Caray, Caray!

Alternate title: Fools Don't Go to Heaven, They Edit Telenovelas

The editing in this episode was really jumpy and disjointed, and a few of the scenes seemed pointless. Or else I'm just cranky. Take your pick. But here's how it went.....

First the rehash: Lucia and Charly are wending their way along the city streets, flirting and giggling with each other. Young love.

Raul is dealing with his guilt over leaving Marissa alone after the death of their parents, and her pregnancy and abortion at 15. This resulted in her inability to have children now and Raul's need to persuade Santiago to marry her. Brotherly love. Protective love.

And he adds that he wants the marriage to happen as soon as possible. Uh, that's really the couple's decision, don't you think? mumbles Santiago desperately. Well, I just don't know what I'd be capable of doing if somebody hurt her, threatens Raul.

From there to the trashbin. Only it's Alicia this time, having to sort through lots of packing materials to retrieve Candy's portrait and carving for a very angry, hostile Patricio. He's so p....d he doesn't even help her climb out of the bin, once she's found them.

Another scene change. Now it's the kids talking, Chava, Rocio and Gordo, about playing and homework, girlfriends and whether or not the chubby friend should be called "Gordo" or not. Why was this scene inserted here? No idea. Let's just say it did not advance the plot line. Come to think of it....what IS the plot line? Opinions welcome.

We zip from there to the clinic where Santi and Lalo are lightheartedly putting a patient under. She's counting from 100 sheep down and is out by number 97, giving the boys time to decide what CD they want to listen to while Santi operates. Remind me to never have surgery...of any kind!

Zip again and we're at Meño's house. He's trying to persuade Candy to tell Soledad her secret and ask her to keep it. Folks, nobody keeps big secrets like this but hey...I'm not writing this baby.

Back at the clinic, Santiago and Lalo talk about expanding the clinic to another city, two weeks here, two weeks there, making lots of money and oh yes, let's get the wives...that is Lalo's wife and Marissa together to seal the deal. Surgery continues during all this but Santi is distracted. (That's it, no surgery ever!)

Lalo thinks it's because Santi's sleeping with two women and you can't sleep with a woman twice without falling in love with her. (News to me, folks) But Santi tells him it's "different" with Candy. He's thinking "above the waist"...like he did when he was in love with his wife Paulina. Lalo, who is strictly a nether regions guy, is dumbfounded.

We cut to a scene where Candy is plucking one of Meño's eyebrows. And then a scene at Santiago's house where the maid is serving him coffee, and when he seems to call her Señorita, she assumes that he's in love with her.

You see what I mean about the editing and chaotic scene changes. Jeez, it's enough to give you mental whiplash.

Now Santi's on the phone to Paulina who seems annoyed at being asked to write to her daughter once in a while. She's busy, she's working for gosh's sakes! She'll get around to writing but let up on her already! She hangs up the phone as if to say, What a pest! Santi's solution is to make up two different e-mail addresses so he can send some Mom e-mails to lonely little Rocio. I'd feel bad for the child but so far this episode seems so unreal, I can't get into it.

Right before we break for ads, we have a scene of Patricio driving, remembering a time when Candy was singing to him as they cruised along. Okay, we get it. He can't forget her!

In a little post-eyebrow-plucking chat, Tio Meño and Candy are disputing her feelings for Santiago. She claims he's an idiot and an "estupido" and she want to hate him but slips up and admits she also finds him "divino". You're in love with him, observes Meño. No way! Okay, why do you think that? Want the long story or the short story? Tio asks.

Well, we're spared that conversation by returning to the kitchen with the maid and the butler and she's explaining that the use of "señorita" indicates the boss considers her a virgin and his intentions towards her are serious. He's a gentleman, she adds, and you, sir, are not! (a reference to the butler's bedtime escapade with Marissa).

Don't get too comfy, we've got another scene change:

Now we're out in the street, Candy is jogging, turns her ankle and collapses on a bench. Whoops, here comes Soledad. Gotta get going again. Soledad wants to know why Candy ran off the other day and never answers her phone. More fibs from Candy and she lurches up and runs off again, while harsh jangly piano music plays in the background.

Another random scene. Meño's in the kitchen with the lonely romance-seeking cook. She's on her latest crazy diet, trying to get in shape for some kind of love life.

Okay, okay...I know there's some unifying theme in all these brief scenes. Everybody's looking for love. Nobody's satisfied with their body or their current romance. Every one is burdened by wounds of the past, even the little kids (Mom doesn't love me. Rocio. Dad doesn't love me. Beto. Who's my dad, my grandparents? Chava. And don't call me "Gordo"! the chubby kid.)

Santi, the plastic surgeon with oodles of free time, is perched on Candy's doorstep again, this time ready to lift her depressed mood by renting a plane and flying her to Mexico City to visit her father's grave. Yes, she's finally feeling guilty about not being with Dad at the time of his death. So, presto, Dr. Prince Charming is ready to meet her needs. Is she scared to fly with him? Well, just a little bit....but off they go.

They're at the gravesite with a delicately tearful Candy laying gladioli on the grave when her mother appears. Impactado looks all around. But you're dead! screeches Mom. You betrayed us all! You lied to us all! What are you doing at my husband's tomb!?

Must add here that Julie suggested "Qué haces aqui?" as one of the most common phrases in telenovelas...and sure enough, Candy's mom asks just that. Right on the money, Jules!

Mom isn't done berating Candy. Not by a long shot. (And can't say I blame her.) First she flings the flowers in Candy's face. Then she adds, You killed him! He doesn't want your flowers! For me, you ARE dead! And off she goes.

And speaking of dads, Patricio arrives at Soledad's house to tell her.....But wait, first a bunch of advertisements....okay, whew. Yes, he IS the father of Beto and will give him his name and financial support. Soledad doesn't want his money. It's not for you, it's for him, snaps Pato. But I want a father for my son! You're asking me to give up the people in my life for the last 8 years to give your son a father. Don't make problems for me. But Beto will lack for nothing financially.

Santiago and Candy are still at the cemetery, trying to sort through the emotional chaos that the mother/daughter confrontation left behind. Candy's bemoaning the fact that her lies killed her dad. She told so many lies. Santiago's trying to put the best face on things by reminding her she was so angry and so hurt that she really couldn't think. (For 7 or 8 years!? I guess "love" IS blind.) Candy's also angry for not realizing that Pato had other lovers, even when he was engaged to her.

Pato, at this moment, is in a church having a chat with the Virgin. He's confiding that he can't forget Candy and that he wants to be a better person. Okay, those of you who think Pato's a pig (I don't, actually) just get ready....çause clearly he's on the path to redemption. A loooong path, but he's on it. In case you're not sure, later on he's playing golf with his priest buddy. I'm just sayin''.

The meeting with Mom has regressed Candy to early childhood. She feels just like she did as a youngster when she got caught out in some kind of mischief. If only she could run to Mom, hug her, tell her she loves her and ask her forgiveness. Why not? suggests Santiago. You can do it...just take one step at a time, with maybe a little push from me. As they turn to leave the cemetery, he turns to look at Dad's grave and whispers, "Don't worry. I'll take care of her."

Well, yes, here's that scene of Pato with the priest. Confession on the 17th hole. I'm not a saint. You conceived a child when you were drunk, notes the priest...Yes, you're certainly not a saint. But have you told your wife? (the answer is "no")

Two other folks who aren't saints: Raul and Marissa, squabbling over Candy. She wants her fired 'cause she's the b***h who's stealing her beau. He's dumbfounded by this information but no matter. He's not firing her because her column's a hit and why kill the golden goose? Marissa would like to pluck that goose and throttle it, but Raul's not playing.

Candy and Santiago arrive at her childhood home. The gate is open. He steps discreetly aside. Mom spots Candy and says...yes "Qué haces aqui?" Tension. Pause. They hug. Mom drops the packages she was carrying. The romantic love music swells in the background. I get misty-eyed. What can I say? I'm a sap (and I know it won't last.)

The lovely music stops playing and human reality intrudes with more remonstrances from Mom. (One can hardly blame her. A couple of tearful hugs and one or two "perdoname's"hardly make up for that kind of hurt.)

More recriminations. First Veronica died. Then you! Then your dad. I sacrificed my life for you three. And after your dad's death, Alicia left me here to struggle along on a miserable pension! Suddenly Mom remembers Santiago, asks Candy to bring him in and urges her to eat some cake because she's too thin. Okay, Mom's a little ADD here, but with all these scene changes, I 'm feeling that way myself. Yowsa!

Meanwhile, Santiago is in Candy's old room which hasn't been changed an iota since her "death". Even the lipstick love message about Patricio is still scrawled on the mirror. Big symbolic scene when Candy comes in and slowly erases it. And we have a reiteration of her basic mantra. Mom must keep my secret. No one can know I'm alive. The neighbors might tell Patricio. yada yada yada. Candy and Santiago leave but not before a parting shot from Mom.....I still don't forgive you!

And now a dream scene. Patricio is in bed alone (don't ask me where Alicia is....maybe cleaning off dumpster dirt) and having one of those yearning dreams we've all had of searching for a long lost lover and never ever finding him or her. (My dream always takes place in Paris and I'm looking for Philippe, having lost his address for some reason. I never find him. And Patricio doesn't find Candy either. Poor baby)

Zip. We see Candy in the kitchen, so distracted that she burns her hand trying to cook. Harsh jangly music plays, in case we didn't get it. Meño comes in and sarcastically says he'll be glad to clean up the mess after Candy flounces off.

Meanwhile, Candy's mother is trying to explain the whole convoluted mess to her local priest. He's completely flummoxed and sure she's out of her head so he advises, "Say three Our Fathers, four Hail Mary's and have your blood pressure checked. Sounds like reasonable advice to me.

Instead of a priest, Candy finds herself talking to that scary puppet Merengue. She explains to Meño cum Merengue that her life is all topsy-turvy. Mom knows she's alive, there's this mess with Soledad and she's just flat-out miserable.

More ads and then a crazy scene in Santiago's office. He's trying to off-load some work on Lalo and then confronts his partner about the pink lighter and secret smoker story Lalo told his wife to cover up his infidelities. Of course, as a friend, Santiago played along but he's not happy. And it seems Marissa was concerned about Santi's absence from the office yesterday (he was running around Mexico City with Candy) but Hortensia, faithful secretary that she is, covered for him by telling Marissa the doc and Horty were in bed together! What's not to love? More chitchat about Santiago's sins being less than Lalo's because Santiago is not actually married to Marissa.

