Caray, Caray!

Remember that old song?...you say 'tomayto' and I say 'tomahto', you say 'potayto' and I say 'potahto' yada yada yada...Let's Call The Whole Thing Off! Well, that's pretty much what happened tonight.

Santiago wants to call off the wedding (again) but is forging ahead. Lucia wants to call off the party Santi's planning behind her back. Pato wants to call off adopting the baby. And Candy wants to call off her relationship with Pato (He's not the "man of my life" is the half-carrot she dangles before a starving Santiago at the end). Both of these guys must have whiplash by now, the way she keeps changing her responses. Gotta side with Mike on this one...both fellas deserve better. But you know....everybody wants Candy. That's the way this one plays out.

The first five minutes of the show are a rehash of Candy's snit with Pato over the adoption; Marissa's manipulation of Santiago, and the hysterical vision of Alicia and Marissa back to back, à la Jolie/Pitt, lining up Candy and Santiago in their sights. Once again a truly gruesome twosome.

Now the new stuff: Arturo's buttering up his wannabe-ex-wife, trying to get her to call off the divorce dogs. He definitely doesn't want to give her half his money and she's just as sure she's earned it....the sleepless nights, the abuse, the infidelities, having to raise little Patricio all by herself because Arturo was never home. You were a bad father and a worse husband, she concludes. Arturo agrees but he's heard enough and leaves....sticking her with the restaurant bill. Be sure and add a good tip, are his parting words. A bemused Margarita (I think that's her name) muses that she still finds him attractive and likes him. Dang!

I thought that was pretty funny but the writers want us to laugh more so we have the obligatory Sven and Olé scene. Sven, or rather Santoro, is sweating the prospect of taking Soledad out to dinner but Meño assures him he can wine and dine her at HIS restaurant and he'll cover all the charges. This earns him mucho kisses and hugs and makes Olé (Toño) think maybe his pal is a little light on his feet.

From shallow comedy to shallow therapy. Nurse Candy tells Santiago he has no right to be bitter even if crazy Marissa is sucking the energy out of him as he claims. She takes him for a walk, showing him the world of nature and how God created this whole world just for him! They make the grand tour of the grounds around the house and wrap it up with a question for Donato. What does he think of Santiago? High praise follows, ending with Donato saying he'd love to have him for a son. Now into the house where Candy points out that he has two lovely daughters, a wonderful mama...he's surrounded by love and therefore has no right to stalk around all bitter and downhearted. End of lesson. Go in peace.

All of this is true of course, but her Little Merry Sunshine had me reaching for the insulin.

No need for that though with the Alicia/Marissa scene. They're fussing back and forth at each other as usual and when Alicia finds out Marissa doesn't intend to show for the wedding she muses that she will skip it too. (me da flojera ir= I can't be bothered going).

Okay, back to the odd couple...Santiago and Candy, trying to be friends while secretly wanting to jump each other's bones. He's coming up with some heavy-duty mathmatical formulas for how many kisses good friends can give each other....and out of that astronomical number at least ONE kiss could be on the mouth. Candy, of course, demurs. But she offers up Tina, who's all for it and adds that her room is open. Poor Santi...he keeps getting offers but always from the wrong women.

More fussing between our crazy ladies. Alicia doesn't know why they have to be at the airport 3 hours early and she also objects to being forced into massaging Marissa's back (with plenty of criticism) as well as being called "gorda".....why not "flaca"...or "super-flaca".?! As I recall, Marissa snaps that she'll call her whatever she darn well pleases (que me da la regalada gana) and that's that. Now massage!..'cause my back hurts.

We're temporarily off the topic of kisses and onto planning a party for Lucia, and a forgiveness opportunity for Charlie. But not before Candy huffily insists she doesn't need permission from Patricio to spend time with Santiago planning a party or anything else. Hmmm...she's definitely dangling the carrot here. Phase 1.

Meanwhile, poor clueless Pato, unaware the grounds and the rules are shifting once again, is being gently bossed around by Chava. No watching soccer on TV until homework is done! Dad protests that he doesn't have any homework but finally settles for working on his accounts while Chava struggles with his math. Then he's ready to watch but wait! no, first he has to look over Chava's work. Them's the rules, fella. Mom makes 'em.

Back at Santi's, the kiss theme has continued. Donato's offering Tina kisses for free, Isabella sends him off to work outside instead, and then Mom and Santiago start planning the party, (with some worries from Granny) while Lucio listens at the door. Isabella frets that if Lucia forgives Charlie, they'll start going together again. Well, love isn't prohibited, as long as they're careful, advises Santiago. But what future does Charlie have? Well, maybe they'll just be good friends, suggests her son.

When we come back from the ads, Chava is wondering if his grandfather helped Pato with his homework when he was little. Oh noooo...he was too busy, he had to work. Well, Chava doesn't want his dad to work but Pato quickly points out he needs to if he's going to be able to buy all the things Chava and his mom need. But don't worry, he'll always make time to have fun and play as well.

Back at the Institute, the gals have convened to talk about their radio program and conclude that the topics discussed should come from the most frequently asked questions in Candy's column. And guess what?...the most frequently asked questions are about relationships...sexual relationships, with children coming in a close second. One of the questions raised is why are men so angry and aggressive. Because they're men, quips Lulu. Not all men are the same, counters Candy, some are worse! Shall we just skip the details? No?...you want 'em all...well, here's a sample, frigidity, too fast lovemaking that leaves spouse high and dry, (en medio camino), another with no desire after menopause, another....oh no, I'm sorry, I just can't go on with this. But you get the idea. Kind of a combination of Ladies Home Journal and Cosmopolitan.

Pato arrives in the midst of this lively discussion, Soledad makes a pinched, jealous little face, and Candy twitters off( amidst ooh and ahhs from the gals) for a little tête-à-tête with her esposo. She wants to know right off where Chava is...(with her mom) and Patricio then sits down to ask her forgiveness for his adoption plans with Alicia. I'm tired of lies, insists Candy. If it makes you unhappy, then I won't adopt answers Pato. Impactado look from our flawed, oh-so-flawed !heroine. And some ads.

The forgiveness theme continues with a discussion between Santiago and Lucia. She wants nothing to do with the party and she's never going to forgive Charlie! Punto. She's afraid. She's been changed by all this. She's.....but Santi gently interrupts and reminds her that in order to be free, one must forgive others and oneself. He advises her to "dejar la mochila de rencor a un lado". I must say, I loved that. You could translate it as "leave the burden of rancor to one side" but "mochila" means backpack and that what all schoolkids carry and I just loved the picture that conjured up. Perfect for speaking with an adolescent schoolgirl.

A brief but sweet scene between Chayo and Lalo follows. They're nose to nose, almost lip to lip, discussing her worries about being sterile. He's tenderly reassuring her that they're a couple, he loves her with or without children and he would never leave her for someone else. A bemused Hortensia watches all this, thinking (aloud!) that she always thought Lalo was the scum of the earth but no!... Her comely assistant is hovering nearby but Hortensia dismisses her with a snap of her fingers.

Now Patricio's with his mom who's enlisting his help in dealing with Arturo. He reassures her that he'll do all he can. He adores her and will make sure she's alright.

See, they keep righting the balance here. Santiago adores his mom. But Pato loves his mom too.
Pato's asked forgiveness on a number of occasions and has vowed to change anything that bothers Candy. Santiago's handling his life in a mature fashion, trying to do the right thing. They're equal contenders, right? Wrong. As we'll see later.

But back to our plucky little save- the- womenfolk gals. Candy's decided the theme for tonight's radio program will be "Perdonate por tus errores y fracasos" (Fogive yourself for your mistakes and failures). Their counterparts over at the Club de Abandonados are planning to sabotage their program with their own artfully improvised counterattack.

And speaking of counterattack, Patricio is now going head to head with Papa, trying to get him to fork over that contentious 50% to Mom. Nothing doing. Arturo will give her good alimony but not half! Well then you won't get to see your grandchildren. Are you blackmailing me!? Well, I learned from the best, quips Pato....and leaves. Arturo is left musing over what just happened and I can't decide if he is pleased his son's a tough negotiator or not.

The Abondonados are still scuffling and pitching ideas. Santiago would love to have a show like Friends so they could all make tons of money but from there they segue to talking about the party he's planning with guess who for entertainment?...yes, our very own Agua Mineral. This should be fun. We definitely need another performance of the group. Sure beats sermonizing. However this time Santiago's planning on writing a romantic love song.

