Caray, Caray!

We ended yesterday's show with the two couples making love. CL and Paula are in the big city; she gives the meaningful-telenovela-over-the-shoulder look signifying she's thinking of another, namely Juan. Meanwhile Juan seems to be a bit more focused on his new novia Susana.

Tweedle Dumb works his Papi into a lather by saying he saw Juan making out with sis. Tweedle smirks as Papi marches off, rifle in hand, to seek out the violator.

Molondrón has taken Herlinda to his pad to calm down. I paused here for a moment and noticed this guy has a fantastic face, heavy well-defined features, almost like a sculpture. All in all a very cool looking guy. Anyway, Herlinda starts a self-pity fest, Juan loves Susana, I'm a horrible person, wah. Molo tells her to take it easy or she's going to make sweet potatoes of herself (get herself exhausted, I think, or maybe in a dither) over Juan. He puts her in his hammock and tells her to rest, be tranquil. She touches his face.

Post-coital Paula thinks of Juan while CL sleeps. She remembers making sweet love to him.

Cut to Juan's boots at the foot of Susana's bed. His thought bubble is accompanied by a painfully out-of-tune guitar... as sensual and scorching as it was, for the first time in life he knew that sex without love is like a taco without salsa, a belt without a buckle, and a night without the moon. In short, it's like dancing the cachibombon without an orchestra. But Juan thinks maybe if he doesn't close the door a little love will come in and hopefully win, because this woman is worth it. Juan caresses sleeping Susana's hand, covers her up, gives her a kiss. He thinks if nothing else, as Juanito divined she is a monument to beauty and tenderness and seems to have fallen from the sky.

Molo watches Herlinda sleep. He's got it bad.

It looks like Don Almedar and Tweedle have grabbed the padre so he can marry Juan and Herlina. The padre's not happy to be forcibly escorted to marry a reluctant couple. The blustering hot air pair state their case; Juan violated Herlinda's virture. Padre answers, "Bah!!"

Juan, sitting on Juanito's bed, hears a shot. Juan and Juanito hear Don A shouting, "Come out! Are you a man or a leech?" Juan says it's just a couple of drunks. Meanwhile Delfi is downstairs in her shortie robe praying. Nearby, Molo hears the ruckus and ineffectually blocks the door with a lightweight aluminum cot.

Juan dashes out to confront Don A who blathers about the virtue of his daughter and how he'll kill Juan if he doesn't marry Herlinda. He starts shooting in the air as Tweedle cheerleads.

Herlinda and Molo run up. "Here I am," she announces. This inflames Don A who thinks Juan and Molo were hiding her. "Your hour has arrived," he tells Juan, lowering his rifle. Juanito breaks free and runs to protect his pop.

Don A's head looks like it's about to explode. He yells to Delfina that her house is a hovel of perdition, a den of iniquity. Delfina, in a fit of pique, hauls off and slaps him a good one. I re-watched in slo-mo and it looks like she really hit him! Either that or great acting on both their parts. Juan finally manages to wrestle the rifle away from Don A. Thank goodness, he was waving that stupid thing all over the place. He needs to take gun handling 101.

Molo tries to explain to Don A. that there was no funny business, he was just trying to calm Herlinda down before she returned home. "What a load," blusters Don A. Herli pipes up that she no longer wants to live in the cave era, she wants to be an independent modern woman. Everyone tries to defend her, but Don A. tells her to shut up, she's spouting sacrilege.

Don A. grabs his heart. It's about time he has a stroke, the old coot. But no, not this time, he rallies. He bellows that she is a marked woman and nobody will offer her their name. She is lost to him. (Good, go home and play with your guns, bottle and plastic horsies.) Not surprisingly, Molo stands up for her and says he'll offer not only his name but also all his love and respect. Juan and Delfi cheer him on. Molo adds that if Herli will have him he'll marry her right now, no shotgun needed.

This only throws gasoline on the fire that is Don A. He says he'd rather see Herlinda dead or a nun than marry a pelafustán (nobody), a scraper/plucker of cat-gut with no future (rascas de tripas which I believe refers to Molo's guitar playing). They begin to fight but Juan breaks them up. He announces that Molo is a 25% partner in the business. He tells Don A. to chill and let these crazy kids be in love.

Molo drops to his knees and tells Herli he has loved her since the day he first saw her, since she was a baby in her mother's arms. (Eh? Kinda weird but OK, he's the artistic type.) He throws himself at her feet. Will she marry him? "Now that's love!" whoops the padre, "I'll marry them right now!" Tweedle protests but pa shuts him up. If Molo's OK then this deserves a fiesta.

Herli tells Molo she'll see him tomorrw, she needs to take her father home. Don A. manages to sputter one more threat to Molo, do right by my daughter or die.

Later Don A., still not dead from a stroke or heart attack, asks Herli to forgive him. Everything he did he tried to do only for her benefit.

Juan, in a tank top and fetching yellow shorts, tucks Juanito into bed. Juanito wants to know if Juan plans to marry Susana? Juan rests in his hammock with his boots on and thought-bubbles that he had just met one of the promises he made. He's not about to miss the next one, right? He wants to tear out the bad love so that he can love Susana like he wants to love her.

Back in the DF Alirio wakes Nidia and entreats her to make breakfast for him. He tries to give her besitos but she hides under the covers and shuns his little kisses. She tells him she'll make breakfast while he takes a shower. As soon as he leaves the room she jumps out of bed fully clothed, accesorises, and escapes.

She sees Kike downstairs and they have an uncomfortable moment until she begs him to have pity on her. "What do you want?" he asks. She tells him to take her to the market right now and hustles him out the door.

Delirio complains to Yadi and the baby that Nidia left without making him breakfast. Yadi says don't look at her, she's busy. Delirio wrinkles his nose and says he smells something rotten in Denmark and it's ruining his appetite. Yadi announces it's only Nidia Michaela and she cuddles the cute little stink factory before laying her down for a change.

It's-always-about-Paula complains to Ana that she's thinking about working at Farell because Cesar works there day and night. "Yo, Center-of-the-universe, what about our business?" asks Ma. It was Pau's idea and suddenly she has other plans? Ana is fed up, she announces her partnership is terminated as of that moment. "What about Laura?" asks Paula.

Surprise, Laura arrives. "Perfect timing," sneers Ana, "we were just talking about you."

Farell industries new, pirated 'sof-where' causes CL's computer to crash. Ivonne tries to fix it by staring at it and poking a few keys but no luck.

Ana sits Paula and Laura down and announces she is no longer part of the business. Pau tries to use Laura as the guilt card but Ana is firm. She's sorry if this affects Laura but that's not her problem because she's out of the business. Really, who can blame Ana? This was just about the stupidest "business" ever. All they did was talk about it, eavesdrop and paint ceramics in the living room.

Kike takes Nidia to see Anga. She gets rid of Kike so she and Anga can flirt. She asks Anga if he knows her daughter Yadi? He rubs his cheek, remembering Yadi's mighty slap. Yeah, he knows her. Nidia enlists Anga's help in speaking to Kike on her favor. She slyly admits she came personally to the market so she could see him.

CL has dragged Pastor into his office to look at his sick computer. Pastor also pokes a few keys, wrings his hands, and admits he knows nothing about computers.

Doña Delfi has laid out a beautiful breakfast to Juan's great joy. He tells her he'll start with two helpings of beans in order to fill his cistern and two empty feet. She asks him where he was the night before, with Susana, right? He tells her that a gentleman has no memory. Well, Juanito told her that Susana is Juan's girlfriend so what's up? Juan exclaims with forced happiness Yes, Yes, we ARE novios!! Delfi sighs and tells him he's had a hell of a time (like those of Cain). She encouraged him to skip the tiger (?) and now she encourages him to go beyond. She and Juan both sigh. I think she's telling him to do what it takes to get over Paula and take the plunge with Susana. I'm really starting to feel bad for Susana about now. She doesn't even know she's sloppy seconds, un plato de segunda mesa.

Don A. advises Molo and Herli that a good marriage has a base of effort and sweat. He should know as he was married five times. Molo tells him he just wants to make Herli happy. When they are alone Molo tells Herli she doesn't really love him, does she? She admits her heart still belongs to Juan, but she wants to pretend she'll marry Molo so that she can get free from her father. He agrees that he'll help her get her own life.

The cut-to-commercial shows them kissing so there's hope for these kids yet.

Anga and Nidia flirt while he describes the quaint social and dancing customs in the village he visited.

Pastor finds Delirio and accuses him of putting demons in CL's crashed computer. If his incompetent partners screwed up the President's computer he can only imagine what filth they installed in the rest of the company. He accuses Delirio of bringing in the biggest swindlers in the city. Thanks to Delirio his head is on the block and the company is on the verge of ruin. Pastor forces Delirio to go to CL's office and try to fix the computer himself.

Delirio works on CL's computer while CL, Moni and Pastor glare at him. Success! It's back up! But no, "System Failure" suddenly flashes on the screen. All the data on CL's computer is lost. Delirio prays and CL screams while the office gossips watch intently from outside the windows. Delirio reminds CL that he is a lawyer and not a systems engineer. CL lunges for his throat. Moni and Pastor try to calm CL down. He tells Delirio and Pastor they have two days to fix the computers or he'll kill them both.

Back in Achichipico Juan sees Susana and thought bubbles that he's seeing his new storm walking like a leaf in the wind. He kisses her and she says she thought she was going to spend the night in his arms. Juan believes this is the signal he's been waiting for, "Would you spend every night in my arms?" She seems surprised but says nothing would make her happier. He goes in for the kiss and it's a good one too. This guy can kiss. "Susana, will you marry me?" They gaze at each other, happily impactados, and any resemblance to reality is purely coincidental.

P.S. Schoolmarm in black, I had right and proper closed captions tonight. Thanks for helping me with the complaint process!

a otro perro con ese hueso = what a load, I don't believe you (Lit. to another dog with this bone)
hacerse camotes = become exhausted, wrecked (Lit. make sweet potatoes)
pasar las de Cain = to have a hell of a time (Lit. to spend times like Cain)
pelafustán = nobody (AKA pelagatos)
rasca de tripas = string musician (Lit. scraper of intestines [cat-gut])

Labels: Juan

This is my first regular recap of Pasion and I must admit, I barely caught up today after a hectic schedule of watching both Amar which ended last week and Pasion. this is my third recap (Duelo, Amar and now Pasion) I'm finding this one a real challenge to recap, with all the background noise and occasional period vocabulary. If I made any mistakes or left anything out please feel free to correct as needed. I don't use captions and I'm beginning to think I may need to for this one.

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We start out with the poignant scene of Ric and Mario telling La Paisana that Pablo didn’t die. She’s overcome with joy, but in a restrained, pirate Queen sort of way but you know that el Antillano and Mario (for whom she obviously already had a soft spot) are now her friends for life. Mario picks up on her emotion right away and gets up and comes closer to her to say quietly “Is he the son of whom you spoke?” LP doesn’t respond and instead yells at the staff to bring the food.

Juancho is with two other pirates (whose names I don’t know). Juancho wants to jump the Ric and his boys because he’s sure that they are out to get him. They cover some old pirate bad blood. Apparently Ric killed “El Negro” and Juancho killed “Manolo.”(If this happened earlier I don’t recall it, but there was a bunch of killing earlier in this show that I didn’t really follow since I didn’t know the characters all that well. ) Juancho thinks Antillano is a has-been because he’s not even doing pirate raids anymore. Juancho is concerned that he’s up to something. The other pirate counters that all the pirates respect “El Antillano.” Juancho shoots back that they are all afraid of him. Juancho says that here (at camp) they aren’t and stalks off.

