaro has arrived at the door and the guard leads him inside.

* In the courtyard, Mario talks with Cami about the ambush and the stolen items of Rico's. Jimena joins them. Santo arrives. Mario and Jimena leave. Cami and Santo go inside the house.

* In the salon, Santo tears into Cami about letting Jimena go away with Mario and for trusting Rico and his men so much; why didn't she tell him anything about La Mariana. She wonders why he's so interested? He asks what she's hiding? She's not hiding anything and changes the subject to Ines - but after looking at Santo's angry face, she doesn't want to talk to him at all. He's concerned about her. She thanks him for the concern, but thinks he just doesn't want any man to be at her side but him. She tells him, you can have your life, and I have a right to live my own too! He gulps and asks about Ines. She mentions Vasco. Santo explodes and shouts Vasco will never be permitted to marry Ines. Cami tries to convince him of Vasco's good qualities. Santo doesn't want to hear it; his mind is made up, Vasco hasn't changed and never will. Santo asks Cami about her feelings for Rico - she says yes. He gulps again.

Labels: Pasion

Ivonne gets her nasty friend Erika to fake CL's lab results so that the doctor ends up telling CL he has prostate cancer. CL is convinced there must be some mistake. (If he only knew!!) The doctor tells CL his cancer is so advanced the only option is to operate immediately, otherwise it's only a matter of time.

Erika calls Ivonne to tell her CL is getting the bad news at this very moment, ha ha. Nasty Erika reveals she swapped out somebody's old lab result in place of CL's. Folks we can all breathe a sigh of relief that some poor innocent guy is not involved in this diabolical plot. Whew!!

Erika suddenly decides she's worried about her job. Duh! Ivonne advises her to blame it on human error. Oh, that's OK then, being life-or-death incompetent is so much better than just being mean and stupid. Ivonne is happy to hear the doctor is knife-happy. She figures a few days of suffering is the very least that CL deserves.

CL wants a second opinion and the doctor encourages him to get it. Quickly. Every minute he waits puts him closer to the tomb. Then the doctor gives CL the final blow. Sometimes as a result of surgery the nerves are damaged. CL might not be able to resume a normal sex life.

In the privacy of their bedroom Nidia confronts Delirio about what Yadi said. She accuses him of exaggerating their feelings for each other. He pleads his case, did they or did they not just have a night of passion? (Ick.) Nidia waffles. Delirio says they are like Antonio and Cleopatra. She rolls her eyes.

CL finds Paula in the waiting room. Stunned, he tells her he has a grave (no pun intended, he really said it) problem and he'll tell her about it at home.

Nidia tells Delirio that last night was a revolting manipulation on his part. He's a degenerate! She throws pillows at him as he yelps out the names of the world's great lovers.

Angarita is leaving Achichipico against Juan's protests. Juan NEEDS Anga, what will he do without him? Anga assures Juan they will remain partners but he has to leave town. Juan gives him a big hug.

Delfina finds out from the hotel dude that Anga checked out and headed for the bus station. She dashes out to stop him.

Anga gives Juan a check, a big one judging by the look on Juan's face. It's his first contribution to the business. Anga says he views Juan like a son and they hug once more. Juan looks so very sad, poor guy.

Yadi, in the interest of helping along Ma's memory, tells Nidia that she (Nidia) had lovers before, during and after marriage. Nidia tries to look aghast, she says she's a decent woman. "But with a roving eye," adds Yadi. Nidia is very disappointed to hear that Juan, the chomi chomi in the photo, was NOT one of her conquests.

Fer is also getting on the bus to leave Achichipico. He advises Juan that for better or for worse he should probably give Paula a call. Juan bids farewell to his pals as the bus pulls out of town. Poor Delfina runs up but she's too late, she's missed the bus.

CL pouts on his bed until Paula forces him to reveal his diagnosis. An eavesdropping Consuelo gasps and prays when he tells Paula he has cancer. The doctor is optimistic about an operation, but CL might end up with DDDS. (Droopy Ding-Dong Syndrome as coined by Julie in her Pasion recap.)

CL gets all self-pitying, as if getting a boner (pardon my bluntness) is the single most important aspect of lovemaking. Boo hoo, he'll be an incomplete man and he doesn't want Paula's pity.

Since CL is not in the office Delirio approaches Pastor about his Very Important Sofwhere Presentation. He blathers on until Pastor finally calls Monica for permission.

