Caray, Caray!

Here's my selection of the hunky guys. Any that I missed?

The star: Christian Meier as Santos Luzardo


Antonio - Arap Bethke with Santos





The Altamira vaqueros-

Carmelito





María Nieves
Pajarote & MN


Pajarote


Pajarote & Leon

Melquíades


Lorenzo


Gonzalo

The El Miedo Vaqueros-
Leon, Balbino Paiba, Tigre


BP

Others:

Capt. Delgado

Lieutenant Guerrero


Orestes Prieto
Mauricio



Florencio Quita Dolores


Néstor
Dr. Arias


Asdrúbal (JenCarlos Canela)

Labels: barbara

Capítulo 69

As we begin at Las Animas, it is some time in the morning. Eduardo and Padre Bosco are still arguing the merits of the Mexican caste system. Eduardo, having been schooled in America and having achieved yuppiedom, is facing the fact that he’s on the losing end of the stick now that he’s back in ol’ Méjico. Padre Bosco reminds him that Fernanda is, and forever will be, off limits for the likes of an indigenous upstart like him. Yes, Gonzo Elizalde, and those like him (though the padre heartily disagrees), would never accept a liason between their daughter and the son of a poor cook. (Ha! That means Augie and Dolly are going to have a major fecal fit when Err plays guess who’s coming to dinner with Fr/Eddie.) Better an absconded criminal with a lineage for Gonzo’s little girl than an indigenous cook’s kid.

Over at Vlad’s, Damian is giving Vlad final instructions on how to nail the interview with Vlad’s nemesis, Anibal Elizalde. Vlad is rankling at the very thought of having to meet with the guy. Dam reminds him that everything has its price and this is his for protecting Pris. So, when he goes for the interview Vlad must tell AB that for the past two years he’s been working for Prolasa, Pris’ family’s business and Grupo’s major rival. Naïve Vlad has to be clued in that Dam has purposely “enhanced” his resume with a supposed stint there as it’s the only way Any Balls will ever consider hiring him.

Nobody will bother to check this out, says Dam, because the Alvear’s and the Elizalde’s detest each other [odiar a muerte]. All Vlad has to do is say that he left Prolasa because he loathes Rolando Alvear. Vlad asks who Rolando Alvear is. “Well, if all goes well he’ll be your brother-in-law.” Dam advises him to make sure he gets in good with Florecita, too, the president’s receptionist. That will be key if their plan is going to succeed.

Meanwhile, Padre Bosco counsels Eduardo that it’s no use looking back. His rage, justified as it might be, will only paralyze him and Ed has a mission to complete. Still, Eddie asks Bosco if he knows if his mother might have hidden Fernanda’s letters somewhere, but the padre tells him that that part of his past life is now closed. Only when Eddie has accomplished his goal, he tells him, will he find the peace he deserves. Eddie suffers a sudden, shocking moment of self-doubt (through which, I might add, the whole of female Viewerville would love to console him). With a crack in his voice Ed admits he feels terribly alone. Bosco tries to reassure him. He tells Eduardo that he does not agree with this false identity business and wants no part of it, but with everything that’s happened the two of them do need one another, even though it’s best they avoid seeing one another again. However, Bosco adds, he is very aware that the enemy they have to defeat is powerful, so if Eddie needs him he should come get him.

Lucio, meanwhile, is thrown into a jail cell and finds out the hard way that BOW has double-crossed him. One of the policemen tells him that she has brought charges against him “for theft and several other crimes.” Lucio, it seems, is out of options.

Padre Bosco asks Jacinto and Margarita to go back to Sole's house with him. Since he already reported the crime he now wants to see what’s going to happen with the dead man's body. Eddie agrees.

In town at Mud Wrasslers Cantina, Jairo has apparently been on an all night bender [empinando el codo= propping up the bar, bending an elbow]. The bar girls razz him about it so he heads outside and gets buttonholed by two guys in Roto-Rooter uniforms (what supposedly passes for certain cops’ uniforms in Mexico). It’s Aremtio Bravo’s men, Carpio and Nestor, in disguise. They force him into their truck and demand to know what Manzanares found out about Franco Santoro when the guy searched his house.

Cinto, Margarita and Padre Bosco finally arrive at Sole’s old house just as the really real police are driving up. Bosco tells the two to let him handle things and then proceeds to tell a little white lie to the cops. He tells the detective that he got an anonymous phone call from a parishioner saying there was a dead man there. Cinto and Margo, he adds, simply offered to walk with him to the house. (At least this priest knows when to tell a decent fib in the battle between Good and Eeevil.) Everyone heads over to the grave but they find that it’s completely empty. Manzanares’ body is gone! Wide-eyed impactado all ‘round.