Back inside the Pirate tavern, LP, Mario and Ric are now eating. Mario asks LP how much robbing they’ve been doing. LP says that the last one was the second time. LP asks Ric if he’s come for his money. Ric looks nervous and asks “what money?” LP responds, “the money from the caravan.” Ric asks if the money is there but she replies that it’s not. Ric says that Pablo told them that the robbers took the mules and gave orders that the wagon be left behind. Ric says he thought this meant that it was left for someone else to take. LP says that all she’s seen is the mules and a bit of money. Mario thinks Juancho took the wagon and hid it somewhere. LP says no, the guys always talk, especially when they are drunk. Nobody’s said anything about a wagon or money. Ric says, “It’s missing then.” LP tells them that Juancho told her that behind their group, there was another gang waiting in the shadows. Mario asks if they were pirates. LP says she doesn’t think so. She believes that they are the only pirates working that area. Ric asks how Juancho knew this and LP says that Juancho saw some people moving around in the bushes. “If someone took your stuff, it was them.” Ric still thinks that Juancho could have taken it. But how does LP know about this being his stuff? “Lazaro told me” she says. Ric straightens up. LAZARO IS HERE? LP tells him yes.

Vasco dragging his butt over to the house of pain, (Ofelia, Santiago, Grita & Ines) to fix the wedding date. Bernabe is with him, harassing him to get going with the blackmail on Camila already. Bernabe complains that he should make up his mind. Vasco yells at him that it’s HIS sister and he can’t decide whether to do it or not. It’s his SISTER not Bernabe’s. Bernabe admits that he has no sister and Vasco tells him that he’d never understand then. Vasco drops him saying that he’s got to go. Bernabe is left in the middle of the street, scratching his head.

Vasco comes into the house meekly. Ofelia greets him and tells him that Santiago and Justo are on their way. Grita comes in and greets him too, kissing him on the cheek. She asks if he’s there to see Santiago. Vasco says yes. Ofelia chimes in that he’s there to fix the date of his and Ines’ wedding. Grita who hasn’t been in the loop is surprised and looks like she wants more info. Ofelia shoots him a nasty look like he’d better not upset the pregnant woman. Vasco responds with a grimace.

Back at Pirate central, apparently LP’s tip that Lazaro was around set Mario off to go looking for him. He’s back though, without having found him. LP asks Ric what Lazaro did. Ric tells her that he betrayed him and because of it, a boy lost his life and another one ruined his. Just then, Juancho strolls up and asks Ric if he’s going to let them all know why he’s really there. Ric goes right to the point of asking about his lost wagon and bling. The other pirate with Juancho says that they never saw any wagon. Another pirate chimes in that he saw the wagon—it was in the back. Ric demands that they give it back to him. Juancho gives it up that there was a wagon. Ric asks where it is but Juancho is less than forthcoming until Ric grabs him and holds a knife to his throat. LP tries to mediate telling Juancho that the Antillano is in the right—he only wants his things back. Juancho is in a more talkative mood now with the knife at his throat and tells him that yes, they saw the wagon, but no they didn’t take it. Ric doesn’t believe him but he claims the other pirates as witnesses and they back him up. Juancho says that they were too busy rounding up the mules and trying to get away. They couldn’t risk hanging around for a wagon that they didn’t even know the value of. Mario asks who the others were that they saw. Juancho says he didn’t recognize them. Ric asks for a description, and he gets that they were on horseback and carried swords (because machetes don’t shine that brightly). Ric finally releases Juancho who is none too pleased about the diss. Ric and his boys walk away.

At the Palace, La Font and Dona Sofia are in conference. LaFont smilingly tells her that he wants his daughter married off. Dona Sofia asks what kind of man, he’s looking for. “Young, old (well not that old) doesn’t matter. But he’s got to have money, a good family name, a good Christian, respectful of the law. An honorable man.” In other words, says Dona Sofia cutting to the quick—A man completely different from you and your friends. LaFont’s smile disappears. He tells her that his daughter “has had the best education, she’s respectful, obedient and devout. “ Sofia says she’ll talk to his daughter when she lines up some candidates. La Font smiles again and says that his daughter is a “bird brain” (suggesting that she isn’t capable of choosing for herself). Sofia responds that she’s like to talk to her herself, that maybe she’s not as stupid as he thinks. LaFont insists that she not talk to her. She’s his only daughter and he has the right to choose for her. Sofia asks if that’s because she is his heir. LaFont says not necessarily. If he marries again and has a son, she’ll only get what’s coming to her. Sofia looks amused at his open mendacity.

Ric and Mario are taking leave of LP. Ric offers her some advice. He has it on good authority that the Spanish have decided to crack down on the caravan robberies. LP tells him that they don’t really have a choice, this is the only work they have to make a living. Life on the sea was getting tough. A lot of pirate captains have gone to the gallows and there are not many ships left. That’s why they decided to become land pirates, to supplement their income from their dwindling income from the sea. Ric says goodbye and tells her if she needs anything to send for him under his alias, Ricardo Lopez de Carvajal. LP takes Mario aside, she gives him a little shell whistle and tells him to take it to Pablo. “But don’t tell him about me” she says sadly.

Back at Ric’s country mansion, Lis is in bed with her dollies looking like 90 miles of bad road. She’s obviously taken the whole Camila engagement with Ric thing pretty badly. Aunt Fran comes in and complains that she hasn’t eaten all day. She’s brought her some chocolate and cakes to try to lift her spirits. Lis says she doesn’t want any. What’s more Manuela has invited them to her house tomorrow. Lis complains that she doesn’t want to go anywhere or be with anybody. Fran urges her to get out. She said she’s told her all along that Ric wasn’t ever going to marry her. Now that he’s engaged to that woman, she’s going to have to forget him. Lis starts into why Aunt Fran ruined Ric’s life and made him a fugitive. Aunt Fran still insists it’s not true—that Bermejo is a liar. Lis ponders why her father would have done such a thing and she remembers one day in the past when her father was tormenting her with his insults about how she was a girl and blind to boot and that if only he had been able to marry Mercedes he could have had a son like Ricardo. He seems to actually admire Ricardo, well not Ricardo as he was, but with HIS upbringing and education, a better version of Ricardo. In the flashback, Lis cries buckets and her dad pushes her around. Back in the present, Fran remarks that both Lis’ father and uncle inherited the same sick temperament. (blood) Lis points at Fran accusingly. “You too Aunt!” Then she suddenly realizes that she shares the same inheritance and she breaks down completely. Aunt Fran rolls her eyes.

Back at the house of pain, Ofelia, Justo, Vasco, Grita and Santiago are sitting around the table, with a glass of wine, uncomfortably discussing Ines’ dowery: 4,000 pesos, some linens, some clothing, and a Chinese chest. Justo asks when the wedding will be. Vasco says whenever they want. Ofelia remarks that the banns will have to be read (amonestacions) and Santiago says quickly that the banns will take three weeks. (If I am remembering my wedding etiquette, the wedding notice was supposed to be published or announced in Church for three weeks so that anybody knowing of an impediment (like one of the parties is already married) can come forward. It also gave adequate notice for gifts and guests). Santiago says that he can ask Padre Justin for a sooner date. (Shorter banns were allowed too—if the bride was already knocked up and this is what Santiago is worried about.) Justo agrees. He wants to give the wedding feast. Santiago coolly asks if he thinks this wedding merits a party. Grita intervenes to tell him to calm down, that they should let them arrange things in the proper way. Ofelia says that they can make the wedding dress. After a brief silence, Vasco starts to leave before he even asks to do so. Justo tells him to sit down. Then he asks him if he wants to talk to his fiancée. Vasco gives him a look and says “Father, please…” He’s not exactly trying to hide the fact that he’s being press ganged into this wedding. With that, he gets up and leaves. Santiago gets up and goes after him, leaving the women looking scared. Santiago grabs him and threatens him that if he continues being a good for nothing drunk and cheats on or mistreats his sister, he’ll break every bone in his body. Vasco complains that Santiago isn’t exactly the one to be acting all saintly. When Camila disappeared, he was a worthless drunk for awhile too and when Camila came back, he went after her like a dog, in spite of the fact that he was married. Santiago complains that that thing with Camila was totally different. Vasco counters that if Camila had wanted to run off with him, he would have done it in a cold minute. Santiago says that that’s not true and they continue to argue. (Ofelia comes to the window at this point and is listening). Vasco says he’s going to keep his promise to Ines, “but that doesn’t give you the right to interfere in my life.” Vasco stalks off.

At Ric’s palace, Mario is drinking and Ric is shaving with a knife (ouch!) Mario is slurring his words but manages to get out that he thinks that there is a gang operating between San Fernando and the Ciudad Valle. That’s Don Jorge’s jurisdiction, points out Ric. He goes on to speculate that Don Jorge must maintain guards to protect the money that belongs to the crown. Mario chimes in that maybe Don Jorge is looking the other way with these robberies for some reason. Ric says that he thinks Jorge and LaFont are capable of anything. They need to find out from somebody who works for them. Mario asks, “Who?”

At the palace, Vasco is sneaks around to see Ursula. After a roll in sheets, Ursula is in a good mood and laughingly tells him about Fortunata scolding her about going back to seeing him again so soon after her almost fiancé was killed. Vasco drops the news on her that he’s going to get married. And it’s because they found out that he slept with Santiago’s little sister. Ursula is not pleased by this at all. “you slept with her at the same time that you were with me? “ She starts hitting him and screaming. He tries to explain that he was drunk but she’s not buying it. She points out that he was jealous of Duke Alvaro as if she was his alone. Vasco tries to explain that Ines was a momentary lapse…Ursula is still angry and won’t let him try to explain or justify himself. Ursula says that at least she was honest with him, while he was carrying on with other women. She calls him a pig. Ursula taunts him that he wasn’t the only one with her either. Vasco says, “sure, the daughter of the Lord of the Manor can choose whomever she wants.” Ursula seems to like the sound of this. Vasco begs her to forgive him. He doesn’t love Ines. In fact, he doesn’t even like her. Ursula says “too bad.” Because she’s not going to share a man with a whore. (una cualquiera) She pushes him out the door half dressed, while she’s wrapped only in a sheet.

At Camila’s, Camila and Ximena are getting ready for bed and talking over Vasco and Ines’s wedding. Ximena wants to know when it will be. Camila says she doesn’t know but probably as soon as possible. Ximena says sure, in case she’s pregnant. Camila sighs and says her brother has always been a disaster. Ximena shakes her head and says that all men are alike.

At Camila’s door, Bernabe is sneaking up and shoving a letter under the door.

Camila asks Ximena why she said that all men are alike. Ximena laughs and admits that “Some men are worth it.” They bid eachother goodnight and Camila has pleasant thoughts of kissing Ric.

It’s the next morning and Camila and Jimena are greeting a bunch of country folk, with children. They are handing out presents to the kids and they give her in return some fresh cream. After they leave, Cleo la metiche maid comes up with a letter that was slipped under the door last night. Cleo tries to read it over her shoulder but Camila walks away with it. Ximena sends her away. Camila tells Ximena it’s bad news. Somebody found the ED letter and they want to blackmail her with it. If she doesn’t pay, they will give it to Lis. Camila thinks she should pay it but Ximena says that they will take all her money. Camila is more worried about losing her freedom. She can’t run the risk. The two women hug eachother.

Ric and his men ride into town, watched by Bernabe who goes to see Vasco. Vasco wants to see the letter but Bernabe tries to argue that “it’s safer at my house.” Vasco says he wants it because he’s going to tear it up. Bernabe asks if he wants to think about it some more. Vasco says he’s already thought about it. Bernabe says, “OK, I’ll bring it by this afternoon.”