Moni is still annoyed at Pastor for committing industrial espionage (she thinks), so she snippily tells him that if CL gave the project to Delirio then Pastor should go forward and quit bothering her with these stupidities! She hangs up on him but Pastor pretends she respectfully gives him authorization to do whatever.

Gutis, slobbering on his cigar, and Manzano, he of the greasy comb-over, ogle Marely while Delirio is in Pastor's office. Delirio comes out and says convincing Pastor to buy the S/W will be a piece of cake. Delirio is very insulting and calls Pastor an idiot, a wig-wearer, no different from the songs of the ugly sex. (Los cantos del sexo feo...que the hell?) Anyway, I'm sure it's a derogatory term for homosexual, as if that should make a difference in Pastor's ability to make decisions. Pastor is a putz no matter what his sexual persuasion.

Juan tells Susana that he's going to Juanito's school. She says she'd love to go. Juan says why not, Juanito loves beautiful women and he does too.

Consuelo the ratfink calls Moni to give her the bad news that CL has cancer. Moni is impactada.

Paula goes home and tells Ana she's packing her bags because she has to be at her husband's side. Ana comments that a woman going home to her man should at least have a happy face. This is Pau's cue to tell her ma that CL has cancer. One more impactada.

Manzano, flanked by Delirio and Gutis, gives his presentation to Pastor. He keeps winking, thinking he can flirt his S/W into the company. Pastor asks Manzano if he has something in his eye. Pastor asks the usual questions, how much does the product cost, is it guaranteed? Manzano suggests that if Pastor has his doubts he'd be glad to give him a private demo, wink wink.

The three S/W pirates march out of the office single file toward the elevator as Mari gawks. Once inside they congratulate themselves on their victory. Sofwhere whore reigns supreme!

CL shows up at the office and Ivonne snarkily asks him how his exam went. "Oh fine," he lies.

Moni follows him into his office and says he looks a little down. What did the doc say? She tries to get the truth out of CL but he refuses to tell her.

Juan and Susana hang out at Juanito's school. She takes his hand and Juan thought-bubbles that they were on dangerous territory, on the precipice, on the machete's edge. At that moment Juanito showed up and uttered the gem-cutting sentence, "Hey dad, is she going to be my new mom?"

Juan composes himself during the commercial. He thought bubbles that he's putting on 11 shirts but he doesn't want to close the door on this fine lady. Susana winks and tells Juanito that she and Juan are only friends. Juan thought-bubbles that she saved him - 2 points for Susana! Juan asks would Juanito like it if Juan were in love with her? Juanito answers that she's very beautiful. Juan thinks that Susana would be good not only for him but also for Juanito. Dang! That is like the kiss of death to true love.

Tweedle Dumb comes into Juan's office with a big bag of fertilizer that he throws down next to Herlinda's desk. He pisses and moans about having to work for Juan. Tweedle gets all sweaty and red-face and rants that Juan is with his 'girlfriend' Susana. This pushes Herlinda's buttons and she says they're only partners. "Partners in many things," he blusters to his unhappy sister.

Susana advises Juanito to take something unique to his teacher, something other than an apple, something that will make him stand out. Juanito suggests a mango, because daddy says that the ladies will always throw themselves at a good mangazo. (Which is, I think, slang for a sexy guy.) He says that must be some kind of mango, of which there are many. Susana is highly amused and showers Juanito with kisses. Juan is embarrassed at being busted but proud of his son as always. (Hey! Men ARE mangoes!)

Moni calls Paula; she wants to meet and talk personally. Paula doesn't want to but Moni cries until Paula agrees to meet her in 1/2 hour.

Back in Achichipico Delfina soaks her feet after running through town in her high heels trying to stop the bus. Juanito listens to her tale of woe that she lost the love of her life. Juanito asks what about Don Aldemar?

Speaking of the king of Rome, he is outside giving directions to a 6-piece Mariachi band. They begin. They are awful, but Juanito is delighted. Hey, he says, it's Don Aldemar! Don A wails his song of love to an excited Delfina, she hasn't lost love after all! She and Juanito high-five. Delfi cries and we're not sure if it's due to his awful singing or his sweet sentiment. But wait a minute...his isn't a song of love, it's a song of insult, a bad joke. He sings that he's going to forget her. He's publicly dumping her! Delfina can't believe the shame.

Don A announces he is hereby retracting his petition of love. He calls Delfina a traitor, he's leaving and he's going to forget her. Forever. Delfi cries on Juanito's shoulder.