Jairo denies to Artemio Bravo’s strong-arming tag-team that he knows anything and he insists that Manzanares told him he hadn’t found anything there. Neither one believes him so Nestor chokes Jairo to make the point while Viewerville cheers at the local bully in chief getting a taste of his own medicine. Bravo’s heavies want answers! Carpio gives Jairo 12 hours to get the information they want and then throws him out of the truck.

Bosco tells the detectives that he figures the person who called must have been nutty. Margo whispers to Cinto meanwhile, that she’s worried whoever took the body will be coming after Denia, too. Cinto reminds her that Tomasa said Lucio had split already. Margo says, sure, but Jairo Roca is involved and he’s capable of anything. Cinto tries to comfort her and promises to turn the tables on Roca before he ever has a chance to try anything with Denia.

Back at Las Animas, Eddie questions Denia as to whether either Jairo or Lucio really didn’t know about his true identity. Denia doesn’t think either one knew anything. She admits to Eddie that she feels guilty about nearly spilling the frijoles to Lucio [despepitar = literally “to spit out seeds” ] but she was terrified that he was going to kill her.

In town, Berguer hands over the necklace to Bitch-Barbie who is now very pleased with herself at the smooth way she got rid of that louse, Lucio. She gets ready to drive off but has to take another call from Artemio Bravo first. He informs her that Manzanares' body has been taken care of, then orders her to find a way to get into Fr/Eduardo's place to find some clue about whatever it was the man found out about Santoro. The Barbinator starts planning her next move.

Vlad shows up at Grupo Lactos for his interview. He flirts a bit with Flor who is apparently taken with Vlad’s good looks. (Vlad may not be leading man material, but he ain’t exactly shabby in the shagging department, either.) Even though there is no appointment written down in the book for him, flustered Flo’ decides there must be a mistake and manages to get AB to see him. (Chalk one up for the Vladster.)

Across the hall, Fernanda and Gonzo discuss the visit she and Santoro made to the old warehouse and her suggestion about putting in little artisan studios. He asks what Fr/Ed thought about the site. Fer stops to remember Fr/Ed’s hunkalicious smile and the way his stare made her (and any of us females with blood still running in our veins) tingle. She tells her daddy that he loved it and is ready to begin construction. She adds she feels it could be a way to get past all the damage that Dam had done to the family. Gonzo decides to tell her about Babs' doubts and says that he is considering cancelling the entire negotiation with Franco Santoro. Babs has always had such a sharp business sense that now he’s having second thoughts. Fer is fit-to-be-tied impactada.

Back at Las Animas again, Eddie tells Denia he doesn’t fault her for anything because he knows her life was at risk. (¡Qué considerado!) He asks if by any chance she happened to overhear who might have sent Manzanares to dig up something on him. Denia says no, but after a minute to consider, says she thinks it had to be Cadmilo Elizalde. Just then Jacinto shows up at the door to tell Ed that Manzanares’ body is missing from the grave. More looks de impactado.

Fer gets angry at Gonzo’s 2nd-guessing. After everything it has cost her in time and trouble to get this deal finalized, she argues, there is no reason to turn everything on its head for some silly notion of Babs’. Besides, she adds, Barbara has nothing solid to base it on and the company’s salvation depends upon this agreement going through. Gonzo counters and says he doesn’t know what has caused Babs to feel this way, but her 6th sense in business is always on target. The thoroughly pussy-whipped Gonzo insists that his wife’s opinion should be taken into account. Fer digs in her high-heels and says that as far as she’s concerned Franco Santoro inspires absolute trust in her; that her sixth sense is just as accurate and it tells her that she can trust Franco completely.

We beam back to Las Animas where Eddie now tells Cinto and Denia that whoever hired Manzanares is the same person that had his body carried off. (Do ya think?) Cinto agrees with Denia that perhaps it was Cadmilo Elizalde. Denia goes to open the front door then to let in Estev. Ed quickly whispers to Cinto that they cannot risk Denia’s safety any longer and says he’s going to take some drastic measures to prevent it.

Duckworth has picked up some of Eduardo’s personal things sent to him from Ed’s old apartment in the States. He also got a portable safe to store everything that might give away Eduardo's true identity in case anybody starts nosing around uninvited again. Estev adds that Jacinto had filled him in on what had been going on the last day or two around there. They’re going to have to think of a very good hidey-hole for it says Ed. He mentions to Dewey that they think Cad might be responsible for what’s going on, but even so, somebody else would have been directing him and he believes that person has to be their “mysterious enemy.”