Ric and the men arrive at Ric’s country house. A servant tells them that the ladies went to town for shopping. La Font came by and asked after him. Jimena also left. Mario relates the conversation that he had with LP about Pablo being her son…or one of her sons. Ric asks if her husband was a pirate and he Mario says that he has no idea. They go in to see Pablo. Mario gives him the shell “for good luck.” Ric fills him in on the other pirates—they are robbing caravans on Foreman’s orders. But it seems that somebody else was responsible for taking Ric’s stuff, for that reason, it’s really important that he try to remember what he saw. In flashbacks, he remembers a bunch of guys shouting while he lay bleeding in the floor. They called out “Mateo” and “Pancho.” That’s all he can remember. Mario asks how they were dressed. He can’t remember and he complains that it was dark and they were standing far from where he lay. They leave him alone and confer. There’s not too much to go on, no mention of weapons but the humble folk don’t go around on horseback. Ric asks Mario if he knows of any Mateo or Pancho. Mario thinks that one of the twins who works at the forge with Santiago is named Pancho but Ric discounts this. Plus, if he suddenly came into a big fortune, it would be obvious. Mario comes to the conclusion that the only person who could show off a lot of wealth without anybody noticing is Don Jorge. Ric agrees.

Speaking of the forge, Lis has come by to visit so that she can see the only thing she can see, the light of the fire there. Fran is ready to leave already. Lis asks Ascanio when he’s going to come by to visit. He says he can stop by whenever he likes. She says no, she’ll meet him instead, in the Plaza at 5 pm tomorrow. Ascanio agrees. Lis thanks Santiago and asks if he minds if she calls him by his name. Santiago says no and no problem. As she turns to go, the twins remark on how pretty she is and how sad it is that she is blind. But if she can see the forge, is she really blind? They have a brief discussion with Santiago about blindness, how there are various kinds. Santiago notes that Ascanio seems a bit standoffish with Lis. Ascanio shrugs but doesn’t elaborate. They change the discussion back to work.

Aunt Fran complains to Lis as they walk about why she likes hanging out at the Blacksmiths.’ Lis says she likes to meet different kinds of people and they are nice and compassionate with her. Aunt Fran would rather spend time at the Palace with Dona Sofia. Don Jorge rides by in his fancy coach and they catch sight of Camila and Ximena at the same time that the other women catch sight of them, across the Plaza. Lis insists on going over to talk to them. As they approach, Lis confronts Camila by asking her about her engagement with Ric. Camila doesn’t deny it. “In spite of who he is?” asks Lis. Camila smiles and says that she doesn’t have to explain herself and she’s a free woman and can marry whom she likes. “But why him?” asks Lis. “Because he asked me” replies Camila. Lis looks confused and Aunt Fran hustles her away. Ximena laughs and says “I think she’s in love with Ricardo!” Camila looks worried and grabs her arm and drags her away too.

Don Jorge arrives at home and tells the majordomo that he wants clean clothes and some food and to tell La Font that he wants to see him.

At the Darien family shop, Grita is waiting on Camila and filling her in on the events of the previous night. “There was a meeting and Vasco is marrying Ines.” She tells her about the speeded up schedule for the wedding. Grita asks her about HER wedding but Camila says she doesn’t know and asks her how the pregnancy is going. Grita tells her that she thinks it’s about 5 months but Ofelia thinks it could be more. Camilia smiles and wishes her well but Grita can’t return the favor and bitches her out saying “I’ll be fine when you finally leave my husband alone!” Camilia is angry and hurt and leaves in a hurry.

Next we are treated to an odd scene with some woman being dragged to the Plaza gallows by a hooded man.

Ric and Mario are riding and discussing the missing funds. It’s suspicious that Don Jorge hasn’t cracked down on the caravan robberies. They approach Justo who is outside the shop. Ric asks if he has been able to find a lawyer. Justo asks pardon, he’s been too busy. They agree to meet tomorrow to talk about it. Justo asks if he’s been able to recover his documents. Ric tells him no. Justo says, “They must have been important.” Ric says “yes.” They bid eachother goodbye.

Back to the public square hanging, which is a cheesy affair. The gallows looks like a wooden swingset and the woman stands on a crate while the hangman stands on a chair. An official reads out the sentence. Dona Josefina Alcocer has been convicted of the murder of her husband, by the government of New Spain and is sentenced to hang. Don Jorge watches from his balcony and a big crowd looks on and jeers. Don J gives the signal and the hangman kicks the crate out from under her feet. The drop isn’t sudden or long but miraculously she dies instantly anyway. Not exactly advanced in the hanging technology here in San Fernando. If that was the standard, no wonder people thought the guillotine was an improvement. The hangman signals that she’s dead to Don J, who ostentatiously makes the sign of the cross for the audience and he exits the balcony. We get one more look at the dead woman’s face.

Mario and Ric have a discussion while they are trotting over the cobblestones on horseback. I found this hard to hear. It was more speculation about the whereabouts of the wagon. I think Mario suggests that Ric can pretend that he has it. They stop at Camila’s and Mario’s horse starts munching on a potted palm.

At Camila’s Ascanio, Ximena and Camila are in conversation about Lis. Ascanio is puzzled as to why Lis is being so nice to him and wants to hang out at the forge. She never liked being around her social inferiors before. Camila notes that she was nice to Santiago. Ascanio says he doesn’t know how to act around her. Camila says that she felt weird when he was deferent to her, she who had grown up in the artisan class. She was only of the upper class by circumstance and besides, they had been through so much together. Ascanio agrees and they continue to discuss his socializing with her family and Santiago’s. Mario and Ric arrive. Ric wants to talk to Camila so they leave together for the drawing room. Ximena runs up to Mario and asks if they have recovered the papers. "What papers?" asks Mario. “The ones that were stolen from the caravan” replies Ximena. Mario looks uncomfortable. She still thinks that documents were stolen, not Ricardo’s complete fortune.

Lis and Fran arrive at La Font’s and are greeted by Manuela. LaFont is excessively gracious. They exchange pleasantries and Lis remarks about her Aunt Mercedes’ house. La Font asks if this is Fran’s sister. “Sister in law,” she corrects him. “Oh, the mother of the Pirate!” he says. Fran looks uncomfortable. Just then the servant arrives with the request from Don Jorge that he see him now. La Font brushes him off and says to tell him he’ll be over later. Lis says that she hopes that it isn’t because of them. La Font smarmily tells her that the only place he wants to be is with them, enjoying their company. He asks if Ricardo is back yet. Lis lies and says no, he’s always running around. La Font makes a crack about him wanting to be on the sea, and Lis says that the majority of his business is over the sea. LaFont asks if he has his own ships. Lis says she doesn’t know. La Font points out that she doesn’t seem to know him very well. Lis responds that she can’t really know a person well who she only sees from time to time. LaFont notes that it wasn’t right for him to accept the job of helping them get their inheritance back if he wasn’t going to stick around. And, he adds, it’s going to be hard for them to get it back now that the letter is lost and a new one can’t be obtained. Lis agrees. La Font apologizes for pressing her but continues to badger her anyway—“If you don’t get your inheritance, how is your (financial) situation?” Lis answers that they have a little money but they are going to be dependent on Ricardo. La Font gives a tiny evil smile, which Lis can’t see and Fran may not notice, it’s so tiny.

Back at Camila’s, Ricardo explains to Camila about the robbery. It wasn’t documents that were stolen it was his entire net worth. He asks her not to tell anyone because it will affect his rep. He thought he had a clue as to where it might be but it didn’t pan out. In it was all the money he was going to use to get out of the pirate life and live a good Christian life. Already it’s been too long and every time it gets harder. He’s going to have to go back to robbing boats to fix his bottom line. Camila begs him not to. Ric asks, what she’d like him to do? Not only that, it’s harder than it used to be. Camila cries that she can’t live like that, worried about him all the time, in danger, that he could be killed. Ric likes the sound of this. He says “then that means that I’m important to you.” Camila replies “of course you are important to me!” “Then show me that you love me as much as I love you.” “It could be that you don’t understand it.” He says he doesn’t even understand it himself but he needs her, he needs her more than anything in this world. She can’t know how much he does. She’s the only thing he has, she’s the hope of a better future, a family, children. She stops his blah blah and kisses him. But he keeps talking! He says he wants to be with her--her to be his woman and to be her man. He wants to create a bond with her that nobody can ever break. They move to the settee to make out some more as the music swells.

Next episode: Ric breaks the news to Lis and she’s not happy. She later realizes that she has power over him, she can out him as a pirate

Labels: Pasion

I have been stuck working round the clock on a work project that hasn't finished and have been almost unable to breathe, let alone type the recap, I started it last night optimistic that I could fit it in, but I haven't yet obviously! I haven't even eat lunch yet!! I should be ok by tonight though and will post one for you! Thanks for your patience!!

Labels: Juan

Woo hoo! Here we are again on a Wednesday night, trying to comprehend both the vagaries of the Spanish language, and the insane logic of telenovelaland. I'll get right to the new stuff….

Mili loses it when Alejandro calls her Carlitos again. I wish they wouldn't bleep her so I could figure out what she's saying. Okay, okay, and so I can pick up new curse words. Mama flips out and says Mili's going, but Alejandro says he'll "take care of it." Abuela calls her a zarrapastrosa (a ragamuffin). Mili tells Abuela not to get into a "gacheses" fight with her because she'll win, but Abuela corrects Mili and says they're called "ofensas" (insults). Abuela doesn't think she can put up with "that," and Mili corrects her that she's a woman and you don't call a woman "that." Alejandro pleads Mili's case. Abuela says she'll give her a chance and Mili says she'll be the one giving Abuela a chance, because as of right now, she's had it up to here with her!

Rocky/Morgan struggles up out of the pool, much to Valeria's amusement. She tells him he couldn't be more "tarado," (retarded--in the sense kids use it as an insult) and now she'll have to disinfect the pool. Rocky/Morgan complains the pool was "refria" (way cold) and she shouldn't go in. He splashes her with water out of the buckets in the process. Good times.

Up in the servants' quarters, Braulio tells Mili he needs to take her clothes and burn them. This gets about the reaction you'd expect from our plucky protagonista. Brau leaves and Lina comes in to introduce herself. Mili confirms that she's there to look after "the old lady," assuming she lasts long enough and Lina replies that she's only there until she's done with her training to be a stylist. Lina warns Mili about Karla, the harpy. As Mili's bouncing around on the top bunk, unpacking her meager belongings, her chain gets hung up on top of her ear and Lina reaches up to fix it. Mili shows her the Virgen de la Soledad. Lina points out the coincidence that the house is named Soledad (loneliness).

Abuela talks to Braulio about how she prays every night that she gets to see Rosario again and see her grandchild before she dies. Braulio still thinks she needs to give up, but despite her persistent high blood pressure, Abuela won't. She reminisces about how she meant to tell Rosario the story of the Virgen de la Soledad, but never got the chance. Braulio changes the subject to Mili. Abuela calls her a "respondona" (a back-talker, cheeky) and says she'll get over it. She sends Braulio to go get her.

Apparently, on the way, Braulio meets up with Damian to let him into Hugo's room. Hugo bitches that he doesn't want to see him. Damian mentions he'll be getting lots of money soon. He wants to take Hugo to Houston to see a specialist, but Hugo doesn't want to . He says he lost everything and Damian might as well spend his money on chicks and booze. After Damian leaves, he says that this is Damian's punishment, seeing Hugo in a wheelchair. When Damian killed Carmen, he killed Hugo's life.