Big change of scene. Santi's mom and niece are talking and our teenager wants to throw a 60's party to raise money for foster homes. Granny can't believe the 60's were actually 40 years ago and does a little old lady routine. Random scene? What can I say? Talk to the editor.

Meño's fretting about Candy's pale cheeks (he wants to lend her his rouge but just then Charly pops downstairs) and is warning her that her mother will surely talk. Well, of course! And in rapid-fire fashion, Santiago learns that Candy and her uncle will be renting the offices next to his and Candy makes Soledad swear not to reveal her secret.

And now the previews: Soledad wants to know the secret. Santiago and Candy are going to be competitors. This is war, total war. (They make silly faces at each other.) And Mom drops the bomb on Alicia that Candy is alive and Alicia's marriage is invalid.

Hey, who says nothing ever happens in these telenovelas?

Only one vocabulary word tonight. enmienda = correction, amendment. Meño used it when he was persuading Candy she really didn't think Santiago was "estupido"but really "divino"!
Since she changes her mind every five minutes, you'd better learn this word!

Labels: Tontas

Lorenzo asks DB who told her she could come to Altamira with such idiocy. "Santos Luzardo," replies DB, "He told me himself." "Santos couldn't have told you that because he put me in charge of the hacienda and he never told me that you were coming." "I am his woman," says DB, "and Santos told me that we would live together in his house. Those were his words. And you should be quiet because I am the only mistress (dueña) and señora of Altamira."

Melendez tells the attendees at Santos' cattleman's association meeting that rebels who are working against the government are in this area and they killed a border guard. Anyone who helps them will have their property confiscated. He expects that if they have any information, they will advise him. Melendez says that he is leaving shortly to go to Progresso. Melendez and his men leave the meeting.

Antonio and BP fight while Lucia gets dressed. Antonio's shirt gets ripped in the fight and Lucia tells him to come to the house so she can lend him one of her father's shirts.

Federica begs Pajarote to stay with her. She is sure the baby is his because when she says his names, the baby moves. "Please, stay with me," says Federica. "I'll be dead and buried first," exclaims Pajarote as he runs out the door.

DB tells the Altamira folks that if they are going to live under the same roof, they should talk like what they are: a happy family." Lorenzo is telling DB that she can't just come in and push them around when he has an attack. DB tells Lorenzo to please have the good taste not to die in front of her. She doesn't like such scenes. "Bárbara Guaimaran," says Cecilia, "you don't respect anyone, right? But be careful because in this life, everyone pays." DB tells Carmelito that he has to hand over the accounts of the hacienda to her.

DE tells Santos that the cattlemen are nervous and are returning to their haciendas to be with their people before the search starts. He says that they have some fear about Santos. DE asks if Santos is involved with the rebels. Santos says only that Gonzalo has been his friend for a long time and if he asked for help, Santos would help him.

Marisela says that if it is true that DB is coming to live here, she will leave. DB says that she isn't throwing Marisela out. They can all live at Altamira like a big family. She asks if Marisela has forgotten that DB is her mother. "Some mother!" exclaims, Marisela, "first you send me off to live in a hut with my father and then when I am in a house, you want me to leave." DB says that she didn't say that but if Marisela wilfully misunderstands her, that's her problem.

DB demands that Carmelito tell her all about the business of the hacienda and bring her the books. Marisela tells him not to.

Lucia gives Antonio a new shirt and looks at him appreciatively when he puts it on. When he goes to do his work, she says that she likes him a lot.

Cecilia gives Lorenzo some water. Marisela comes in and says that they are leaving right away. Cecilia says that is just what DB wants. They just have to wait until Santos comes back. Marisela says that she won't wait. If Santos prefers DB, she won't stay. Lorenzo says that if Marisela leaves, he will too. Marisela suggests that they go to La Chusmita but Cecilia says that they have to find Santos and find out what he is thinking so that they will know what to do. She says that if Santos wants DB to come and live at Altamira, she will leave too.

Nestor tells Santos that there is a whole detachment of the secret police in San Fernando. He says that all the entrances to the town are being watched and the government is afraid that things will get out of hand. He says that people are very afraid. Santos says that he hadn't noticed anything. He says that he has too many personal problems to get involved in such matters. "Fine," says Nestor, "I understand that you don't want to tell me what is going on. But I know that you belong to the group who believes that this situation has to end. Santos, people like Gonzalo Zuloaga are a hope for this country."

Leon and the other El Miedo vaqueros won't let Gonzalo into Altamira. Leon tells Gonzalo that what is going on in there only involves the local people. He should be more concerned about his friends. He says that people from the city ought to learn not to get in the way.

DB is looking at the books of Altamira. She says that Santos could do better and she will help him.

Cecilia, Lorenzo and Marisela are getting ready to leave Altamira and Casilda is devastated. It appears that the vaqueros are leaving as well. DB says that she hasn't done anything to make them leave but if they all want to go, the door is open. Tomorrow, there will be new employees at Altamira and she instructs Melquiades to go to Progresso to hire people. While she is giving her orders and elaborating on the type of people she wants to hire, all the Altamira folk walk away. Finally, only Gonzalo is there, "Keep talking to yourself, señora," he says and walks away.

While the Altamira folk wait for a boat, Gonzalo tells Marisela that she can't leave Altamira. It's her home. Marisela says that she can't stay if Santos has put DB in charge. Gonzalo asks if she believes that Santos told DB that she was in charge. "No," says Marisela, "but I know Santos and he is being manipulated by that woman." Gonzalo asks what Marisela is going to do in San Fernando. Marisela replies that she wants Santos to tell her to her face why he deceived them when he promised that DB would never live at Altamira while she and Lorenzo were there. Gonzalo says that he wants to go with her but Marisela replies that would be crazy with all the police looking for him. Gonzalo acquiesces but asks Marisela if he matters to her.

DB brings Eustaquia and Juan Primito to Altamira and says that they are going live there. Eustaquia is shocked that DB has thrown Lorenzo and Marisela out of Santos' house.

"Of course, you matter to me," says Marisela. "I don't want anything bad to happen to you or to the guys." Marisela asks Gonzalo why everything is so difficult. He asks why she is saying that.
"Because love hurts," says Marisela, "falling in love hurts. I thought it would be something nice but it isn't." "Yes," replies Gonzalo, "It's true. Sometimes it hurts but it hurts more not to have someone to love. That is why I am going to fight for your love. Even if you tell me that you don't like me even a little bit (ni una migadita, literally, a little crumb). I know that little by little I will win your heart.

The Altamira vaqueros say to Cecilia and Lorenzo that they can't just sit around and do nothing. They will tell Antonio what has happened in case DB tries to do anything to Melesio and the terneras. Cecilia agrees that Antonio should be told. Cecilia tells Marisela and Lorenzo to cheer up and not let anyone say that a Barquero is afraid to confront life. She tells them to get in a boat and go to San Fernando so that Santos can put things right.

"What should I have done?" DB asks Eustaquia, "Let that child drag Altamira to ruin? I had to get involved (tomar cartas) in this matter, vieja (old woman). It would only occur to Santos to let a person with no experience like Marisela manage this place."
"Tell me another one! ('a otro perro con ese hueso', literally, 'to another dog with that bone')," says Eustaquia, "Tell the truth - that you were dying of jealousy because Santos put the girl in charge of his hacienda. You had to show up destroying everything, making yourself important. But this rashness will cost you dearly, Barbarita because Santos has told you a thousand times not to mess with what belongs to him."
"But I belong to him, too." says DB, "And if he really loves me, he will give me my rightful place. It's them or me. He has to decide, vieja."

The Altamira vaqueros go to DE's hacienda and tell Antonio about DB taking over at Altamira. He leaves with them to check on his father and nieces.

Santos and DE are about to leave the hotel in San Fernando when Lorenzo, Cecilia and Marisela show up. He asks what they are doing here. Lorenzo replies that Santos' woman threw them out of Altamira. Santos asks how DB could have done such a thing. "You want to know why?" says Lorenzo, "Because you let her. Because she governs you, Santos. That's why!" "You swore that she would never come to Altamira," says Marisela to Santos, "and the day you put me in charge of the hacienda, she appears with the authority that you gave her. It's too much, Santos. I won't take another slight, not from her and not from you." Santos says to Marisela that he told DB that when she gave La Barquereña to Marisela, DB would be mistress of Altamira. He never told her to show up there, give orders or have her thrown out. "I don't know whether to believe you, Santos," says Marisela. Santos says that she will believe him because they will go to Altamira right now and clear this up. Marisela says that she won't go back to Altamira until DB is gone.

Gonzalo tells Melesio that the documents Santos gave him prove that he owns La Sandovalera. Melesio says that documents won't stop DB if she wants to throw him out. Antonio and the Altamira vaqueros arrive.

Antonio decides to take Gonzalo back to El Miedo and leaves the vaqueros to take care of Melesio.

Santos speaks to Marisela alone in the hotel in San Fernando.
S: Look, I'm really sorry about all this. I promise that tomorrow you will be able to return to Altamira.
M: Until when, Santos? Until that woman is completely in control of you? She's nearly there already, right? It's only a question of time before she is done with you. My father was right just like he always is.

Gonzalo returns to El Miedo. He tells Andres that he needs to get better as soon as possible because things are getting complicated. "Bárbara can't be trusted," he tells Andres, Cósme and their terneras. "She has us here because of Santos but the day that they have a confrontation, the first to be left holding the bag ('en pagar los platos rotos', literally, 'paying for the broken plates') will be us. He says that they should be ready to leave as soon as possible.

DB is unimpressed with a dinner of rice and fried eggs. Eustaquia says that is all she could make because this isn't her kitchen and she didn't know where anything is. "I've told you that you have to get used to the idea that now this is our house," says DB. "No, it isn't!" yells Santos coming into the dining room, "It's my house! No one gave you permission to come here and run roughshod over everyone. This is wrong, Bárbara. What the hell are you doing here?"
DB: You told me that I would be the dueña and señora of Altamira.
S: That would be in the future after you handed over La Barquereña.
DB: Yes, but that was before you told Marisela that she was the dueña and señora in front of all the employees. You made me look ridiculous and I can't permit that.
S: Ah, so that's it. I put Marisela in charge of Altamira for two days. Do you understand? Two days! And that annoyed you because you can't stand it if I make a gesture to your daughter.
DB: That's right. I did it because you are too trusting. That idiot could have caused you to lose everything.
S: Those were my orders and you aren't someone who can countermand my authority in my house.
DB: I am your woman.
S: You aren't anyone. Listen to me carefully. You aren't anyone to throw my people out of my house.
DB: I didn't throw them out. You can ask anyone here. I didn't throw them out. They left because they are proud, disagreeable and bad mannered. I suggested that they stay here because we are a big family.
S: Bárbara, don't be a hipocrite. Don't play the innocent. You know as well as I do that Lorenzo and Marisela have more than enough reasons not to be where you are. Listen carefully to me, Bárbara. You've done it this time. You gone too far, do you hear me?