At Grupo Lactos, Vlad lies to Any Balls about having worked at Prolasa and says things went badly there for him, so no, he won’t be getting any decent references from the place. Rolando Alvear didn’t exactly treat him fairly and Vlad left on bad terms. AB says that’s enough to convince him not to hire him, because if he dislikes the Alvear family so much, then why would Vlad be so anxious to take care of Prissy’s finances? Vlad says that Prissy was the only one who supported him there and so he feels obligated to return the favor. AB thinks to himself now that his air-head wife has picked a real loser to audit her money.

Anibal brags to Vlad that Grupo Lactos is a stronger competitor in the market than Prolasa. Vlad flatters AB by saying that’s pretty much why he wanted to come work for them, to learn from the best. This gets AB thinking that Vlad wouldn’t be such a threat to him and the company after all. He hires him on the spot. (Chalk another one up for the Vladster.)

Santiago and Aurora arrive back home. They see Pris on the stairs and Rory tells Pris that she has bought some yarn to knit a little jacket and booties for her baby. The nuns (of course) taught her how….. Pris gets very excited at the idea and asks Rory to teach her how to knit. (What gives with all the knitting references in these scenes? First Martina and Lili, now Rory and Pris? I guess Uni must have snagged a couple major yarn manufacturers to help underwrite this novela. Of course, I prefer to crochet, but what the hey.) Rory asks her what AB wants to name the baby. Pris says AB isn’t really interested in anything to do with the baby. Santi’s hungry so they go merrily off to the kitchen for a snack. FF>>

In Puebla Purificacion meanwhile, Dominga The Drunk is pouring the last of her remaining rot-gut when she gets a surprise phone call from Artemio Bravo. She is forced to admit to him that Rory has escaped from her. He is furious and orders Dominga to find her. Until she does, he says, don’t bother going to the telegraph office to pick up any more money-grams. Bummer for our besotted Dominga.

Fer now runs into Vlad in the reception area at Grupo Grand Central. She is surprised to find out he works there. He says he was working at Prolasa. Fer says she thought he worked for an insurance company and that Dam never told her he’d ever worked for Prolasa. (Ruh-roh!) Vlad stumbles a bit with his faux pas, but recovers quickly enough. He “explains” that the Alvear’s were his clients for a short time. She invites him into her office for coffee and a chat then whispers a question to him about whether he’s seen Damian lately. Vlad swallows hard and searches for a safe response. (We won’t hold our breath.)

At the same time Ursula is visiting Sonny Boy. Damn says he can’t call Fernanda because the cops would trace the call right back to him and put him in jail. She says that Fer really wants to speak with him and warns him that if she doesn’t hear from him soon she will divorce him. Damn stops to consider the implications.

Back at Grupo Lactos, Fer explains to Vlad that it was Any Balls who launched the media blitz against Dam and swears that neither she nor her daddy consented to it. She hopes he understands how important it is for her to speak with Damian and find out exactly what happened. She asks Vlad to let Dam know this if he happens to speak to him. He nervously agrees and then asks what exactly her job is there. Fer describes something that sounds like it’s Public Relations. She asks if he’s there to take Damian’s job. Vlad says no, he’s just there as an auditor.

Back at the apartment, Damn tells his mama that he is certain that Fer loves him (oh so wrong, Arrogant One) and will go back to him again once he proves his innocence. (If she does, it won’t be for love. That’s for darn sure.) Mama wants him to save their good name and even more, their current income level. She can’t stand the thought of anybody looking down on them. Dam says that the Elizalde's will find out what a serious mistake they’ve made and then they’ll be on their knees begging him to be forgiven. (I guess bad intentions don’t count here. The fact he was a louse who had actually intended to abscond with the $3 million which Babs cleverly bilked him out of is a minor detail and one easily forgotten.)

Once again at Grupo Lactos: Any Balls hands Prissy’s financial information over to Vlad and tells him not to bother Pris with anything. They will handle it all between the two of them, especially now that Pris is pregnant. Vlad plays dumb (not a reach for him, I admit) about the pregnancy. He agrees to keep her finances just between the two of them. Then Vlad dutifully listens while AB puts on airs and gives him a line about “nothing being more important to me than the welfare of my future child or my wife’s peace of mind.” Vlad, to his credit, manages to keep from spitting in the guy’s face.

