Caray, Caray!

LORENA DE LA CRUZ (Ana Layevska)

Tenacious, active, intelligent, intense and with much courage. Lorena is a young woman with a sense of humor, character and great integrity. In spite of adversity, she has maintained the will to live. Lorena has a natural talent for cooking. Her goals are to study and become a chef, and to have (form) a family. She always strives to resolve any problems with the people around her.




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ALONSO UGARTE (Gabriel Soto)

A young physician. He’s manly, a protector, a hard worker, responsible, gallant, loving, firm and clear-headed (de ideas claras). He’s a good son and brother. Alonso is a man who, in spite of his youth, has successfully made his way to excel in the world of medicine. Medicine and Lorena are his passion, but on account of Sara’s schemes, he believes Lorena has been unfaithful to him, and thus he breaks off his relationship with her and begins one with Sara.



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SARA DE LA CRUZ (Carmen Becerra)

Impulsive, fearless, ambicious, vain and egotistical. She has no limits in accomplishing her goals. Sara is amoral, cynical, intelligent, and very dangerous. She calls Lorena her friend, but deep down she envies Lorena. Sara usurps Lorena’s place as the granddaughter of Hortensia, whom she admires and gets along with very well. Sara is enamored of Alonso to the point of obsession. Her secret lover, Chalo, supports Sara in her misdeeds.



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ERNESTO MENDIOLA (Jorge Aravena)

Ernesto is a successful chef who has (enjoys) a good situation. He loves good food, good wine, and life in general. Ernesto has sworn not to marry, perhaps because he never has really fallen in love. Maniacal, described as an ogre by his students, he’s a person who loves to cook, and it is this love that brings him into Lorena’s sphere.



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HORTENSIA ARMENDÁRIZ (María Rubio)

A manipulator, materialistic, despotic, Machiavellian, dominating, without scruples and racist. Hortensia is elegant and refined--she loves what is beautiful and expensive; she is a perfectionist to the point of madness. Her children and grandson disappoint her. Hortensia rests her hopes on Sara because she sees herself reflected in Sara.



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CHALO CARRASCO (Mike Biaggio)

Macho, handsome, muscular and virile. Chalo is a simple man, unrefined (coarse) and very sensual. He complains about his bad luck and his economic situation. Chalo is the lover and accomplice of Sara, with whom he is hopelessly in love, but she only wants carnal pleasure from him. She takes him to heaven with her passion and drags him down by humiliating him. Since he is the one person who knows the truth, Chalo constantly blackmails Sara.



Jeanne

Labels: enemiga, synopsis-cast

Well, we certainly moved the plot forward in yesterday's episode.


Norma had her baby. At first, I thought she had given birth to a six-month year old but then it was clarified that time had passed. This baby does not appear to have a name. I assume naming is going to be clarified once Juan finally gets to see his son;


Norma is divorced from Fernando. This seems to have driven Feonando over to the dark side since he tried to hurt the baby;


Los Hermanos Reyes are running their hacienda and buying land that adjoins the Elizondo hacienda. That was cute when Juan was opposed to making a counter offer on the property until he found out that it would give them access to the Elizondo estate

Juan and Óscar are sad to have lost their loves (Óscar doesn't seem all that sad with his new Beamer convertible) and Juan is concerned that Franco doesn't have any love;

Rosario is tired of touring;

A skanky new female is going to make a play for Juan and her family are now enemies of the Reyes; and

Jimena has a career being a model for Indian Savage cologne.

Labels: gavilanes

The episode starts off with the leftovers from Friday’s show…..the end of the game…the fighting between Hugo and Mateo…..Alejandro carting Mili off like a cave man and confronting her in the church. He begs her to admit that she still loves him, she tries to deny it. He demands that she swear it in the church. She breaks down and admits it and they kiss.

Mili pulls back from the kiss and tells Al to not kiss her. He says he can’t stop himself and she shouldn’t ask him to stop. She says it is bad, especially here where God is watching (I’m afraid he watches everywhere, not just in church…..this is a concept that many people fail to realize-- you can witness in the church parking lot right after mass ends on Sunday morning as the attendees all attempt to get their cars out on the street, no one letting anyone else go ahead. I want to scream--you just left God's house people, show a little kindness, but I digress). Needless to say, Al doesn’t understand what Mili is saying and she starts to tell him that he really doesn’t have any idea of what she’s talking about. He says that he would give everything he has and everything he is just to be with her (awww). She laments that she wishes she could be someone else so she could be with him. She admits again that she loves him very much and then she runs out of the church. Al turns to the crucifix and thanks God, he needed to hear this.

Padre Manuel scolds Hugo and Mateo about fighting on the soccer field and what kind of example they were to the orphan children. Hugo isn’t interested in the lecture, he just wants to know where Mili went. Sor Cachete tells him that Al carted Mili off. Hugo doesn’t like this news.

Constancio is paranoid to use the phone in his office. He demands that Andrea get the lines changed. She, working her new scheme concocted with Damian, tells Connie that the bank in the Caymans called and there is some sort of administrative glitch. Connie, always clueless when the blood shifts lower in his body, doesn’t question this but instead starts to dictate a memo to her, demanding she remove her clothing. She must like the idea of this because she smiles as we cut to the next scene.

Padre Manuel is on a roll today. He currently is grilling Chamuco about his relationship with Gloria. The first thing PM wants to know is what his Christian name is---Carlos. His lecture gets interrupted, so he has Sor Cachete take over as he leaves the room to attend to another matter. SC decides that the couple needs a little sex education. Chamuco questions “you’re going to give us advice about this?” SC starts with a couple questions about kissing and lists off some different types of questions about besos---kisses on the cheek, kisses with lips rubbing, French kisses. She wants details on what types of kisses Chamuco and Gloria have had. Gloria starts to spill the details and Chamuco seems flabbergasted that this conversation is even happening.

Mili is with Padre Manuel. She admits that Al just kissed her. PM doesn’t seem bothered at all, but Mili doesn’t pick up on this. She tells PM that what she did is a sin. He tells her that love isn’t a sin and it was only a kiss. She admits that the kiss brings up other things like how she just wants to spend the rest of her life in his arms with his kisses and that she wants Al to be the first man in her life. She states this again just in case PM missed her meaning the first time (I would think it would be better to tell a priest that she would want Al to be the only man in her life, because labeling him as the first leads one to think that she intends to have a second, third, fourth, etc. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but she is talking to a priest after all). Mili questions why God has put Al in her life only to take him away. PM suggests that they pray about this, to find peace. So the kneel and pray. We are treated to the voice over of PM’s prayer as he asks God’s guidance in how to help Mili find the truth and still protect her from Luciana. PM states in his prayer that Al and Mili deserve to be together.

In the car shop, Horacio and Rocky rehash the happenings at the game then they move onto other subjects. Horacio tells Rocky that Val’s been “grounded” by Constancio. They talk about how Connie is opposed to Rocky and Val’s relationship and Horacio warns his friend to be careful or he might just end up 6 ft. under.

Al fills Bobby in on what happened with Mili in the church. Bobby’s head is spinning just like the rest of us—the relationship is on, it’s off, it’s on, it’s off…..make up your mind already! Bobby (once again the voice of reason, scary, I know) asks Al about the wedding plans with Florencia. Al says that he intends to cancel the wedding. Right about now Braulio comes in to tell Al that Domingo (Flo’s papa) is downstairs waiting for him. Brau and Bobby exchange some weird looks here that I can’t interpret.

Damian arranges for Hugo to open a bank account for him (Damian) to deposit money. It is all part of the Damian/Andrea scheme. Hugo asks if the money is dirty and Damian doesn’t answer outright, but Hugo knows something’s up. Hugo agrees and Damian tells his son he’s made him really happy.