Melesio tells Antono that he is concerned that if the terneras can't work at Altamira, they will have nothing to live on. Antonio says that DE pays him well and he can support them. The Altamira vaqueros show up and says that they have to talk to Antonio. Melesio suggests that Antonio work out his anger with their disloyalty by having a boxing match.

Andres promises Josefina that he will come back and they will get married and have a nice family. Melesia borrowed Cósme's clothes while hers are being washed. He says she looks nice. She says that she looks like a circus clown. "I love my little clown," says Cósme. Melesio begs him to take her with him. Cósme says that he can't but he is hers forever.

The three vaqueros sit down with Antonio. As usual, they make Pajarote do the talking.
Pajarote: We want to ask your forgiveness because we behaved very badly towards you.
Antonio: That's true.
Carmelito: Federica set a trap and we fell into it.
Pajarote: That's what happened. Federica and Josefa deceived us like they deceived you.
María Nieves: We wanted to tell you the truth but we didn't dare. We thought everything would just work out.
Pajorote: The boss was your friend and you were with his aunt and didn't say anything.
Antonio: That was different.
Pajarote: Betrayal is betrayal. What's good for the goose is good for the gander ('la salsa que es buena para la pava, la es buena para el pavo, literally, 'the sauce that is good for the tom turkey is good for the hen turkey') .
A: Ok, but the difference is that I got blamed (achacaron el muerto) and I was the only one who didn't sleep with Federica. You were my best friends and you didn't say anything.
C: Wait a minute, Antonio, we, I thought you had slept with Federica.
A: Me sleep with Federica? Really, I don't know how you had the stomach to do it.
P: The truth is that she isn't pretty but she has her skills (mañas). (He indicates the other vaqueros.) Ask them. Speak up, you pair of foxes.
C: She was great
MN: I agree.
P: Please don't yell at us any more. I'm the one in trouble now. Federica told me that the baby is mine.
A: When? (María Nieves and Carmelito move away from him like he has a contagious disease.)
P: It was today in town. We had some noisy tickling (cosquillitas alborotadas) and she dropped that bombshell on me ('me soltó esa perla', literally, 'dropped that pearl on me').
The other vaqueros look at Pajarote for a minute and then they all laugh.

DB and Santos-
DB: But I've already done it. I've come to your house as what I am, your woman. I've moved your plans forward because you told me this would happen, that sooner rather than later I would be here as señora of Altamira. Did you or did you not say it? So I'm here. I messed up (metí la pata), I admit it. I got ahead of things but I'm here. And what? What are you going to do? Put time back? Convince your mutinous workers to come back to work?
SL: Don't even think about messing with my employees. You aren't me and this is my hacienda, mine!
DB: Fine. Your rebels are yours. I'll be quiet. But as for Marisela and Lorenzo, I swear by all that is sacred that I didn't drive them out. Why did you think of putting that girl at the head of the hacienda? Santos, don't look at me that way, my love. I know you are furious because they went to San Fernando and spewed poison against me but very soon you will see that it was the best for everyone. Please, say something.
SL: Yes, I will say something.
He drags DB out to the door and tells her to get out with her people.
DB: You wouldn't dare throw me out.
SL: I would and don't come back until you give La Barquereña to Marisela.
DB: I won't move.
Eustaquia pleads with her to leave saying that she feels like a thief here.
DB: I've said I won't leave and I won't.
SL: (sarcastically) What are you going to do - tell your sorcerer (brujeador) to kill me?
The Altamira vaqueros appear and ask if Santos needs any help. Santos says no. DB and her delinquents are leaving.

Cecilia finds Lorenzo writhing in pain in the hotel room. He says that he has very little time left and wants to experience every second of it unlike the years he lost to alcohol. He asks Cecilia not to tell Marisela.

Marisela is in the hotel dining room and someone comes up to her. "Did you lose my double?" she says to him. "Barbarita? is that you?" asks Melendez.

Labels: barbara

WHO TOOK MY TRAINING WHEELS? Just when I was starting to get the hang of recapping, Univision took my Closed Captions! My friend Jo Ann says that you learn the most Spanish when you have no safety net. Tonight we’ll find out. Please post anything important that I miss or get wrong.

Santiago locates Lucía’s doctor. I’ve never been to a plastic surgeon; do all of them decorate their offices like bordellos? The doctor is on the phone with Lucía, and when Santi hears him say, “Even though you’re 15, yes, I will operate on you,” he manhandles him into a room and ties him up. Santiago recites #3 of the top five telenovela phrases of all time, “Lo no puedo creer” - I can’t believe it. (Any guesses what other phrases are in the top five?) Santi lectures him on ethics, but the other doctor defends himself - it’s an easy way to make money. The doctor agrees to help teach Lucía a lesson, in hopes Papa Bear will cut him some slack.

Meño calls Gregoria for the first time in years. He asks about Patricio, and Gregoria confirms that Pat moved to Guadalajara.

Isabel bumps into Candy at the mall. What a classy lady! Notice how she successfully counters Candy’s insults toward Isabel’s son? She does it with a velvet glove. Did I mention yet today, how much I adore Isabel? First she gets Candy to back-pedal on name-calling (Plastic Doctor). Next Candy claims that the beauty they make is a lie, and women are their victims. Isabel reveals that she lost a breast to cancer and felt like less of a woman. Candy tries to teach the cancer survivor how she should feel about her body, but she doesn’t get far. Isabel counters, “That’s because you have two of them. My son did the reconstruction and gave me my life back.” That shuts Candy up – mark this day on your calendars! Clearly Isabel doesn’t let Candy walk all over her, unlike...

Santiago is giving literary critique on Rocío’s bedtime stories. “‘Once upon a time?’ How cliché!” Roc asks him to read Mama’s letter (ghostwritten by Papa) once again. He recites it from memory because she has asked him to read it so many times.

Meño confirms to Candy that Pat moved to Guadalajara, and that Gregoria calls him son-in-law. They don’t realize that Pat married Alicia. Charlie bounces in and wants to know why his dad wears rubber gloves to wash dishes. It’s another try-to-look-macho moment.

While she’s putting him to bed, Chava tells Candy he doesn’t want to move because he’ll miss his friends. “Please, Mama!” As always, Candy runs from the problem: “We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

Pat goes to see the carving he commissioned, a bas relief of Candy, chest nearly uncovered, hair flying in the wind.

In the schoolyard, Chava tells Rocío that she’s too young to have a boyfriend. Note that Rocío is about five months older than Chava.

Soledad tells Candy that Beto is not Jorge’s son, and that she went out with her boss a month before her wedding. She shows Candy the man’s picture - it’s Patricio. Beto is a month older than Chava. Candy runs out of the apartment (remember how Candy handles problems?). She flashes back to their night together, and works out the numbers - Pat cheated on her five weeks before their wedding.

Lucía is waiting for her examination, with her eyes covered with a relaxation mask. Santiago sneaks in and listens. He looks like a very disappointed papa, and Lucía is dressed like a 22-year-old going out bar-hopping. Santi listens to her lies until he’s heard enough, and then he breaks in, “I can’t believe you’d do this.” Lucía leaves in a huff with the standard teenager refrain, “You never let me do anything.”

The other doctor tries to play older-and-wiser, “Thank you for teaching me an important lesson; I won’t do that again.” Santiago answers, “You bet your sweet bippy you won’t; tomorrow I’m reporting you and they’ll take your license.”

Candy ends up in church, yelling at God (been there, done that, got an answer). He promised He’d never let go of her hand, and He broke that promise and left her alone. Just then a little boy steps up, gives her a flower, and says, “You’re not alone.” Candy got her answer, and her anger is gone. The boy has disappeared.

Meño tries to teach Charly that it’s okay for a son to hug his papa, and that real men aren’t afraid to show their feelings. “Yeah, Pop, whatever.”

Alicia asks Pat why he got the carving of Candy; “Was it to hurt me?” Pat reminds her that when they got married, he said he would never forget Candy. She orders him to get rid of Candy’s photo, and he refuses. Your trusty recapper agrees the carving was a bad idea, but at least Pat doesn’t let Alicia walk all over him, unlike...

Santiago tells Luc to get into the car. To prove how grown-up she is, she throws a tantrum and whines, “It’s not fair! You treat me like a little kid!” Santiago reminds her that she’s acting like a little kid, and she can’t just go over his head. But they both go over my head with their high-speed chipmunk-speak. They are talking so fast, even Camil gets tongue-tied - mark this day on your calendar! Hispanoparlantes, did I mis-hear anything? And what is the joke as she’s leaving (other than the part about a safe taxi)?

Alicia takes Candy’s photo from Pat’s office while he’s out and calls someone to help her remove the carving.

Isabel is reviewing her investments. Donato tries to advise her to invest in property on the horn of Africa, and she tells him to get back to work.

Candy tells Meño to stop calling Pat her husband, but Meño insists – you married him, you’re not divorced and you’re not dead, ergo he’s your husband. Notice that Meño doesn’t let Candy walk all over him, unlike…

Santiago slips a note under Candy’s door, telling her to open the door and find her happiness. Santiago is waiting on the other side, eyes closed, lips ready, and as the door opens, he asks for a kiss. But it is Meño who opens the door, ready to deliver the kiss as requested. All three laugh, one more nervously than the others.

Arturo’s mortality is catching up with him. He holds his chest to remind us of his heart attack. Hoping to bury the hatchet, he tells Pat to learn to forget the past. Pat suggests that Arturo start by apologizing to Pat and to his mama. We see that Art’s heart was attacked, not tenderized. He claims he has no sins to forgive. Pat notes how easily Arturo dismisses the fact that Pat never had the father he needed. Arturo insists that Pat is the sinner for causing the death of his wife. Napalm your own son – nice touch, Art.

We can see why Pat is so weak - his father doesn’t just withhold support; Arturo actively undermines him. Pat is no saint, but I propose that the apple fell as far from that tree as anyone could dare hope.