Okay. More goofiness back at the restaurant. Zamora is nervous and talking faster chipmunk speak than Fernand on MEPS (or Marichuy on Cuidado). And fuzzy-eyed Toño (a cork "corcho"hit him in the eye) is stumbling and falling, which causes Soledad to fall over him (a fine sight in her short shorts...hope you were watching Carlos) and Zamora is so befuddled he just stands there until she says Can you HELP ME!? The date is not starting off well and it gets worse when Toño refers to her as Zamora's "novia" which she emphatically denies. Nope, not going well at all.

But what IS going well is the reconciliation between Lucia and Charlie. Candy and Santiago are hovering like proud parents while the two start off edgy and Lucia tries to explain her anger and confusion. No one warned her. No one warned me either, counters Charlie. But I love you. I'm happy YOU'RE well. I would never want to hurt you. Help me to forgive you, pleads Lucia. I feel like an assassin, sighs Charlie. "Te quiero, te quiero mucho" whispers Lucia and suddenly she melts, they hug, a big hug, and Santiago and Candy, delighted, turn to each other and take each other's hands.

Another quickie comedy scene at the restaurant with a nearly blind Toño putting a hot plate right down on Zamora's hand. It's not his night for sure.

Not Alicia's night either. Patricio arrives, angry about the problem she deliberately caused between him and his "wife" (well, I never said I wouldn't fight for you, retorts Alicia and call her Candy, not your "wife"!). Well, I'm not going to help you adopt now....I have no reason to support you in this, he concludes.

Hmmm...it will be interesting to see where this goes. I can't see Alicia giving up at this point.

Now back to Candy and Santiago. He's doing some sort of weird mystical chant thingey and then insisting that she look into his eyes (mirame in los ojos) while he tells her that he's dreaming of her (she starts to bolt) nonono...not THAT way, no he's dreaming of her as the "woman of his life". There's some mumbojumbo about her not understanding anything but suddenly...eureka! she comes up with the magic words..."Patricio is NOT the" man of my life." He's the "father of my son" but not the "man of my life".

Santiago is so encouraged he lurches forward and almost falls. Pobrecito...she's really just dangling half a carrot but it's enough for him. He's hooked again. Done for. Kaput. All over but the shoutin'.

Previews: The announcer intones what we've already guessed. Alicia is not the "obstaculo" in Patricio's life...it's Santiago.

Vocabulary:
me da flojera = I can't be bothered
guávsls = yuck, ugh (Alicia, talking with Marissa)
mochila = backpack, satchel, shoulder bag (a word you'd know if you watched Dora the Explorer with your grandchildren)
dejar la mochila de rencor a un lado = set aside the backpack of rancor (resentment)
el hoy y el ahora = lit. the day and now but we would say "the here and now"
perdonate por tus errores y fracasos= forgive yourself for your mistakes and failures
mirame en los ojos =look into my eyes( one of the obligatory phrases in all telenovelas)

Proverb of the Day = No se le puede pedir peras al olmo (lit. you can't ask pears of an elm tree) but the equivalent proverb in English is you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear

Another "peras" saying.
Saber de qué lado caen las peras = (lit. know which side the pears fall on) Know which way the wind is blowing, know how the cookie crumbles

Labels: Tontas

Erika brings in her mystery date, it’s Franco Santoro! Fernanda is most certainly NOT happy for her, but tries to put on a brave face. I guess Erika never knew that Franco/Ed is the ‘mystery galan’ so we can’t say she’s sticking it to her friend.

Doctor Obregon, who I have to say is VERY effeminate, runs off to the hospital to check on Ciro, who has gone into a coma. After he leaves, Ciro’s wife and son show up. Son is Orville Redenbacker, the dorky doctor from Heridas de Amor. I guess it’s in this actor’s contract that he has to wear a bow tie in all of his roles, because he is sporting one here. This particular character seems to be a Forrest Gump knockoff, slow talking and all that. In fact I’ll just call him Gump since I didn’t catch his name. Ciro’s wife and Gump want to know where Ciro is, they went to his room and he wasn’t there.

Ed/Franco and Erika sit down to talk with Fernanda and Damian. Ed puts on the charm, laying lots of compliments on the happy couple for how in love they look, etc. Meanwhile, he keeps exchanging looks with Fernanda.

Doctor Obregon is back somehow, or did he not actually leave before? My notes aren’t clear on that. Anyway he totally throws Adolfina under the bus and makes her come up with some lame excuse for Ciro not being there, she says he’s at the movies. As a self-committed patient, they allowed him to leave the property. Adolfina takes wife and Gump to Ciro’s room to wait for him. After they leave Doctor Obregon pulls out his hollow book again to find his whiskey flask.

In their room, Barbara asks Gonzalo if Eduardo ever arrived, Gonzalo says no. Damian comes in and says that Erika is here, with her date – Franco Santoro. And Franco wants the entire family here to talk business. Gonzalo gets on the phone right away to call Anibal, telling him to grab Camilo and get home ASAP.

Anibal’s phone rings again, he thinks Gonzalo wants something else, but it’s Priscilla reminding him that he has ‘homework’ that night. In typical Anibal fashion he gets all bent out of shape with her about it.

Ed and Damian are talking alone, while Fernanda has pulled Erika aside and is trying to talk her out of dating ‘Franco’. You just met him, you don’t know him, etc etc. Jealous much? Fern tells Erika to take more time so she can forget Camilo. Erika takes her shades off to show her bruises and says “as if I could ever forget.”

Camilo is in his office making out with some blond, Anibal barges in to tell him to come home right away. Camilo claims to be busy with some ‘business.’ This isn’t his woman Natasha, what happened to her?

At the mud wrestling bar, Jairo tells Martian to bring out Liliana. Martina resists. The bald guy with the mustache we saw before shows up, Jairo says that he’s the client that he wants to give Liliana to. Jairo walks away to greet the guy, Martina goes behind the counter and gets some keys out of Jairo’s jacket. She wants to take Liliana and make break for it. She talks to the other dancer, who tells her if she gets Liliana out of there she better stay gone too, she can’t come back after that!

Anibal tells a whining Camilo to come home NOW.

Barbara comes downstairs and greets Ed, to ominous music. The topic of Soledad comes up, Barbara tries to pass her off as a servant, Fernanda cuts her off and says no, she was like a mother to me. She goes on to say a lot of nice things about Soledad, making Eduardo look for a moment like he is having second thoughts about trying to ruin her life. He asks where to find a washroom and excuses himself. Fernanda immediately says she has to check on dinner.

Ciro is still in a coma.

Adolfina leaves Ciro’s wife and son in his room, as soon as she leaves they start tearing the place apart, looking for some documents. I guess they think he has some patents, or ideas good enough for patents, or something. They want to steal this stuff and get paid. Well, mom does, Gump just kind of goes along with it.

Martina tells Liliana who she is, the daughter of the blacksmith, her friend from childhood! They move to the back door, Martina tries to find the key to unlock the door. Someone walks in on them, busted!

Fernanda finds Ed out in the hall, she wants him to promise to not tell Damian that they have met before. He asks why all the secrecy about it, if it’s no big deal? Before she can answer, Erika shows up all suspicious and demanding to know what they were talking about. Ed says they were talking about HER, Fer says she’s like a sister to her! There is some general awkwardness from all of them here.

It’s the bald guy who has caught Martina and Liliana. He starts pawing at Liliana, Martina plays along like she’s a tough old whore and she’s all about this stuff. When she gets a chance, she smashes a bottle over the guy’s head, finally opens the lock, and she and Liliana escape.

Around here the captions started to act up again, showing either nothing or some text from a completely different scene. Ed/Franco asks Damian about his trip to New York, saying he hasn’t spoken to Esteve. He enjoys watching everyone twist in the wind. He starts talking, and talking, and talking about whatever.

Martina and Liliana, all boobs and short skirts (not a complaint) run down a dark street. Liliana keeps saying “Eduardo.” Martina says he has been gone forever, Liliana says he’s here.

Ciro’s wife and Gump keep tearing the room apart. Wife finds Soledad’s box, she opens it up and finds a birth certificate – with the name Artemio Bravo. When Adolfina shows up, she puts it in her pocket. So of course Eduardo will find out about the box in the next five minutes now that it doesn’t have the document any more.

Ed/Franco tells his own true story as Franco’s history, saying he was sent away at a young age when his family was being persecuted. Gonzalo says this is impossible, nobody would do that. Of course we all see right through this. Dinner is ready, the all get up to go to the table.

The captions from the mystery scene are repeated here AGAIN. Santiago and Aurora are having a lovey dovey time out, sweet talk and kissing. Tomorrow they will look for her mother.

Adolfina tells Dr. Obregon by phone about Ciro’s family tearing his room up.

More sweet talk and kissing with Santiago and Aurora.