At the cafe Moni tells Paula she could tell by CL's face that something is wrong. She passionately begs Paula to tell her the truth. "Paula look me in the eyes and tell me he's OK," she begs. Pau says she can't...CL has prostate cancer. Moni looks impactada for the second time, the big faker.

Juanito asks Delfi if she loved both guys. She explains that a woman caught in the frontier between youth and maturity, a woman such as herself, can't always control her passions. It's a common romantic story, two men, equally handsome (que?), fighting for the love of a lady. "Like in the telenovelas!" yells Juanito, concluding that it's all very complicated.

Paula explains to Moni that CL's cancer is so advanced that an operation is the only choice. "And afterward, then what?" probes Monica, "He's going to lose the possibility of a sexual life?" Moni - 1, Paula - 0. Paula is offended and tries to leave but Moni pulls her back. Paula finally tells her she has to go because she has already moved back in with CL. Paula - 2, Moni - 1. Moni promises that she won't say anything to CL about their conversation. "Then there's nothing else to say," snips Paula as she leaves.

"Oh yes there's more," seethes Monica at nobody in particular, "I should be with him right now." She calls Paula an estupida.

Ana and Laura work together in strained silence. Ana's phone rings. Laura perks up her ears when she hears it's Juan. He tells Ana things are going well with his new business and how is Paula? Is she around? He heard she was looking for him. Ana tries to talk quietly while Laura practically breaks her neck trying to hear. Ana hems and haws until Juan guesses the truth. Did Paula return to CL? When Ana confirms it he looks disappointed, slightly pissed, and absolutely not surprised.

Heriberto surprises Susana in her hotel room. He tells her he's a man of many surprises. He pokes his gut out, posturing and flirting, blech. Susana says she has a headache and was just going out to get some medicine. She pushes him out the door and says she'll see him some other time.

Ana hopefully tells Juan that Paula spends her mornings at her house and she encourages him to try calling tomorrow. He tells Ana it was great to speak to her. "Adios," he sadly says after hanging up the phone.

Juan is at his favorite spot down by the river. He imagines he sees Paula in her bikini. She blows him a kiss. They swim together. They embrace in the water and they kiss...and any similarity to life is purely coincidental.

se azotan por un buen mangazo = they'll throw themselves at a sexy guy (I think, help anyone??)

ojo alegre = roving eye (Lit. happy eye)

Tomorrow: Laura tells Monica that Juan called Ana. Ana tells Paula that Juan called.

Labels: Juan

Ric is telling Gasparo about the camp of brigands that he and Mario spotted near the beach. Gasparo wonders how Ric knows they're pirates. The gist of Ric's answer is that it takes one to know one. "You're a pirate not by vocation, but by circumstance," Gasparo chides. Ric says he's made a pact and he's going to follow through. Gaspar says sure he will - until one of those guys runs him through with a sword. Ric retorts that in that case, he'll have the right to do the same.

Ric tells Gasparo that he and Mario saw contraband there too. Gasparo says this kind of thing is getting to be a problem for the king. Ric says he doesn't think it's fair that poor people have to pay so much (taxes, tariffs, transport, middlemen, etc.) to have things imported from Spain when they can make so many of these things locally. Gasparo essentially shrugs this off - everyone looks out for their own interests, and anyway, he doesn't make the laws.

Meanwhile, Gonzo is dining with a local dude and opines that it's quite a coincidence that Lis and Fran are traveling with a guy named Ric when they also have a relative named Ric who's a pirate. He's going to invite Ric to the inn for a drink, and he wants this local guy to say whether he's the pirate or not. The guy agrees, but I get the feeling that he'd recognize anyone for you if the price is right.

Gasparo asks for an update on Lis's inheritance situation. Ric fills him in on the Mystery of the Missing ED Letter and how he thinks Fran probably bribed the doctor to write it in the first place. He doesn't see any reason to deprive Cami of her inheritance anyway.

Gasparo says now that Bermeo has confessed to framing Ric on Tim's behalf, Ric ought to be able to sue for his own father's inheritance. Ric doesn't want to do that either. He's got plenty of money. He gets all serious and asks Gasparo if he can entrust him with something. Gasparo looks worried - like he's expecting Ric to confess to something very awful. But no; Ric is in love! Wheeeee! Gasparo's thrilled. "This is just what you need, get married, retire, live a normal life! Who's the lucky girl?"