Santiago suggests that he should tell Candy his past so she can see his wounds. He wants her to understand him better, and maybe she can help him heal. Maybe she won‘t be afraid of him anymore. (Is it really wise to trust your deepest vulnerabilities to someone as cruel as Candy?)

At the beach at Chapala, Santiago explains his family legend. Note, “tatara” means “great-great” (grandfather, grandson, etc.), so Santi adds the extra syllables (tataratatara) like we would add great-great-great. He says, “It’s so far back, I don’t even know if we’re related.” He draws a “Circle of Truth” in the sand and sits down in the middle of it. Once you sit in the circle, you can’t lie. If you lie, (you‘re condemned? someone help me here). In the background, we see the pier where the wind and the sun talked to Candy.

Santiago tells her that now she should ask whatever she wants to know. Candy doesn’t mince words. “Tell me about Rocío’s mother.” Santiago knew it was coming, but still he knows it’s going to hurt, probing the unhealed gash he has been avoiding for seven years. He seems to be fighting back tears. He explains that Paulina was different. She was like a fish out of water. He loved her very much, but he didn’t notice what was happening. Maybe it was his fault too. She tried to tell him and he didn’t listen. He worked to be the best plastic surgeon in the country (do we hear Jaime‘s voice here?), and to be a great father, but he didn’t work to be a great husband. When she left he didn’t go looking for her, he just stayed here feeling abandoned. Enough! Now it’s Candy’s turn, like it or not. That’s the rules.

Santi told the story he has been trying to put out of his mind for seven years. Candy tells the story she has incessantly, obsessively concentrated on like a chipped tooth for seven years. “I opened the door and saw my husband kissing my sister...” It has become her mantra. She loved him very much. She told them she was dead so she could start a new life. She hated (?) them all because no one supported her (except that guapisimo hombre who tried to cover her with his jacket). If only someone had told her that she was right. If only someone would have just given her a hug. Santiago feels her pain so deeply, you almost feel more sorry for him than for her. He tells her she was right, and he gives her a big brotherly hug.

Charly gives his “singing waiter” audition in front of a full dining room. Plácido Domingo, your job is safe. Maybe Sven and Ole did it to make their singing look good!

Chava talks to Meño man-to-man. He has a couple of girlfriends, but he wants to get more. Mama can’t be his girlfriend because a guy can’t marry his mama.

Raúl puts Marissa in charge of Candy’s column.

Santiago thanks Candy for trusting him enough to tell her story, especially since she doesn’t trust men Candy has a secret. “My heart is right to want to be with you. But my mind ...” Santiago tells her that her heart is very wise and she should listen to it. Candy shoots him down. “You have a novia. I don't want to do what my sister did to me. I don’t want Marissa to open a door and find us together. Sorry. We just can't continue this.” She walks away and Santiago is left, empty-handed again. Two steps forward, two steps back.

Santiago! Listen up! You’re preaching to the choir! She just told you that you already won her heart. It’s her mind that is rejecting you because you have a novia. Romancing her heart won’t win her mind. Can you think of a way to get rid of that obstacle? Think. Think really hard!

Meño tells Candy that Chava has many girlfriends and he’s on his way to being an unfaithful husband. Candy tells him that won’t happen because she doesn’t want it to. Candy, truly you have a dizzying intellect.

Charly has a new job: Mr. Hamburger. He’s in the zócalo (central square) dressed up in a silly hamburger costume, doing a dance that scares the pigeons, passing out flyers. All the old cities in Mexico have a zócalo with a cathedral, government offices, a paved open square, and pamphleteers handing out coupons to everyone they can buttonhole.

Marissa orders her secretary to tell the columnista to come meet with her immediately. We discover that Marissa is an equal opportunity hag. She is rude and condescending to everybody!

Meño asks Candy how it’s going with her new love. She rejects the idea, but Meño won’t back off. “Face it. He can be the one.”

Lucía backs into Mr. Hamburger and knocks him over. His costume is so awkward, he lies on his back, legs and pickles flailing, like an overturned cockroach.

Candy arrives at the magazine office, and she and Marissa are both surprised at the new boss/employee relationship. Awkward moment, but Marissa recovers first. An opportunity to humiliate your rival doesn’t come along every day. Marissa eliminates major parts of Candy’s column and tells her to do a rewrite. Candy tells her to stuff it.

Pat discovers that Candy’s photo and carving are gone. Alicia threw them in the trash to get Candy out of their life. Notice Patricio’s ears - they can double as barn doors.

In Raúl’s office, Candy is trying to resign the column. Marissa will gladly escort her right out the door. She and Raúl have a little power struggle which he wins, which Candy enjoys. Raúl keeps handling Candy - her shoulders, her arms, her back. He insists they do lunch - for business, of course. She rejects the idea but he’s not listening. It’s a little hard to tell whether Raúl is a good guy or a bad guy, but the way he treats Candy today gives him two strokes in the “bad guy” column.

Charly gets fired. Lucía feels guilty for causing it, and she says she’ll walk out with him. Charly is so thrilled that she wants to talk to him, that he runs into another patron and falls over again. Walking around town with Lucía, he says he could take a job as her bodyguard. He’s nervous because he gets that way when he’s with a girl he likes. They are very cute together.

Raúl goes to talk to Santiago. He explains that he feels very responsible for his sister. When their parents died, he was living elsewhere and she was left alone. She got pregnant at 15 because he wasn’t taking care of her. She got an illegal abortion, there were problems, and now she probably can’t have children. Santiago is hit hard by the news. Raúl made sure to always protect her after that, and that’s why he’s here. He orders Santiago to marry Marissa pronto.

Tomorrow: Candy visits her father’s grave, and her mother sees her there.
Alicia goes dumpster diving.

Labels: Tontas

Thwarted in her efforts to get an explanation out of Raquel, Ricardo, or Eva, Ruth goes to Gabriela, who admits (after Ruth swears eternal fealty) that Raquel is not Ruth's mother; Ruth is Eva's daughter.

It takes a few seconds for it to sink in. Ruth doesn't want to believe it. Gabi says Raq couldn't have children. Ruth screams and threatens to tell on Gabi for lying. Gabi stops her at the door and comforts her as she cries. (Yes, Gabriela comforts someone, can you believe it? Who is this woman?) She reminds Ruth that she promised not to tell.

Gabi explains that Raquel was a poor dumb girl who got lucky when Ricardo Uribe picked her to be his wife. Ruth says the world's fallen apart. It's better that she knows, but she'll never accept icky old Eva as her mother. And she's also renouncing herself as Raquel's daughter. Why did she get adopted by Raquel instead of by Gabi? Boo hoo. "I deserved a mommy like you, I wish I'd had a mommy like you."

Gabi looks almost as bewildered as Ruth. (I suppose that experiencing maternal feelings for the very first time could be disorienting, especially so many years after giving birth.) She strokes Ruth's hair and says she would have loved to have had a child like Ruth.

Juan tries to cheer Juliana up, but she's too depressed. He tells her to be strong. She doesn't want to give up, but she feels that life has defeated her. (I don't know if someone explained everything to her in between episodes, or if she's concluded on her own that she's doomed.) Juan insists that science must have a cure. She begs him not to deceive her. He tells her to think of something she's always wanted to do, that she's never done before, something that will take some courage, that will make her stronger.

She knows just the thing, and he can help. She hesitates; "spit it out!" he urges, giving her an encouraging little push that nearly knocks her over. "Give me a night of love! Just one night!" He winces slightly but agrees.

Sofía asks her sisters if they're sure they want to give the Posibles a chance. Sarita confirms that they're not going to go on waiting for the Reyes. Just then, Roman and Gonzalo come in looking for dates to the jaripeo. The girls claim that they need to mind the store. Sofía says she can handle it. They weakly try to make more excuses, that Sofía will be too busy watching the field hands or something, but Sofía is stubborn and says Rosendo can take care of that or she can close the store if necessary. The sisters are forced to go out and have a good time. The brothers smile gratefully at Sofía as they leave.

Juan sits in front of a bowl of flour at home and considers his agreement with Juliana. He thinks it's a test: he doesn't really want to betray the woman of his life, but on the other hand, the girl's going to die.

Sofi visits Juliana at home. (So much for watching the store or supervising the laborers.) She says that she and Juan are through. (Haven't they already had this conversation before?) And she thinks Juliana will recover soon. Juliana isn't so sure, but asks if Sofi really doesn't care about Juan. Sofía says she loves him, but they can't be together, so she wants him to be with a woman of his choice. True love is sacrifice, it's not selfish. Juan made her the happiest woman in the world, and the least she can do is set him free so that he can be happy.

Ruth is feeling better after a nice tall glass of brandy. She needs to think. Gabi warns against impulsive actions and says Ruth can always trust her. They can do lots of things together, and they they have lots in common. Ruth agrees.

Feo, the reluctant field hand, lets Sofía's cows go for a walk... off the hacienda property.

Juan is grumpy and won't tell his brothers what's on his mind. Oscar and Franco are bummed that they're losing their girlfriends. Uncle Vicente shows up looking a little less leprechauny than last week. He's going to sing at the jaripeo. Juan isn't in the mood, and Franco's fallen behind in his work (it appears that he is in charge of sweeping), but Oscar (talking with his mouth full) is up for it. He says he's going to wash up first, but we don't get to watch.

Eugenia has her and Rigo's fertility test results in hand, but is nervous to look at them. Hortensia looks first and is shocked. Eugenia takes only the page on top (which has her name on it) and now she's shocked too. She doesn't know what she's going to tell Rigo.

Sofía's cows joyously trample and munch all over the Reyes crops, or at least that is what Rigo and his men are saying (the cows look pretty harmless too me). Feo happily watches the mayhem from his hiding place. (Later, he will call the drugstore and ask if they have Prince Albert in a can.)

Sofi tells Juliana that no matter what happens between her and Juan, Sofi won't hold it against her.

Rigo tells Juan that the Elizondo herd is eating all their crops.

While Uncle Vinnie sings, Oscar hangs around with a couple of girls, drinking. His vision is already getting blurry when he sourly notices Sarita and Jimena (in their red-and-white dresses). Jimena sees him, too. Awkward! Sarita tries to distract her. Oscar quits pouring shots and grabs for the whole bottle. He says he came here to forget about something and now here it is. He wants to go home. Uncle Vinnie thinks this is a good idea, but then a hacendado named Heriberto asks Oscar if he'd like to compete - his own rider couldn't come. Oscar accepts.