Back at the hacienda, Babs finds Cad putting his horse through the paces. She confides to him that she doesn't trust Franco Santoro and needs his help with something. He admits that he doesn't trust the man either and explains that’s the reason he entered Santoro’s house the other day and searched it. How else, he brags, could he have known that the guy came there to find himself a rich woman to marry? Babs asks him to sneak in again.

Across the way at Las Animas: Estev says he has a plan to get Eddie back with Fer. He and Ed agree that she’s very different from her two brothers and would welcome anything that would allow her to reconcile with her “new friend.” That friend, of course, is Fr/Ed. Since she is very interested in the association between Powhere Meelk and Grupo Lactos, Dewey suggests that Eddie should “give her an opportunity” to straighten out whatever Cad is spoiling through all his meddling.

Babs tells Cad now that what she needs is for him to find out all the intimate details of Franco Santoro’s life: his past, his friendships, the women in his life, the places he has worked, absolutely everything. She warns him that not a single other soul is to be involved in this, either. Cad is definitely up for it.

Vlad meets Pris for lunch in the city. He has the files with him. Pris wants to know how the interview went, whether AB asked him any questions, and if he offered Vlad the job. Vlad says her hubby was very friendly and that he didn’t ask him a thing. He just gave him her files and had him start that very day. Pris shuts up to process.

Babs continues discussing her plan with Cad. This time, she says, he has got to be much more careful and avoid making a fool of himself in front of Jacinto or Gardenia. Cad says sure, sure, and cackles a bit about it being their “Mission Impossible.” Barbie allows herself a frown. Cad asks her what happens if something goes wrong. Babs tells him in that case, she will assume all the responsibility. (Yeah. R-i-i-i-ght. We’ve seen this broad in action before.) Cad chuckles conspiratorially. Babs, though, isn’t smiling.

Labels: manana

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 12:31 PM 114 comments

Santi and Candy have been doing a pretty good job of supporting each other while trying to persuade their kids to accept the upcoming marriage. But that’s all out the window tonight, as Paulina takes off the gloves, and aided by some amazing luck, skill or maybe just creative writers, gives our love wagon a possibly fatal push. It’s like a perfect storm, as the brakes have come completely off the wagon, it’s picking up steam, and careening out of control towards the cliff (hanger). (Sorry for all the metaphors :))

Things begin quietly enough, as we revisit the scenes in which Candy and Santi were telling their respective kids (fast asleep at the time) that the kids would always be the most important things in their lives.

We also see the tender scene between Raúl and Soledad, where they both say “te amo”. At least someone’s lives are looking up.

Morning in Guadalajara. Candy fell asleep on Chava’s bed. She wakes up, tells Chava to hurry, get ready quickly ‘cause he’s a little late for school. Come right down for breakfast, she adds. As soon as she leaves, he says to himself, not right now, I’m mad at her (Candy).

At Santi’s house, he apparently didn’t sleep too well, as Donato has to rouse him with a rooster imitation. They have their usual banter, Santi saying turn out the light, Don saying it’s millions of miles away (referring to the Sun), Donato noticing Santi’s red mustache, Santi telling him he’s a cat.

In the restaurant, Meño is looking for something, while Christian is complaining about the noise, and the sound of the gas being delivered in the restaurant where he’s been living, can’t Meño do something about it? Meño is mainly worrying about the woman on the phone he’s talking to, but tells Chris he’ll see what he can do. Chris smiles in evil glee.

Chava tells Pat he didn’t even give Candy a goodnight kiss, he’s so mad at her. But why? Pat wants to know. Because she’s going to marry Rocío’s papá! Pat is impactado.

So Meño the softy is inspecting a vacant apartment, asking the landlord if it’s quiet there. It is, and there’s no problem with the gas delivery, because they use hot water heating. The landlord thinks Meño’s “friend” is a little demanding, and Meño doesn’t like this guy’s attitude.

It’s time for the kids to solve the world’s problems with their little cabezas. Rocío and Chava agree that they don’t want their parents to marry each other.

Candy is at work when a single rose appears at her office door. It’s followed by another, then a third, then Santi. Candy appreciates the thought, but confesses she didn’t sleep well. She’s still worried about the kids, and suggests postponing the wedding. Santi reassures her the kids were just having a tantrum (berrinche), and eventually they’ll see how happy the adults are, and the kids will be happy. Candy never thought being happy would hurt so much, but Santi sneaks a little kiss to cheer her up.

Christian informs the staff he has invited a group of friends to the restaurant, and will close the restaurant for their private party. Lulu, Gregoria, Zamora and Toño try to protest, but Christian claps his hands, tells them of course “Don Manuel” knows about it, it was even his idea! He tells them they’d better get to work, or he’ll fire them all, and they nervously scurry away like little mice. Christian gives a whistle, and a parade of completely over the top stereotypes of gay guys enter jumping, hugging and spinning their wrists.