Anibal arrives home and goes to his room, Priscilla is in her bedroom clothes and says no way to dinner, then takes off her robe to reveal some nice (though very simple) lingerie, then tells him to come over and do her or she’s calling her family and telling them whatever will ruin the Elizalde family.

Ed/Franco says he would like to stay in Mexico forever, but if the business deal doesn’t work out he’ll have to go back to New York.

Camilo enters and tries to be fake nice to Erika, who is having none of it. She gleefully tells Camilo that she and Franco are now novios. Camilo looks somewhat upset at this, but I don’t know why he should care. It’s not like she was his great love, he’s the one who was mean to her.

Anibal is putting his shirt back on, it appears he could not get his soldier to salute. He complains about all the pressure. Priscilla says fine, we’ll go to the dinner but afterwards ‘nos vamos’. Anibal asks where, but she doesn’t answer.

Dr. Obregon gets to the hospital, he tells a nurse that he’s taking Ciro back to the clinic.

Anibal arrives to dinner with Priscilla, Anibal then says hello to Erika, telling her that he didn’t recognize her with her shades on. She stands up and says she was run over by an ANIMAL.

Jairo comes into the back room and finds bald guy on the floor, the meow music is playing. I never noticed it until Friday, but it really does sound like ‘meow.’

Martina knocks on the door of Jacinto’s house and Margarita answers. She is suspicious, mostly because she thought Jacinto was cheating and here at the door is some hot girl all dressed up like a hoochie. She fetches Jacinto, who tells her NO he’s not having an affair, como crees? At the door Martina tells Jacinto that Liliana has returned, then pushes Liliana into the house.

Tomorrow – Jacinto calls Ed during the dinner to tell him about Liliana.

Labels: manana

In this episode, we see both Pat and Santiago in what looks like baseball team gear. Can anyone identify the team logos. I’m just curious whether the teams are rivals.

Picking up from Friday, Chayo walks in on Ed trying to awaken Bárbara, and she assumes that he is trying to acostarse instead of despertarse. Barb and Ed try to convince her otherwise, but given Ed’s track record, Chayo knows that dog is more likely to bark than quack.

Santiago and his daughters are in his room watching a video of Lucía’s birthday party with her parents. Santi remembers swearing to his brother to be a father to Luc if anything happened to his brother, and his brother promised the same. In the video, Lucía’s mother reminds her that life is a gift to be enjoyed. Santi reminds Luc that her parents live on in their thoughts, joys, and yes, tears. He tells her that into life come trials, obstacles, and dark times. But afterwards, the sun always comes out.

Back at the amusement park, Candy tells Pat that he always does what he wants and thinks she wants the same thing. He moved in to her house without asking if she wanted him to. Pat asks, “You don’t want that?” Candy dodges as usual, “All I know is I’m glad my son is happy to have you there.” She asks him to give her time. Eating lunch, Pat tells her he wants to make up for all the lost time away from her and his son. “I love you and I want to win you back.” Candy dodges by changing the subject to soccer. When that conversation turns against her, she changes the subject yet again. Pat suggests she’s afraid she was wrong to let him into her heart. Candy says, “We we’re young then. Things can change.” Pat says he loves her more than ever, and by the way, he wants to move off the couch and into her bed. Home run? Nope, line drive was caught bouncing off the wall. He’s out.

In his garden, Marissa speculates to Santiago about what kind of sicko would send such an e-mail to Lucía. She pauses and asks, “You’re not implying that I was involved, are you?” Santi answers, “Heavens no! It was someone sick, someone with no heart.” She suggests he hire an investigator, but he would rather put his energy into making his children happy (but no mention of his wife). When she’s not looking, he cringes. Mar continues, “You won’t leave me alone with my baby, will you?” Santiago dodges, “Our baby.”

Hortensia and Carlo are out on their date, and he intersperses blatant flattery with shoulder punches.

Meño talks with the family the next morning.

Beto asks his mom why his dad can’t live with him instead of with Chava.

Raúl calls Candy to tell her he’ll carry her column again, but she’s not going to make it easy for him.

Santiago shows Mar the baby’s room, but she has no interest in decorating it. Trying to stay as upbeat as possible with 3M (Maniac Mama Marissa), he threatens to decorate it in Club America colors, but she cuts him off cold. “Quit the delusions!” (Deje de hacerte illusiones.) He’s taken aback so 3M tries to cover, “What if he doesn’t like fútbol?” Santi says, “My son and I agreed.” He talks to the belly, “Son, you’ll be an America fan, right?” But then he pulls away, troubled. “He didn’t respond.”

Ali, the Tijuana bombshell, comes to Candy’s to drop a bombshell. She’s adopting a baby, and Patricio is the father, because he wants the chance to hold his own baby in his arms. Pat walks in and Candy says, “Congratulations! You’re going to be a father again. Were you planning to tell me at some point?”
Pat: I’m not going to be a father.
Ali: Pardon me. I didn’t know that he hadn’t told you. I thought you two had good communication.
Pat: I’m not hiding anything. Alicia wants to adopt a baby, and I’m helping her.
Candy: Yeah, I get it.
Pat: Candy, she’s just trying to provoke you. You’re falling into her game.
Alicia provokes them both some more, until Pat throws her out. Candy’s pissed! Mission accomplished. Candy is convinced that Pat wants a third child by a third mother, and she won’t listen to anything he says.

In the salon, Marissa tells Santiago that it’s nice to see him excited for his son and the wedding, and she doesn’t want to complicate things unnecessarily (no estoy buscando tres pies al gato), but she just doesn’t feel like he loves her. I’m wondering what was her first clue. Maybe when he told her, “You've managed to destroy everything I've ever felt for you, even friendship.” Or maybe it was when she gave him the ultimatum, “You get me and the baby, or neither of us.” Regardless, she tells him she needs to feel like he loves her. Santi tells her, “We need to regain our trust, but I’m giving it my all.” 3M leaves in a huff. Santi tries to convince Donato and himself that, with a lot of work and patience, it will all work out.

Time to take inventory. Santiago is frustrated with Marissa, and Candy is frustrated with Pat. What is a man’s second-favorite way to get rid of frustration? Exercise!

Isabel and Jaime are reading in bed when they hear strains of Jailhouse Rock. On their way downstairs to investigate, the girls and Donato join them. In the salon they see Santiago and Tina cutting a rug. He tells them, “I’m cheering myself up.” Consider the choice of song. The message? Even when you’re imprisoned, you can still dance. Everybody joins the dancing. Santi passes Tina off to Don, and he steps away to call Candy.

Our Santiago sure does know how to romance a woman, doesn’t he? They danced under the stars, the wind spoke her name, and he serenaded her with a song he wrote just for her. Even eating popcorn with him is romantic! And tonight, tan romantico! Candy is sitting in bed writing her column when Santi calls.
S: Hi, Friend. I’m calling you, friend to friend. Come dance with me! (Unlike Pat, Santi knows how to clear the wall.) To Rocío: Súbale! Turn it up!
C: No, I’m at home for the night.
S: Agh! Up on your feet.
C: No! Imagine this (be careful what you ask for). I’m in my pajamas, lying in bed.
S: Don’t tell my you’re lying down, because you don’t know how to lie (but not for want of practice). Up on your feet! (She stands up.) Raise your hand. (She reaches her arm out.) A little more. (She raises it to shoulder level.)
In her imagination (and our TV screens), Santiago takes her hand and puts a hand on her belly but she bats it away. They start into an exuberant Twist that is finished all too soon. Why, oh why do we never get to see Jaime Camil dance more than just a few bars? Yañez fans got their swimming scenes, Colunga fans get their (our) horseback scenes, why don’t we get our dance scenes? Alas, maybe next year.

She tells him, “Thank you. Thank you very much.” She needed that frustration-relief too. He reminds her, “I’m here for you, always, whatever I can do for you, everywhere, in every way.” She says, “Goodnight, Dr. Plastico,” and then she corrects, in an emotion-filled voice, “Buenas noches, Santiago.” Well that just sends him to the moon! “Me dijo Santiago!!!” He breaks into his signature hoppy-dance for shear joy.

At breakfast the next morning, Meño gets the debriefing about the phone dancing and Alicia’s adoption plans. Meño gives his unrestrained opinion, and of course Pat is standing right behind him to hear it all.

Gregoria is in bed with a fever. Candy brings her some tea and takes care of her the way mama used to take care of Candy. Gregoria talks about the pain of the empty nest, and how hard it was to see the chairs at the kitchen table go empty one by one, starting with Veronica and ending with Clemente. Candy regrets the pain her fake death caused her mother. Gregoria respects that Candy wouldn’t tolerate a cheating husband like Gregoria did.