Uncle V tries to talk him out of it. He's had a lot to drink and he's not even familiar with the horse. Oscar promises to win, and Heriberto agrees to set him up with a horse. Uncle Vinnie warns Oscar that this race isn't as easy as Oscar thinks and he's only doing it out of jealousy and bravado. He could get injured. Oscar replies by having a drink and telling his uncle to mind his own business. "You're not my father!"

Meanwhile, Juan and Rigo ride out to inspect the cow-ravaged fields. Feo comes out and claims that Sofía told him to set the cows loose. Ever since she's taken over the hacienda she's completely changed into a cruel and selfish woman. Juan doubts this.

Rosendo drives up, Feo punches him and takes his keys. He takes the truck while Rosendo recovers.

So the race is about to begin: Roman vs. Oscar. Roman warns him against drunken racing and I think he also either teases Oscar about being out of shape or tries to psych him out. Oscar does look about ready to barf or fall over. He's so drunk he has to be prompted to say that he's ready. The gun goes off. The guys race down the muddy dragstrip. Roman wins, but not by much.

The doctor tells Eva that Maria Jóse's temperature has gone down thanks to the medicine and now she should drink lots of fluids. He asks if Sofía even knows she's sick. Eva says she watched over her last night and wouldn't have left if she'd known how sick she was. (Not sure if this scene has a point, unless it is somehow going to get back to the social worker that Sofía failed to check in on a sick child.)

Sarita congratulates Roman on his victory; Jimena is too busy watching Oscar drink. Roman asks her if she'll congratulate him. She dutifully complies. Uncle Vinnie gently scolds Oscar for making a fool of himself.

Sarita and Jimena clap reluctantly as Roman receives his prize. He gives his ribbon to Jimena, who looks like she's been handed a dead mouse, and he says she inspired him to win. Then he kisses her. She pulls away and protests. Good thing she got her face out of the way quickly because Oscar's fist is there punching Roman. "I warned you not to talk to my woman!"

Roman: You don't like losing, do you? Well get used to it!
Oscar: I'll never "get used to" seeing you with my wife!
Roman: Jimena doesn't love you. She told me in front of you that she wants to get divorced. So get the idea, you're lucky I don't like fights. Go away!

Uncle Vinnie is dragging Oscar away when Roman goes back to Jimena for some sugar and she says "let go of me." Oscar rushes back and punches him again. The emcee tells the crowd not to interfere. Apparently this is an endorsement of an impromptu boxing match.

Evidently, Roman has had some training. The fact that he can stand up and see only one of everything right now is probably helpful too. He hits Oscar's pretty face and sends him sprawling. Oscar does some silly phony kung-fu-esque moves and tries to throw a sloppy spinning kick, which hits an innocent bystander. Roman hits Oscar again. Oscar throws an even sloppier punch, which also hits someone else (I think it's the same guy he kicked).

He charges at Roman again, Roman sidesteps and uses Oscar's own momentum to send him headfirst into a table. Jimena tries to comfort Oscar, but he sadly tells her to leave him alone. Uncle Vinnie helps him up and takes him away.

Dr. Montes tells Eva to watch the girl and let him know if anything changes. He leaves. Eva sees Ruth and apologizes for not talking to her before, but there was a problem with the kids. Ruth says she already told her that and she doesn't care. Eva says "but, hija" and Ruth tells her not to call her that. This hurts Eva's feelings. Ruth says lots of things hurt her too, but she doesn't go crying in the corner, and if they run into each other again don't talk to her or even look at her. "I can't stand women like you," she says to Eva. Hiding behind a door, Gabi grins with pride.

Ricardo is not in such a good mood and recalls his earlier confrontation with Ruth. He realizes that she's the only thing that matters to him. He can afford to lose everything else, but not her, not his princess. Never!

Ruth goes out on a horse and rides into a meadow to cry. (Apparently, it's perfectly okay to cry in a meadow; it's only crying in a corner that's uncool.) She lets the horse look down her blouse while she cries on his nose, realizing that if Raquel isn't her mother, then Ricardo isn't her father, either.

Juan storms into Crap From Afar to yell at Sofía for letting her cows nearly ruin his crops. Of course she has no idea what he's talking about, but he doesn't believe her. He thinks this is retaliation for not letting them use the spring. She says she couldn't do that, and who told him she did?

"Who else? Fernando Escandon," Juan replies sheepishly. Sofía says okay, if you believe him more than you believe me, then take his word for it: I gave that order. Yep, I did. Now scram.

Ruth is brushing the horse and telling him that her real father must have been a real idiot to have gotten with someone like Eva. Feo watches from Rosendo's truck and gloats that Juan will go complaining to Sofía.

Feo ambles up to Ruth and says he didn't know she liked talking to horses. "And I didn't know that you liked saying stupid things so much," she replies. (Funny, I was just thinking the same thing.) He reminds her that they agreed to join forces and crush Sofía, but if she really wants to be left alone then he won't help her with her problems. Sofía has changed a lot, he tells Ruth, and she won't be easy to defeat.

He goes away and Ruth goes back to crying into her hand.

Tio Vinny has taken Oscar home. Oscar has a tantrum while Tio lectures him about losing gracefully. You don't always have to win. When you fall, it's important to get up, not punch people. That's how grownups behave. And learn to think before you speak. Arrogance is the worst of all sins. Oscar says he can't recover from this blow.

They sing a few bars of a song and then Oscar cries and bleeds on his uncle's shoulder.

Sofía comes home and Eva tells her about the little medical emergency. Sofi will stay with the sick one in her room for the night and Eva will look after the other two.

Feo rides into town, musing that Ruth can't do anything without his help. He sees Nabor in the street and warns him that if he messes with him he'll be sorry. Nabor says he never messed with Feo in the first place, he just wanted to know the truth: that he didn't kill Bernardo. Feo knocks his hat off and threatens him not to tell. The padre calls from behind him, "if anyone should be careful, it's you." (Darn, it's usually Coyote who shows up and threatens Feo like this.)

Raquel tells Gabi about the weird scene between Root and Ricardo, he was upset with her, he even hit her for the very first time, but they can't figure out why. Raq adds that she was really worried when Ruth mentioned Eva. She doesn't want Ricardo to find out that Ruth isn't his daughter.

Gabi advises Raq to find a good excuse and leave Gabi out of it, because Gabi can only help as the "good friend" she's always been. Raq tells her to stop being a hypocrite: She was her accomplice, and it's for the good of both of them that Ruth and Ricardo never hear the truth. Or else suffer the consequences!

After Raquel leaves, Gabi opens an envelope and hugs its contents. "At last I'll get back what's mine." Sofía doesn't have the guts to find out which of the girls is hers, and Gabi will win the judgment. It will all be in her power again. She'll remind everyone who Gabriela Acevedo is.

Mexico airdate: 26 de agosto
Next time: Juan takes his shirt off for Juliana's noche de amor. Will she survive the experience?

Labels: Fuego

EPISODE 58:
* Nellie talks with JM about Viv's nerves and mental health. He asks her about Viv's recent large withdrawal from the bank account. Nellie is stunned and agrees to asks Viv.

* Chuy makes her phone call to the castle de los locos. Balbina answers. Chuy asks Balbina how Rocio, Mayita and Cuate are. Balbina gives her the report. Just as Balbina says "Marichuy" JM passes by and swipes the phone from Balbina. He is desperate to talk with Chuy, to find out how she is, where she is and where she went. Chuy is impactado and finally says that she doesn't want to talk to him. He tells her how much of a mess his life is with Viv's return and how much he misses her and loves her. Chuy is uncomfortable and doesn't want to talk with him. She tells him she only called to check up on Mayita, Rocio and Cuate and that she's just fine. She hangs up. JM talks with Balbina about the phone call and that Chuy never once asked about him.

* MC talks with Cande about her phone call to the castle and the report from Balbina, and her anguish when JM got on the phone and started to talk to her -- same promises as before.

* Pat and Steffie are in the entry hall of the mansion. Ceci walks out in her bedclothes - she says she's not in the mood to go out anywhere tonight. Steffie says if she doesn't want to go then we all won't go. Ceci tells them not to cancel the plans and to go enjoy themselves. Pat and Steffie agree to go.

* Piranha lurks in the shadows of the bushes and watches as Chuy sits on the wall of the stairs. She looks up and sees Piranha's face in the shadows staring at her. She gets scared and runs inside.

* Luisa hangs up the phone. Pa, Bea and Ed walk into the living room. Luisa tells them the great news - that Elsa left Nelson and will be returning home.

* Chuy keeps Cande awake talking about Piranha scaring her outside tonight.

* Luisa excuses herself to arrange the room for Elsa. Pa escorts her. Ed and Bea talk about it.

* Pat and Steffie talk at dinner - Steffie is depressed knowing that when Chuy does reappear, she will have to leave the house permanently. They change the subject to discuss the concert after dinner.

* JM talks with a waiter in the bar about ladies at the bar. Waiter leaves. JM can't stop thinking about Chuy - why won't she tell him where she is?

* Chuy lays awake thinking about JM and having to stay away from him.

* In the old neighborhood, Adrian walks over to Olga's apartment and wakes her up. He wants to talk with Purita. Olga says she's asleep. Adrian leaves his message with Olga for Purita - he says that she needs to return to work, they all misses her. When Adrian leaves, Olga turns around and asks Purita if she heard the message.

* Ivette finds JM at the bar.

* Viv is jealous of Blanca. Nellie enters and says that JM just left for the bar. Viv's jealous radar goes off. Nellie asks her a serious question.

* JM and Ivette are talking at the bar when Steffie and Pat pass by and say hello.

* Nellie scolds Viv about faking her mental illness; then Nellie asks her daughter about the large withdrawal she just made from the bank.

* Pat and Steffie talk with Ivette and JM and then leave.

* Olga and Purita discuss Adrian's message about her work. Purita has decided that she won't go back there or see him ever. She refuses to be criticized or gossiped about because of Olga being her mother. Olga tries to convince her otherwise. Purita won't change her mind.

* Viv tells Nellie that she went on a trip and spent it on clothes and other necessities. Viv then changes the subject by going to bed. Nellie wants to discuss it some more. Viv says good night - Nellie leaves frustrated. Viv thought bubbles about Blanca being with her husband. Viv sneaks down the hall and uses a spare key to get into Blanca's room - no one inside. Viv is suspicious and starts to look around.

* Outside in the garden at night, Ivette is sneaking back to the castle. Ivette has to hide outside the patio door because Viv is still inside the room. When Viv leaves the room, Ivette sneaks back inside.