Ric says it's Camila. "You just love trouble," Gasparo chuckles. He encourages Ric in his pursuit and says he's sure to win her over.

Jimena is trying to convince Cami that fate brought them together. She hadn't seen him in over a year, then he shows up and wants to get married. Cami still isn't as jumping-up-and-down excited about this as Jimena, but when Jimena says it's the will of God, Cami follows Jimena's eyes up to the ceiling. Jimena keeps going on about all the blessings Cami has in her life, not to mention Ursula's envy. Poor Camila says it's just happening too fast. She likes Ric and thinks he's attractive, but... Jimena says that's plenty enough reason to want to get in the sack with him!

Jorge, LaFont, and two other guys are talking about the highway attacks. They haven't found out anything yet, but it seems as though they're escalating and the guys are organized. (I'm confused about this... so are there TWO groups of highwaymen?) Jorge says, "So, are you going to nab the next caravan or not?" LaFont says it's as good as done.

Ric finally gets back to the inn, where the kid he hired to follow Gonzo yesterday reports that, among other things, Gonzo went to see Dr. Bonerfacio Gomez at the Droopy-Dingdong clinic, spoke briefly to a servant, and left. "The doctor wasn't there?" Ric asks. "Nope, poor guy died last week." Ric gives the lad a shiny nickel and sends him away.

Next day, Gasparo tells Ric that Bermeo confessed to everything. He said Tim ordered the hit, and Fran was there too but didn't say anything. He doesn't know if she'll be charged with conspiracy or not, and it will be a while before the entire case is closed. Until then, he advises Ric to go back to San Fernando while he waits for news, and continue working on Camila. He hopes he'll get to perform the wedding. Ric likes the idea, but he doesn't want to get married until he can do it with his own name.

Some people show up at the... I don't know what it's called. It's tall enough to be a door, but it's set a few inches above the floor, and is several feet above the street below, so it's more like a big window. Some people show up outside this window thingy, asking for a blessing. I don't like the window at all - it looks like a cage. If I were tuning in at just this moment and didn't know any Spanish, I'd see these two people looking up at the cardinal behind those bars and wonder if it was some kind of twisted zoo exhibit.

Gasparo seems surprised that Ric is going under a false name; I thought he was the one who got him the fake creds in the first place. Eh, whatever. Gasparo says he'll speak to the viceroy about getting his name cleared. It's not safe for Ric to stay here in the meantime. And if he brings the highwaymen to justice, the king would pardon him for his past pirately deeds.

The next boat to Mexico doesn't leave for three days. Ric declines to buy a ticket and says he'll think about it. He runs into Gonzo, who apologizes for being unfriendly to him earlier, and invites him to the inn for a drink at 5:00. (As he walks away, it looks as though Gonzo is checking him out!)

Next, Ric visits a (supposedly Chinese, but anybody can wear a long black wig and a Fu Manchu mustache) friend he addresses as "Chino." (I assume this is only a nickname... a really feeble one.) It appears that Chino... well, let's just tactfully say that he's a recycler... of contraband and stolen goods.

He's planning a boat trip this afternoon which would get Ric safely out of La Mariana. He's vague about who his customers are. Ric hints around about the Veracruz highwaymen, but Chino says it's not worth the considerable effort and risk to get involved with such people. Ric asks if Foreman is mixed up in any of it. Chino isn't sure, but he wouldn't put it past him.

Then Ric goes to the cemetery to visit his mother's grave and tell her the good news about clearing himself of the murder charge, because he knows she always doubted him. He asks what happened between her and Tim - why all the hate? But Mom's not in a chatty mood. (If anyone's wondering about the lengthy inscription on her tomb, don't worry, it's just generic tombstone stuff.)

Gonzo meets with his hungry local friend at the inn and they split a small pitcher of wine. As night falls, they realize Ric's not coming. The friend says he's going to Havana tomorrow, and Gonzo's going back to Nueva España, so they say good bye. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Over in Nueva España, Mario strolls through the plaza with Cami and Jimena. They chat about Ric's house (it's almost ready), and how they hope he comes back soon. They run into Jorge. "Oh, what a surprise," Jimena says in a borderline-sarcastic tone. "What surprise? We all live here, don't we?" He invites himself to escort Cami to her house for a talk. Mario grumbles disapprovingly as Jorge and Cami pull ahead. Jimena, who has her arm chummily wrapped around Mario's, says Cami's no fool.