Santiago’s good mood is still firmly in place when he greets his family at the breakfast table. He tells them they look like a telenovela family where everyone is guapo. Marissa arrives and the good mood departs. She hounds Luc out of her chair, she’s pushy to Roc, and she’s condescending to Isabel and Jaime. Santi tells her, “So nice that you’re in a better mood today,” and he disguises all the sarcasm in his voice. She demands understanding because she’s the pregnant lady.

Santiago follows Isabel into the kitchen, cleaning up the breakfast dishes, because both would rather wash dishes than stay in the same room as Marissa. Santi wonders how he will have the patience to continue this. Isabel says that if he decides to go through with the wedding, he has her support. He says, “Mama, you’re my idol, I want to be just like you.”

At work, Chayo badgers Barb to find out what Ed told her. Is he still seeing other women? Of course Barb would never violate doctor-patient secrecy, at least not today. What has Chayo really upset is that she’s afraid she can’t have children.

Alicia challenges Marissa, since she hasn’t told her anything about travel plans. Mar says Ali has to trust her more. “We’ll cover each other’s back,” she says, “just like the Brad Peeet movies.” As I see their silhouette standing back-to-back, all I can think of is a lollipop. Mar gives Ali her ticket, and Ali notices that the flight is the same day as the wedding. Mar gives an innocent look and says, “Reeeally?”

Hortensia tells Santiago about her date with Carlo, and she is full of surprises.
H: He was a perfect gentleman.
S: Are we talking about the same Carlo? The taxi driver?
H: Isn’t he a banker?
S: Um, yes, in his free time.
They end up in a shouting match about who is younger, Carlo or Hortensia, when Candy walks in. Santi points out that she hasn’t come to visit since “El Innombrable” moved in. Hortensia asks if he means the ex-president. Santi says, no, El Piojoso (the lousy one, referring to Pat). I asked Jarocha for help about Innombrable. The word means “unmentionable,” and often refers to underwear, but it also refers to Carlos Salinas de Gortari, president of Mexico from 1988 to 1994. The folks in Frostbite Falls would certainly declare him a Dirty Rotten Shnook. I posted Jarocha’s answer at this link. Thank you, Jarocha! You’re a gem!

Candy tells Santi that Isabel said he’s not doing well. Since he helped her with her bad mood yesterday, she wants to return the favor.

In summary, Marissa is infuriating to Santiago, but I think this marriage plan is his best move. Why? ¿Because he should marry Marissa? De ninguna manera! No way! Instead, as a means to reach Candy. Remember he once said, “When I get close she runs away. When I pull away she comes close.”
• On Monday, Candy let Pat move in, and Santiago thought all hope was gone. (Logical conclusion.)
• On Wednesday, Santi told her he would marry Marissa. That marked the beginning of a change in Candy’s attitude toward Patricio.
• In the same conversation, she told Santi, “Maybe I’m making a mistake giving Pat a chance.” That was the first time she voiced misgivings about going back to Pat.
• In the next episode, she resisted Pat’s kiss and told Santi that Pat sleeps on the couch.
• In the same episode, her memory montage of Pat was interrupted by El Tiburon.
• And in the next episode (Friday), she told Pat, “I like you but I don’t know if I love you.”
• Tonight, she was irritated with Pat through most of the episode and she had a spat with him about the adoption. On the other hand, she was enthralled by Santiago’s phone dancing, she went back to calling him “Santiago,” and she came to his office to find a way to make him happy.

I’m telling you, if Santiago can just stay engaged to Marissa long enough, Candy just might end up in his arms. I think her motto will be, “If you can’t be with the one you love, dump the one you’re with.”

Tomorrow: Marissa says she won’t show up at the wedding.

Labels: Tontas

Eustaquia begs DB to wake up and realize that she has lost her baby but DB continues with her happy-family fantasy.













Fate or bad luck is keeping Genoveva from telling Pajarote about the baby.














Antonio beats Andrés at chess but he doesn't seem to heed Andrés' warnings about Gonzalo.













Gervasia tells Genoveva about the joys of motherhood and says that she will always be there for her.









When Santos overhears DB telling Marisela about her plans to redecorate Altamira, he yells at her telling her that he only took her in so that his wife and child weren't left out in the street. Marisela tries to get Santos to stop and DB just walks out of the room. Santos asks why Marisela is criticizing his treatment of DB and Marisela reminds him that DB is pregnant with his child. Santos tells Marisela that DB is just play acting but she thinks that there is something very strange about DB. They have their ususal argument. He kisses her, she responds but then she pushes him away and tells him not to dare come near her again.




Poor Eustaquia. After DB tells her an elaborate fantasy about Marisela's wedding and how happy DB and Santos will be, Eustaquia tells DB that Santos doesn't love her and will never love her again. DB slaps her but a few seconds later DB acts as if it never happened. Eustaquia collapses in tears.







Gonzalo gets the newspaper and the headline reads: "Embezzlement in the Cattlemen's Association - Santos Luzardo is responsible." Gonzalo decides to bring the news to Santos personally.









DB goes to the pozo to indulge in more fantasies. Santos follows her there. He demands that she get out of the water. He tells her that she was the biggest disaster of his life and that he doesn't love her. DB reacts by telling her baby that Santos is just angry with her because of lies other people have told him about her and that when the baby is born, everything will be ok.





Marisela and Gervasia give Geno advice on how to handle Pajarote. Marisela says that Geno is making a mountain out of a molehill ('tú estas ahogango en un vaso de agua,' literally, 'you're drowning in a glass of water'). She should just tell Pajarote that she is in love with him.



Well, we knew it wasn't going to happen that easily. Geno goes to see Pajarote in the caney but the odious Celeste has snuck into the shower when Pajarote has soap in his eyes and kisses him. Geno sees them.






Antonio finds that Sapo has a vehicle identical to the one used in the attack on El Miedo. The boat captain says that it looks identical but they need more evidence. (Wouldn't there have been at least one bullet hole in the vehicle with all that lead flying?) Sapo comes out and demands to know why they are invading his home.

Gonzalo shows Santos the newspaper.




Marisela finds Eustaquia crying. She tells Marisela that DB has gone crazy from grief and that she lost the baby.

Marisela is impactada.

Labels: barbara

Sapo tells Gonzalo that he has been fraternizing with Sapo's enemies and the penalty for that is death. Gonzalo takes an agressive stand with Sapo, saying that he isn't afraid of him and daring Sapo to have him killed. Gonzalo says that if Sapo has him killed, he might not be replaced with someone as friendly and there will be more unwelcome attention on Sapo and his activities.

Antonio tells Lucía that Cecilia has come to be with her in the hospital while Antonio is investigating what happened in Progresso.

Eustaquia asks why Marisela has a sad face. She wonders if she is suffering for love.

Her delusion that she is still pregnant has made DB behave very sweetly towards everyone. She makes Santos feel how the baby is kicking and starts talking about names. Santos is very uncomfortable and his happy to escape when Carmelito comes to say that there are guards all over the place. When he is gone, DB says that Altamira needs to be filled with flowers.

Gonzalo tells Sapo that by attacking El Miedo, he put his foot in it big time ('fue una gran metida de pata'). He says that Santos suspects him but has no proof. Sapo complains that DB sent someone to kill him at point-blank range ('a quemarropa,' literally, 'at clothes-burning'). Gonzalo says that Sapo has to be smarter and that Gonzalo is the only one who can help him. When Gonzalo says that he isn't going to go down with Sapo, Sapo angrily replies that no one talks to him like that.

Costa tells Santos that Gonzalo sent the guards to make sure nothing happens at Altamira.

Gonzalo is doing pretty well with Sapo until Sapo suggests that eliminating Santos would benefit his relationship with Marisela. Gonzalo goes off on Sapo about how Marisela is sacred to him. As Sapo tells Facundo later, now he knows Gonzalo's weak point - Marisela. Gonzalo says that he wants to get rid of Santos ('sacarlo del juego,' literally, 'take him out of the game') but now isn't a good time, maybe later.

María Nieves takes Altagracia to the caney for some lovin' but they find Pajarote asleep there and can't wake him up.

DB comes to the kitchen at Altamira and tells Gervasia and Altagracia that she wants them to make something special for dinner tonight and to get out the best china. When they protest that the best china is only used for Christmas and big parties, she says that she is having an important family party that night.

Gonzalo tells Sapo that he will have to help him indirectly. He can't give orders to the guards not to do their duty. If he is suspected of collaborating with Sapo, the whole thing will fall apart ('se nos va todo al traste'). Sapo agrees and says that he will proceed with Plan B - buying haciendas and moving his merchandise over land. Sapo says that the Cattlemen's Association led by Santos is preventing the hacienda owners from selling to him. Gonzalo says that they will have to discredit the Association and Santos. Sapo says that he will take care of that. He will pillory Santos in public ('ponerse en la picota publica'). Gonzalo asks Sapo why he hates DB so much and Sapo replies that he has an account to settle with her.