Mili comes into Abuela's room screaming about Braulio and Abuela makes her go back out into the hall and knock on the door. It takes some doing, but Mili complies. Abuela makes her knock twice, but then asks her in. Mili slams the door and then screams about Braulio wanting to burn her clothes and treating her like she's lice-infested. She makes a comment to Braulio, "cuando me buscan, me encuentran" (something like, if you come looking for me for a fight, you'll get one, as close as I can figure). Abuela dismisses Braulio. She talks to Mili about either using proper language or keeping her mouth shut. Mili tells Abuela she needs to quit making her lose her temper or she'll get wrinkles…and by the way, how old IS Abuela anyway? Aw, come on, she does have the appearance of an older woman, but she's not "wrinkly."

Hugo asks Braulio not to give the key to his room to anyone. He also doesn't want anyone coming into the room without knocking first and getting permission to come in. Braulio agrees. As soon as he leaves, Hugo puts on his homeless man disguise: a fake beard, moustache, wig, and dirty clothes.

Lina introduces Mili to the other staff. Karla starts right in asking what trash can Mili got her clothes out of; Mili: "One near the brothel where you work." They start getting verbal, but Socorro, the cook, busts it up and introduces herself as do Horacio, the gardener, and Rocky, the chauffeur…but the bosses call him "Morgan." This goes over Mili's head. She says she's never gone to the movies and Lina invites her on their next free day. Karla makes fun of them, calling them cats; Mili replies that Karla's a cat too, but she thinks she's a Siamese (meaning, I suppose, that Karla's in the same class as Mili and Lina, but thinks she's better than them?).

In the living room, Constancio asks Valeria what her plans are for taking a year off before college. He offers her a job at the company, but she laughs at that. He says he doesn't want her to waste her time, but she asks, doesn't he want her to be happy? He hugs her and replies that of course he does and she's the thing he loves most in life. Valeria notices Mili and asks what she's looking at. Mili very honestly answers that she was watching how Valeria's dad "la mimaba" (was sweet to her, fussed over her; you can use this word for "spoil" but that's not appropriate in this context). This is probably the first time she's responded to a challenge without going off on the other person. It's probably also the first time she's seen a father-daughter interaction like this. Constancio seems to recognize her. Valeria remembers her from church and calls her a savage beast; she demands Mili be thrown out, but Constancio tells her to wait. She leaves and Constancio remembers Mili as the girl he almost ran over in his car. He thinks she's there for money, but Luciana introduces her as the new maid here to watch over Abuela. Luciana summons Braluio and tells him he needs to get her into a uniform even if he's got to put it on her himself. Wacky hijinx music plays as Mili looks shocked.

Hugo, in his homeless-guy disguise, visits his mother's grave and promises her that he'll get revenge on Damian for killing her and Carmen. He sees Damian arriving and takes off. Damian asks Roberto, a groundskeeper, who he is. Roberto says he's a harmless homeless guy. Damian gives him money to throw the guy out if he sees him again.

Mili, now in her pink maid uniform is complaining to Regina (the character formerly known as "Abuela" now that I've looked it up) about having to wear said uniform. Regina says she's not going to give explanations to "una mocosa malcriada" (a snot-nosed, bad-mannered girl) and orders her out of the room. Regina laughs over how "contestona" (mouthy) Mili is and says that she reminds her of…but no, it's impossible.

Out in the hallway, Mili cries in frustration. Alejandro comes up and asks what's up with her now. She asks what everybody's got against her. Alejandro deadpans that he can't imagine, since she's such an angel. He brushes away her tears and kisses her. Mili asks what the look in his eyes is and he replies that he's surprised because she doesn't know how to kiss. I'm with the sound guy, who adds in a scratched record sound. That's just cold, man! He goes on to say that must mean he's the first. She calls him the first "tarugo" (hunk, block of wood, blockhead) and says "the first" in her life is the guy she's going to marry. Alejandro offers to be her kissing teacher. More smooching. Now he says she's getting better, but is going to have to keep practicing. Practice, practice, practice. She shoves him away, asking if he takes her for an idiot. When he says he doesn't, she says "ok, then, let's keep going," and they do. He asks for an evaluation of his teaching technique. She says he's pretty bad and he'd better cut it out--she doesn't want him getting the idea that she likes him passing her spit all day. They both agree they didn't feel anything. He compliments her uniform. She says it's uncomfortable and he offers to take it off…in his room, along with some more kissing practice. Wow, he's got quite a pair, this one. She shoves him into a potted palm and asks who he takes her for. "A servant." She reminds him servants don't go into bedrooms with their bosses (hey, I thought she met Karla already). He reminds her that servants don't use "tu" for their bosses. She starts calling him "sir" and takes off. He calls her Carlitos again to get on her nerves, which pulls her up short until he sneaks up and shouts "go" in her ear. They're kind of cute together, but I swear I've seen this exact dialogue in a trashy romance novel. Hm, must be why I like this show so far :) And also, where can I get a job where I get paid to make out with pretty guys all day?

Hugo comes back in from his trip to the cemetery just as Braulio comes knocking to ask if Alejandro can come in. Once he gets himself un-homeless-guy-ed and settled, he says Alejandro can come in. He and Alejandro talk about the painting of Carmen with no face. Alejandro talks to him about meeting Mili, without giving her name, and says her face would go perfect on that painting. Alejandro offends Hugo slightly when he says it would look better than Carmen's, but then corrects himself and says "different" instead of better. He asks why Hugo doesn't finish painting it and Hugo insists he doesn't paint anymore. Alejandro asks him to go out with him and Bobby. Hugo begs off on account of the wheelchair, or rather, uses it as an excuse not to go.

Lina and Mili make plans to go dancing. Well, it's Mili's plan actually. She says they'll borrow some of Valeria's clothes to go out in.

And we're back at the Rodeo Bravo, where Mili and Lina are having a good time table dancing (No, wait, that's not what I meant...I meant sitting at the table, dancing while seated...at the table). Lina wants to dance, but she thinks she's got to wait for a guy to ask her. Mili says they can go dance together, as "no necesitamos vejiga para nadar" (we don't need a bladder to swim…a reference to a fish's swim bladder, so…"We don't need bladders to swim with, therefore we don't need men to dance with?" I'm way overanalyzing this.) Bobby and Alejandro show up and see Mili and Lina dancing.

Damian asks Braulio for the key to Hugo's door. Braulio says Hugo's sleeping, but after Damian leaves, he goes to check out the room. He doesn't find Hugo and ends up shutting the door and leaving.

Lina points out Bobby and Alejandro to Mili. She wants to leave so she doesn't get fired and insists she'll wait for Mili outside. They're already calling each other "hermanita" (little sister). Lina starts walking out and runs into Alejandro, who gives her a look, but says nothing.

Constancio comes to visit Andrea to ask what she and Luciana talked about. Andrea tells him that Luciana asked about his lovers.

Lina and Mili are back at a table and Lina's telling Mili that, based on the look on Alejandro's face, he's probably going to tell Constancio to fire her on Monday. She can't convince Mili to leave, but Mili ends up following her as she walks away. Mili is intercepted by Homeless!Hugo, who grabs her. When Alejandro tries to come to her rescue, Homeless!Hugo knocks him out. Homeless!Hugo says "you've come back." to Mili…but who is he referring to? Commercials. He says again that she's back and that she's beautiful. Lina eventually pulls him off and he runs away. Lina points out that Alejandro is starting to come around and what should they do. Mili says they've got to think, but since neither of them has any ideas, Mili says they'll just have to run. Bobby comes over to pick Alejandro up off the floor and ask him what he's doing.

Andrea tells Constancio that she told Luciana that as far as she knows, Constancio doesn't have any lovers. Plus she can't suspect the two of them, since she's not his lover. She tells him the past is past, thanks for the apartment and all, but he's getting nothing more for her. Constancio growls some nominally romantic stuff, but Andrea kicks him out. He leaves.

Back at the house, Mili tells Lina that even though Alejandro saw her, she doesn't think he connects the girl at the club with "Carlitos." She also says that if Lina gets fired, she's going with her. Solidarity, baby.

The two girls are getting into bed when Karla comes in. She threatens to tell "the bosses" that the two of them are going out at night to do who-knows-what. She and Mili have words…again. Then they start with the grabbing and the hair-pulling, and poor Socorro has to come in and bust it up. There's a knock on the door, which Mili supposes is Alejandro. She grabs a nightcap to cover her (very heavily made-up) eyes with and answers the door. He asks for Lina, but Mili says Lina's asleep. Alejandro apparently goes away.

Constancio comes home and Luciana gives him a hard time about where he's been. He torments her, saying she's got such an imagination and she can think whatever she likes. She reminds him he's her husband, which he says he regrets every day and it's none of her business to find out whether he's got lovers. She asks if he's afraid she'll find some surprises and he drags her over to the mirror, grabs her by the neck/chin and tells her to look in it. He tells her he only sees a drunk in it, not a woman, and she doesn't move even a hair on him. She starts trying to hit him, but gets nowhere. He tells her he doesn't have a lover…right now…he always has before, just not now. He goes to the nightstand, pulls out a bottle of some alcohol, and tells her to drink so she'll quit shaking. She asks him why he stays with her. He replies that if he divorces her he'll have to give her half and he wouldn't do that even if he was crazy…he'd rather let the alcohol consume her. He leaves and she grabs the bottle and takes a desperate several swallows before throwing it on the floor and crying. So, how do you say "dysfunctional" in Spanish? That is one messed up relationship.

The next day, at the office, Constancio handcuffs Rocky/Morgan to a suitcase full of money. Rocky/Morgan is nervous and tries to joke about it. He also asks what's in the suitcase, but at the point you're letting someone handcuff you to a suitcase, it's way too late to be asking that question. Constancio and Damian give him his instructions: go to a certain address, confirm that the other guy's Calvillo, and then once they're alone, unlock the handcuffs and give Calvillo the suitcase. Rocky/Morgan leaves and Constancio wonders it's a good idea trusting him with this. Damian assures him it's going to be fine.

Alejandro is quizzing Mili about Lina being out last night as Mili keeps trying to wipe away her eye makeup. Mili insists she was in bed asleep. Alejandro says Lina shouldn't have been in a place like that and if he busts her again, he'll have her fired. He says he isn't doing it now because he feels sorry for her, like he feels sorry for Mili. He walks off as Regina peeks out her door and Mili makes noises of disgust. Lina runs up to show Mili that she's gotten Valeria's dress dirty and is now going to be fired fo' sho'. Mili's sick of hearing all this talk about being fired and says she'll get the stain out of the dress.

Valeria's at school, taking a test, but she's daydreaming about Rocky/Morgan (Rorgan?) falling into the pool.

Rorgan meets up with Calvillo, requests ID, makes a remark about the hair confusing him because the guy's name is "Calvillo" which he thought meant something to do with being bald (calvo). It's much less funny the way I'm explaining it. Rorgan hands over the suitcase and confirms that the $2M is in there, in small bills, "because if the papers were letter-sized, they'd never fit, right?" He asks what Calvillo's going to do with the money--roll around in bed with it? Calvillo tells him to shut up. Rorgan fusses that he was just trying to make things less obvious, and hasn't Calvillo seen the Godfather movies. What is that boy talking about?