* Viv walks down the hall thinking about her suspicions of Blanca sneaking out to be with JM. She stops JM in the hallway to tell him about her suspicions of Blanca. JM doesn't believe her. Viv tells him to ask her about it.

* Chuy lays awake scared and thinking about Omar's departure and what to do about Piranha.

* Viv and JM discuss lady friend JM is seeing at the bar. Blanca appears and interrupts.

* Chuy thinks to herself about JM's continual promises over the phone.

* Blanca asks about the conversation. JM responds. She goes back into her room. Viv presses him for the lady's name. JM refuses and leaves.

* Steffie calls Viv and tells her about meeting JM and his french lady friend in the bar tonight.

* Chuy talks with Nacho, as he milks the cow. They discuss the hacienda, her needing an escort to leave, and Piranha.

* Amador and lobo visit Steffie and Isa to discuss the next stage of Isa's plan -- to get more money to pay Piranha for his help with the plan and going back to Viv to get it.

* Steffie and Isa meet Viv in her bedroom at the castle. They plead for Viv to give them more money. Viv is impactado and wonders why? They explain that they need it to pay for associate delinquent to help them. Blanca enters the room just as Steffie tells Viv about the french lady that she saw with JM at the bar and interrupts.

* Chuy feeds the horse and herd of sheep. Amador walks into the yard and Chuy is stunned as she turns to see him.

* Adrian meets with Padre in the church rectory. He needs Padre's help to convince Purita to return to work. Padre wonders if his interest is more. Adrian says the only woman he loves is Chuy. Padre says it'll be months before she returns.

* Chuy and Amador continue to talk - why he returned to the hacienda?

* Viv talks with Blanca - Blanca leaves. Isa and Steffie explain why they need more money and hope Viv would get it for them. Viv needs to find out who this french girl is that her husband has been seen with in the bar.

* At a picnic table at the mansion, Pat and Ceci discuss JM being at a bar with another girl, that's not his wife. They know about Viv's return and Chuy's departure. Ceci wants to give him some sympathy. Pat on the other hand has a low opinion of JM's morals.

* Chuy continues to brush the horse as Amador talks to her about getting permission from Padre to come visit. She sort of admits to being in hiding at the hacienda. He asks when she will return to the city. She glares at him.

* Viv sits reading her magazine on the sofa in her bedroom. Nellie hovers over her. JM enters and talks with Nellie. He then asks Viv if she wants another doctor - Viv is indifferent. He asks about the money withdrawal. Nellie says that it was for clothing and other things. He starts to leave for the office.

* Chuy and Amador talk about her plan to stay for awhile. They discuss his interest in her baby and that he wants to have a huge party to celebrate its birth.

* Viv talks with Nellie about her suspicions of JM and another lady as she gets her make-up ready. Nellie is impactado. Viv is on a quest to find the french maiden that Steffie told her was with JM last night.

* Cande and Chuy talk together in the bedroom.

* Flashbacks of Viv and Steffie's handshake deal in Viv's bedroom; Amador; Piranha lurking in the shadows.

ADVANCE: As Isa's plan starts to unfold, Chuy starts having contractions

Labels: Cuidado

Santos says that he cares about Marisela like a ..."Like what?" says Marisela, "Like a distant cousin or like an unfortunate wild thing? No, I know. Since you are living with DB, you'll treat me like a step-daughter. I not interested in your affection. The only father I have is Lorenzo Barquero." Santos says that it is normal for someone her age to be confused. Marisela responds that she isn't confused, unlike him. "You want me to forget you?" she says, "I will do that. I will get you out of my heart all at once." She says that she is going to fall in love with Gonzalo like a crazy person and give him many kisses. She walks away and leaves Santos looking like he didn't know what hit him.

BP, Danger and Pernalete tell DB that since Santos came to the Arauca everything has gone to hell in a handbasket. DB says that they are ungrateful and have forgotten all the things she has done for them all these years.

Santos asks Gonzalo what his intentions are with Marisela and Gonzalo says that he intends to marry her. Santos says that Marisela isn't for him. Gonzalo replies that he has fallen in love a couple of times before but never like this. He is crazy in love with her.

DB tells her confederates that the problems are all their fault and they are not capable of acting on their own. She warns them against messing with Santos. Soon she will be the mistress of Altamira and no one will be able to stop her.

Lorenzo says that he can see Cecilia is very happy and assumes it is because Antonio isn't going to marry Federica. He tells her that he is ready to stand aside for her true love. Cecilia tells him no. She has chosen him to be her companion and she isn't changing her mind. She tells him that she cares for him. "My angel," she calls him and kisses him on the cheek.

Federica tells Antonio that he can do what he wants with her but she will follow him because he is the man of her life. Antonio suggests that she enlist in the army as a water carrier so she can slake the thirst of the soldiers the ways she did with the vaqueros at Altamira. Federica pretends to be shocked. Antonio says that he is going out alone. When she asks what he is going to do about her, Antonio replies that is her problem and calls her a "cangreja," a crab.

DB comes back from her meeting with her confederates in a very bad mood. She won't tell Santos what the problem is, of course. Santos has success in jollying her out of the bad mood until he starts talking about how wonderful Marisela is and how he will give her more responsibilities at Altamira because very soon she will have her own hacienda.

Cecilia comes to bring Marisela some hot chocolate. She asks if she has fought with Santos again. "Yes," says Marisela, "but for the last time. I am going to get him out of my heart and my head because I can't stand any more." Cecilia says that she is sorry to see Marisela so sad. Marisela says that she isn't going to be sad any more. She is going to forget Santos. Cecilia asks what Marisela is going to do to forget Santos. "They say, like cures like ('un clavo saca a otro clavo,' literally, 'one nail drives out another nail'). That is what I am going to do, find another nail. Even though I am dying inside, I am going to fall in love with Gonzalo and marry him."


DB is scornful of Santos' decision and says that Marisela is barely civilized. She accuses him of trying to civilize everything he touches and turning her into the "Saint of the Arauca." Santos says all he wants to do is love her and they kiss.



BP tells Danger that under the influence of Santos, DB has changed. He says that he doesn't care that she has thrown him out of her bed. He is sticking around to see her fall.

After sex, DB tells Santos that she hopes they made a baby. Santos asks why DB is so obsessed with having a baby. He says that his concern about her having a baby is because of DB's daughter, Marisela. DB is angry that Santos has brought up Marisela again and forbids him to mention her name when they are in this room. Santos is furious. He accuses DB of being jealous of Marisela. He tells her that she can't tell him what to do or threaten him. He leaves her room. They continue their argument out in the living room where everyone in the house (except Andres) comes out to see what's going on. DB chases them away asking if they have never seen a couple fighting.

Antonio comes to DE's hacienda, which is called Chaparral. DE introduces a new babe into the picture, his daughter, Lucia.


The next morning, Eustaquia tells DB that Santos is taking a shower. She goes to see him. He asks what she is going to forbid him to do now? to breathe? to think? to live?

She doesn't reply but starts to take off her clothes. Santos says that she can't manipulate him. She steps into the show and starts to kiss him. (They have really big bathrooms on these novelas!)
Santos says that she can't tell him not to do things.

Lucia shows Antonio his room. She says that she went to a boarding school in San Fernando after her father remarried. Antonio asks if she is going to the university and Lucia says no. She likes life in the country.

Gonzalo, Cósme and Eustaquia gossip about DB and Santos at the breakfast table and wonder if they are still fighting. Then the couple in question come in all smiles. Santos apologizes for what happened the previous night and says that it won't happen again. He is going to San Fernando for a couple of days.

Josefina wishes that Andres would wake up. She says that he has been saved by a miracle. She puts the poem that he wrote to her in his hand and says that she has read it a million times. Andres wakes up and says that he will write her many more.

DE tells Antonio that he is going to San Fernando for a couple of days for the meeting of the cattlemen's association that Santos organized. DE tells Antonio that he understands how difficult it was for him to decide to come to Chaparral when Santos asked him to return to Altamira. He says that he appreciates someone who can make difficult decisions and that is what he needs at his hacienda.

Lorenzo questions Santos' decision to put Marisela in charge of Altamira. Santos says that the only way for her to learn is to try to do things. Lorenzo agrees. Santos says that she needs to learn these things to be able to run El Miedo when DB gives it to her. "You don't really believe that DB is going to give the hacienda to Marisela, do you Santos?" says Lorenzo. Santos replies that Lorenzo should trust him. Lorenzo says that when he sees DB give the hacienda to Marisela, then he will believe.

Marisela comes in and Santos tells her that he is putting her in charge of Altamira when he is away. Marisela isn't sure and asks what if she makes a mistake. Santos says that he has confidence in her and that it is only two days. He calls her the "doña and señora of Altamira" while JP listens from up in a tree.

Leon and Tigre watch Josefina and Melesia lustfully. Eustaquia tells the vaqueros to get lost and tells the terneras to stay out of the way - the men are in heat (en celo).

Santos and Don Encarnación meet in the hotel in Progresso before leaving for San Fernando. Pernalete asks Mujiquita where they are going. Mujiquita tells him about the meeting of the cattlemen in San Fernando. Pernalete says that he will let the authorities in San Fernando know about the meeting.

The vaqueros come to see Marisela for their instructions. She asks each one what they normally do and tells them to go do it. After they leave, Gonzalo arrives at Altamira having ridden over from El Miedo. Marisela says that it is dangerous to come to Altamira but Gonzalo says that he is dying to see her. She has bewitched him. Marisela tells him that the only witch around here is the mistress of El Miedo. Gonzalo says that Marisela has used good witchcraft but she says witchcraft is witchcraft no matter where it is used and she doesn’t want to hear about it from him anymore. Gonzalo says that he likes it when she abuses him.

Back at El Miedo, Juan Primito tells Eustaquia that Santos has said that from now on, Marisela is the mistress of Altamira. DB overhears and is furious. She gets on her horse and heads for Altamira with her vaqueros and Melquiades, “to get back what is mine.”

Pajarote is in Progresso buying supplies for Altamira. He is waylaid by Federica who says that she is lonely and bored. Pajarote has no problem with entertaining her.

Antonio sees BP riding through DE’s lands.

Gonzalo is following Marisela around. She pretends to be irritated that he won’t do any work. She tells him to put a bucket on his head and he does so asking what he has to do to tell her that is crazy about her and if she doesn’t say yes to him, he won’t leave her alone. She pretends to say yes and then takes it back.


Santos convenes the meeting of the cattlemen's association. He introduces the engineer who has investigated what would be involved in bringing a highway to Progresso. Nestor, the newspaper reporter is at the meeting.