Al tells Dom that the marriage is a no go. Dom doesn’t like this news and he’s going to make Al keep his promise. Dom goes on about how powerful his comany is---they even do business in Saudia Arabia (whatever that means). He then makes a comment about his daughter picking losers (so why do you want to support this and make this “loser” marry her?).

Meanwhile, Flo is trying on wedding dresses with her sister and expresses her joy about becoming Mrs. Belmonte in two weeks.

Valeria goes to Mili and tells her about being forced to stay in the mansion. Mili vows to help and comes up with a plan to get Val out of the house that night. She’s going to Rodeo with the girls. The next scene we see Val disguised as Carlitos---equipped with the baseball cap and a long black wig.

Downstairs, Luci’s imbibing and Connie tells her she’s pathetic. Lina, Gloria, and “Carlitos” head out. Connie asks “Mili” a question and Val mumbles an answer which seems to satisfy him. He asks about Val and is told she’s upstairs asleep.

Braulio and Mili head out (I assume in a different direction than the girls, or else the whole sneaking Val out of the house plan would be for naught).

It is Gay Night at Rodeo. Rocky and Horacio are there and the straight boys are feeling a little uncomfortable. Mili and crew arrive. Val, still dressed as Carlitos, heads straight for Rocky and gives him a kiss. He’s confused and tries to tell the “boy” that he’s not into guys. Val kisses him again and again and he finally realizes that it is his chiquita. He’s surprised she got out of the house. She informs him that not only did she get out to see him, she also came there to work. We are later treated to some scenes of Rocky trying to teach Val how to work a taco stand.

Up on stage we are treated to a performance which is a cross between a boy band and Chippendales. Strange.

Mili fills Brau in on the theme for tonight’s event. Brau is shocked that Mili knows he’s got an alternative lifestyle. She tells him to come out of the closet already, it is OK. He seems relieved and he gets his flirt on. Right away, Brau gets hit on by a big bear of a guy.

Bobby & Al and Mateo & his friend all show up at Rodeo. Hugo arrives too. Mili sees them hanging out at the front and she takes pleasure in informing them all of what the evening’s theme is. They’re not too happy. Mili tells the bouncer to not let this five into the club. Pedro (Rodeo's owner/manager) runs up to her at this point and tells her there’s a catastrophe in the making…..Los Bomberos Ardientes are not going to be able to perform tonight. Mili hasn’t heard of this group and Pedro tells her it is like Solo Para Mujeres, but for hombres. Oh what will we do? (and we, the audience, can see where this is headed). The light bulb goes off in Mili’s head and she says she’ll fix everything. She then goes over to the five boys and tells them if they want in the club, they’re going to have to do her a favor.

Back inside, Mili gathers Chamuco and Rocky. Val is left trying to run Taco Naco (or is it Naco Taco? I can’t remember) with Horacio’s help. Rocky is pretty trusting.

Mili fills all of them in on her plan. Needless to say, they are pretty hesitant about performing at a gay event---I’m sure it is their lack of practice that has them holding back. Mili promises Mateo, Hugo, and Al that she’ll make one of them her novio once this is over. This seems to get them to agree and both Al and Mateo have to coerce their friends in to helping.

We are then treated to quite a show. The seven- Al, Bobby, Chamuco, Hugo, Mateo, his friend, and Rock- are all dressed in firefighter uniforms. They head out on stage to perform for the crowd. Bobby’s shy and hangs back, but Al pushes him forward. Rocky shakes it. Al wiggles his butt. Chamuco is the first to take off his shirt and Mateo’s friend removes his shirt and rides it like a pony. They all seem to really get into the performing aspect of the show. Needless to say, it was hilariously funny. The women (what few there are in the crowd) love it. Brau seems shocked, but seems to enjoy it-- as does the rest of the crowd.

Connie heads up to Val’s room to talk to her. He says what he's doing is for her own good and a bunch of other fatherly things. He's about to head out of the room, but goes in for a kiss and discovers pillows under the covers. He knows that she’s flown the coop.

Back at the club, the Chippendale boy band is back on stage. Lina tells Bobby that he was the sexiest of dancers. He appreciates the compliment but fails to realize that Lina’s making a play for him (or does he? I think he's clueless rather than playing with Lina's affections). He starts to talk about his girlfriend, Mareceli (Flo’s sister).

Al tells Hugo that his wedding to Flo is off. Hugo's not happy to hear this.

Mili tells the three men that her novio decision will have to wait until tomorrow.

Padre Manuel tells Nestor that Luci and Connie refuse to tell Al the truth. The brothers talk about Nestor’s situation. He’s in a loveless marriage. His wife is in Europe and although he knows his brother won’t approve, he wants a divorce. Nestor tells PM that Luci is the woman he’s always loved. END OF EPISODE

Labels: guapos

Labels: la traicion

Father Tadeo has asked Eva about Juan and Sofia. She hems and haws and says maybe it'd be better if Sofia tells him when she comes back.

Juan and Sofia finally reach the river. Amazingly, despite his recent infection-induced delirium, Juan is now doing better than Sofia, who is totally exhausted. She takes one look at that river and says they can't go on; the current's too strong. He says look, there's a rope!

Meanwhile, the search party pulls Oscar and Franco back up the slope. Aw, so close!

At the Eccentric Grandpa home, the creepy administrator is scolding Gramps and the others for their age-inappropriate behavior. (Maybe he should accept only applicants who are already dead.) Grandfather takes umbrage and says they're older youngsters; children trapped in worn bodies, perhaps, but children all the same. The administrator says it's dangerous for them to play. Grandpa says they're playing tag. "Tag, you're it!" (Roñoso="it")

The administrator (I don't know his name, I'm going to call him Dr. Ratched for now) says, "If you think you're going to get the same latitude here that you did at Miss Gabriela's house, you're very mistaken!" Grandpa scoffs and asks what's he going to do about it? "I will punish you. I"ll lock you up until you learn the rules of this place." There are cries of protest from all the residents, as well as Sister Mousie. (I can't bring myself to call her "Sr. Little Rat.") Sr. Mousie says if he's going to punish Grandpa, he's going to have to punish everyone. The residents cheer in agreement.

The orderlies reach for Grandpa's chair, but Grandpa and his new friends fend them off with weakly flailing arms. Dr. Ratched tells them to to calm down and he'll suspend the punishment, but it had better not happen again. The residents jeer at Dr. Ratched and his orderlies as they leave.

Juan and Sofia are having some kind of super-kinky monkey sex hanging from a rope - wait, no, they're just shimmying across this rope of unknown strength/origin over a raging river while megabuckets of rain pour down over them. Their feet slip, and now the hungry current is tugging at their feet as they hang from their arms halfway across the river - no point in turning back now. They get their feet back up, but the rope is starting to fray. Fortunately, they are now almost across.

According to the captions, Sofi is crying for help, but all I hear is the tense string orchestra. (No pun intended.) Sofi reaches the tree first; Juan is holding out his hand. She grabs it, but is strangely unable to hoist his hulking frame with her dainty hand. Now she's screaming with no sound, and there's not much left of the rope. It snaps! This time she does call for help as the river carries him off to Candyland, or wherever people go when they fall into the rapids during a storm.

Amazingly, however, Oscar and Franco are there, but it looks like they're either just passing through or fixing to leave. Oscar seems oddly unsurprised to see her, and doesn't seem to understand what she wants. Finally he gets the message and jumps into the river with a rope to help. (Cool, now two guys are going to Candyland!) Franco helpfully advises Oscar to be careful, and he and Sofia remind him to save Juan (do I smell an Emmy for some lucky writer?); meanwhile, Juan is sinking.

Ofelia apologizes to Rosario for being late and explains that the whole town is talking about Juan and Sofia being missing. (Rosario sighs with discomfort and she lowers herself gingerly into her chair; I don't want to know if that's because of last week's whipping or something else.)