Jorge is miffed that Cami didn't tell him about her plan to marry Ric, when he was being such a nice guy, unselfishly trying so hard to find her a husband. Cami says thanks, that was nice of you, and tries to explain the mixup, with her father going to see Jorge before Ric had a chance to discuss things with Justo. Jorge accuses her of lying - no doubt Ric proposed, but no way did he speak to Justo. (Jimena and Mario look worried.)

They pull ahead a bit further, so Jimena and Mario can't hear. He reminds Cami that as the boss hog of San Fernando, he has to give his consent to the marriage, and he can also exercise his right to bang her before the wedding.

She very, unbelievably, incredibly, Valiumly calmly tells him that this "right" doesn't apply to widows, and anyway, he wasn't able to do it when he had the chance. He says that's only because she escaped. They've got unfinished business, so she has to let him do it.

Cami very composedly says she doesn't think Ric would go for that, so she's just going to have to go ahead and say no. She also reminds him that as far as everyone else knows, he already did it, so he doesn't get to do it again. He says no one else needs to know about this. If she lets him do it before Ric comes back, then he won't object when Ric asks permission to marry her.

He kisses her hand and leaves. I think they should keep a wire brush and a jug of hot bleach to wash off ofter getting a hand-kiss from him, but she doesn't even wipe it off on her skirt. That's what I call ladylike manners. She doesn't tell Jimena and Mario what Jorge said; she takes off to talk to her father.

Ofelia, Ines, Manuela, and some other people are helping out at Ric's new house. Ines says she has a tummyache and asks Ofelia to excuse her. Ofelia asks her to meet with Saintly on the way home. Lis also asks Ines to tell Saintly she'd like to come by tomorrow to admire the forge's light. (I swear she seems sincere.) Manuela and Fran wonder what's wrong with Ines. Manuela thinks she seems sad.

Ines schlumps on out of there, then begins running when the house is out of sight. She runs, not to the forge, but to the mill, where Vasco is putting in his ten minutes of work per week. She tells him how anxious she is about this whole situation. "Yeah, I realize it's a little tough." "A LITTLE?" she gasps. She's desperate. Every day she hopes that he's spoken to Saintly, but no. She doesn't care if he hits her or yells at her (maybe she should work something out with LaFont), as long as he gets permission to marry her.

He takes her in his arms and says he's been waiting for the right time, but Saintly is always in a bad mood. She begs him to just do it. He needs a few more days. She badgers him only a tiny bit more, and then he admits that what happened between them really didn't mean much to him. It wasn't love, it was just lust.

Ines gives him a well-deserved slap. He grabs her roughly and yells, "If you think that's the way to get yourself a man, you're very much mistaken!!" She begs his forgiveness and says she's desperate. He says he's desperate too. Not only would he have to face her brother, but also his father and her mother.

He calms down and says she's going to have to marry Ascanio. Then he apologizes and says he just needs more time. Everything will work out. He takes her in his arms again and kisses her.

Guess who just moved to the top of my list of people I hope get run over by a pie cart.

At the forge, Ascanio shows off his first lantern. Claudio says it's all crooked. Saintly says it's not bad for a first try. Hans said that he and Franz would show him their first efforts, except Saintly melted them down. "Are you going to melt this one?" Ascanio asks Saintly. Saintly says no - he's going to keep it around as a warning for others who would wish to become blacksmiths. "Hey, this was your idea. I always had my doubts!" Saintly says he'll learn. Life is all about learning. Thusly inspired, Claudio asks Hans and Franz for an impromptu lesson on blacksmithing.

Ascanio tells Saintly he needs to find a place to live. Saintly suggests Justo's. Ines shows up with her message from Ofelia (but not Lis). It's practically a drive-by. Claudio hurries after her. Ascanio mutters to Saintly that his sister didn't seem very happy to see him.

Ines is crying by the time Claudio catches up to her. He tries to get her to talk. He tells her that when she convinced him to talk about his mother's death, he felt better. She tells him they want her to marry a guy she doesn't find thoroughly objectionable, but she's in love with someone else. (She ought to talk to Ursula sometime about what it's like to marry a nasty old creep when you're 15 years old.) Saintly told her the guy's not good for her, but she loves him! She loooooves him!

She runs off, leaving Claudio to walk alone across the plaza... and across the path of LAZARO!!!

It is at this moment that Ric's pirates discover that Lazaro's left. Jesus (I think this guy is the one named Jesus) flips out, saying Mario told them not to leave. They worry how Mario will react if Lazaro doesn't return before Mario comes back.