Marisela tells Gonzalo that he can be useful. "That's what you want, right? to be useful?" She tells him to teach her how to do accounting. "Where should I begin?" asks Gonzalo. "Where do you think?" Marisela says sarcastically, "at the beginning." Cecilia and Lorenzo watch them. (Gonzalo gets a good view of some of Marisela's 'assets'.)

Federica asks Pajarote to stay after they have sex. She says that Antonio will be angry when he finds out that the baby she is carrying his his. Pajarote leaps to his feet in surprise.

DE's daughter, Lucia, decides to bathe naked under some kind of a waterfall or fountain. BP is watching and he is really doing the thing he does with his tongue that is so repulsive.
He starts to advance on Lucia but Antonio comes up behind him and asks what BP thinks he is doing.

Melendez and the secret police come into the meeting. He introduces himself to the attendees and says that he has something important to tell them.

DB and her entourage come to Altamira. Marisela asks what she wants. She replies that she wants to take the reins of her property. "The only master (dueña) and señora of Altamira is me, Doña Bárbara."

Labels: barbara

The episode begins where it left off with Leo planning on inviting Juan Miguel to come stay at the hacienda and Viviana planning on finding out what Blanca is up to.

Marichuy fills Cande in on how she told Leo her name was Lirio. Cande thinks it is hysterical and Mari explains that she had to think on the spot and he gave her the flowers, that’s what she came up with. Then she tells Cande that she asked Leo to help deliver the baby when it comes. Cande is surprised that Mari asked him and then Mari fills her in that Leo declined to help, that he gave up practicing medicine years ago. Cande wonders why and MC tells her that something bad happened. Hearing that, Cande’s relieved he won’t be delivering the child, what if he would kill MC. MC is sure that wouldn’t happen.

Somehow, Juanmi is in an apartment with Yvett. There are masks and daggers on the wall, as decor. Yvett speaks French and JM understands her, but answers in Spanish (kinda like when someone speaks in Spanish to me, I answer in English). Is this supposed to be a seductive scene? Because it just icks me out, to be honest. Yvett takes a knife off the wall and rubs it up against JM’s throat and asks if he’s afraid.

Cecilia wanders Mari’s barrio and prays to the Virgincita that she’ll help her successfully win MC over in forgiving her.

Now JM’s back at home, in bed, with his pajamas on (darn!, why can’t he be shirtless). He hears a noise and goes to investigate. He heads to a room just around the corner from his, it’s Blanca’s (not the best location for the bedroom of the hired help, I’d say). He knocks and we hear Blanca’s muffled reply, she’ll be right there. She opens the door (she’s in her jammies and has her straight hair, no make-up look) and says it took her a minute to find her glasses. He asks where she was earlier and she replies that she went to bed early. He says they were in her room and the bed was empty. Well, that must have been when she was taking a walk around the gardens, she replies. JM accepts that and leaves. Alone, Blanca freaks out and asks herself--why, why?

MC wanders the courtyard of the hacienda and runs into Cosme. He ends up telling her that he’s getting things ready for Leo’s trip out of town. Leo will be going to Sonora to purchase some cattle and will be gone almost a month. MC is disturbed to hear this news.

Stefi visits Viviana. Viv gives Stef the money that she asked for in order to “take care of” MC and the baby. Stef discusses how Amador has talked to Piraña and arranged things. Viv tells Stefi that she’s doing this because there is nothing she won’t do in order to defend her family and home. She questions Stefi’s feelings for Juanmi, is she still in love with him? As an after thought to the question, she adds that there is no hope, no way Stefi will get him. Stefi doesn’t really answer, instead she says that they need to align and destroy their common enemy, Marichuy, and make sure her baby disappears without Juanmi ever finding out he’s got another child.

Marichuy finds Leo and tells him that she’s worried he’ll be gone for so long. Leo asks if she’s afraid of Piraña and MC doesn’t really answer. She tells him that she’s going to miss him and he admits that he’ll miss her as well. Leo asks MC for her baby daddy’s name and she hesitates in answering. He comments that she’s got her secrets too. She ends up telling him that she was married and this surprises him. Leo questions if it were her husband who came looking for her the other day. MC is shocked to hear that a man was looking for her at the hacienda.

Elsa calls her mother and tells her that she and Nelson are separating. She asks her mother if she can return home.

Leo tells MC that Cande knows all about the visitor and this upsets MC even more. Leo says that Cande put him in his place, and it was obviously someone that MC knows pretty well. He’s sure he won’t return. They have a discussion about running from love and MC asks for details on how he was hurt at love. He begins to describe the femme fatale that captivated him. MC asks who she was.

Juanmi is talking to Ed and telling him all about how captivating Yvett is and that he’d like for Ed to check her out, how about that evening? Ed says no can do, he’s set up a meeting between a lawyer friend and Elsa to help her get stuff arranged for her separation from Nelson. Ed asks what the woman’s name is and JM says Yvett.

Leo answers MC’s question, her name was Yvett.

Juanmi tells Ed that she’s a bit strange, something’s off. Ed questions if JM is romantically interested in her and JM says that he will never love another. For him, there is only Marichuy. This leads to MC flashbacks.

Leo goes on to tell MC that he knows he wasn’t Yvett’s first, but he was in deep when he figured out that her hobby was destroying men’s hearts. MC asks if he never “vicentearla”, which I couldn’t translate---any help? Leo answers that he never did. MC ends up having flashbacks to when she told JM that she hated him.

Amador visits Stefi and tells her that their plan is in place and that once MC gives birth, they’ll have her where they want her. Ceci walks up and hears MC being discussed and wants to know what they are talking about. Amador introduces himself to Ceci, he’s the nephew of some of her friends and Ceci says she remembers from the party. He tells her that he was the director of MC’s television performance and he’s concerned about her disappearance. Ceci wants to know if he knows where she is and he says no, he’s looked for her but can’t find her. Ceci tells him that MC’s her daughter, and she wants her back home. Ceci leaves and Stefi comments that she’ll never find her. Amador asks where Stefi got the money to pay Piraña and Stefi says it was from Viv, JM’s wife. They have a good chuckle over JM’s wife being their accomplice.

MC finds Cande and demands to know who was here looking for her. Cande wants to know how she found and MC says that Leo told her. MC demands to know if it was Juanmi and Cande says it was Amador. MC questions how he knew where to find her.

Nelson comes home and finds Elsa packed and ready to leave. She tells him that she’s moving back in with her parents and he begs her to stay. He can’t live without her. She doesn’t fall for this and leaves.

Viviana and Onelia have a conversation about JM not being home. Viv has a fit, ranting about how JM went out the night before, but won’t take her out. He hasn’t changed. Viv keeps saying things that reveal that her amnesia is bogus and Onelia doesn’t miss this. She gets livid and yells that Viv was obviously never sick and demands to know where she’s been the past months. Viv says that there are things best not remembered and Onelia pushes to get more info. Viv isn’t relenting and then Onelia realizes that the phone calls were her and that Mayita was telling the truth. Onelia says that Viv will not be forgiven for this and she’s playing with fire, Juanmi is perceptive, he’ll figure out that Viv is faking it.

MC realizes that if Amador found her, then JM might find out where she is too. A part of her hopes that he will find her and another part is afraid. However, if he comes looking for her, what would that mean? She has this dialogue with herself out loud and Cande hears it all.

Juanmi meets with Yvett again and he asks how long she’s been in Mexico. She doesn’t really answer and he asks if she’s being deliberately vague. Yvett flirts some more and JM tells her that his interest is not what she thinks. Yvett continues to flirt and he tells her that she’ll find that he’ll be her first failure, his heart belongs to another.

Marichuy is creating maternity wear for herself---using string with her tight capris. Leo walks in as she’s finishing up her creation. He says goodbye and she tells him to hurry back and be safe, she needs him there.

JM comes home and tells Viv he’d like to go out. She's pleased to hear this.

MC tells Cande that she’s got a bad feeling that something terrible is about to happen.

Stefi talks to Isa and they discuss how their plan is coming along. Isa is sure it will succeed (because she thought it up).

Amador meets with Piraña and he and his buddy demand more money. Piraña is a real psychopath, as he revels in the revenge he’ll get on Leo by hurting Marichuy (and the bonus is he'll be getting paid to do this).

Patricio tells Stefi he’s worried about Ceci. She seems to be in a funk about the whole Marichuy situation. Stefi suggests he take Ceci out of town. Pat likes the idea, but wonders if it will work because Ceci is waiting for MC to return. Stefi questions this and Pat says that Padre Anselmo has convinced Ceci that MC will be returning very soon.

MC decides she needs to find out if Cuate is doing well. She enlists Micaela’s help in using a calling card.

Blanca, alone again in her room, has a mini melt-down as she has flashes of Yvett.

Juanmi talks to Onelia about how he’d like to have Viv undergo hypnosis in order to access some of her suppressed memories. Onelia says she’ll help try to convince Viv to agree to it. JM questions if Onelia would know the reason why Viv would take out a large sum of money from the bank.

MC makes the call and talks to Balbina. Balbina fills MC in on how well Cuate is doing and that Rocio’s surgery went well. JM happens by and hears that it is MC that Balbina is speaking with on the phone. He takes the phone and demands that MC tell him where she is, he begs her to tell him. MC says she doesn’t want to talk and he tells her that he needs to know. She doesn’t tell him and he says that no matter what she feels for him, there was no need to run. He would never hurt her and he respects her decision to end it the way she did. He tells her that he loves her a lot and then repeats it. Marichuy is shocked to hear this. END OF THE EPISODE.


Vocabulario
achicopalar- to feel intimidated
fingir-to feign, to fake
cuate-pal
fracaso-failure
gozar-to enjoy
hechura-shape or form
inclemente-harsh
inquietar-to worry
órale-OK, right
perspicaz-shrewd, perceptive
petate-knapsack, bedroll, gear
piraña-pirahna
puñales-daggers
res-head of cattle
rezar- to pray

Labels: Cuidado

Good old Telemundo didn't even have the Spanish captions on DB Thursday or Friday, which makes it harder for me. Here is Thursday's episode. Friday's is about half done.

Antonio tells Pernalete that the land that was given to him belongs to someone else. Pernalete says that is a lie. He tries to get the papers back but can't. Antonio says that he will show them to a lawyer. Pernalete says that Antonio will need a lawyer and threatens to have him arrested. Pernalete says that he will take back the land and the cattle. Antonio says that he can have his daughter as well. The marriage is off.