DB is telling Genoveva and Gervasia to buy flowers when Marisela comes into the kitchen. Geno tells Marisela that DB is telling them what to do as if she were the mistress (señora) of Altamira. "But that is what I am," replies DB, "and what is more important, the mother of Santos' child, or not?" Marisela acknowledges that DB is the señora of Altamira and can give orders but she says that DB is pale and should lie down. DB says that she is fine. When she leaves the kitchen Gervasia says that DB is being very nice and when Gervasia was at El Miedo, DB was never like that. Marisela agrees that something weird has been going on with DB since yesterday.

Gonzalo tells Antonio that he has his full support in the investigation of the attack on El Miedo.

Santos is telling Carmelito that he is ok with having the police at Altamira after what happened at El Miedo when Marisela comes in and asks to speak to him. He calls her 'my love' and she tells him to stop. Santos says that he will never stop calling her his love even when they are very old. Marisela tells him that DB is acting very strangely like she is in another world. Marisela says that DB isn't ok.

Sapo tells Facundo that he underestimated Gonzalo. Gonzalo showed Sapo his errors and suggested another way to proceed that he hadn't thought of. Sapo says that he will use Gonzalo until he doesn't need him anymore. It will be very easy to get rid of him because he has a weakness - Marisela.

Santos asks Marisela why the house is full of flowers and ornaments. She replies that DB ordered it. DB comes downstairs to say that they are going to celebrate her rebirth. They are going to celebrate how her daughter and the man she loves rescued her from certain death and how better to celebrate than with her family.

There follows the weirdest dinner where DB is super nice and friendly to everyone, even Antonio and everybody at the table is wondering what the hell is going on.



Cecilia tells Lucía about her romance with Antonio when she was fifteen and how they became friends again before he died. When Cecilia is ready to leave, Lucía tells her how at night her worries about her baby multiply. Cecilia tells her that happens to all mothers but she should only think of how beautiful her baby will be with Lucía's fair skin and her father's green eyes.

The weird dinner culminates with DB asking Marisela and Antonio to be the godparents of her and Santos' baby. Santos chokes on his wine and Marisela leaves the table to see how Eustaquia is doing.

Antonio and Mujica interview Marisela and Santos about what happened on the night of the attack.

Melquíades comes to see DB. He says that he has been watching the borders of Altamira. DB tells him not to bother. Santos and Marisela are taking care of her. She tells him to go to El Miedo and start rebuilding it but but slowly. She wants to stay at Altamira until her baby is born. Melquíades is impactado. When she leaves the room, he says that DB has to get better. He doesn't like to see her like this.

A flunky of Sapo tells Néstor and Andrés that Santos is stealing from the Cattlemen's Association. He gives them proof of his accusations.

Melquíades is interviewed by Santos, Antonio and Mujica. He says that he heard that El Miedo was going to be attacked but he didn't see who was talking. Santos tells Melquíades to tell them what he knows. Santos says that is the only way to help DB. Melquíades says that the only way Santos can help DB is to stay with her and keep her company.

Marisela brings DB some jello because she heard it was good for babies.

While DB is eating it, Santos' investigation team comes to ask her who it was who tried to kill her.

Eustagquia tells Melquíades that she is sure that DB is pretending to continue to be pregnant to get Santos. Melquíades says that he doesn't believe that it is a stunt (payasada, from payaso, a clown). He says that it isn't his 'Doña' speaking to him. She has a sweet look ('los ojos blandos') and a smile like a silly little girl ('una muchachita boba'). He says that his Doña isn't there anymore.

DB tells Santos et al that she has no idea who tried to kill her and when they press, she says that she is sleepy and lies down on the bed.

Santos tells Antonio how frustrated he is that DB won't tell them who it was who attacked El Miedo. He says that he can't stand having her around at Altamiara disarranging everything. He has an idea and leaves the room. Antonio tells Mujica that he wants to interview Sapo.

Facundo reports to Sapo on the smear campaign against Santos. Sapo says that they have to invent more horrible things to accuse Santos of.

Juan Primito is at El Miedo getting clothes for Eustaquia when he finds the famous picture of the rapists. He recognizes the men and wonders what the picture is doing in Eustaquia's trunk.

Santos asks Carmelito, María Nieves and the other Altamira vaqueros to repair El Miedo so that DB can leave Altamira as soon as possible. Marisela comes in and asks if Santos is kicking DB out of his house.

DB comes into Eustaquia's room with a pillow or something under her nightgown that makes her look about to deliver. She asks Eustaquia if she isn't the prettiest mother she in the world.

Labels: barbara

Suddenly the alarm goes off from Ciro’s monitor notifying the entire ER staff that Ciro’s about to permanently check out. The nurse in OR scrubs and gown starts screaming “Emergencia! Emergencia!” (Okay. Admit it. You were really expecting to hear “Código Azul” now weren’t you? Hard to admit that ER has finally gone to that medical show post-mortem in the sky, isn’t it?) The Edster realizes it’s now or never and he’d better ditch the doctor disguise and skedaddle, aka, SCRAM!

Obregon and the two nurses race into the room just as Eddie manages to sneak around to the other side of a nearby screen-divider and hide. Our Dr. Demento totally ignores the croaking Ciro. He’d rather play detective than doctor and crabs about where the impostor went and then threatens to report the nurses, who are more interested at this point in saving the patient than saving their professional backsides, for being so carelessly irresponsible. Nurse Sofia barks back that they’re supposed to be paying attention to the dying patient (duh!) and that if he’s really the guy’s doctor like he says, then (essentially) to get his size ten head out of his size 8 rectum and start doctoring. (Query: Is it just in TV-land that nurses actually get to gritch back at doctors?) Dr. D’Oh! takes a reality check and starts working on Ciro. Eddie finally makes his move and exits unseen through the door while the others attend to Ciro. Once he’s outside he prays that the old man can hang on. A second later Ed smoothly hands Ciro’s file to a couple of nurses and glides down the hall, headed for home.

On the other side of the city, Vlad tells Prissy he thinks she’s making a mistake. She tells him he’ll see she was right; that their relationship is a dead-end. He says fine. Go ahead then and leave but he’ll be waiting there for her when she comes back to him. (Viewerville pauses for another group sigh. Vlad’s no saint, but at least he’s not from The Dark Side, either. He may not be TMBLMOE, but you got to admit that there is definitely something sexy about that kind of sincerity.) Just as Pris is about to walk out the door he mentions he found something of hers that fell near the couch when she was there before. Vlad does the honorable thing and hands her over the envelope with Any Balls’ test results. He adds pathetically, “I found it after we’d finished making love.” (Tell me he didn’t just say that! Viewerville has just nominated him to Team Alpha-Male and suddenly he’s wearing a kick-me sign on his chest.) Without a single word of thanks she coolly takes back the envelope. “Good-bye, Vladimir.” “—See you soon, my love.” (This is way too painful.) She looks back at him with an icy blue-eyed frown and leaves. Poor Vlad was looking for love. Pris was simply searching for a stud bull. Vlad’s been had and he knows it.

Back in Villa Madero’s slums, Martina races out of the house on her way to work at the bar. She runs into Carlos, the still-wet-behind-the-ears dreamy young doctor who diagnosed her daddy with cataracts. They exchange greetings. He says he just happens to be in the neighborhood checking on her father. She starts to race off. Carlos stops her and says he knows she doesn’t really work at the little hospital. Martina is embarrassed to admit that she doesn’t and that no, her father doesn’t know. Carlos wonders why she hasn’t told her papi and all she can say is that it’s because her father wouldn’t understand, much less him and then rushes off to work.

Pris returns to the fertility clinic for her results from the pregnancy test she took that morning. Mission Impossible is now Mission Accomplished as Prissy learns she’s got her bun in the oven. She tears up the test results and throws them away. (The question all of Viewerville is asking is: did Any Balls manage to pull the trigger in bed the last time with her a couple of weeks ago or not, so she can fudge the timeline.)

Aurora and Fernanda are chatting in the dining room at the hacienda while Rory helps Nanda with the floral arrangements for the dinner. Nanda asks about her family. Rory tells Fernanda that she can’t lie to her. The truth is she doesn’t have any family and Santiago made up the rest, but if everyone knew, she says, they’d think the worst of her. Fer says not to worry because she knows her brother and that it had to be his idea. Rory asks and finds out that Fernanda’s mother died fifteen years earlier. She wonders how the Elizalde’s get along with Bab’s family. Fer thinks a bit, and then says that it is strange but they don’t really know anyone from Babs’ family.