In a hotel room, Paulina puts her earrings back on and coolly reapplies her makeup as her sexual blackmailer Gabino reads the morning paper, drink in hand. What’s her hurry? Well, she has things to do. She has to stop Santiago from getting married. How? asks Gabino. By killing him, as with Mario? No, it’s much easier. All I have to do is put his kids in opposition to him. Oooo, what a bad girl you are, says Gabino, showing her with a little kiss on the cheek that he likes her style.

The outraged restaurant staff has retreated to the back steps of the restaurant, all complaining at once about Christian. Meño comes up, signed lease in hand (from an apartment he has rented for Chris), and wants to know what’s going on. They say they needed some air, it’s polluted inside, and although he says let’s get back in there and work, they agree to let him find out for himself. Inside, Christian’s friends are dancing on the tables, swinging napkins and drinking as Christian tells a buddy that first he got free clothes, then an apartment, and guess what’s next? A new car, then a round the world trip! It’s like winning the lottery! You know what, with this fool, it’s as if I have a chicken who lays golden eggs! In the shadows, Meño heard everything. He rips up the lease in disgust.

Santi has his first patient of the day. This time it’s not a luscious lady seeking a lift, but a bald guy with a big beak and a long black beard. He gives Santi a profile shot, of course you know what I need, right? Santi says sure, a nose job. Not at all, it’s his chin (note, the word barba means both beard and chin. Another word for chin is mentón). He has to wear the beard to hide his weak chin. Imagine all the nicknames (apodos) he has to suffer because of it. Santi can imagine. Superchin (mentón superhéroe), Johnnie Bravo, Barba de Pompa (bubble chin), the guy shushes him, and Santi’s phone rings. It’s Agent (I forget his name, something like Abrosino, but Santi calls him Barbino), and trying not to laugh, has to cut off the name so he won’t offend the patient. The patient asks if Santi can help him. Of course, first cut off the ridiculous beard, it’s totally out of style, the days of peace and love are long gone. Then, I’ll operate on your nose, which will result in your chin looking better, because your face will be more balanced. The guy pushes up on his nose and scrunches up his beard, trying to imagine his new look.

Back at the restaurant, Zamora, Toño, Gregoria and Lulu are reviving a dazed Meño by fanning him with a little straw basket. He finds out that they all knew Christian was using Meño, but Meño never noticed it. Greg asks what they’re going to do now. Fire him, of course! However, Meño doesn’t want to do it, and sends his two greatest amigos (Zamora and Toño) in to do the honors.

Agent whatever his name informs Santi that before he died, Leonardo had found Marissa. Well, let’s go, says Santi, filled with hope. Unfortunately, when they went to the location, Mari must have known they were coming, and has now vanished. Also, no news in finding the baby, but they’re working on it, he says to a now deflated Santi.

Zamora and Toño go back into the restaurant, not sure how they’re going to deal with stopping the gay parade and fire Christian. Zamora thinks these guys could beat them up, but Toño thinks they’re pretty harmless. The two summon up their courage, Zamora taps Christian on the shoulder, and presents him with the bill. Christian says we’re not going to pay, this party is on the house. Toño gets tough (after all Christian’s only about 3 inches taller than he is), puffs out his chest, and says Meño said you’re fired, and you’d better leave now. Zamora adds, or we’ll call the police. Meanwhile, outside, Lulu, Greg and Meño are awaiting he results with baited breath, taking turns fanning themselves with the little basket.

At the Institute, receipts are down, expenses are up, and Chayo and Candy are juggling bills. Candy is worried, but Chayo reassures her that they have several things coming up, and they have three more days before the rent is due, they’ll be okay. Candy, of course, is not just worried about the rent. Chayo sees her ashen face and assumes it was a fight with Santiago. She tells Candy about the argument with Ed about choosing between school and marriage, she chose both, so what was Candy’s fight with Santiago? No, it’s Chava. He didn’t say one word to me this morning, just went directly off to school with Patricio. She touches a photo of herself and Chava with a trembling finger, and the tears start coming.

Meño and crew have recovered enough to reenter the restaurant, where Meño finally gives Christian a bit of his mind, Christian is sent packing, and Meño says they’ll celebrate with the food and drinks those (he uses a cussword for gay guys or freeloaders, I think, it was bleeped out) guys left behind.