Oscar tries to fish Juan out of the river; Franco jumps in to help. Here I am all excited that I'm going to finally see Candyland in all its splendor as our three heroes build themselves a beautiful house of gingerbread and candy canes, but no, it was not meant to be. The entire search party, plus the tiny slippery hands of Sofia, pull on the line and haul them back to safety.

Eva again tries to convince Crabiela that Sofia is really, truly missing, as is Juan, one of the builders. "Together?" Crabi asks. She can't comprehend why Sofia might be with such a nonentity. Again, Eva plays innocent and says only Sofia can explain. Crabiela is filled with concern... as to what the people will think.

At the river, it seems that the incredibly inconvenient rain has stopped, and now the sun is shining in everybody's faces. Juan coughs out all the water and complains about his arm. They're going to take him to a doctor.

The triumphant search party, now a rescue party, rides into town and are welcomed as heroes. Somebody at the church even rings the bell for them. Quintina, Hortensia, and Fr. Tadeo run out to greet them. Fr. Tadeo seems a little confused when Quintina kisses the boys repeatedly. He directs them to the dispensario.

It's now evening, and there's no sign of our beloved donkey outside the dispensario; maybe his agent demanded more money. Fr. Tadeo says he's going to go, and he wants to take Sofia to the convent. She says she's not leaving Juan's side.

Jimena is moping in her bedroom, wondering where Oscar is. Or Sofia, for that matter. She can't tolerate being shut in any more; she sneaks out the unlocked balcony door, then climbs down the rope that Oscar left earlier. She takes a quick look around and runs into the night.

The doctor shows up at the dispensario. Did Fr. Tadeo finally decide to embrace 19th-century technology and get a phone? If so, he's not telling! The doctor asks for a moment alone with his patient. Oscar asks him to take care of his brother.

Outside the room, near the noisy peepee fountain (besides the annoying loud trickle, the lighting sometimes makes the water look yellow), Fr. Tadeo asks Sofia what happened. She tells him she was on her way to meet him at the church ("because it didn't occur to you to simply meet me at the convent where it'd be safer," she doesn't add) when along came a truck without lights. (In the flashback, the truck has its lights on. In fact, during this scene last week, I noticed that sometimes the truck had its lights on, and sometimes not.) She was afraid, and began to run, but some guys attacked her, and one of them was going to rape her (in the flashback, Feo is punching her). Then Juan showed up, they fought, Juan had just about gotten the situation under control when somebody shot him and he slipped off the cliff. She tried to help him, and then they both fell in and the river carried them away. Surely those guys left them for dead. Fortunately, they're alive, and nothing happened to her. And then they got rescued! (I think she skipped a few things, but that's okay.) She hugs Oscar and Franco to thank them.

Pedrito shows up at the convent with his little dog Mariachi to tell the head nun that Sofia's okay and she's in the pueblo right now. The nun is happy, but I'm thinking she'd be even happier if they got a damn phone so they wouldn't have to send a kid out by himself at night. The nun asks about someone named Delfina, who must Pedrito's mother or guardian. He says the rain caused her rheumatism to flare up.

The nun asks why he doesn't hang out with more kids. He says there are hardly any kids where he lives. Well, there's one, but they never let him go out. (HMM, I wonder who that might be *coughcoughRosario'ssonAndrescough*.) He lives with a woman who must be his grandmother. He thinks the boy's name is Luis.

To make sure that this subtle hint is lost on no one, next we see Rosario staring at her son's photo again and studying his drawing, wondering where they've hidden him. Ofelia tells her it's time to sing, so she needs to stop crying. To cheer her up, she says they found Juan and Sofia. Rosario says that's why she never stops believing in miracles - someday she'll get her miracle too, she'll get her child back and then they'll never be apart again.

The fountain at the dispensario is louder than ever; it sounds as though they've fitted it with its own microphone. The doctor comes out and tells them Juan's on antibiotics. He's young and strong, and he'll get well soon. The brothers hug until Oscar is red in the face.

Sofia and Juan make typical "I love you and I'm glad you're not dead" small talk. Juan says they're now one forever and no one can separate them; however, she's gotta go or else people will point and gossip and talk trash about her. She doesn't want to go, but he says his brothers will watch over him, and anyway, since they're one now, he'll always be with her wherever she goes. Until everything's been worked out, they don't want to arouse any suspicions. His brothers will take her back to the convent, and he'll be able to rest easy knowing she's safe. She agrees to this, but wishes she could shout to the world that she loves him, and that she is his and she loves him forever. He repeats that he doesn't want people to suspect their love. They kiss.

Jimena shows up at the dispensario and asks the Padre if it's true what they're saying in the pueblo - that Juan and Sofia were found. She asks to see her sister.

At the hacienda, Sarita asks Eva about Grandpa and Sofia. Eva says Jimena is probably wondering the same thing; she was just about to bring her dinner. Eva says Juan is missing too, "and don't ask me anything more because I don't have any response." Oh please, that's like saying "I have a big secret and I'm not going to tell you what it is." She repeats that she's bringing Jimena's dinner because Gabi was too tired to do it. Jingle-jingle, she's got the keys. "I'm going to open the door to see how she is," she explains needlessly as she opens the door to see how Jimena is.

Sarita brings in the tray and they note that Jimena isn't there. The balcony is not locked as expected. Sarita, being the clever sister, deduces that Jimena must have gotten out that way.

Eva is just in the middle of saying "if your mother finds out" when Crabi herself yells for Fatima, the maid, to bring her some coffee... in Jimena's room!

Sarita and Eva panic, and I wonder if Sarita is going to get in bed and hide under the covers and pretend to be asleep, or something silly like that. You never know, with this show.

Father Tadeo is shocked to hear that Gabi has been keeping Jimena locked in her room. She says it all started with that little luncheon, when she had too much wine. (I'd say no amount of wine would be enough for a gathering like that one, when they first met the Uribes at the height of their twittiness.) Her mother wants total obedience, and it's worse every day.

Fr. Tadeo offers to speak to Crabi again - I don't know why he thinks their next talk will turn out any differently. I guess this is a man of infinite perseverance! Jimena begs him not to do it now - she doesn't want Crabi to know she snuck out. The padre assures Jimena he'll do it at some other time.

There have been a few comments about the padre's forehead looking a little strange (like, a little too perfect, or maybe having something like a line of demarcation just above his eyebrows). We get a very up-close look at it during this scene. If you're curious, the actor's name is René Casados; you can search his name on Google and then click "Images" at the top of the page. At least you'll have some context for your research...

Also, I know this is totally out of the blue, but last week during a scene in his office, I noticed his pencil cup was filled with those same damn green pencils we saw in La Fea and in Destilando Amor. I wish I could send away for these amazing pencils that just float from one telenovela to another, never getting used.

But let's return the fascinating action.

Sofia is asking Juan to promise that he'll get some rest. They say they'll dream about each other. (Even though it's well after dark, there seems to be blue sky outside the little window - or is that just a decorative blue square on the wall? I noticed the same thing at Lety's house in LFMB.) They kiss, and they're still at it when Jimena walks in. She takes one look, impactada, and walks out. HA! There you go, Jimena, now you know how Sarita felt every time she caught you with Oscar!!

Crabi gets to J's room and asks Eva where Jimena is. "She's in the bathroom. It seems she's not feeling well." Ooh, that's much better than hiding Sarita under the covers - now I know why these writers make the big bucks! Crabi knocks on the door. Sarita moans sickly through a rumpled towel. Crabi continues to rattle the door; Eva suggests that it might be better to let her rest for a while. Crabi agrees but says they might as well take away her dinner if she's not feeling well. Eva sits there and nods in terror. Crabi prompts her for the keys. Eva hands them over and takes away the dinner. Crabi knocks on the bathroom door once more for good measure; Sarita cowers by the toilet, but Crabi gives up and leaves, locking the bedroom door.