Speaking of which, Lucio is chauffeuring Bitch-Barbie home. She’s anxious for Eduardo to make his appearance and is thinking to herself that he should already have arrived by now. Lucio interrupts her thoughts to ask her if Eduardo is really coming back. “It’s none of your concern!” He explains he still wants her to give him Soledad’s house and that would put a wrench in the works, obviously. BOW refuses to be pressured and snarls back that they’ll see about it when the time comes.

At Las Animas a while later, Denia interrupts Ed to tell him she’s brought her stuff and would like to have the room nearest the house. She’s a regular Chatty-Cathy, but she’s really doing her part to be pleasant. Fr/Eduardo is off in his own world. He says sure, whatever, but barely acknowledges her.

Lili has now made it back to the main square of Villa Madero. A street vendor offers her a popsicle which she innocently takes. She starts to leave but doesn’t realize she hasn’t paid him for it. The guy chases her for the money but Lili is oblivious to the commotion she’s causing. Jairo, the manager at the Mud Wrasslers’ Cantina, is getting his shoes shined in the little plaza and has been watching her for a few minutes. He pays for the popsicle and then takes her with him back to the cantina.

At the cantina, meanwhile, Martina tells Venus about what happened outside her house earlier that morning with Carlos. She is disappointed that he probably won’t want to have anything more to do with her if he finds out where she really works. (This is Mexican fantasy-land. Viewerville makes the appropriate beanie-adjustment to “Reality Override” and continues watching.) Carlos, apparently smart enough to be a doc but not smart enough to be a detective and follow her, sits in his office mentally constipated and wondering where the heck she does work. (Go figure.)

Back at Las Animas, Eduardo is locked in his study, looking at the giant chess piece and remembering the gibberish that Ciro told him about “the mission being the letter”. He goes looking for his mother’s letter and begins reading it just as Denia starts knocking at the study door. She tells him somebody is on the phone for him but since she’s not to go around asking questions she didn’t find out who it was, just knows that it sounded like a woman.

At the Elizalde hacienda, Fernanda asks Tomasa to let her know as soon as she gets any phone calls because she’s still expecting to hear from Eduardo Juarez. Tomasa leaves and Fer starts thinking to herself that even though she cannot understand what it might have been that caused Eduardo to act the way he did, she still holds a little hope that because of the affection the two shared when they were children, the two of them can reconcile somehow.

The call to Fr/Eddie is from Errorika. He asks if she’s told Fer that he’s coming with her tonight. Err says no, she’s keeping it a surprise. She’s all excited that Don Gonzo is really serious about the appeasement dinner and Cadmilo having to apologize in front of everyone. No way, she says, he wouldn’t show since his father is forcing him to be there. Fr/Ed says he thinks Cad should have to do a lot more to get her to forgive him than just attending a dinner and saying a simple “Forgive me” that his father has coerced from him. She agrees but says this is only the first step towards teaching him his lesson.

Err then asks Fr/Eddie if they could behave like lovers while they’re at the Elizaldes. He wonders if she means like holding hands or something. She says well maybe they could work in a little kiss, but if that’s too daring then he doesn’t have to bother. It’s really just enough having him there with her at the dinner. He thinks to himself that a few PDA’s might just be a great way to demonstrate to Fer his apathy towards her, so he tells Err it’ll be fine. She asks then if it’s ok if she kisses him. He says fine, but that she’s not to force things. She says she can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when she shows up with him. He adds, sort of apathetically, yeah, him too.

Barb and Lucio finally make it back to the hacienda. Lucio asks BOW again about the house he wanted. She tells him that if Eduardo doesn’t show that night, the house will be his. “Pray to the Devil and let him know so he can grant you your wish.” She enters the house and finds Aurora in her office looking at the picture of her and Gonzo.

At the same time, Jairo arrives at Mud Wrassler’s Cantina with Lili. He orders Venus to feed her, and then tells Margarita to get her looking decent for the customers and to find out her name. Martina sits down with Lili and is muy impactada to find out that it’s Lili Elizalde. Martina goes immediately over to Jairo and asks what he plans to do if her family shows up there. He laughs and says he’ll take advantage of her as long as he can.

Back at the Elizalde’s, Rory apologizes for walking into Babs’office, but Babs sweetly says it’s no problem. After all she is her step-son’s fiancée. Aurora still has that deer-in-the-headlights look on her face.

At Las Animas, Eddie is in a rotten mood and he locks himself up in his office after grousing at Denia about not disturbing him, not for visitors, not for phone calls, and not for coffee or cookies either! (Dealing with Fr/Ed is not going to be easy for a social animal like Denia.) When he’s finally sure he’s alone, he takes out his mother’s letter and begins reading it:

“My days are numbered, however I wait calmly for death. It can’t be so painful, especially after having had to live apart from my adored son. I don’t know whether you will get this letter at some time, my son. It will be left to Divine Justice to determine. With faith you will and if it should happen, then you will need courage and nerve to comprehend the seriousness of what I now write. Son, a heavy threat weighs over you; a secret you are unaware of. In order to protect your life I will carry it to the tomb. It is not our sin that filled our lives with desolation…Because of it you had to live apart from your most beloved treasures, your childhood with me, your friends, galloping on your horse, Amanacer. That very same sin denied you the right to yearn for love. Ah! Impossible, possible…hmm…just as long as it might be a good one. --Possibly your enemy believes you know this secret. It will be your eternal damnation or your strength.

I am leaving this letter with my little dove (Lili), the final innocent victim of those who pursue us. Nobody has …..????? (Totally unintelligible between the sniffles and the crying and the missing captions)… such disgrace…. Liliana is the first step towards your own freedom. Afterward you get far away, as far as you might be able to from this destructive force that terrorizes you and me. It’s only right that you should know that the wound of our separation and the disgraceful act that was committed against Liliana were provoked for the same reason and by the same person. Because only you can stop her, only you would have your motive for doing it.

The secret cannot be written down because it would be too dangerous. Liliana knows it but is not aware of knowing it. Son, you must discover it and at the right time you will know what to do about it. Be courageous, my son. I will always be at your side.”

Eduardo finishes the letter and then races out of the house and over to Jacinto’s.

Back in her office, Babs starts to question Aurora about her family and her background. She asks her whether she plans to stay or to leave and tries to force her into a corner over details. Rory won’t give her a straight answer and leaves the room abruptly. Babs is certain at that point that she’s hiding something from her.

Rory races out to find Santiago and tells him she can’t possibly sit through that dinner with the family because she’s afraid at any moment with so many lies they’ve been telling everybody that one of the them will be sure to figure out they’ve been pulling the wool over their eyes. Santiago says he won’t force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. Anyway, it’s Cad’s concern, not hers. He suggests that they take a drive through Mexico City instead.

Dominga, still sauced, is literally crying in her beer and worries about losing the money she gets from the man who left Aurora with her with all these years once he finds out she’s left for good.

Somewhere in Mexico City, Artemio Bravo opens a drawer and pulls out an old photo of a young woman, and then answers a phone call.

Errorika calls Fer to chat and tells her that she is falling in love. Fer asks her to go slowly with this new enfatuation because it seems a bit soon to be getting involved with somebody else. Err swears that what happened with Cadmilo has made her see the light. It opened her eyes and made her realize she needed to dump the jerk; and then she met a decent, extremely attentive man “with a halo of mystery that makes him irresistible.” Fernanda says she just hopes the guy isn’t two-faced.

Eddie gets to Jacinto’s but he isn’t there. He lets Margarita read Soledad’s letter instead.

Back at the hacienda, Fer tells Err that she’s ticked because Eduardo hasn’t arrived yet and what’s more, he hasn’t even taken the bother to call her even though he’s in Mexico City.

Ed is discussing the situation at the asylum and with his mother. He is surprised to find out that Margarita and Jacinto didn’t know about Soledad’s visits to Lili at the hospital. Everyone was forbidden to visit her, says Margo. They know he’s got to speak with Lili to unravel the mystery and find out what the secret is. Margo says she’s worried about him being in such danger. He explains that the problem now is that Lili fled the asylum in the confusion of the explosion, and that her family doesn’t know because the hospital staff is still hoping to find her. Margo wonders if Lili is headed back for the hacienda. Eddie says he’ll know by tonight if she’s there because he’s eating dinner there. Margo wonders if he isn’t at least a little afraid, considering what his mother wrote. He says he can’t deny that he is, but he has to confront the malicious person that destroyed his and his mother’s lives as well as Lili’s and, who knows how many others, even if it costs him his life.