It’s time to pick up Chava from school. Candy waits outside the class, as Paulina saunters in. Pau turns the screws, asking if Candy thinks Chava will stay with her, Pau thinks Chava would rather spend more time with Rocío. Pau continues how the kids were so upset about the marriage with Santiago, that a rash broke out all over Rocío’s face (salió una roncha en toda la cara). Here come the kids. Rocío runs to Paulina. Beto greets Candy warmly, but Chava coldly brushes past her, asking Rocío if he can eat at her house. Candy tries to protest, but Chava insists, and Paulina takes Rocío and Chava away, taunting Candy by saying Pau knows what the children really want.

Ed and Santi are comparing problems. They recall the glory days, when they had no worries. Santi sounds as if he’s going a little nuts, forgetting what he’s saying a few times, and holding his sneaker-clad feet up like a kid, while Ed is still obsessed with whether he can have a kid with Chayo, since they rarely do it anymore. Ed leaves before Santi can get his hug.

But we do see a hug between Charly and Meño. Charly is happy Meño finally saw the light about Christian. Meño says he sort of knew all along that Christian was trying to take advantage, but he’s a generous guy who gets pleasure from giving. That’s great, says Charly, since you’re so generous, I could use a motorcycle, okay? In your dreams.

In typical novela fashion, when all else fails, pray. Candy has a bouquet of pink flowers for the virgencita, kneels in the church in front of a candle, clasps her hands, asks the Lord to help with her pain, to give her the balance, the force to make Chava happy. Her cell rings, it’s Santiago, maybe her prayers are answered.

In the garden at Santi’s house, it’s story time, as Paulina tells Rocío and Chava one, which ends up with the lady and the man marrying, but the man was very bad, and made his wife kick the children out, and they were “in the street” (the typical worst punishment for anyone in a novela). Chava thinks it’s “just a story”, but Paulina corrects him, she read it in a newspaper, this is what happens in real life. And you know what, it happens to many children like you two! She leaves the frightened kids to play in the playhouse, smiling to herself. The kids discuss things, Rocío thinking Candy will kick her out, Chava thinking Rocío’s dad is bad, both of them say they’re afraid, as Paulina secretly observes how well her scheme is working.

Santi and Candy are trying to cheer each other up over lunch in a French restaurant. Santi wants to forget the kids for just two hours, and try to be happy with Candy for that short period of time.

Meanwhile, Raúl has brought Beto and Soledad to see some of the color copy machinery that makes his magazine. I think Beto wants his own magazine. They’re having a good time.

Candy is back from lunch, and guess who’s waiting in her office? Pat. He half-heartedly congratulates her on her engagement, he’s glad she’s happy, but once again, he thinks Chava should be with him, there’s no other option, Chava has to be safe. Candy says no way. Pat flashes back to when Lozano told him he was taking pictures of Santiago. He implores Candy, what more can I say? It’s a rhetorical question, as he leaves Candy in stunned silence. Candy is destroyed again (this is about the third or fourth time today she’s essentially been hit with a brick). I guess she is supposed to read Pat’s mind.

We get a little fun, though, as Raúl, Soledad and Beto are now bowling. Raúl shows Beto how to roll the ball down the center of the lane. Beto launches the big bowling ball with two hands, it veers off toward the gutter, but in a miracle of editing, Beto gets a strike! Raúl wants a rematch (revancha, also means revenge), Soledad doesn’t think so, but the two boys beg her, and she can’t resist. Raúl seems to be aiming for a perfect game, this bonding with Beto is right down his alley.

Back to sad. Candy came home from work a little early, but Chava’s already in bed, so she isn’t even going to get to talk to him. Gregoria consoles her, saying things have been changing fast for Chava, give him time.

At Santi’s house, he examines his patient, Rocío’s rash is all gone. He asks if she likes Candy, she responds that she loves her mother. But the question was do you like (or love) Candy? No, not at all, in fact she can’t stand her (me cae gorda). She runs out, leaving Santi frustrated.

At Soledad’s, Raúl and Beto make tiger faces at each other, reveling in their maleness, can’t wait for tomorrow, and Beto goes off to bed. Soledad is overjoyed at how fast Raúl has gained Beto’s trust. And you know what, adds Sole? Every day, I’m liking you more (cada día, me caes mejor). How much more? Raúl wants to know. She answers him with a kiss.

The rest of the episode is like a perfect storm. Each little event is perfectly timed to throw our characters’ lives in turmoil. How did the writers do it? Let’s see.

Step 1. Cut to Chava. I think it’s time for a nightmare. Sure enough, Santi has left him in the street (looks more like a forest, tho) as he screams for his Dad! He wakes up, puts on his shoes, and sneaks out of his room.