Sarita timidly creeps out of the bathroom, nearly hyperventilating with terror; Crabi scolds Eva for taking too long with the tray; Eva tells Fatima to bring Crabi's coffee to Crabi's own room after all.

Sarita realizes she's locked in Jimena's room. She looks at the balcony and debates with herself whether she'd rather die falling off the balcony, or get caught by her mother; that's an easy decision. She crosses herself and looks down; I dunno, I'm a big wimp. I think I'd take my chances with Crabi. But Sarita knows her better than I do, and she's willing to chance it; so I say good luck, Sarita! Be free!

Eva is on the ground below to encourage her. She reminds Sarita to close the doors so they look locked.

Juan is still telling Sofia to leave, and says if she doesn't, then he'll have to go. (Take a hint, lady! The guy's been shot, he's tired!) Franco sticks his head in and asks if he can come in. Juan says why bother asking, since you're already in, dum-dum! Juan thanks Franco for saving them. He asks Franco to take Sofia to the convent. Franco says he'll do it, since Oscar is taking Jimena back to the hacienda. Sofi is surprised to hear that J is there.

Back at the hacienda, Sarita finally reaches the ground and complains about her hands and how scary it was to be in the bathroom and how Jimena is going to PAY for this. Eva offers to make some tea for her fear (chamomile, maybe?), but Sarita wants to wait in that spot until Jimena returns. Eva says in that case, she'll wait with her. If Mom asks what they're doing out there, they'll say they came out for some air. Sarita tells Eva she wishes her own mother were like Eva.

Oscar notes that Jimena seems uneasy. She tells him she saw Juan and Sofia kissing. "You didn't know?" he asks. "They're in love." She agrees to keep quiet about it until Sofia tells her. Oscar hesitantly tells Jimena that there are things we sometimes can't understand, can't comprehend, and especially when it's your own brother or sister, it's too powerful... I think he's referring to how he felt when he found out about Libia and Bernardo. Anyway, Jimena says she's not judging her sister. She doesn't - okay, say it together, folks - she doesn't love her husband, she has never loved her husband, and there is nothing between them. They sleep in separate rooms... Oscar is barely paying attention; I think he's still thinking about his sister!

She calls Oscar back to reality and he asks, if they sleep in separate rooms, why doesn't Furdnando leave her? "Because he doesn't want to give her her freedom."

Oscar clears his throat abruptly as Sofia enters the room. She and Jimena hug. Sofia says it was a nightmare, but now it's over. She asks about Grandpa. J has no news, and explains that Mom has locked her up, and Oscar left the door open for her and now she has to go back. Oscar offers to take her back on the horse, whew glad that's all sorted out. Sofia sends greetings and love back for the rest of the household, and Jimena says their mother is doing worse than ever, which makes Sofia sad. As they hug again, Oscar stares at them with a strange look. (Is he picturing them naked?)

Poor Juan is never going to get any sleep... now Franco is asking him what's going to happen next. Juan gets a goofy grin and says he doesn't know. Then the padre comes in and wants to talk to Juan; Franco leaves. Tadeo says he knows it's not a great time, but he won't be able to retire for the evening without asking Juan if there's anything he'd like to tell him. After some hesitation, Juan tells the priest to get comfortable...

Oscar tells Jimena he's happy to see how much she loves her sister. She says they're all different, but they're united and have always protected one another. Even though they are close in age, Sofia has always been like a mother to her and Sarita. Oscar says it's the same with Juan. He promised their deceased mother that he would always care for and protect them. When their younger sister died, they couldn't do anything, and they felt responsible; it affected Juan deeply. Oscar felt very guilty.

Jimena says losses are so painful. She has a cheerful disposition and many people think she's never sad, but that's not always so. She often thinks of her father, and his untimely death. She misses him so much. Her and her sisters' lives changed greatly after that. Oscar, crying, says it's the same for him and his brothers. He's embarrassed to be crying. They hug and cry together.

Juan tells the padre he doesn't know where to begin. He struggles with his words, not making much sense, says "it was like a bolt of lightning..." (he bangs his hand against something and yelps in pain, then laughs - another unscripted moment, I think). Finally he explains that it's as if the forces of nature gave him a big shock, everything was dizzy, dizzy... it seemed the only thing to do was to hate Sofia, and take out his vengeance on her; but he looked into her eyes and his heart was revealed. He couldn't hate her. He was in love with her, a love so big, so true, and then he found out she was married, and he didn't know she was forced to marry him... (he pouts), but he's sure that she loves him as strongly as he loves her, and no one will ever split them up ever, no matter what.

Juan asks forgiveness for saying all these "barbaridades." Tadeo blesses him, and says he's blessing him the same way he has always blessed true love. He leaves Juan to rest; Juan wipes some invisible tears off of his face.

After all the mush-talk about how much she and her sisters love and protect one another, Jimena and Oscar are surprised when Sarita shows up, scolding J for for being thoughtless, letting them worry while she was hanging around with "this worker." Jimena says she went out to get news about Sofia. Sarita scoffs, but Oscar confirms that Sofia and Juan are safe and sound. Eva is delighted, but Sarita continues to sulk. Oscar says she should follow Jimena's example. Sofia needs their understanding, he says - not judgment, much less critiques. Poor Sarita has no idea what he's talking about. Oscar makes a tiny kissy-face in farewell to Jimena. Eva tries not to laugh. Oscar rides away.

Sarita wants a full explanation right there in the back yard; Eva advises them to go in the house. They agree that the important thing is that Sofia's okay.

Sigh. The episode's almost done, and only now does Feo show up. Too bad, because he's fun to recap.

He comes home from whatever dastardly deeds he's been up to. He starts up the stairs, and even from behind you can see that he's in a bad mood. He catches himself halfway up the stairs, comes back down, and thought-bubbles to us that he needs to change his expression and look really delighted when he tells Crabiela that Sofia and that damn bricklayer turned up.

He puts on his best Eddie Haskell face and goes back up the stairs like a happy schoolboy.

"How do you feel?" Oscar is asking Juan. Juan says he's feeling better. Oscar gives him a mushy speech about how they don't always get along, but he still loves him because he's like their father, etc. etc. Juan says Franco told him that Oscar jumped into the river to save him. Oscar says yes, they wanted to find him alive, because he couldn't handle another loss or imagine life without him.

Oscar says it's just the three of them, like three fingers that can move alone, but when you close them into a fist they're strong, decisive, united. "We are the three Reyes brothers! Only death can separate us." (Ahem, Oscar, you are the three Robles-Reyes brothers.) Juan scolds himself for crying. Oscar jokes that Juan cries like an old man. They hug and cry some more.

Next time:
Jimena tells Sarita and Eva that Juan and Sofia are in love. Only one of them is surprised.
Franco tells Rosario he loves her with all his heart, but he doesn't know what he feels for Sarita. (Rosario takes this poorly.)
Dr. Ratched seems to have lost track of an eccentric Grandpa.
Furd congratulates the happy couple on not being dead.

Labels: Fuego

Here is my translation – be sure you check the YouTube intro clips that our Anonymous source gave us in the Friday, May 30 recap comments on Yo Amo a Juan.

Lorena and Sara grew up together in an orphanage. They love each other as sisters although they are very different. Lorena dreams of starting a family, and what she loves most in life is to cook. Sara is materialistic; she has always resented the poverty of living in an orphanage, and her ambition is greater than her scruples.