Lazaro is muy, pero MUY impactado to see Claudio chatting with Mario in the street. Mario pats the boy on the shoulder and leaves. Lazaro follows Claudio to Camila's house.

Lis, Fran, and Manuela are at Ofelia's when Mario shows up. Lis says the place is now ready, thanks to Ofelia's and Manuela's help. Just a few more things to bring tomorrow. Lis remarks to Manuela how nice Ofelia is. Manuela agrees that the whole family is nice.

Mario brusquely interrupts and asks to speak to Lis alone; she pulls away when he tries to take her arm, but walks alongside him. (In the background, Manuela tells Fran that this guy is weird-looking. "He works for Ricardo," Fran replies. Manuela falls all over herself apologizing, unaware of Fran's deep disdain for the man.)

Mario tells Lis that Ric has ordered that his men should stay in the barn; he needs them to protect the place. Lis hates the idea, but says fine, go get them now and we'll talk. She calls for her aunt and says she'll tell her about it later.

As they arrive at Jorge's, Manuela asks Lis if "that man" said something to upset her, because she's been so quiet. Lis pretends to have a headache. Sofia and Fortunata ask about the house. Fortunata wants them to wait for Ric to come back before they move in; Lis says he could be back at any time. Ursula bitchily asks what he's doing on that island anyway. Fran and Lis thank Manuela for her help and excuse themselves.

"So, what are you supposed to be now, the blind girl's servant or something?" Ursula snipes. Bravely locking eyes with... um... the table, Manuela says that it's especially because Lis is blind that she thought it would be right to help. Ursula mocks Manuela some more, "You can hang around with her all the time if you want," she says, but they'll get tired of her and she'll die alone of sadness at home. She stalks off.

Fortunata tries to make excuses for Ursula, saying she's upset because her suitor's coming soon, and she doesn't want to marry him. Manuela explains that she's trying to have other friends, and and her father thought Lis would be a good companion for her. (Sofia grunts suspiciously.) Fortunata says she hopes Ursula does marry this guy, because in her opinion, the reason Ursula's always in such a bad mood is because she needs a man. Sofia says Ursula's always been in a bad mood, and she sincerely pities the poor guy who marries her.

Manuela very timidly asks Sofia about the husband-search on her own behalf. (Sofia exchanges a cautious glance with Fortunata, who looks at Manuela with sympathy. Jeez, I know she's a little mousy, but she's not ugly!) Sofia tactfully says it's taking a while to find someone with all the qualities a young woman would like. Manuela says none of those things matter to her, as long as he's patient with her and won't beat her. (Part of me feels sorry for her, part of me wants to smack her for being so pathetic.) Fortunata's face becomes even more comically pitying.

Up in their room, Lis and Fran wonder why Ric ordered his thugs to stay on his property. All Fran can say is that she doesn't want to stay at Jorge's house any longer, or she'll die of disgust. Anyway, she doesn't believe the thugs are really there just to protect them; after all, no one's threatened them. But maybe they're after Ric. Who knows why he's really in San Fernando, Fran muses. Supposedly he's there to get Cami's inheritance back for Lis, but he doesn't seem to have any intention of actually doing it. There must be some other reason he's there. "He would have told me," Lis insists. Fran says if that's the case, that he would tell her everything, then surely he'd have told her why they need the protection of his crew.

Lis gazes thoughtfully into the distance. (I swear, just as we cut to commercial, I can see her eyes focusing.)

Downstairs, Fortunata and Sofia speculate as to whether LaFont beats his daughter. Fortunata doubts it, but Sofia believes he's maybe even more cruel than Jorge. Fortunata expresses surprise that Jorge is cruel; Sofia actually has to remind her of Jorge's bad qualities. She accuses Fortunata of seeing the world through rose-colored glasses.

Fortunata asks about the mysterious trip Sofia took with Justo. Sofia regales her with an insane tale of a clandestine picnic of passion. She smirks as Fortunata scurries behind her, begging for details. (Heh, that might have been just a tiny bit cruel, too.)

Saintly and Ascanio approach the pub; Saintly sees Vasco drinking with his friend. (I just noticed Vasco and his friend are wearing matching outfits. Que the hell? Did I miss something?) He suggests to Ascanio that they go someplace else. Too bad, because Saintly misses out on a great conversation.