Step 2. Candy, unaware of this, is on the phone with Santi. He has an idea, let’s take the kids on a vacation, if the four of us are together, it’ll be fun. Candy wonders how they can persuade the kids to go. Santi says the important thing is to get them all together, even if they have to use force to get them to go on the trip. Candy doesn’t think Chava will want to be taken by force. Guess what – Chava is outside the half-opened door, hears the words Santiago, taken by force, and realizes his fears are confirmed.

In the morning, Candy comes in to wake Chava, and he’s gone! The note on his pillow says “Mommy, don’t search for me, because before you two kick me out of the house, I’m going out on my own. Chava”. Candy is frantic, Charly notes that Chava’s backpack and clothes are gone.

Step 3. So where is he? Apparently he was able to find Santi’s house, and Rocío has him hiding behind the drapes. The coast is clear, and he hides under the piano. Eventually she gets him up to her room (very conveniently, there’s no sign of Lucía, Donato, Isabel, etc.) Chava tells Rocío he’s not going back to his house, and he wanted to go to his Dad’s house, but it’s too far away. He tells Rocío about his nightmare (pesadilla) in which her Dad ran him into the street, and she defends her Dad, but agrees he can live in her room, and she’ll bring him some breakfast. Just then,

Step 4. Paulina comes in (the only person who is NOT going to return Chava to his house). Pau hears Chava’s story, and reminds the kids that she’s the only one who can protect them, but they have to promise not to tell anyone. They do. But Pau says Chava can’t live in Rocío’s room, he has to be in a safe place where Santi won’t find him. Rocío has an idea, and they go off together, as Pau gives her evil smirk again.

Candy has called Pat, but Chava isn’t there, and Pat will come right away to help search. He tells Alicia to stay home, he has to be able to reach her at any moment. She doesn’t care a bit about poor Candy, and after Pat leaves, she tells Patito, let’s go to the beauty salon.

Back at Candy’s, they’re all dressed, Charly has searched the park, and no Chava. Candy figures that Chava must be at Santiago’s house. She calls, and

Step 5. Guess who happens to answer the phone? Paulina, who sees the caller ID, hangs up, then dials and puts down the phone. On the other end, Candy says it went dead, now it’s busy. So she’s calls Santi’s cell, but

Step 6. Santi’s in the bathroom, and Paulina just happens to have walked into his bedroom just in time for this call. She presses ignore, hides the phone under the chair, smiles again, and calmly exits Santi’s room.

Back at the house, everyone is going crazy, Candy is going to go over Santi’s house, but when she opens the door,

Step 7. Pat is right there. He tells Candy that Chava is gone because Candy didn’t keep him from Santiago. Candy, I warned you many times, Chava should have been with me. Why didn’t you pay attention and listen to me! Candy’s eyes get big, as she sees the edge of the cliff approaching at maximum velocity!

Monday: Santi is kidnapped, as we’re not just in últimas semanas, we’re in últimos capítulos!

Vocabulario:

un berrinche - a tantrum
una barba - a beard, or a chin. Other words for chin are barbilla and mentón
roncha - a rash, or measles type spots
apodos - nicknames
revancha - a rematch, or revenge
me cae gorda - I can't stand her

Labels: Tontas

This is it folks.

DB gets dressed up in a frumpy outfit.

She has flashbacks to passionate interludes with Santos while smelling his shirt and saying that she will take his smell with her. Then she says that this is last time she will look at the walls of the house. She urges Marisela to have it torn down since the house is full of death and hate.

At the canoe, DB tells Juan Primito that she is going far away and won't be back. She tells JP to take care of Santos and Marisela and they will take care of him.

DB tells Marisela to be happy and to make Santos happy. She has to - that is why DB is leaving. Marisela asks how she will know that DB is ok. DB says that she will think if Marisela every morning and Marisela should do the same and they'll know about each other. She says that one day, a child of Marisela's will look at her with DB's eyes and then she will know that DB is with her.

She blesses Marisela. Santos and Antonio watch but leave the moment to DB and Marisela.

DB gets in the canoe and Melquíades and Eustaquia are there. Marisela wills her mother to look back. Melquíades tells her not to look back like the goddess she is.
At a dinner of Melesio's family, Antonio announces that he has appointed Andrés to be his advisor.

DB takes ill on the river and is helped by a missionary woman.