Lorena dreams of becoming a chef; one day she says goodbye to the nuns who raised her, to go and study cooking (gastronomy) in Mexico City. The same day, the Mother Superior discovers that Sara has stolen all the money from the orphanage, and the Mother Superior suffers a heart attack and dies when she confronts Sara. Sara runs away with Chalo, her lover and accomplice, stealing her file and Lorena’s file. When she reads them, she finds out that she was found in a trashcan, but Lorena was abandoned in the orphanage without any explanation by her grandmother, the millionaire Hortensia Armendáriz. Sara's first impulse is to go in search of Lorena in order to help her confront her grandmother and demand her rights, but then Sara thinks it over and decides to usurp Lorena’s place in the Armendáriz gastronomic empire.

Totally unaware of this, Lorena finds work in the same company (her grandmother's) as a cook's helper. Lorena meets Alonso, a young physician with whom she falls in love, and becomes his girlfriend. But, Sara won’t rest until she separates Lorena from Alonso.

Hortensia uses all her resources to avoid confronting the harm she has caused to everyone around her.

When Lorena discovers Sara’s schemes, Lorena realizes that she never really knew the person she loved as a sister. In the midst of her suffering, Lorena has a confrontation and discovers a new hope from the hand of the person she least suspected could love her.

(Note: Also see Wikipedia, which translated has a slightly different translation and some elements added that esmas.com did not have).


*************************


CAST of Querida Enemiga – more information on the main characters to come (esmas.com only has profiles on six of them)

Lorena: Ana Layevska
Alonso: Gabriel Soto
Ernesto: Jorge Aravena
Hortensia: María Rubio
Sara: Carmen Becerra
Chalo: Mike Biagio
Jaime: Luis Xavier
Bárbara: Luz María Jerez
Vasco: José Manuel Lechuga
Omar: Alfonso Iturralde
Zulema: Socorro Bonilla
Julián: José Carlos Femat
Diana: Luz Elena González
Bruno: Marco Méndez
Darío: Eduardo Rivera
Paula: Sharis Cid
Bettina: Danna Paola
Maruja: Patricia Martínez
Rossy: Bibelot Mansur
Arturo: Mauricio Aspe

*************************


Here is the esmas.com original synopsis, for those of you who are interested:

Querida Amiga Sinopsis

Lorena y Sara crecieron juntas en un orfanato y se quieren como hermanas, pero son completamente distintas. Lorena sueña con formar una familia y lo que más le gusta en la vida es cocinar. Sara es materialista, siempre ha resentido la pobreza que se vive en el orfanato y su ambición es mayor que sus escrúpulos.

Lorena sueña con aprender alta cocina; un día se despide de las monjas que la criaron para ir a estudiar gastronomía en la capital. Ese mismo día, la madre superiora descubre que Sara ha robado el dinero del orfanato y al encararla, muere de un paro cardíaco. Sara huye con Chalo su amante y cómplice robando su expediente y el de Lorena. Al leerlos se entera de que mientras ella fue encontrada en un basurero, Lorena fue abandonada en el orfanato sin explicación alguna por su abuela, la millonaria Hortensia Armendáriz. Su primer impulso es ir en busca de Lorena para ayudarla a enfrentar a su abuela y luchar por sus derechos, pero luego recapacita y decide usurpar su lugar en el imperio gastronómico de los Armendáriz.

Ajena a todo esto, Lorena encuentra trabajo en la misma empresa como ayudante de cocina. Conoce a Alonso, un joven médico del que se enamora y al poco tiempo se convierte en su novia. Pero Sara no descansará hasta separar a Lorena de Alonso.

Hortensia, por su parte, lucha con todos sus recursos para evitar encarar todo el mal que ha causado a la gente cercana a ella.

Cuando Lorena descubre las intrigas de Sara, se da cuenta de que nunca conoció realmente a quien quería como a una hermana. En medio de su sufrimiento, se enfrentará y encontrará una nueva esperanza de la mano de quien menos sospechaba que pudiera amarla.

Jeanne

Labels: enemiga, Juan, synopsis-cast

One of our readers posted the words to the Bonbon Assassin song in the comments. I tried to do a quick little translation (see following). Corrections welcome!

BTW "Bonbon" is a french word for candy.

BTW I think Ninel Conde looks much better in this picture than she does as Rosario in El Fuego de la Sangre - less makeup, and maybe less icing.

Mi cinturita
que parece que a todos ajita
si me pongo una falda cortita
El meneo me la sube todita

Gritan Bonita
Cuando bailo uno que otro se excita
si supieran que yo estoy tan solita
y les bailo porque soy dynamita

Si se sabe bombon asesina
Se sabe bombon piel latina
y me dicen bombon soculento
que por mi bombon cansamiento
saben que bombon que lo mueve
menea el bombon cuando quiere
me dicen bombon insaciable
que soy un bombon masticable
me dice bombon

My little waist that agitates everybody
If I put on a short skirt,
my waggling (moving, shaking) hitches it up all the way

They shout "Beautiful!"
When I dance, one after another they get excited
If they knew I was so alone
And I dance for them because I'm dynamite

Yes, I'm the bonbon assassin, latina skin,
Succulent bonbon, singing, I move them,
I waggle when it's wanted
They call me the insatiable bonbon,
A tasty (chewable) bonbon, they call me bonbon.

Ajitar is, I think, a version of agitar: Move with frequency and violence from side to side; bother, worry, move the spirit violently; provoke restlessness.

Labels: Fuego

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Labels: index

Labels: gavilanes, la traicion, stars

Memo to Televisa/Univision/Esmas: One year is too long for any Telenovela except La Fea Más Bella

Is there such a thing as a total episode of filler on a Friday? If so, this was it. Maybe I’m mistaken, but it felt like filler. Maybe it's just me. I counted again, folks. I think I had it wrong—the ending looks more like June 20. So sorry—for all of us. (In all seriousness, I will miss Juan and all these “originals” in the cast.)

Juan—still in last night’s mode—talks in circles about how Farell is a third millennium company and they have to use methods of operating the business to stay in the vanguard of world businesses. He cites a new Chinese method, “PLC” which apparently has no real explanation. Or substance. S2 (fake Sandro, nod to Cap’n Sylvia) tries to nail him to specifics and Juan tap dances around, getting Paula’s support, until S2 gives up for the moment. Juan thought bubbles that this is way better, getting her with the program. [Ed. Note: in a really bad bit of editing, S2’s glasses were on/off/on with no visible movement. So, his secret’s safe again.] S2 wants to reduce the executive positions. He concedes a little where the rank-and-file are concerned, to salve Juan’s social conscience but it’s not enough for Juan. S2 lets his irritation show and Juan has the upper hand. Point to Juan. Juan’s going to provide a comprehensive plan. Paula’s with Juan’s program. Juan gives him the “gotcha there, bud” look and S2 gives him back the “for now, pal,” look. They remind us of Fernando and Aldo in LFMB facing off with Lety in the middle.

Julia is So Glad to see Kike at her desk. She loved all the lovely things he told her on the phone – even if they were just for show. Well, some were true. Julia pries—which? Well, when I don’t see you I miss you bunches. Julia and Kike play the “how much do you miss me?” game until they miss each other from here to eternity, (and along the road to Cuernavaca on the way). Kike is totally charmed by the game and Julia’s pretty pleased with the results. Kike wants to know what’s up—what bug bit all these folks. Julia tells him about the threatened layoffs (recorte-cutting, trimming, staff cutbacks). Kike is impactado. The lobby is more full with lobby lizards than ever. [If I heard about threatened layoffs, I’d be at my desk looking Really Busy.]
S2 tells Paula and Juan that they better consider that with every day that passes, they’re another day older and deeper in debt. ;-) Juan wants more time—S2 asks “when.” Juan has no quick answer. But, he thinks on his feet as always, and it’ll be tomorrow. Paula jumps right in with both feet; it’s tomorrow. They’ll put their heads together and come up with something. S2 is Put Out, but okay, they won’t layoff anyone today. By tomorrow, Juan’s got to come up with Plan B. Juan thought bubbles at S2—are you steamed? Pour some water. S2 is definitely steamed.