Regina is complaining to Milagros that Becker is a poet and she likes to hear his poems read, but Mili is apparently a "sonsa" (yet another variation of "stupid"). Mili tells her not to get angry and reminds her about the wrinkles, then makes a comparison to "those dogs who are so wrinkled they're useless." At Regina's shocked look, Mili asks if she stuck her foot in it. Regina nods. There's a knock on the door. Braulio came to see if Regina needed anything and Regina asks him to get this "pelada" (peeled, hairless) out of here. Mili is shocked that Regina called her that and Regina has to repeat it a few times. Mili finally busts out with "pelada las pelotas!" (hairless, my balls! I swear, she said that and they didn't bleep it). She won't let Braulio escort her out and leaves on her own. Braulio leaves as Regina laughs.

At the office, Andrea seems to be coming down with a cold. Constancio sends her home, but Damian comes in asking if they've heard from Rorgan and tells Andrea to find him. Constancio tells Damian to do it himself since Andrea's not feeling well.

Socorro peels potatoes while Mili tries to get the stain out of Valeria's dress. From the look on her face, I don't think she's having any luck. Horacio, the gardener, comes in and flirts with Socorro--something about the potato being cut by such pretty hands. He calls her a flower in spring and offers for them to go out together. She tells him that men are all alike and as soon as she says "yes" he'll be gone. Mili drinks this in and looks bothered--obviously thinking about blondie.

Damian is worried because Rorgan has his cell phone turned off. Constancio suggests that he call Calvillo directly, already. Damian, after half a second, says he's not picking up either. Constancio says he's going home and to call when he has news. Damian now picks up the phone on the desk and asks Calvillo if he's got the money. Calvillo insists he doesn't know what money Damian's talking about. Calvillo tells him to just try telling anyone that Damian tried to bribe him and see what happens, chump. Calvillo hangs up on him.

Mili tries to get Lina to leave the house for their free hours to go out into the street and make some money. No, not like that, and Lina's thinking it too. Mili "borrows" some eggs from the refrigerator and the two girls are off.

Hugo talks to his faceless painting of Carmen and tells her he's got to see her again.

Mili's scam is to have Lina toss eggs at windshields and then offer to clean said windshields for 5 pesos.

Valeria finds her dad in the living room and tells him she had to take a taxi because Rorgan didn't come to pick her up. Damian now comes in to tell Constancio that Calvillo got "nothing." Constancio tells Damian to try calling his cell again. He's got it on now, and Damian asks what he did with the suitcase. Rorgan comes into the room, talking on his cell, and says he did as he was told--hand over the suitcase with the papers. Damian grabs him and he and Constancio start demanding to know where the money is. These guys aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer.

Mili's still running her scam, but her next egging victim is Alejandro, who refuses to pay. Mili says she'll do him a favor and not make him pay, but now he's hung up over owing her a favor, so Mili takes care of it by re-egging his windshield.

Tomorrow: Constancio and Andrea's relationship is found out. Alejandro kisses Andrea and then runs into his dad at her place. Ewwwww!

Labels: guapos

Cami tells Justo and Ofelia of Vasco's roll in the hay with Ines. Justo is hopping mad. He doesn't think Vasco needs "more time" for anything. He runs off to see Vasco at the mill, where Vasco is "consoling" Ursula at this very moment. Ofelia and Camila worry about how Santi will take it. Cami offers to tell him. Ofelia says better not, because Rita is more jealous than ever. They hope maybe it's just because of the pregnancy.

Fran admits to LaFont that Lis has always had a crush on Ric. He tells her that Ric and Cami are engaged, and asks point-blank if the Ric they know is the same as Ric the pirate. Fran wordily denies it. LaFont also suggests that Lis ought to get out more. Fran politely agrees with him, and fans herself as he leaves.

She goes in the house and tells Lis of LaFont's suspicions about Ric. She thinks maybe LaFont and Jorge sent their friend to La Mariana to dig up some dirt on their family - Ric would get sent to the gallows, and Lis would lose her inheritance. "How can you think about money when Ric's life is at stake??" "Excuse me if I'm more interested in your welfare than in his. By the way, he's engaged to Camila."

Lis is impactada.

Justo gets to the mill and rushes up the stairs. Vasco is sitting alone with a very contented air. Justo smacks him right off of his chair. "How dare you?! You ARE getting married this time!" (So I guess Vasco didn't marry Paco's mother... Santi mentioned in his chat with Ascanio last week that she died.) "Okay, so when do you want me to marry her?" Justo says he and Santi will decide. And if Santi wants to beat him up, Justo will let him.

Ines is crying her eyes out with Ofelia. It's been two weeks; they hope she's not pregnant. Ofelia says Santi doesn't know yet, so don't let on with all the crying. Ines worries that Santi will throw her out; she thinks she deserves it. Ofelia doubts that, but reminds her of all the things that are wrong with Vasco. "Maybe he'll change!" Ofelia tells her not to get her hopes up.

At the forge, Ascanio tells Santiago that he learned reading and writing from nuns as a kid. I think he's writing a business plan for selling the lanterns. Santi thinks they should offer turnip seed oil at the same time (as lamp oil). They seem to have some big plans for making a lot of money. Santi thinks that people treat you better when you have money. Memo to Santi: people also treat you better when you're not a selfish jerk.

Justo comes by and tells Santi they need to go to Ofelia's for a talk. He assures worried Ascanio that it's not about Camila. Ascanio says he can move in now; Justo says "okay, whenever" and wanders off with Santi.

They get to Ofelia's. Justo orders Ramona (the maid) away from the stove so they can speak privately. Santi pokes his head in to let Ofelia know he's there to talk to Justo. Ofelia tells Ines to go out there and face Justo. She doesn't want to, but it only takes Justo two seconds to explain things to Santi. "Your sister and Vasco are going to get married." (Ines cowers nervously behind Ofelia.) "They HAVE to." Santi blows up... at Ines! She invites him to hit her (or some less violent translation of "pegar..." I'll leave this to the Caray Caray Brain Trust to figure out!).

Santi hobbles over to the forge, looks around aimlessly, and leaves without saying anything. Ascanio and the twins look at one another in confusion, and then there's a lengthy shot of Santi going to the church. (Normally, when people on this show go anywhere, not only is there no travel time, but the edit is so abrupt that you don't even realize right away that they've moved.) He turns down a chance to give his confession, but the priest gets him to talk. Santi says there's no peace in his life. He talks about his love for Camila (the priest has already heard about that one). He's prayed and prayed to get over it, but it hasn't happened. The priest says maybe this is meant as a test. (If so, he's only earned himself a D at best, and it's time to move on to the next test.)

Next, he talks about Rita's jealous nagging, and Vasco taking advantage of his sister. He doesn't want Ines to turn out unhappy like him for marrying the wrong person. Santi says it's not always God who decides - sometimes it's the devil. The priest urges him to pray for all of these people in addition to himself, for peace. Santiago gets down and prays.

Vasco and Bernabe are hanging out at the bar. Vasco's telling him about the world of hurt he's in now that their parents know about Ines. And this all came down right after he was with Ursula, consoling her for being an almost-widow (though, he tells Bernabe, it seemed to him that she couldn't have cared less about that guy).

Bernabe laughs and then suddenly gets serious. He says money makes problems smaller. "A little money never hurt anyone," he says. (He reminds me of the little devil that sits on a cartoon character's left shoulder.) "Camila deserves it," Vasco agrees. They drink to that.

Ric, Mario, and their posse approach La Paisana's Home for Wayward Pirates and Highwaymen. Mario is saying that if Juancho's men are the ones who were robbing caravans and killing people, Ric'll get his fortune back, as well as a pardon, and then he can marry his beloved.

Ric isn't sure it will be so easy, and anyway, they don't even know how many of them there are. Mario says that each one of their guys is worth two of Juancho's. As for La Paisana, they'll just tell her to scram. Mario asks about the chat he had with Camila last night. Did they fight? Ric ignores him.

Lazaro asks to see La Paisana. A girl tells him LP hasn't left her room in days and has been acting strangely, but LP comes out to talk to him. She asks (or tells?) him that Pablo worked for Antillano. He was going to ride with the caravan for better security. (Looks like a strong paper towel would have been more effective.) Lazaro explains that it was Ric's money that got stolen from the caravan, so it's probably here. LP says no, Juancho came back with mules, but no big trunks full of money. There's no way he could have hidden them. (She says something about nobody messes with Foreman's stuff?) LP tells Lazaro that Juancho said some other people were waiting for the caravan too.

(This conversation is confusing... I thought Lazaro witnessed the whole thing! The ruckus woke him up!)

Manuela runs into her father in the plaza. She seems to shrink in her shoes when she spots him. She's dressed in her church duds, and he chastises her for prudish frumpy clothes, even though the kids she teaches are having their first communion today. "You're never around when I need you," he complains. She offers not to go. He wants her to invite Lis and Fran to the house tomorrow. She whines that she wanted to spend some time with Ursula after her fiance's death. He tells her to send the note first and then she can do what she likes, but he doubts Ursula will care much anyway.

Jimena is back at Camila's house - Fran told her that Ric ordered one of the servants to care for Pablo. (I hope Jimena confirmed that before leaving.) They talk about Claudio's little mishap, and how Alvaro deserved it but Claudio shouldn't have done it, and it's a good thing Ric was there and took him to the Iguana. Maybe they'll turn him into a rich and handsome pirate like Ric.

Santi brings home some flowers for Rita and apologizes for being testy with her. He assures her that he's all done with Cami. Rita says she'll have to see for herself. He says that what he did for Cami last night, he would have done for any friend. Rita says Cami is no friend. He changes the subject to the handkerchiefs she's embroidering and says he wishes the baby could be born tomorrow so he could see it. This cheers her up. She hopes this baby is the first of many.

Camila prays for Claudio. Ascanio comes in with his bags packed and she says she should pray for him too, that he does okay at her father's house. They talk about how they'll miss each other, and Claudio. Cami says it only takes a second to make mistakes that follow you for the rest of your life. Jimena catches them on their way out, and they walk out together, bidding fond farewells. The women realize it's just the two of them now. They say they're glad they have each other, even if they do bicker a bit. "Men come and men go, but friends are forever," Jimena says. Aw.

The kids have just finished their first communion service. Manuela comes out of the church and sees Ascanio. He seems to have the opposite effect on her that LaFont does. (That is, she can look at his face instead of her shoes when she talks to him. I think she likes looking at his face.) He tells her he's moving in with Justo. She says she's going to see Ursula. Also, she told her father that Ascanio didn't need the loan. "It was VERY nice to see you, Doña Manuela." "Me too."

Fortunata tells Sofia that Ursula must be very sad. Sofia says yeah, not even for two whole days... a servant saw her sneaking out in the morning. Sofia says she wants to ask Justo if he knows anything about Alvaro's cousin, Claudio, whose mother Alvaro had been married to. Fortunata wants to know if they're going to find Ursula another man. Sofia says they'll talk about it when Jorge comes back, but she thinks it's better to leave it alone... Ursula doesn't want to get married. The only other man she was interested in was Ric, and he preferred Camila - and Sofia can understand that.

Fortunata says it's just a shame that the Mancera fortune should default to the crown because Jorge doesn't have an heir. She starts to ask if Jorge would try to make an heir with another woman, but Sofia cuts her off only to finish the sentence anyway. She mysteriously says maybe there's someone else who has priority. Fortunata is intrigued to hear that there might be some boy-baby-bastards she doesn't know about. "Eh, I'm just sayin'," Sofia says. "You never 'just say,'" Fortunata protests. Sofia gives her a dirty look.

Ursula is reading something from Spain (as evidenced by the second person plural verbs) when Manuela shows up to offer condolences. Ursula laughs at her and says the only thing that upset her was the spoiled wedding plans. "I had only just met him, and anyway, he wasn't all that handsome." She liked the idea of being a duchess and partying with the viceroy, and putting on pretty things, and having everyone look up to her as a queen. (Excuse me, Ursula, that's duchess.)