Dr. Arias comes to treat Andres. When he sees that the wound is from a bullet, Santos tells him that Andres and the other rebels are being sought by the police. Dr. Arias reassures them that he is on the side of those fighting for liberty.

Cosme reassures Josefina that, "Poets don't die." DB tells Marisela to take care of Gonzalo's wound. Marisela tells DB not to order her around but she takes Gonzalo aside to treat his wound.

Pernalete is beside himself with fury at Federica. He says that she has ruined everything. He was buying her a husband and setting a trap for Antonio at the same time.

Alone with Melquiades, DB says that he did the job of getting Gonzalo back the easy way (por las buenas). Melquiades says that he just did the job. He says that it was a little hectic (movido) and "para prender la fiesta" - to top it off(?) he had to kill a guard. DB realizes that with a dead cop, the search for Gonzalo will be even more intense. She tells Melquiades to have the Mondragons keep watch and let her know if any guards show up.

Marisela puts alcohol on Gonzalo's wound and they are joking around when Santos comes up and angrily says that this is no time for laughter.


Mujiquita tells Cecilia about the guard being killed in the encounter with the rebels. He implores Cecilia to make sure that the rebels don't move from where they are.

Dr. Arias tells Santos and the rest that Andres' wound was not a serious as it could have been. He has a severe infection, however. To Josefina's question about whether he will live, Dr. Arias says that time will tell but he must have absolute quiet. When Dr. Arias says that the house must be quiet for Andres to recover, DB suggest that everyone else leave. She and Santos will take care of things. Santos tells Gonzalo and Cósme to stay. DB wants Gonzalo to be with Marisela so she objects but Santos replies that it is safer for them at El Miedo. When DB objects again, Santos snaps that his decision is an order. DB acquiesces graciously. Josefina and Melesia also get permission to stay with their men.

Gonzalo walks Marisela out to Santo's truck. He asks for a kiss for the "moribundo" (dying person). She kisses him on the cheek and then tells Genoveva to ride in the cab of the truck with Santos while she rides in the back with Altagracia.

Santos returns to Altamira and tells Cecilia that it is safer for the rebels to be at El Miedo. No one will think of looking for them there. Then Cecilia tells Santos that Antonio is in trouble and he is the only one who can help him.

Gonzalo is in pain and DB says that he needs rest and tells him to go lie down. Gonzalo thanks DB again for all she has done. When he is gone, Eustaquia comes over and says that DB acting so friendly with Gonzalo scares her. DB calls her a gossip who has been listening to what is going on. "He who has ears, listens, ("El que tiene oidos, que oiga") replies Eustaquia. Eustaquia asks what DB is plotting to do with this man. DB says that she isn't doing anything but learning about her future son in law (yerno).

Antonio can't make head or tails of the document he took from Pernalete. There's a knock at the door and it's Santos come to help him. At first Antonio says that he doesn't need Santos' help but Santos tells not to be so proud. If he won't accept his help as a friend, he can accept it as a lawyer. Santos says that there is nothing unusual about the documents. What they need to know is where Pernalete got the land and cattle. Antonio tells Santos that Don Encarnación (DE) claims that the land and cattle belong to him. Santos says that they have to talk to DE.

Josefina is ecstatic that Andres is calling her name in his delirium.

Antonio shows Santos the land and cattle that are supposedly his. Santos notices that the cattle aren't branded and asks if it didn't occur to Antonio to wonder where the cattle came from. Antonio tells Santos that he saw BP and Danger on his land and now he realizes that it was they who were stealing DE's cattle and putting then on this land with the help of Pernalete and someone else. Santos does not want to hear Antonio's suspicions of DB. Antonio asks if the land and cattle are stolen and are in his name, does that make him the robber?

Carmelito has an account of some kind from Altamira but he can't do the math. Gervasia says that people have different talents. Pajarote comes in and Carmelito asks for his help but he can't do accounts either.

DE tells Santos and Antonio that the land and the cattle where they standing belong to him. He asks if Santos is an accomplice of Antonio. Santos says that if Antonio were the thief, he wouldn't be here showing them to you. Santos says that Antonio is a victim of Pernalete, just like DE is.

Marisela is conjugating the verb, 'to eat' (yo como, tu comes..) when Carmelito and Gervasia come in and ask for her help urgently. "I can't do it," says Carmelito, "nothing and nothing. I tried to do it but... nothing. Gervasia tried to help me but she didn't know how to do it." "Little sister (hermanita)" says Gervasia, "I know you have learned a lot about these things." Marisela is wide eyed in astonishment.

She says that she doesn't know anything about such things. "But Señorita Cecilia taught you?" says Gervasia. "Yes, but not that!" cries Marisela. "I'm done for ('frito', literally, 'fried')," says Carmelito, "Santos will kill me if I don't do these accounts today." "Accounts?" says Marisela and she laughs and says she will help them.
(I didn't get the humor of this scene at all the first time I saw it. I didn't know why Marisela was acting so strangely about helping Carmelito but there's an advantage to recapping - you get to give things a second look.)

Santos and Antonio help DE move the cattle back to his paddock. DE thanks them and tells Antonio he is sorry that he called him a robber. He tells Antonio that he is short of workers and needs someone to help him organize his estate. He asks if Antonio would be interested in working for him. He tells Antonio that he will pay him double what his former boss paid. Antonio says that before he worked for friendship, not money but now things have changed. If DE wants him it will cost a lot because Antonio is very good at his job. DE says that he will pay Antonio whatever he asks but they can work out the details when they are alone. DE goes to get his employees to introduce them to Antonio.

Santos tells Antonio that if he needed money, he should have asked. "You don't understand," says Antonio to Santos, "I didn't ask for money at Altamira because I didn't need it. I had everything there - a roof over my head, food, family, friends and most important, I had a brother but everything went to the devil because of your pride. Now, I am starting from zero." Santos tells Antonio that he is sorry for what happened between them and says that he needs Antonio back at Altamira as his foreman and as his brother.

Marisela tries to teach Carmelito how to do the accounts.

Antonio tells Santos that one day they will be friends again. Santos says that is what he wants more than anything. Antonio says that he doesn't want to be Santos' employee. That is why he doesn't want to return to Altamria as the foreman. To be friends, Santos has to respect him the same way he respects Santos. Friendship doesn't work with employers and employees, bosses and workers. Santos says that Antonio is partly right and he respects his decision. They shake hands.

Gonzalo and DB are eating alone. DB laughs and says how strangely things turn out. They started off not liking each other and look at the situation now - Gonzalo and his friends are hiding in her house and she and Gonzalo are sharing a meal. Gonzalo says that he didn't like DB at first because of the way she treated Marisela. He asks why DB treats her daughter so badly.

Santos tells Antonio that he still needs to find out how Pernalete got the land that he gave to Antonio. Maybe Mujiquita can find out. Santos asks how Antonio could have signed the papers without reading them. Antonio says he was angry because he was going to have to marry Federica. DE comes up with his employees and introduces Antonio to them as the new foreman. Antonio tells them that they will now brand the cattle.

Pernalete, BP and Danger discover that the cattle they stole are missing. They sneak up and see DE having the cattle branded.

DB tells Gonzalo that she has had a hard life and doesn't permit weakness even from her daughter. Gonzalo says that he isn't talking about weakness, he is talking about love. DB says that she wants the best for her daughter - a good life and a good husband. She says that Marisela will be very rich one day when she inherits all this and much more. Gonzalo tells DB not to try and sell her daughter. He wants Marisela wheter she has money or not. DB replies that with money is better. Gonzalo says that DB speaks very clearly. DB says that she speaks clearly so that everyone understands what she thinks and wants and so that they don't make mistakes.

Cósme comes to tell Gonzalo that Andres has woken up. Gonzalo goes to see him.

Juan Primito brings DB a note for BP. She reads it, swears and leaves the table.

Santos returns to Altamira and and speaks to Cecilia. He tells her that Antonio's problem with DE has been resolved and Antonio is going to work for DE. He tells Cecilia that he and Antonio are friends again but that Antonio doesn't want to return to Altamira. Then he tells Cecilia that Antonio isn't going to marry Federica. Cecilia is ecstatic

until she sees Lorenzo and then she pretends that it is just another piece of news.

Marisela helps Carmalito put the pay envelopes together for the employees. Marisela is extolling the virtues of being able to read and write when Santos comes up.

Carmelito tells Santos that Marisela was helping him and Santos expresses his amazement with what Marisela has learned. After Carmelito leaves, Santos tells Marisela that he doesn't want things to come between them. Marisela replies that things have changed. They can't avoid it. She leaves.

Lorenzo tries asking Santos about some political matters but he sees that Santos isn't paying attention. Santos asks Lorenzo if he knew that Marisela had learned accounting. He says that Marisela never fails to surpise him. Lorenzo says that Marisela is a treasure and he is very proud of her. She is emerging from her cocoon and very soon she will spread her wings and fly away into life alone. "That is what you wanted, right?" asks Lorenzo and leaves. "Fly away," says Santos, "alone... Marisela has to fly away... alone?"

Marisela has made rice pudding (arroz con leche) and she is going to bring it to Gonzalo and the rebels at El Miedo. Casilda sings a little rhyme that has to do with love and rice pudding. Marisela leaves and Cecilia comes in. Casilda says that she looks like the cat that swallowed the canary.

Federica tells Antonio that she did everything because she loved him. Antonio says that she doesn't love anyone. She is just a spoiled child who wanted to lord it over everyone in town. He says that's all over now. She had better find some idiot who doesn't know her or go to another town because no one here will have anything to do with her. They know she is crazy and they hate her.

DB is furious with BP, Pernalete and Danger. They tells her than Antonio stole the cattle and gave them back to DE. DB asks why they didn't shoot him. BP replies that he was with Santos. Pernalete chimes in that DB's relationship with Santos has ruined their plan. "The man who sleeps with you," says Pernalete, "is our worst enemy."

Gonzalo tells Marisela that her making rice pudding for him means that she is showing him that she can cook and that she wants to marry him. He repeats the same little verse as Casilda. Marisela denies that making rice pudding has any special significance. Santos comes in and asks what she is doing at El Miedo at this time of night. Gonzalo hums the tune of the rice pudding song. Marisela says that it's time she left. Santos goes after her and asks since when such an intelligent girl is behaving like a lttle girl and is flirting with Gonzalo. "Since I discovered that I like a man who isn't you," says Marisela, "Do you want to know what I am doing, Santos Luzardo?

Labels: barbara