Ivonne and Marely find each other in the ladies’ room—shades of LFMB again. [It’s been nearly a year and I still miss it, folks.] Marely doesn’t want to meddle, but….she thinks Ivonne needs to clear up things with Fern. What for? He hurt me again. Marely ends up spilling the beans that Fern saw Ivonne go into the apartment building where Sandro lives, and since 2+2=4, they’re getting it on. Marely asserts that S2 is a Judas in disguise.

Juan and Paula are meeting—he really appreciated her support earlier—and S2 busts in. “Am I interrupting?’ YES. No. [Ed. Note: J&B scotch very clearly placed in the background. You’d think they’d have higher-class scotch, like Macallan 18 or something really smooth.] S2 wants Juan and Paula bails as fast as her 3-inch heels will take her. [Question—are they open-toed tonight or closed?] Juan thought bubbles that he doesn’t know what bananas this little monkey (chango) wants from him. S2 has brought him a better offer for his shares of Farell. What? You’re so eager to get rid of me? Why don’t you just fire me? Another point to Juan. Juan turns him down cold. He ain’t sellin.’ S2 is impactado. Anyway, not selling to YOU. Juan hands the folder back with the new figures. S2 wants to know why—does it have something to do with the proposed personnel cuts. Yep. But, remember, we’re reconsidering. Juan remembers, but there are lots of folks who might be on the street. He pats S2 on the shoulder and gives him the brush off. S2 is bemused and frustrated—again. They give each other A Look as S2 leaves. Point to Juan again.

Ivonne and Fern come down a lovely set of curving stairs while she tells him how it bothered her to learn what he had thought about her and his lack of trust. He scolds her about going to that guy’s house. She scolds back that he shouldn’t be judging when he hadn’t even asked her about it. Fern gets her out of the main gossip highway and reminds her he took her to that house plenty of times and it hurt like h***. He isn’t buying her “I have to clear some stuff up.” She tells him he could be a witness to what she saw that night. Fern is lost, so finally, she tells all—there are TWO of them there. ¿¿¿Qué??? Yep. Ivonne calls him a “know-it-all” (sabihondo), fills him in and asks his help in investigating if CL is still alive and well in the D. F. [Maybe the detective work will go better now, folks.] Fern is muy impactado.

Kike has come to see Juan, who has to tell Kike about the change of plans. Sorry, but I’m not selling my shares to “Sandro” and there won’t be cash to buy the lovely White Dove truck cab. Juan’s not leaving the company to that short guy (Chaparro) with no heart. Kike calls him a bigheaded (cabezón) So-and-So (zutano) (he’s more big-headed than nice). Juan apologizes, but it’s what he has to do. Kike, understands Juan’s desire to take care of his people and though Kike’s sad, he’s prouder than ever of Juan because Juan is committed to saving the jobs of the Farell work force. They’ve got their whole life ahead to set up a business.

Fern, still muy impactado, points out to Ivonne if she’s right, there could be unimaginable consequences. Exactly. Ivonne wants to keep on finding out what she can, starting with the name of the so-called agent who brought the news. Ivonne swears to Fern she feels nothing for “Sandro.” He asks her forgiveness and they make up. Friends? Ivonne gives him a look. And novios? She smiles and gives him a fond whack on the arm. All is well. It won’t happen again. He’s worried about what people will think—they’re going to think she’s nuts. He gives his word that he’ll help. They look around and steal a kiss in the middle of the Farell gossip thoroughfare. Even Fern smiles.

Juan is on a life-or-death phone call when Pastor and Heri are ready to see him and he waves them in. Pastor gives the floor to Heri, who announces he’s annoyed to the marrow of his heart (mohíno hasta la medula del corazón) due to that little monkey’s threats of layoff. Pastor defends his Heri. As Juan tries to calm them down—it hasn’t HAPPENED yet, Fern comes in to join the chorus. Juan’s depending on everyone to help with the solution (remedio - remedy, cure, relief). Total silence from the troops.

S2 is engaging Paula again, but she’s got her hackles up and he can’t wheedle today. He’s playing the game, though—never thought that implementing the financial plan would cause such a commotion (revuelo). [Hah.] He thought he’d get more support from her. Well, after looking it over, she didn’t hadn’t seen all the consequences. He backpedals and tries to convince her he’s looking for an intermediate solution, which she appreciates. Well, then, maybe they can have dinner and think about the plan? Noooope. Don’t feel like it, I have a lot of work, and I’m tired, Paula tells him with a tight smile. He’s hoping they can do it another day. No smiles for “Sandro” from Paula today.

Speaking of the King of Rome, Juan is cursing “Sandro” to Laura. Laura chews noisily on a marshmallow and remarks she’s never seen Juan so upset. So, why not ask her out for dinner? Juan doesn’t have a lot of time on his hands. He’s got some heavy lifting to do tonight. Juan tells her it’ll have to be taquitos at the greasy spoon. He names the kinds off (¿qué? Rabbit tacos? And others too terrible to name here? (toche- rabbit, and ojos – eyes, ))and she tries not to gag. Would that bother her too much? No problem, Laura swallows hard, represses her gut instinct, and out they rush for….exotic taquitos. That’s what he likes, spirited women! (Entronas) They probably won’t be too greasy….but Laura’s on a diet…..

Kike spoons food while he confesses to Julia he always wanted his own business with Juan. Ever since they’ve known each other, he’s wanted that. It’s their dream, but it’s postponed. He explains and Julia is enchanted by Juan’s support for the people of Farell. She’s glad because when he’s in Farell, it’s a calmer place. [Ed. Note: Amen, sistah.] He notes that Juan’s not an obstacle (tapón), he’s a conduit (ring cromado chromium-plated ring, my best guess.) Julia changes the topic—does Kike needs lots of money for his business? Kike outlines what he needs: two more trucks, and drivers, etc. Julia urges him to get a loan, one of those for small businesses. Kike hadn’t thought of it but it seems like a good idea. Wait, he’s got no one to co-sign, and he’s got no credit cards as collateral. But, Julia does. ¿Qué? All he has to do is ask and she’ll be his business partner. He kisses her everywhere but her lips. [Ed. Note: Kike, romantic fool that he is, still loves Unfaithful Yadi and Julia’s going to be disappointed.]

Anga is more than satisfied with Yadira’s work on the books. They’ve never looked so clear. He tells her he needs someone to help him with the business. Yadi’s not so sure, and she’s helping with what she’s doing. Anga comes closer—he doesn’t want her for just an employee, but more of a partner. He wants to leave his business in her hands. Yadi is impactada. Little by little, though, of course, he adds. Wow. She appreciates his faith in her, but is she ready for this kind of position? Yep, he thinks so. He has all the confidence in the world in her. Yadi is sooo thankful. Suddenly, the tide turns. He’s decided to put part of the company in her name. Yadi begins to register alarm.

Kike isn’t sure what he’s done to win Julia’s trust [and we aren’t sure, either], but he’s thankful. She’s knows good things about him, especially because she’s seen him work, she’s in charge of the Farell gossip, and she’s a good observer. He’s a little anxious, still, but Julia reassures him that he knows the business end and she can take care of PR and administration. She’ll deal with the bank, etc. They can pull it off (jalar)! Kike’s ready but he doesn’t want to abuse her friendship. Julia reassures him she’s always wanted to be her own boss and this will give her an opportunity. They give the secret handshake to firm up the deal and Julia’s knuckles are killing her.