Margarita then wants to know what she’s supposed to tell Fernanda about Ed being back in town. She’s anxious to speak to him. He tells her to say she hasn’t heard from him. Margo says Fer shouldn’t be blamed for this. She’s had no part in it. He says everyone is to blame: those who acted and those who allowed them to. Margo asks him if it is possible that he’s trying to hate Fernanda when in truth he’s never stopped loving her. Ed huffs and puffs his answer.

It’s almost time for the guests to arrive. Damian and Nanda are smooching in their bedroom while she finishes getting ready. He wants to have a quickie (to make sure the marriage gets consummated per the Barbot’s orders). Nanda promises him that tonight their honeymoon will begin, but since the guests have just arrived he’ll have to wait for that quickie.

Back at the cantina again, Martina finishes putting make up on Lili. (OMG! It’s Shirley Temple Goes Hollywood Hooker!) Martina’s conscience is causing her grief. She’s not sure she can go through with this.

Back in the land of the loony, Dr. Demento is forced to take an urgent call about Ciro from the hospital in Toluca.

Errika has just arrived at the Elizalde’s for the dinner party with her huge designer sunglasses appropriately and strategically prominent. (Everybody knows about her face, so why the heck hide it with glasses? Pardon me for saying, but isn’t that what battered women do to avoid stares from nosy strangers? --Hell, I’d rub it in by making sure everyone at the table saw the results of what Cad did. And anyway I’ve never understood how in the world anyone sees inside a building with sunglasses on.) Fernanda and Dam ask where her date went. She tells them he left his cell in the car and had to go back for it. Two seconds later Fr/eduardo appears and takes his place beside Err. “Let me introduce you. This is Franco, my boyfriend.” Errorika flashes a brilliant smile as BFF Fernanda fights back a major-size cringe.

Labels: manana

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 2:54 PM 119 comments

Well, no captions tonight, captain, hope I don’t capsize in my recap of this capitulo. Please correct or add as needed, to help me stay afloat. Actually, one of tonight’s themes is staying afloat, or keeping things going. Another is little fears. All part of the amusement park of life. Let’s see what happened.

We begin by seeing Ed happily pricking his finger to stop his sexual cravings; Candy arriving at an address provided by Pat (the dream house); and Mariloca (her email is Mariposa, or butterfly), sending her evil email to Lucía, which says “Everybody in school is going to know that you had a novio with AIDS. And nobody is going to come near you. You’re going to be alone all the time… that will be your punishment.” Lucía reads this to Santi in shock and dismay. Why would someone do that? Santi calms her, says we’ll find out what idiot did it.

Pat tells Candy it’s their new super house, for their super family, with super Chava. This is a little much for Candy, who drinks her entire glass of champagne in one gulp.

Zamora is doing surgery on a broken table leg, with the help of Toño, who provides the surgical instruments (pliers, hammer, nails) while also letting it slip that he’s never had a novia. Lulu (remember, many of us are rooting for her and Toño) brings Toño a glass of wine to refresh him. Toño did have one girlfriend, but she was so tall, that when he tried to kiss her (I think) he got up on a step or ladder, but fell off.

Candy thanks Pat for buying the house, but….and he starts to realize maybe he overreached just a bit.

Zamora doesn’t waste time. It’s about 2 minutes after Zamora found out Toño never had a girlfriend, and Zamora invites three comely lasses into the restaurant. He’s paid them each 300 pesos ($21.00), and Toño can choose his girlfriend. Unfortunately Lulu sees what’s happening, tells the girls they shouldn’t be girlfriends for money, there are much better ways to make money, and marches them right out of the restaurant. Not to be deterred, Zamora makes some remark about Toño’s being cursed, maybe Toño has to be cleansed (looking at his hair), and prepares for his next devious plan.

Candy has a little fear, what if they moved into this house, and things didn’t work out between the two of them, what would happen? She gently chides Pat for buying this house without consulting her. Pat admits she’s right, he’s just so emotional he doesn’t always think before acting (good point!). Candy adds that Meño and Charly would also miss Chava if Chava moved to the new house, and again, Pat agrees. But can he have a special day with Candy, Chava and Beto? Candy’s fine with that, and gives him a little kiss.

Okay, Zamora’s plan to cleanse Toño of evil, anti-novia spirits involves hitting him with a frond of parsley (and other vegetable) greens while holding a smoking flask or mini-torch and yelling “fuera”! Toño has to repeat, “Help me, Mother Earth!” Meño enters to stop the shenanigans, but when Zamora whispers in his ear that Toño has never “made a gol”, Meño joins in the tribal rites.

Santi has written an email response to the malicious email sent to Lucía, and when he asks Luc if anyone at school knows anything yet (no), he realizes who really sent the email, but he doesn’t tell Lucía. He starts hinting about a decision he has made (to marry Marissa), but doesn’t actually tell Lucía. Lucía is in a bad mood, she can’t smile, but a few kind words from Santiago, followed by a fatherly hug and some playful tickles, cheer her up.

Mariloca reads Santi’s email response to her hate-mail. “Mariposa, what you wrote is from a very bad person. You goofed up your name. You’re a cockroach, a rat… not a butterfly. Don’t stain the name of such a noble little animal.” Mari laughs her demented laugh.

We switch to a restaurant, where Pat and Arturo are having another of their talks where they criticize each other, but also get to know and love each other again. Pat wonders what’s up with Gregoria, Art says nothing’s happening yet, but he’d like for something to develop, since the passion went out of his marriage long ago. He always provided his wife and son with everything they needed. Except love and respect, shoots back Pat, but his phone rings, and he has to go. As he leaves, Art dials a number on HIS phone.

We then see Gregoria standing on a little ladder in the restaurant, singing to herself, as Toño taps her from behind (since Greg’s on the ladder, she’s much taller than Toño, to remind us of his one failed girlfriend attempt). Anyway, he has a telephone in his hand, and the call is from Arturo. She doesn’t want to answer.

Bárbara has a new patient. She was fired from her job, and they told her she didn’t have the right image for the company, they only wanted beautiful employees. (Of course, this girl is beautiful, but she’s wearing glasses, a frumpy outfit, and her hair is clumped on her head in the ugliest style imaginable). Bárbara tells her that although the Miracle Institute is dedicated to inner beauty, they can also help with this girl’s makeup, and give her some tips (pronounced “teeps”) for her outer beauty.

Time for the obligatory pull-our-heartstrings segment. One of Chava’s classmates’ mother has died, and Candy is consoling Chava in his bedroom. She tells him he can cry if he wants to (it looks as if our little actor IS trying to cry, but it’s not working too well this time!). Of course, Chava is afraid Candy is going to die. Candy tells him that she’s going to live many, many years, and won’t die until they’re both old, but everyone does have to die. This doesn’t console Chava, so Candy tells him that when she dies, she’ll ask God to send her back as an angel, and she’ll come back and watch over Chava. Chava likes this plan.

Eduardo and Chayo are sitting down to a nice meal, made by Ed, but Chayo has a “little fear”. She went to the ob/gyn, and is wondering about having children. They apparently haven’t been using birth control, but she hasn’t gotten pregnant (remember, they only “do it” once a month). Ed says that some women get pregnant easily, and for others, it takes longer. Chayo is afraid, though, what if she’s sterile? Would Ed leave her for a woman who could give him children? Ed moves in close, gently putting his finger under her chin, he loves her, she is the only woman for him, with or without children, asks her to look into his eyes, and give him a little smile, who’s my little precious, and she says, I am, and smiles.

Chava is no longer afraid, and he’s ready for bed. In pops Pat, as usual happy to greet his champion, and the 3 of them praise each other a little, Chava has the only mom who likes fútbol, and now Pat wants to tell a bedtime story. But Candy reminds him of the big day tomorrow, Chava needs his rest. What big day? Candy tells Chava that tomorrow Pat, Candy, Chava and Beto will have a fun day, to which Chava responds “Super!” Candy asks Pat if Soledad was okay with this, and apparently she was not too thrilled, but gave her permission. Okay, time for bed, but not before Pat teaches them how to do a chain kiss (beso cadenita). Chava kisses Pat, Pat kisses Candy, Candy kisses Chava, around and around. Yaaay!

Downstairs, Arturo has arrived, and Gregoria is trying to get him to leave. He just wants to know if she feels the same way he does. What does she feel? Meño enters, answers for Greg, she feels panic, fear, don’t rush things, why don’t you wait ‘til tomorrow? Art agrees, okay, see you tomorrow, as Meño comforts a timid Gregoria. After Art leaves, Greg and Meño have tea in the kitchen. Gregoria has something she has to let out. She relates how years ago, one night in Mexico City, Arturo delivered Clemente’s paycheck after Clemente had died. Well, did something happen that night? No, of course not, she couldn’t do anything like that, she’s an honorable (digna) woman. Yes, honorable, but without love, says Meño, stirring his tea, and Gregoria has a pensive look.