Vasco is saying that Ines could spill the beans on him at any moment; he's thinking of leaving town. The friend seems to think that the problem will go away on its own if he simply does nothing, but Vasco says Santiago will just spy on him. He'd like to go to "the capitol" (I'm not sure which capitol, or where), but he's out of money. The friend asks about that "information" Vasco was thinking of selling. Vasco isn't sure how to go about it.

The friend says he'll help, but what is Vasco trying to do? Vasco admits that he's considering getting some money out of his sister. He hates to do it, because she loves her. The friend says he loves her too, but need comes first!

I take back what I said before about wanting Vasco to get hit by a pie cart. I want it to be a big wagon full of scorpions. Giant ones, with fangs and claws in addition to stingers. And guns.

Over dinner, Santiago explains Ines's weird behavior to Ascanio. She's always had a thing for Vasco. Saintly loves Vasco like a brother, but he's a irresponsible, embezzling, gambling, boozing disaster. He cheated on his previous wife (actually "woman," which may or may not refer to a n actual wife) every chance he got, may she rest in peace. And now there are rumors about him and Ursula. Ascanio thinks they should just give Ines some time to get over Vasco. He doesn't think it's good to force someone to marry, and he personally doesn't want a hostile wife. He's honored that Saintly and his mom thought so highly of him, but if Saintly doesn't want to go on with the blacksmith apprenticeship, he'll understand. Saintly doesn't let him out of it so easily. :-)

At the hideout, the pirates are still flipping out about Lazaro's disappearance, and there are complaints about the quality of their liquor. Lazaro is peeping in from above.

Claudio is complaining to Jimena that the current marriage rules aren't fair. Jimena says marriage among the rich is just business. Cami says it can be for the poor, too. They could combine their properties and have more stuff. Claudio is still worried. Cami asks where this is coming from. Is someone being forced to marry against her will? Claudio clams up.

At bedtime, Cami tells Jimena all about Jorge's demand that she let him have another crack at her before he gives Ric permission to marry her. Painfully practical Jimena thinks this is the simplest way to go. Cami says no, Ric's going to have to take care of this. Jimena is shocked that Cami's willing to let Ric risk his life over this, rather than make this one little sacrifice on her own. Cami says she's not going to let Jorge bully her. She wants a man who'll promise to protect her, and then follow through.

Jimena points out that Ric isn't a god who can win every battle. Then she realizes, oh hell, now Cami really does think he's a god. Cami says no, but she has to trust someone; and she'll feel safer when he's in town. Jimena leaves, and Cami has a momentary flashback or fantasy of making out with Ric.

Mario and (is it Jesus? I don't know!) talk business on their way to the hideout. I don't get every word of this, but evidently some friend of theirs is on their way to meet them... as part of a caravan. And there's some discussion of getting the guys moved over to Ric's ASAP, because they're getting restless.

The first thing Mario notices when they get to the hideout is that Lazaro is missing. As expected, he takes the news extremely poorly. Jesus says he was out buying food when it happened, they tried to stop Lazaro, but you know how he is. Camila's name comes up, but I don't understand what they're talking about. Mario says something about hogtieing Lazalo .

He hightails it back to town to look for Lazaro. He searches all the obvious places - bars, restaurants, and of course Porky's, the bordello, where he has to fend off an amorous employee.

BAM! It's nighttime.

LaFont is in the woods with his men, waiting for the caravan to arrive. Their scout reports that there are eight uniformed guards, and a wagon with two big trunks. The rival group of highwaymen (the non-Ric pirates) also wait. The pirates suspect that someone else is around, but this doesn't bother them much.

The caravan arrives. The pirates make their move. LaFont watches the melee unfold. The noise wakes Lazaro, who has been camping nearby. It's hard to follow the action, but some guy - I'm not sure if he's someone we're supposed to know or not, he might be the friend that Mario and Jesus were talking about - is savagely beaten by one of the pirates and left for dead. The pirates ride off with the horses and other treasures.

Mario's goes back to the hideout, and is told that someone else is now AWOL. Mario isn't amused by the suggestion that this guy is out with a woman. One of the men complains (I think) that they don't know what they're supposed to be doing.

LaFont sends his men after the pirates. The man on the ground struggles to stay conscious, because he doesn't want this creepy guy with the rooster hair to be the last thing he sees before he dies.

---

Jueves
The Duke shows up in a fancy carriage. I hope this guy brought a clean shoe to drink out of.

Labels: Pasion