"Well, sorry anyway," Manuela says. She asks if they caught the guy who did it. Ursula thinks Camila is protecting him, and that she put him up to it. Because she's a tramp. She coaxed Ric into dumping Ursula. Manuela protests. Fortunata listens at the door with her mouth open. Ursula gets angry with Manuela for not agreeing with everything she says. "Fine, I'll leave," Manuela says meekly. Ursula impatiently tells her to sit down, and tries to pump her for information about Lis. Is she still drooling over Ric?

Ascanio arrives at Justo's house. Justo looks like it's the only good thing that's happened to him all day. During their tour of the house, they run into Ines, who is playing with Paco. Paco is happy to have a new roommate and asks if Ascanio will play with him. Ines looks like she wants to disappear.

Justo shows Ascanio his room. Ascanio says it's okay about Paco - he likes kids. Justo says the room used to be Cami and Rita's. Ascanio says he noticed Ines looked a little downcast. Justo says she's going to marry Vasco and join the family. (After which, they'll all be downcast.) Ascanio looks confused. Justo changes the subject to suggest lunch.

Fortunata whispers in Sofia's ear as the two descend the staircase. Sofia warns Ursula not to mess with Camila. Ursula asks, "who told you about that?" even as Fortunata's legs are still vanishing back up the stairs. "She's suffered enough," Sofia tells Ursula. Ursula scorns this with, "I've always said she was a dead fly." Sofia warns not to defy her.

Team Ric scopes out Team Juancho's camp from afar. They see the mules, but not the wagons. A couple of guys are carrying a big trunk, but it's obviously not heavy enough to be filled with gold. They don't see Juancho or el Tuerto, but Ric thinks they must be inside.

If I'm not mistaken, el Tuerto is dead. Someone else (is this Juancho?) is telling Lazaro he still doesn't trust him. Lazaro just wants to know when the captain (Foreman?) is coming, so he can bum a ride on his boat.

Lazaro tells La Paisana she's got a good business going there; does she work for Foreman? She says she works only for herself. She asks him if Pablo had a wife or kids. Lazaro asks, why so much interest in Pablo, was he a customer at your old bordello or something? She tosses a bucket of liquid in his face and calls him a dog. She walks away as the saloon patrons snicker at Lazaro.

Justo reminds Vasco that they're going to Santi's house this evening to make a formal marriage proposal.

Ursula is practicing archery... on living things. She lets one fly at a groomsman, who ducks just in time. The horse whinnies in terror. Fortunata tells Ursula they're having a Mass for Alvaro. Ursula snidely says he's not her fiance any more. Fortunata asks where Ursula went in the morning. Ursula says she went out and she's done it before and it's none of Fortunata's business. Fortunata tells her not to be rude and asks if it was to see Vasco. Ursula aims an arrow at her. Fortunata warns her that she was seen out in broad daylight within hours of her intended's death. It was shameless. If her parents found out...

Ursula leaves, guffawing.

A lady is singing and dancing at the Bad Pirate Camp when the Good Pirates ride in. "It's the Antillano!" The bad guy pirates surround them. "Is that any way to greet your colleagues?" Juancho says he's not sure they're colleagues. Did Foreman send them? Ric says yep. "I don't believe you," Juancho says. "I haven't heard from him." "Why would he write you if you don't know how to read?" Mario wisecracks.

LP comes out to investigate. She is much happier to see them. Juancho warns her that they're lying about being sent by Foreman. She tells him that he can go ahead and hide if he's afraid. She's the boss around here, and if he pushes his luck he'll have no food, drink, or women. She sends him to his room and invites Ric and Mario in. Mario tells his men to arrange the horses around the front door, and if they see anything suspicious, to take off.

LP brings them into the saloon, loudly orders the ladies to bring them food and drink, and takes them to a table in the back where she tells them she doubts they're here on Foreman's orders - this is Ric's own business and he doesn't want to discuss it with anyone else, because unlike those guys out there who'll do anything, when it's Antillano it's always something big.

They ask her why she left La Coralina. She said she got tired of it; too many people. They ask where El Tuerto is. "He was here, but I killed him," she says, because he murdered a colleague who had begged for mercy during their last caravan heist.

"Do you mean Pablo?" Mario asks. She looks like she wants to tell him everything, but instead she answers "that's what they told me he was called." Ric tells her that Mario found him and he's out of danger now. She gasps with relief. Mario asks if he's the son she'd told him about. "What's going on with our damn food?" she yells at one of the girls.

Juancho and another guy are wondering what's going on. He repeats that he doesn't think Foreman sent them. He thinks they should kill the whole bunch of them. "But they haven't done anything!" the other guy says. Juancho doesn't want to wait for them to do something. The other guy says Juancho's nervous around Antillano because he killed El Negro, but Juancho killed Manolo, and Antillano's not even pirating any more. They're here for something else. Juancho isn't so sure that the rest of Ric's team is in agreement. He thinks they're all afraid of him.

The full moon looms heavily over the earth. I.e., it is nighttime. Ric, Mario, and LP are still talking about the heist. She knows Ric's money was taken. He tries to play dumb, but she doesn't let him. She denies that the money is there, though. Ric says Pablo saw El Tuerto take off with it. She insists that all Tuerto brought back was mules and loose change. They think Juancho must have hidden the wagon, then. LP doesn't think so. These guys talk a lot, even more when they're drunk, and no one's mentioned any money.

La Paisana says Juancho mentioned something about another group, but they weren't "colleagues" - as far as she knows, they're the only "colleagues" in the area. Juancho didn't see them, he only saw something moving. But if anyone took his money, it had to have been those other people.

Ric wonders, if Juancho knew about the wagon, why didn't he bring it? She says she hasn't discussed that with him. In that case, Ric asks, how does she know about his money?

"Lazaro told me."
Ric is impactado.

Vasco and Bernabe are discussing the intended blackmail. Vasco can't go through with it tonight because he has to go get engaged. Bernabe is getting frustrated with Vasco for not being able to make up his mind about the blackmail. Vasco points out that it's his sister at stake, not Bernabe's. Vasco says he's got to go and they'll talk tomorrow.

Ofelia is waiting for him. Justo and and Santi aren't home yet, and Ines didn't want to be there for this. Rita comes out to say hello. This is how she finds out that Vasco is going to marry Ines! From her tone, it sounds like she thinks they're all out of their minds. Vasco nods sheepishly.

---

Jueves

• Santi warns Vasco that if he fools around on Ines, he'll break every bone in his body.
• Ric makes a formal appointment with Justo.
• Lis, still impactada, turns to her dolls for comfort.
• Camila receives an unstamped piece of mail that's read and white. And black. So, so black.

Labels: Pasion

Juanito is doing is homework and tells Juan's buddy that Susana kissed Juan!

Susana and Juan are continuing with their swimming lesson at the river. Juan is nervous in the water unless he holds onto her -- he grabs her and almost kisses her, but then stops. They lean away from each other and start to make their way out of the water.

Paula and Cesar Luis are at the table. CL stares stone-faced into space. Paula asks what the problem is. CL tells her that he's decided to have the operation as soon as possible. Uh-oh. She asks him if he wants to get a second opinion. He's ready to go ahead with the operation now, as long as she's at his side. Of course!

Juan demonstrates his new swimming and diving skills and shouts to celebrate. Susana, sitting on the riverbank, smiles and sighs. Alas!

Monica and her cuz are discussing the latest with Juan and Paula. The cousin reminds Monica that Paula told Juan to go to hell. Exactly! That's why Monica thinks that Paula's love for Juan won't die. In fact, she's sure that Paula will continue to be obsessed with Juan and Paula's relationship with CL will inevitably die.

It is evening and Juan and Susana are dancing. She says that no one has sung for her, ever. Juan leans over to sing in her ear, gazes into her eyes, and pulls back. She is gazing at him, slightly sad.

Romance is in the air at Casa de Alirio. He's got the rows of candles and rose petals on the bed. Nidia steps into the room. What's this?! It's not working, Nidia wants to go to sleep! They scuffle and yell at each other, waking the baby.

Juan thinks about how this is a key day for him. He told off Paula and now he wants to try to dedicate himself to Susana.

It is morning. The clowns are drunk and make their way on wobbly legs with musicians toward Susana's apartment. A local resident tells them to get lost. Susana opens her window and steps out in her PJ's. She goes down to the street and tells them she has no respect for them, her respect belongs only to Juan!

Juan is in a phone both making a call. Monica answers the phone at Farrell. He talks in a fake voice, but she knows it's him. She wants to talk to him. He tries to put her off, but she insists. He makes a hissing sound into the phone, shouts over the fake static that he hears, and hangs up.

Out in the street, Juan is talking to his buddy about going to DF. His friend tries to remind him about Susana, how Juan just sang for her the night before. Juan snaps at him! Juan can't get Paula out of his heart, but insists his future belongs to Susana.

Yadhira asks her mom about the craft project Nidia's doing. It's the latest style. Yadi looks doubtful and tries to do some reality testing with her mom.

Juan rushes over to Susana's place. She opens the door in her robe with her hair in a towel. Juan grabs her, kisses her, and breathlessly asks if she will be his girlfriend. She is taken aback and says she'll have to think about it. Juan plays it cool and offers that she should take her time to think about it. He steps out. On the street, he tells his friend that he's not sure how it went with Susanita.

Clown number one is back at home -- with lots of alcohol bottles and horse figurines on the shelves. The clown's dad yells at him for being drunk at this time in the morning. Clown tells him what Susana said about Juan. Dad calls Herlinda into the room and chastises her for not winning over Juan. Herlinda's letting the competition get him! Herlinda wants to take a more subtle approach, but her dad threatens what will happen to Juan if he doesn't do right by Herlinda.

Monica asks Merily about Juan's whereabouts. Merily can't tell her, and wants to know why Monica would want to get in touch with Juan.

The doctor tells Cesar Luis via phone to relax and to call with any questions. Don't worry! CL's doctor's assistant comes in with CL's test results. The doctor gets flustered with another patient's chart and a new phone call, knocking papers to the floor. CL's results, unopened, have fallen into the trash. The janitorial staff comes in just then to empty the trash.

Merily is talking to Paula on the phone and mentions that Juan called the office when she wasn't there and Monica answered. Monica then wanted to know where Juan is -- M. couldn't tell her. Paula is still trying to understand why Juan was not thrilled to hear from her and yelled at her on the phone. Merily asks Paula what was she expecting, under the circumstances.

Aliro's esteemed business partners are making their sales pitch to Cesar Luis. Monica and Gaitan look on. The tech guy manages to lose CL's agenda on the computer then lets slip that he's not sure how to get it back. CL explodes in rage and tells the presenters to scram. CL yells at Gaitan. Monica asks Gaitan to step out, so that she can handle CL. She tells him he's going to have to relax. She starts to give him a back massage. He protests, but she insists.

Just then, Paula steps into the lobby outside of CL's office. She opens the door to his office and sees Monica helping CL to relax. Apparently she is interrupting something! They tell her it was nothing. She snipes at CL. He tells her she can't be watching him 24/7, doesn't she trust him?!? She replies that watching him is not such a bad idea. Maybe she should come back to the office.

Juan's buddy is trying to console Herlinda and gives her a hug. She is devastated about the turn of events with Juan and Susana.

Susana approaches Juan at the job site and he stays turned away from her, fussing and directing the workers. She asks if he is mad at her. Juan finally turns around, and she says she has to think about the two of them carefully. She feels lots of things, she's not sure if he's love, and she doesn't want to get hurt. She asks Juan if he is in love, he pauses a moment thinking of what to say. She asks him if he is afraid -- of course he isn't! They finally kiss and Juan's buddy starts to interrupt them, but backs away when he sees that they are busy.