Speaking of tea and pensive looks, we next see Santi with such a look, as Donato brings him tea. Santi asks Don a question. “How do you view me as a man?” Donato dodges the question with a joke.

At the Abandonados’ Club, membership seems to be down a bit, as we have just three guys, Raúl, Carlo (the one who speaks English a lot) and Miguel. I’m not positive about these other two names. Anyway, Raúl is rambling on about the new colors of his magazine, but our macho guys aren’t interested in that. They miss Santi in the club. Raúl thinks it’s hard, because he’s caught between Santi and Marissa. The others disagree. Raúl has to separate his family life from his macho life. When he’s in the club, it’s all guy, all the time, and no more mention of his other problem. Raúl’s on board, he’s the man, and BOOH HA HA!

Meño and Gregoria are reminiscing. Greg was 16 when she met Meño’s brother. Meño recalls she was not too pretty (!), but she had long braids (trenzas), which Meño envied! Greg didn’t like the braids (her mother’s idea), because they were childish, she wanted to be a woman. What about Clemente? Well, Gregoria felt comfortable with him as her…..master (dueno). Meño doesn’t think that’s right, what about intimacy? Well, her husband was a good man. And you were an honorable woman. But you should feel. And what about Arturo? No way, he’s my in-law (consuegro). But he’s a man, and I know you feel something for him, replies Meño. Gregoria gets up, she’s going to bed. With Arturo? jokes Meño. But he reminds her that one should always dream (se vale soñar). And don’t forget, he adds. My brother is dead. But you are not. As she goes upstairs, he sings of el amor.

It’s morning, and Santi still wants a straight answer from Donato. How does Don view him as a man? Good, bad, decisive, etc., what does he think? Donato chooses et cetera. Huh? Well, Donato really isn’t going to judge, but does think that a man should know where he’s coming and going. And if Santi marries Marissa, where is that going? Donato doesn’t think Santi has thought it through, and is not in favor of suicide. Santi tells Don if he knew why he was marrying Mari, he wouldn’t be so judgmental. There’s this psychologist, and…he’ll explain.

We have a short scene where Chava wants to have messy hair (despeinado), and he, Candy and Pat leave for their special day. Vámanos!

Someone is stroking Santiago’s picture with a red rose. It’s Hortenisa, who is shaken from her reverie by the arrival of Raúl and Carlo at the Clinic. Hort tells them Santi is waiting for them, but Carlo suggests that Raúl go in alone, leaving Carlo to hit on Horti (who looks especially nice today). The guys give each other knowing looks, along with a slap of Raúl’s shoulder by Carlo. As soon as Raúl leaves, Carlo tells Horti she has such beautiful eyes, she can use them as weapons (arma). Carlo wants to fire back. His first shot would be at her eyes. The next, would be her heart. And the third? Just imagine, he says, winking. A lot lower! Horti smiles and playfully slaps our bad boy, saying she doesn’t want to hurt him. Don’t worry about that, replies Carlo, by the way, are you married? She pauses, looks toward Santi, says “not yet”. Are you just about to get married? Again, the look toward Santi’s office, followed by “I hope so!”

In the office, Raúl explains that he wants to be friends with Santi again. The two agree to separate the Marissa problem from their longstanding guy friendship. All right! But Raúl confesses that he does have a little fear. He says “tengo miedo” (I’m afraid), and Santi repeats this a few times in a joking voice. (Apparently when this episode was shown in Mexico, there was a clip on youtube, which the audience found very funny. You can see it here).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7zevPed3Ss

Raúl thinks Santi shouldn’t marry Mari, but Santi says he’s doing it for the well being of his child, don’t worry any further. And no tengas miedo (don’t be afraid) is said a few more times, as the guys are buddies once more.

Our special day is at the amusement park (parque de diversiones). Pat tells the boys they can all act like kids today (which isn’t too difficult for him), and that the rides will be training for them, one day they’ll go parachuting! The boys go on a little ride, leaving the grownups to talk about happy things. Candy tells Pat that as a little girl, her sisters did everything for her, they were all close, and she was never afraid of anything. Pat, on the other hand, did have a scary experience (I didn’t quite understand the details, maybe he was lost at the fair or something).

We have a short scene in which Carlo and Hortensia exchange phone numbers, and Carlo asks if Santi or Raúl have any objections to his using the clubhouse to seduce Horti (they don’t).

Back at the fair, we have tonight’s key scene. Pat, Candy, Beto and Chava are eating cotton candy, playing a carnival game in which the boys try to throw a wiffle ball and make it land in some little holes. Of course, in real life, these things are usually fixed, and it’s just about impossible to win, but our little champions have no problem winning some big stuffed animals (the music is playing the song of Jesse y Joy (Espacio Sideral, where she says Quisiera Ser un Superhéroe – would that I could be a superhero), as Pat tells the boys they’re superheroes. And then Beto innocently asks, “Why isn’t my Mom here?” (Oooops). Chava says Pat doesn’t love her. Beto asks if it’s true. Pat starts fumbling around, there are different kinds of love, he loves the boys as his sons, and you two love each other as friends. Candy adds that Beto’s mom and Pat are friends, too, like you and Chava, see? Beto wants Pat to love his Mom. Pat says they love each other, but as friends, and they both love Beto as his parents. Beto wants them to live with him. Pat has no answer for this, tells the boys to go play, asks Candy for help. She can’t help him, though. As a matter of fact, she doesn’t really understand why THEY’RE living together. Simple, replies Pat, I love you, I adore you. Well, that’s the problem, replies Candy. I LIKE you, but I don’t know if I LOVE you. (Double oooops). Pat is impactado, Candy tries to explain she didn’t mean it, it just slipped out, but methinks the damage was done.

After the commercial, we’re back in the restaurant, for some more of Zamora’s hijinks. He sits Lulu down to judge who has the better jokes, Merengue or Tonito. Merengue is first. “There once was a woman who was so fat, that to embrace the new year, she had to start with September!” Now Tonito. “How does my fly resemble other flies?” Both have (I missed this one – if anyone heard, please fill in – could it have something to do with vodka?). Back to Merengue. “Friend, you’ve drunk so much, you look blurred (borroso)”. And finally Tonito, “How does a drunk resemble a genie? Every time there’s a bottle, he appears!” Lulu declares the contest a tie, they should do the show together, and she even has a joke of her own. How is a man like a bottle of beer? How? Well, from the neck up, there’s nothing but air! Badabing!

At the amusement park, Pat’s still upset about what Candy said, and she’s sorry, it just slipped out, he should forget about it and have fun. He and the boys go on a kiddie motorcycle ride (for 4-7 year olds, probably), and Pat, his baseball cap on backwards, enjoys being 7 again.

Raúl and Marissa are in a restaurant having dessert and coffee. Raúl lays down the law – stopping Candy’s column is costing him money, a lot of money. The public loves it, lots of letters are coming in. The radio show is also a success. Mari wants him to cancel it, Candy took away her marriage, her life, should she just say, here, Candy, take the work, the fame, the money? It’s totally different, replies, Raúl. This is business. Fine, says Mari, I’ll buy the space (in the magazine). No! says Raúl. The readers chose Candy, and I did, too.

Back in the restaurant, Toño struggles to help Zamora get his boot off. He finally succeeds, both of them crashing to the floor, just as Soledad enters. She walks past our fools to talk to Meño. He wants to encourage the Zamora/Soledad pairing, but she wants to talk about something else. When is Meño going to give her some of the restaurant’s earnings?! Meño is taken aback, it’s his restaurant. Soledad reminds him that Beto and Chava are the owners now. Meño won’t let the mother of the owner run his restaurant. No, she doesn’t want to run it, just wants to know about the money that should be paid to her son. Meño doesn’t like this at all, but she’ll have to ask Patricio directly, and if he says okay, Meño won’t oppose it.

Eduardo is in therapy with Bárbara. He’s rambling on and on about some of his past lovers, and Bárbara has fallen asleep from his boring narrative. Ed finally notices, goes over to her on the couch, moves in close to her face to wake her up, tries to rouse her, and in typical novela fashion, just as it sort of looks as if he’s hugging or kissing her (which of course he’s not), who should enter? Chayo.

Monday: Alicia, after telling Candy how’s she’s going to adopt, floats the idea of all of them living in a big house together. Wouldn’t that be fun?


Vocabulario:

Tips – tips :-), as in fashion tips
Beso cadenita – a chain kiss
Digna – honorable, or worthy
Trenzas – braids
Arma – weaponry
Se vale soñar – don’t be afraid to dream, or it’s worth it to dream

Labels: Tontas