Yadi is getting concerned about what she’s hearing. She really appreciates all he’s done, but….she pries about why she’s doing it. She deserves it. Yadi’s not so sure—what about Pastor? Anga tells Yadi that she and Nidia Michaela are the family he’s always wanted. Okay, so Anga’s laying the family ties on a little thick for a guy who hasn’t shown his real daughter his birthmark that matches hers. He strokes her arms and all sorts of other creepy things. [Ed. Note: if you have an opportunity to play this back, look at how their ears even slant the same way, folks. It’s downright spooky.] Anga tells her how she’s the perfect woman, her youth, beauty….he feels blessed to have a little gal like her. [Ed. Note: THAT’S a quote, folks. He said it, not me.] He’s never felt the happiness he feels with her near. Yadi’s alarm hits high pitch. Now she’s got it; something is definitely Not Right here. She asks him to cease and desist, please. He tells her he can’t contain the feelings he has for her. He’s never felt this for anyone. Anga tells Yadi how much he cares for her. Yadi is bemused/alarmed/impactada and it’s way too much for her pretty little head.

Delirio visits Gutis in his rat hole—what, we couldn’t have just one episode without him?—and is trying to quiet Gutis down using about six more paragraphs of flowery Spanish than necessary. His dear fugitive from Justice. Gutis wants to know Qué the heck Delirio is doing there. Delirio notes that Gutis hasn’t called him, and Delirio wants to be paid for his complicity in this deal. Gutis wants him to be patient—for at least the second time since they began the latest scam. Delirio gives Gutis all the bogus reasons why he needs the money now because his wife is getting impatient (since Nidia is supporting him, anyway, and Marely, and Juan, we wonder what the big deal is). Delirio wants a little advance from Gutis’ own funds. [Ed. Note: Delirio, would he be living here if he had funds?] Gutis breaks out the rotgut tequila and tells him to be patient. Delirio moans that if he doesn’t get paid soon, he might have to look for real work!

Yadi doesn’t want to hear more. She moves away from Anga. It’s not the time or place to talk about these things. He agrees; there’s lots of work and they can talk at her place tonight. He IS invited for dinner, right? She remembers her promise….yes…..it is his house. He’s off to the storeroom and leaves her to her work. Yadi watches him leave, in shock.

Sandro thinks that CL’s over eagerness cost him the opportunity to get his company back. CL denies it. He’ll pressure that jerk until Juan gives him another chance to buy it. Sandro thinks not—and Juan’s not the fool CL thinks. He’s learning to be wary of CL. CL thinks Juan could bring the company to the brink of bankruptcy and Sandro disagrees there, too. He could lose all the ground he’s gained in a matter of seconds, Sandro tells him. CL is irritated and tells his twin to shut up but Sandro tells him he better think it over carefully, or he could be getting into a huge mess. And, don’t even think about firing Marely. CL takes evil pleasure in retorting that she’s already resigned. Your fault, Sandro shoots back sadly. CL thinks it’s best she’s far away so Sandro’s distraction with her won’t blow the scheme all to h***. He stalks across the apartment living room, leaving Sandro looking like he’d rather be doing just about anything else in the world.

Anga returns to the office and asks Remolacho where Yadi is. She’s gone home because she just HAD to see the baby. Remolacho says he warned her to let Anga know when she left, but she didn’t pay him any attention and took off. Anga chuckles that she misses that little bit of heaven. Well, not to worry, when Kike gets there to unload the cargo, Anga can go off and see his…oops. Remo’s impactado face says it all. I mean, Anga continues, Yadira. Remo stares at him, thinking the worst.

Nidia races down the stairs to answer the pounding on the door and screaming for them to just hang on, she’s coming. Nidia is startled to see Nidia Michaela come in her door—and of course NM’s Mami, too. Qué the heck? Yadi’s in tears; Nidia was right. She thought Anga was helping because he’s good people, but no, he wanted what they all want. Nidia demands answers—what did that old lecher do? She threatens to do him in. Yadi sobs that he didn’t do anything, but confessed his love. Nidia swallows hard while Yadi tells her all that Anga said—well, not all, she can’t stand to tell her Mami. Nasty old man! Nidia calls him a swine (canalla). NM gets fussy listening to her Mami and Abuela fussing. Nidia wonders if she didn’t hear it wrong. Nope. He was totally serious. That WRETCH! Nidia is incensed. Trying to buy her love! That old lecher!

Speaking of the King of Rome, Anga goes to the apartment and “communicates” with Filomena—where’s Yadira? Filomena gestures about Yadi packing it in and blowing out of there. Finally, she shows him a letter. It’s from Yadira, of course, and tells him thanks for the help, I really appreciate it. “In the beginning, I accepted it because I thought it was generous (unselfish – desinteresada), and now I realize you want something from me I can’t return. It began with you like a friend, like a father, and nothing more. I’m sorry, but it’s better if we never see each other again. Yadira.”

Nidia is still lecturing Yadi, but in support of her making a good decision to come home. This erudite old man won’t dare to come to my house, she asserts. Yadi says she left it all and brought nothing he’d bought for them. Nidia points out she’s got all she needs here [of course she does, she left everything here when she took NM out in the big box and raced off in a cab.] Nidia continues that right here this child has an exemplary father and a mother who….the music grinds to a stop. Well, a mother who is human and makes a few boo-boos. But when she realizes, she fixes them. Yadi soaks it in, not retorting, wisely. Nidia smiles and tells Yadi she’s proud of Yadi, who asks forgiveness for having messed up (bajar – lower, humiliate, and lots of other definitions) the love of her Mami’s life. Nidia calls him a swine (cochino) again. She doesn’t ever want to remember that time of her life again. Yadi wheedles pitifully—could she stay here? It’s always your house! Nidia is ecstatic to have her grandbaby back—and of course, you, hija. Yadi tells Nidia she’s such an idiot for paying attention to her horoscope—it was supposed to be a day when she got some very good news. Hah.

Juan’s called Don Lorenzo in—remember, he has a great self-taught background in finance and should have been in the VP position in the first place. But, that’s just our opinion. They’ve been hard at it for hours with Heri, Pastor and Fern, going through the budget with a fine toothcomb and plenty of pink marshmallows. Juan moans that they’ll be here all night and Lorenzo says they have lots more to study. Can’t they postpone it? Nope. Gotta have it in the morning. Juanito is fine with Pepita. Juan thinks that Lorenzo and Pepita are angels who came to him from heaven.

Ana, Paula and Ivonne fix dinner and Ana lectures Paula a little about how she thought Sandro was the greatest and now look at where he’s left them. Ivonne sets the table and chimes in that she’s warned Paula she can’t trust the man. He makes Ivonne nervous, like he’s hiding something. [Yeah, and you know exactly what, too, Ivonne.] Paula tells them she doesn’t want to turn it into a witch hunt (cacería de brujas). Sandro’s just doing what they asked him to do. At the cost of so many folks who’ll lose their jobs, Ana wonders. She doesn’t like it. Paula says that business decisions have to be made coldly (con frialdad – with coldness). Ana is unhappy that it sounds like Paula’s agreeing with him. No, but Paula understands why they have to cut costs and have layoffs. So, what now, Ivonne wonders. Paula tells them Juan’s on it. He’ll have a counter proposal. Ivonne asks if by tomorrow, they’ll have an idea which is the better proposal. Sure, but no matter what happens, Paula will make sure Ivonne still has her job. Ivonne thanks her—if the medical costs aren’t paid, she’ll die, literally. Paula comforts her, and Ivonne remarks that Paula’s been so good to her that she’s doing something for Paula. Paula wants to know what, and Ivonne tells her it’ll have to wait until she’s confirmed her suspicions. [Ed. Note: is there anyone here who can imagine Paula waiting patiently on this? I didn’t think so.] Ana and Paula exchange puzzled looks.