Later, Susana is walking away from the jobsite and Juan catches up to her. They have a much more serious embrace, it looks like things may heat up very soon!

*Note: Any similarity to real events is purely coincidental.*

Labels: Juan

EPISODE 32:
* Ascanio escorts Santo into the salon of Cami's house. Ascanio tells Cami, Vasco, Justo and Santo about all the guards at the mansion; he doesn't know anything about Alvaro. Santo asks if they know or are searching for where Claudio is. Vasco seconds the question. Cami covers with excuse that they aren't searching for him. Ascanio backs her up. Santo starts to scold them both for hiding something about Claudio's whereabouts. Justo has to stand up and defend his daughter. Cami says that one afternoon Ursula and Claudio met each other. Ascanio reminds Vasco of that meeting on the plaza near the market store. Santo apologizes to Cami.

* Everyone leaves the bedroom so Padre and his alter boy can perform the 'last rites' prayers over Alvaro's body.

* Jorge and Alberto join the chief of the guards and Marcelino in the front entry. Chief and Jorge discuss the notion that the boy is living at Cami's house. Ursula comes downstairs and tells the men that the boy's full name is Claudio Fernandez de la Cueva, he told her so himself and he is the protege of Cami - so she wants Cami to arrested also for this crime. Jorge says they'll see; the chief is a professional and we'll let the guards to their jobs. Chief leaves. Ursula is adamant about Cami being arrested also. Jorge tells her to stop with the stupidity and return to her fiance upstairs now. She leaves. Jorge and Alberto talk about Claudio being one of Alvaro's lost cousins. Jorge turns and orders Marcelino to organize a search party. Marcelino leaves. Jorge and Alberto continue to talk - Jorge mentions that Paulino said that Alvaro called him Claudio and the boy called him murderer. Alberto chuckles at the coincidence that Jorge's daughter is first engaged to a pirate and then a murderer. Jorge and Alberto go to office for drinks and to wait for the inevitable death.

* As Padre, altar boy and ladies encircle the bed where Alvaro lays; they continue to pray; Alvaro takes his last deep breaths and dies. Doctor proclaims him dead.

* Cami, Ascanio, Vasco, Santo and Justo are in the salon - anxious and nervous. They hear the horses stop at the front gate. They all have to hold Cami back and convince her to stay inside. Vasco stays with her.

* Ascanio, Santo and Justo let the chief and the guards in the courtyard. He's there to search for Claudio. The men say Claudio isn't there; they play buffer for Claudio and Cami. Ascanio offers up his knowledge of Claudio, since he knew the lad in La Mariana. The chief asks Ascanio to come with them to make a declaration tonight.

* In the salon, Cami has been listening to the conversation from the door. She decides to go outside and talk with the chief; despite Vasco's best efforts to keep her inside.

* Cami walks out and starts to talk with the chief about how she knows Claudio. Vasco comes out with his sister. As the chief orders Cami to come with them to the municipal building and make a declaration, he also informs her about the accusations coming from Ursula. Vasco calls Ursula an insolent liar, and defends his sister. Justo has to come to Vasco's defense.

* Rico tells Mario that he found Bermejo and he confessed to setting him up for murder, and Tim and Fran were part of the scheme. Rico says that he asked Don Gaspar to leave Fran's name out of the official report because of Lis. Mario objects - Fran deserves to be punished. Rico changes the subject to the ambush and stolen money chests - wonder how he will be able to confront Jorge without sufficient funds. Rico asks who else knows about the theft - the crew, Cami, Jimena? Mario says no one but Pablo, he and Rico. As Mario talks with Rico about their life aboard ship, Antillano still is in disbelief over the theft - he was going to use part of the money to help the residents at La Iguana. He mentions Claudio sent there. Mario warns Rico that love and piracy don't mix. Rico can't stop himself - his love for Cami is the one thing that has kept him going while he was away.

* Sofia talks with Jorge and Alberto in the office about the investigation and search for Claudio - no luck finding him yet.

* Rico tells Mario to make sure they have enough pesos/coins left to last for the next three months. Rico mumbles about what rotten luck he's having.

* Vasco and Santo stand outside the municipal building. Justo comes out and says he can't go inside to be with Cami during her declaration. Santo is angry that Justo, her father can't be there.

* Rico rides his horse, alone, at night.

* In Pablo's room, Mario informs Jimena about Claudio killing his cousin tonight. Jimena is shocked - she knew of his threats but never thought he'd go through with it. Just then Pablo wakes up. Mario and Jimena run to his bedside. Mario asks Pablo who ambushed the caravan? Pablo mutters the name, El Tuerto. Jimena wonders if that's the same man who kidnapped her and Cami. Mario works to keep Pablo awake and talking to him about the incident, who did it - pirates like us?

* Rico arrives at the municipal building. Justo tells him that Cami and Ascanio are inside making their declarations. Rico goes inside. Santo grumbles why does Rico get to go inside but not him or Justo? Justo and Vasco have to argue that Rico is Cami's fiance and plus he's rich and has more power.

* In the hallway outside the chief's office, Rico talks with the guard - he wants permission to sit in with Cami, he's her fiance. Guard goes into the office.

* As Cami is arguing and giving her declaration to the chief, the guard enters and whispers to the chief that Rico wants to enter. Chief goes out to the hallway - tries to turn Rico away; Rico makes several very good, substantial arguments to get himself inside the office. Chief tells him this declaration is for a special reason - the murder victim was the fiance of El Senor's daughter. In the end, Rico wins the argument. Chief and Rico enter the office. Rico hugs Cami and tells her everything will be fine. They sit down and she continues her declaration.

* Ascanio finishes his declaration and joins Santo, Vasco and Justo outside.

* Mario rides to Cami's house and knocks on the front gate - no answer.

* Rico and Cami join Papa Justo, Vasco, Santo and Ascanio outside on the street. Santo leaves. As papa and Vasco leave, Vasco shakes Rico's hand and calls him 'cunado'. Ascanio, Rico and Cami walk back to Cami's house.

* Outside the front gate, Rico sees Mario standing there. Cami and Ascanio go to the door. Mario whispers to Rico that Pablo remembers El Tuerto. Cami calls out to ask if Mario and Rico will be coming inside. Rico excuses himself from entering, he's tired. She understands. They whisper to each other, and give each other a good-night nuzzle. Ascanio has to clear his throat to break it up. Ascanio and Cami go inside and close the door. Mario and Rico talk about what Pablo remembered - they decide to go see La Paisana tonight. Mario reminds Rico about the lack of money and worries about confronting Jorge. Rico knocks on the door. Mario tells Rico to come up with whatever "fish" story he can about missing documents in order to leave town. Ascanio opens the door - Rico needs to see Cami - Ascanio escorts Rico inside. Mario stays outside with the horses.

* Rico waits in the salon. Cami appears. Rico tells her that he has to leave; they have a lead on his stolen important documents. Cami asks if its dangerous. Rico says yes. She asks if they know who stole them? he says delinquents. Cami wonders how much longer before they can be together. Rico assures her. She's scared, for him and for her safety - she likes how he cares and protects her. Rico asks her why she doesn't also think the same about her dad or Vasco? Cami is caught off-guard.

* Mario returns to Pablo's room. Mario checks on Pablo - sleeping soundly. Mario then watches Jimena sleep in her chair near the bed. He whispers a compliment to her.

* Outside the hacienda, Jesus and Guerrero saddle up the horses.

* In the hallway the next day, Mario informs Rico about all the belly-aching Fran and Lis had been doing about him, Pablo, the men and Jimena while Rico was away. Rico and Mario enter Pablo's room.

* In the room, Jimena is feeding Pablo some soup as Mario and Rico enter and watch. Jimena places the breakfast tray on the side dresser. Mario and Jimena leave. Rico sits by the bed. Pablo asks about the chests; Rico asks Pablo to tell him what he remembers about the ambush and who did it. Pablo distinctly remembers El Tuerto, and that the gang were pirates. Rico stands and thought bubbles to himself.

* Everyone in town watches as Alvaro's casket is loaded onto the funeral cart. Jorge talks with the chief of the guards about Cami and Ascanio's declarations last night - Chief says that Rico was present during Cami's declaration. Due to lack of evidence, chief had to release Cami and Ascanio. Chief leaves. Jorge and Alberto talk about Alberto starting a secret, private investigation of his own. Jorge will leave to escort the casket back to Salvatierra (the trip will be for one day).

* Fran and Lis stop Rico in the hallway. Rico apologizes for yesterday. Lis asks him what's wrong? Did he get some bad news on his trip? Fran and Lis want to talk. Rico stomps into the salon, and the ladies follow him.

* In the salon, Rico blasts Fran about Bermejo's confession to the frame-up scheme. Fran and Lis are stunned. Lis asks what are you talking about? Rico says our aunt Fran knows very well what I'm talking about. Fran stutters and tries to deny the allegations against her; says Tim hated Pedro, from the day Pedro stole his girlfriend from him. Rico is still fuming mad. He yells at them to never interfer with his men and the ladies who come to care for Pablo - it is HIS house after all! Rico storms out. Lis is stunned and demands that Fran tell her the truth about Bermejo and her dad. Fran tells her about Bermejo being the kingpin of the illegal drug and slave trade in La Mariana. They argue. Fran pleads with Lis for compasion and to believe her. Lis doesn't believe her and leaves. Fran sits and cries.

* Cami talks with Justo at the house - Rico had to leave on a one-day trip but when he returns, Rico promises to make the engagement official. Justo mentions getting Don Castulo to handle the arrangements. Justo leaves. Cami sees Ines - they sit on the garden bench and talk about Vasco completing his duty with Ines. Ines is upset and doesn't think he will. Ines asks Cami about talking with Ofelia and Justo - she doesn't want to force a marriage on Vasco but if she's pregnant... Cami assures Ines how beautiful and caring a person she is, also Paco adores her. Ines questions why she had to fall in love with someone like Vasco.

* Ursula meets with the chief of the guards. The guards haven't found Claudio anywhere yet. Ursula is convinced that Cami knows and isn't saying anything. Ursula then makes her one special accusation that Cami was an accessory to the murder of her fiance. The chief is aghast and wonders if Jorge knows. Ursula tells the chief that she is Jorge's only child and he always defends her. Ursula leaves.

* Alberto visits Lis and Fran at the hacienda. Fran and Alberto inform Lis that Ursula's fiance was murdered last night in the square by the protege of Cami. Lis is shocked. Alberto asks about Rico - they briefly mention his latest trip he is on right now and then change the subject fast. Lis asks Alberto about the medical letter. Alberto says the original hasn't turned up, and unfortunately, they weren't able to get another one because Don Bonifacio died before their man arrived in town. Alberto assures Lis and Fran of his loyal friendship to them.

* Cami finds Justo at work outside the market. She needs to speak with him and Ofelia about Vasco and Ines - it's important. shall they meet at his house or Ofelia's? Justo suggests they meet at her place.

* Ursula climbs the stairs outside the mill.

* As Ofelia and Justo walk passed the shop, they mention to Santo that they are going to talk with Cami - something about Vasco and Ines. Santo half-explodes about his adamant opposition of Ines having anything to do with Vasco - he is a slacker and womanizer and won't ever change. Justo agrees with Santo; Ofelia says they are still going to go and talk with Cami. They leave. Santo stews in his spite.

* Ursula arrives at the mill office door - make I enter for a little consolation from a friend? Vasco welcomes her in with a loving embrace. He asks where her father is? she says away. He asks if there will be any engagements soon? she's not sure. They start to kiss right their on the desk. Jeremias walks in the office, sees them on the desk and backs out closing the door behind him.