Anga drives his clean, lovely, big white car up to Nidia’s house. He strides over to ring the bell, and gets a face popping out of the window upstairs. Nidia hurls out insults at the old swine and he begs see Yadira and clear things up. Nope, no can do. Nidia tells him to beat it and go find some other little girls to mix it up with. He wants to see Yadi, it’s just between them. Nidia thought he was a guy with scruples, but she was wrong. Where has her love gone? They fuss back and forth, but Nidia won’t give in and disappears into the house. Anga rings the bell. Yadi runs to talk to her mother about the crazy guy ringing the bell. It’s that perverted Angarita. He keeps ringing and Yadi is going to tell him to leave but Nidia won’t let her and tells her she needs to be thinking about looking for a different job. Yadi doesn’t think she can get another job. Anga waits. And waits. It gets dark and starts raining. Anga waits. And waits. And gets drenched. Anga waits. And gives up, going to his car.

Back at Juan’s office, they’ve come up with about 10% in reductions without massive layoffs, but they need 20%. Heri is starving to death. [Hah.] Pastor agrees; they need to eat. Lorenzo exhorts them—no rest for the weary, there’s too much to do, we can’t get distracted, and be patient. Heri just wants a five-minute rest. [One wonders if he’s even really helping]. Heri points out even the best horse needs to romp about (retozar). [K, that farm reference was for you.] Fern sternly tells him if they keep their noses to the grindstone it’ll be done faster. Heri retorts and Fern shouldn’t be messing with him. The boys get ready to face off. Juan tries to hold them back with a few calming words and reminding them of the work ahead, but Heri is loaded for bear. Turns out, it’s about Ivonne. Fern’s stolen her. Fern chuckles and goes behind him but suddenly turns ugly, whipping Heri around to face him. Pastor steps between them, probably a dangerous move. They yell at each other with Fern asserting she’s his girlfriend, whether Heri likes it or not. How could Heri even think she’d like him? She’s had some bad times, but never bad taste. Heri begs Pastor to tell Fern that Ivonne’s hitching her wagon to him [Okay, I took some liberties interpreting that into English]. Heri’s ready to take Fern out to the corner (esquina) and have a round. Pastor finds himself in the middle of a boy fight. He might not mind it so much. They spin and spin and Heri bails. Fern waves Pastor out the door after him.

Marely is thrilled to see her big sis back home as she comes into the kitchen where Yadi is making up baby formula. What are you doing here? Yadi informs Marely she’s home. Marely thought she was very happy in her new apartment full of luxuries. And with Don Angarita taking care of all her whims. Yadi admits it all has a price—her love. He was only looking for me to buy himself a family. Marely reminds her gently that everyone warned her. Yadi knows, she doesn’t need the reminder. Why was she so foolish? She swears she thought he only viewed her as the daughter he never had. [Ed. Note: little do you know.] Marely points out there are lots of folks in the world with bad intentions. Yadi really thought he was different. Marely encourages Yadi—what’s important is that she realized and didn’t stay in the game! Yadi says she thought she could get that independent life she wanted and be comfortable, have comfortable things for her daughter. Marely tells her she still can if she’s willing to work hard, exert herself. Yadi is doubtful. She tells Marely it’s all because she gave too much credit to her horoscope. Excuuuuuse me? Marely gives her the raised eyebrows. Yadi quotes the horoscope. “An older man offers you his sincere friendship.” What sincere? Marely can’t understand why Yadi’s still paying attention to such things. Nothing they say in horoscopes really happens, anyway. Yeah. Yadi is pretty sheepish. Marely mocks about Yadi believing in tarot cards—does she remember? You were convinced they said you were a cautious (recatada), serious woman, responsible, decent—give me a break! You? Okay, Yadi concedes, at least we don’t pay the woman. Old Liar! (the writer of the horoscopes). Yadi is NEVER going to pay attention to her horoscopes again. Never. Anyway, Baby Sis is so pleased to see her. The sisters hug.

Anga is miserable at home, coughing and choking with a cold from the rain. He’s sitting on the sofa in his jammies, sneezing and wheezing, feet in warm water, with a towel over his head and shoulders. He remembers Nidia’s harsh words that Yadira doesn’t ever want to see him again in this lifetime, so get out and go look for other little girls to conquer. Anga shivers and shakes.

Nidia sits on her bed, remembering another scene—this one of love, played out in the central market. “You love me so much?” she asks Angarita. He wonders what he has to do to convince her. He loves her. Nidia is back in her real world. She pounds on the bed. Liar! Liar! Delirio comes in and wonders who his puchi puchi is calling a liar.

Kike comes home from a long hard day to find his errant wife and precious baby in the room. What are you doing here? I’m back. I missed my home and my family. Yadi makes no eye contact, but rocks the baby in her baby seat placed on the bed. Is there a problem? Now there’s eye contact. He chuckles—better you tell me a cowboy story, because I don’t believe a word you’re saying. He kisses his baby girl. Yadi grudgingly admits that she accepted Anga’s help and it was mistake. Happy? He believes that even less. What really happened? Well, she tells him, Don Angarita asked me for something I couldn’t give him. Kike is muy impactada as they face off.

Hillary leaves a message for Juan. [Ed. Note: Whew, what a living room. I could never live in an all white house with all white furniture, because it wouldn’t be long before it was all gray. But, then, I don’t have a million people cleaning up behind me.] She wants him to call and leaves him a kiss. Papá Paris strolls in, with purpose. He neeeds to talk with her. He suggests a drink and they go off for the chat.

Kike thinks that Yadi is condescending. She asks him to do this without insults. Kike says its not an insult, and thinks she and Anga had their first fight as lovers. He pushes and Yadi tells him enough. [Nidia Micaela is such a unique kid—she’s just staring at Yadi while she fusses with Kike.] He thinks she emptied Anga’s wallet. Yadi stands up, totally incensed. Kike continues—he told you for the first time he’s not going to support some of your many whims. So, what did you ask him to buy? A Bengal Tiger? No? A romantic trip to Paris with all expenses paid? No. How about a total laser depilation? Yadi rushes across the room to give him a thump and Kike grabs her arm. She yells at him to mock her all he wants. She doesn’t care. They trade insults. Kike says he’s going to feed his little girl and heads for Nidia Michaela. Yadi reminds him—at 90 decibels, that it’s her room and her bed. She tells him to get out and find another place to sleep—he and Perafán are just pebbles in this house. Kike repeats that he’s going to feed his child; he has that right since he’s her father. Yadi spits out another quasi insult and storms out while the baby cries. Kike talks to NM and asks her “who loves ya, baby?” He tells her that she’s the only good thing Yadira gave him, the one sincere and honest thing her mother has done in her life. Yadi hears all this through the door.

Papá Paris wants to know who Hillary was talking to when he found her in the McMansion. She tells him she was leaving Juan a message. It’s strange that he hasn’t called all day. Papi informs her she’s not going to hear from him again. How come? Well, yesterday I had an appointment with him to clear up a few things. WHAT? Well, Papi tells her, you’re my daughter and I have to make sure no one takes advantage of you. He explains that Juan’s pretty clear that he’s got no future with Hill. Hillary is Put Out and tells her Papi he has no right to do that. And we are reminded that any similarity to reality is purely coincidental.


Vocabulary

Recorte – layoffs, staff cutbacks, trim, cut
Chango – small monkey
Sabihondo – know-it-all
Chaparro – short guy
Mohíno hasta la medula del corazón - annoyed to the marrow of his heart
Remedio – solution, remedy, cure
Revuelo – commotion, stir, fuss, rumpus
Toche – hare
Entronas – spirited
Tapón - obstacle
Ring cromado - Chrome-plated ring (maybe a conduit?)
Jalar – pull it off, work hard at it, do it
Canalla – swine
Cochino – swine (there must be 50 ways to leave your lover and about that many synonyms for swine in Spanish)
Witch hunt - cacería de brujas
Con frialdad – with coldness, with a cool head
Retozar – romp, frisk about
Esquina - corner
Recatada – cautious

Jeanne

Labels: Juan