* Ofelia, Justo and Cami talk in the courtyard. Ofelia and Justo sit down. Cami starts off by saying she loves her brother, but on this occasion she can't continue to support him. Cami reveals that Vasco and Ines had slept together. Ofelia and Justo are impactado. Cami isn't sure when it happened; just that it was not rape. Justo wants to kill Vasco. Cami attempts to calm her dad down. He leaves to talk with Vasco. Cami and Ofelia cry with worry - over Justo, Vasco and especially Santo when he finds out about this. Then Ofelia tells Cami about Rita, her pregnancy and her continuing jealous rage against Cami and Santo. Cami and Ofelia cry and walk together.

* Fran and Alberto walk outside. Alberto surprises Fran with the news about Rico and Cami's engagement. Fran hopes the news will finally make Lis stop fantasizing about Rico. Alberto then asks if nephew Rico and Rico Lopez are the same person. Fran covers by saying that it's just a coincidence the two have similar first names, plus it's been many many years since she's even received word from her nephew. Alberto mentions the possibility of Lis going into town sometime. Alberto leaves.

* Fran returns to the salon and gossips to Lis about Alberto's questions concerning Rico. Fran is concerned about Alberto and Jorge investigating and suspects their man they sent to La Mariana must've uncovered something about their family. Lis is worried that they will try to get her inheritance. Fran then shocks Lis with the news that Rico and Cami are engaged.

Labels: Pasion

Shout out to Professor Higgins, that be Henry Higgins.

Greetings viewers this is my first night of Guapos. I do believe many fine points may have slipped past me, but let’s not get bogged down in trivialities when there is such an abundance of cheating, lying and so on going on amongst the upper classes and so much good naco fun amongst the lower.

We open with the rehash of the kiss on the street between Al de golden locks and Mili de Naco. He stuns her with a kiss, she backs away and then when he teases her, she sweeps in with a seductive eye, puts her arm around his neck, her eyes are saying yes, yes, yes. Unfortunately for Al her knee says no no no. Al doubles over and he may be out of action for quite a while. Mili laughs and runs off with her friend.

Hugo, the “crippled” shut in is trying to paint, but no luck his hand trembles and he can’t go on. This guy has a serious scam thing going. Maybe he is on disability and is afraid the camera will catch him being able and then what?

It pretty much seems that once you end up in one of the bedrooms upstairs in this house, you pretty much never see the light of day again. Mister Gloves just brings you food.

Down in the kitchen Karla (the lil servant who was hanging on Damien), is arguing with her mother. I don’t know Ma’s name, so for now I will just call her CookLady. Ma wants lil Karla to stay away from Damien. He is a drunk, a womanizer, lives off of his brother-in-law, killed his wife and son’s girlfriend and doesn’t floss. Karla is like “Whatever, I ain’t wearing this pink uniform forever.” Karla sees Damien as a stepping stone to getting what she wants.
---I believe there is a lesson to be learned here, see when you give your kid a name with a letters that aren’t in your native tongue, it leads to unrealistic expectations. Had she named her Carla; she would be much more willing to accept her lowly place in life & possibly hit on the younger male members of the family---

Al has apparently recovered and there is at least a 30% chance he can someday father children. He & his best buddy Bobby are pacing in front church. When the ever-loveable kindly rotund Padre appears, Al inquires after “Carlito”, the name he dubbed Mili. He gives the Padre a business card and says to send Mili to the address. He has a job for her.

The Padre is thrilled and passes the message on to Mili. Mili doesn’t know it is Al de Golden Locks, but she still doesn’t seem thrilled.

The groundskeeper gives Morton, the chauffeur, love advice. Seems Morton is in love with Al’s beautiful sister Valeria. He tells Morton that a guy has to be mysterious, women love a man of mystery. He has to have some deep dark secret like a TeleNovela galan. Poor Morton, he has been dubbed the comic Naco relief in this TeleNovela.

Later when he is driving Valerie he tells her that he isn’t what she thinks. I’m not sure exactly what the deal was, there were gypsies mentioned, a break with the family and he is next in line for some huge inheritance from maybe European Royalty. Yes, folks it was that believable. Valerie regales us with peals of laughter and tells him, he must only have five neurons left. He has brain damage from alcohol. I guess this is an inside family joke since her mother is an alcoholic and her uncle is a vehicular manslaughter alcoholic. Big family dinners must be a riot in this house.

Damien is meeting with another businessman, it is something about the deal with buying the land. I guess the guy wants a cut. Damien offers him 50,000 pesos? They agree they have known each other for ever and they are businessmen. Now that the point is out of the way, yes he is a whore, but wait the price is 2,000,000 pesos. Damien is going to have a tough time laying his hands on that much scratch. Hindsight is always twenty-twenty when it comes to spousal life insurance.

I guess it is the next day and Mili arrives at the destination she was given. The secretary questions her and Mili goes all urban urchin gutter on her. I think the secretary is Const’s amante. She sends Mili (who is wearing her “good” clothes, cargos, tee shirts, but her hair is down) into Al’s office. She walks in and Al & Bobby are talking about her, mocking her. She then continues to go all gangsta on his ass. He threatens her with the police and makes her ask his Pardon. There was no job, it was all a ruse to make her apologize and learn her place. She is furious, but rather that go to juvie, she complies. Damn you Al, you will never break her spirit.

She exits the building, her friend Gloria is waiting. Mili won’t even answer Gloria, she walks into the street in front of a car. She has guttersnipe in the headlight eyes. The car doesn’t even touch her, but she falls to the ground. The driver gets out and runs to the front of the car. Why it is Const. Now if you watched yesterday, you see threads weaving this “Greek Tragedy”, she has already locked lips with her possible brother and she was a Zeus lightening bolt away from being run over by her own father.
I’m not even sure why she fainted unless it was a Zeus bolt unseen by human eyes. Ah the Gods are toying with us.

Const helps her up and all is well.

Meanwhile back at the home of twisted secrets; Damien is in his room. Karla comes in. Damien tries to get her to leave, but she says her mother is at the market and Karla won’t take no for an answer. She is all over Damien, they fall down on the bed.
Foiled again, Brau (the gloved majordomo) comes in with another servant girl. The new girl is like “See See, I told ya”.

Brau says he is going to tell Karla’s mother. Damien yells at Brau, but it doesn’t carry much weight.

Luci, Al & Valerie are all at the Church for some memorial service for I think Valerie’s father. There is an ad-hoc choir in front and Mili is singing. She is wearing her usual Carlito outfit. She starts singing all crazy and off key. Padre stops her and she leaves. Al follows her out.

----Okay Okay, I gotta interject here. We get it, she is spirited, but for the love of Gawd was she raised by the “Sisters of Lobo”? She is so over the top. She is nearly eighteen and appears to have this duo identity thing going. I mean she gets all dressed up to go to a club, but basically runs the streets like a twelve year old boy. Was she on a sabbatical to the Holy Land when basic manners were covered back in like the second grade? I know she was raised a poor orphan, but so was everyone else in there. It looks like it was a pretty fun place. This makes you rethink a good Catholic School upbringing. Maybe we haven’t seen the dark underbelly, was she forced to make knock off religious trinkets in a child sweatshop? I truly doubt this cause when I was in Mexico City, most of the religious trinkets that were being sold on the streets around the Basilica were made by unchristian children in Chinese sweatshops. If attitude flowed like sweat this girl would be soaking wet----

Al follows her outside and there is more verbal sparring. Princessa Valerie comes out and she joins in baiting Mili. Mili takes off after her. Now my money is on Mili, but really that isn’t saying much.

Now Luci approaches the Padre, she wants to employ a girl to be a companion to the Ol’ Lady, Const’s Ma.
The Padre’s face lights up. “Satan get behind Thee”, alas it is too late. You know he is going to send then Mili. Anyway it is three squares, a room and a few ducats, besides she will be out of their hair. Well I think this could work as the Padre most likely knows Luci is a drunk & besides this will teach them the meaning of tithing.
(As this whole conversation is going on we can see behind Padra & Luci, outside Al is running around outside with Mili over his shoulder). Ahhhh the promise of mucho Naco hijinks to come.

Back at the mansion, there is a shout down in the kitchen. The groundkeeper guy is all up in “The Pingueno’s Face”, hey it was his words not mine. Karla & Damien come in and Karla says it is all lies that Pingueno doesn’t like her. Well Karla neither do I, but that has nothing to do with why I think you are a skank. Damien threatens Pingueno and Pingueno exits. CookLady Ma, once again gives the laundry list of why Karla shouldn’t screw around with Damien. Karla being youthful, greedy and a smartass, thinks she has all the answers and Damien is her way out. I see no good coming of this situation.

At some point, Brau or the Penguin is up in the recluse Hugo’s room. He tries to talk to Hugo about Hugo’s dead girlfriend. Hugo laments his lost love. He tells Brau to take the untouched tray and go. He then glides his electric wheelchair over to the unfinished picture of the girl. Ah my love we well never be parted. See I think Mili would make a most excellent companion for this guy. Once she finds out that Const is her Pa, she will ready to go totally Goth on their asses and what better partner in crime?

Padre tells Mili explains her new job to her. She is crushed. She never wanted to leave the home, it is the only home she has ever known. She runs outside crying and runs into Al. He is surprised to see her crying and he hugs her. A kiss follows. She tells him she has to leave to parts unknown. Al is muy impacted. The tough veneer comes back up and the verbal sparring begins again.

When Al arrives home, Luci, Const & Damien are discussing the business. It is a no go, Damien owns 40% and he won’t give in. Al forces a vote, he thinks Luci will throw in with he & Damien, but she backs Const. Maybe Const has the keys to the liquor cabinet. Poor Al foiled again.

Meanwhile Damien tries to weasel a loan (yeah a loan, right) out of Const. “To go drink with your friends & play cards, as if”, Damien answers. Oh it is hard to live on the crumbs of others.

I think it is the next day.

Mili cries with Gloria about how much she will miss her and how she never wanted to leave the school. Gloria is overcome, the girls hug.

Over at the Mansion, Al talks to Granny, he tells her he is enamoured with someone who is very different from all the women he has been with. Ya think? I don’t see Delta Delta Delta, inviting Mili to pledge week. Granny talks about great love and makes some comment that I miss. Al says was it dead gramps? She is no, it was someone else. I think she was referring to Brittney and Kevin.

Downstairs, Luci is talking to Const’s amante. She is asking if he has a girlfriend, does he call anyone, see anyone? Amante lady says no. Const is a Saint. The wife is always the last to know.
Const while doing his best “Cesar Evora, “No Puede Ser” look inquires, “What are you doing here”. Luci says, “She is my friend and I invited her.” She then excuses herself to go and take some medication. I guess she is popping pills as well as drinking. Const grabs Amantes arm. Luci comes back in. Luci is called away as the new charge has just arrived.

Luci and Mili walk into Granny’s room, Luci introduces her. Granny’s mouth drops and Al’s face lights up. Mili cops an attitude.

In true TeleNovela form, I can see Mili becoming a combo of Liza Doolittle & what’s her name from “Sound of Music”, maybe Mili will lead the family thru the mountains to escape the Nazis. In the closing scenes it shows Mili all dressed up and almost touching Const’s shoulder as he looks out the corner of his eye. Don’t think it Const, you will feel so guilty when the truth is revealed.

Anyway…sorry if I missed parts, I am doing it from memory as I still had my recorder set for Pasions.

Stay tuned cause looks like Const tries to get a little with Amante in the living room.

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