Josefa tells Federica that she can't understand what she sees in Mujica. Josefa says that since she has to become a decent woman, she will take Pernalete and says, "better the devil you know than the devil you don't ('mas vale malo conocido que bueno pro conocer')." Mujica calls her his mother in law, Federica calls her 'mama' and Josefa reaches for the bottle.

DB has a the rape dream but this time, Sapo shoots Santos. The missionary woman wakes her up and gives her medicine. She asks what her name is and DB tells her to call her "La Doña" of the river.

Marisela tells Santos that DB forgave them and told them to enjoy life. She says they will have to get used to living without guilt. They have to be happy. Santos tells her not to worry. He says that it is very easy to get used to being happy.

"A few months later" Maurice gets a letter from Marisela describing her wedding and scolding him for not attending. She tells him that everyone at the wedding was making bets that DB would appear. However, the only untoward event that occurred was that JP ran in with the earrings that DB previously tried to give Marisela. She puts them on immediately. She tells Maurice that she is happy and pregnant.




Then we jump ten years ahead. DB, now graying, returns to the mission with gifts for the children and supplies for the missionary. She says that she has been wandering up and down the river all this time. Her malaria returns but she says that she knows that her daughter is happy because she talks to her every morning. She is ill again.

Back at Altamira, Pajarote and Genoveva are finally getting married after having two children.

Marisela is pregnant again. Maurice takes video of everyone to fill in what has happened in the meantime. Gervasia's new boyfriend is Néstor.

Federica and Mujica's family.

Marisela goes into labor at the wedding reception.

Marisela's new baby girl has DB's eyes and Marisela tells Santos that she doesn't feel that DB is there any more. JP says that the rebullones have returned.

DB goes on her final journey.

Fin

Thanks to Novelera for filling in for me when I went to Venezuela. Thanks to all those who posted comments. It's been a fun ride. I think this was the best written novela I have ever seen and I'll ask my question again - if DB's writers can produce this, why are the other novelas written so badly? I've been watching La Tormenta in the afternoons and it is similar to DB in that it takes place in the llanos and stars Christian Meier but it is has the same cardboard characters as most novelas. DB had interesting, complex characters and avoided almost all of the tried and true novela plot devices - no babies were switched or kidnapped; there were no secret paternities; no one was forced to marry someone they didn't want to and there were few misunderstandings that went on and on. That being said, I wish the novela hadn't been extended. I thought it lost a lot of its power when DB was essentially redeemed after the Meléndez incident. I'll miss finding out what's happening in the Arauca every night but I won't miss the three hours it took to do each recap!

I don't know if anyone watched the 12 Corazones on Friday. It had some funny bloopers from the show.

Labels: barbara

Good morning, world. Two things, will someone please post this for me. And, if anyone is interested in doing this recap one Thursday a month, the third to be exact, please let me know. Thanks to all.

Ed and Steve discuss strategy. Steve says they should set a trap. The fiesta will be a good start to smoke out the enemy. Steve confuses me when he speaks Spanglish.

Lucio is collecting his thoughts at the jail when Barb enters. He is ever so grateful to see her. She now rubs it in. She’s not there to help him, but to make sure that he stays where he is. He realizes how stupid he’s been. She has another way for him to redeem himself. Tell me, she asks, “Why are you running away?”

Ed is fighting with himself over the love of Fernanda. He had her at his fingertips but it wasn’t real. Sorry, says, Steve, “What are you going to do? “ FrEd says that for Eduardo Juarez that Fernanda’s love was impossible, and for Franco Santoro Fernanda is prohibited.

Barb tells Lucio that what he did must be terrible. She’s going to squeeze it out of him. He spills his guts and tells her that he killed a man. This is right up her alley.

Aurora waits for Santi outside the telegraph building. He tells Aurora that he will leave an envelope for the person who makes the money transfers (Carpio). He goes in and asks the clerk if he remembers him. The clerk says no so he reminds the clerk about the 7th day of the month transmissions and he wants a favor. Santi wants the clerk to give the person who sends the money the envelope. The point is that he and Aurora will be able to identify that person when he/she leaves the building with the envelope.

Lucio denies guilt. He tells Barb about the fight. She wants the name of the dead man. Lucio tells her Rene Manzanares. It hits her like a lightning bolt. She wants to know if they were friends. No, says Lucio, we just met at the cantina. He tells her that Manzanares was investigating Franco Santoro.

Ed tells Steve that he has to act completely professional with Fernanda. He pulls out Manzanares’ card. Now he’s using his head because he’s going to call the police and ask for Rene Manzanares who supposedly works in narcotics. Ed finds out that no such person works for the police. Now Steve wants to find out Manzanares’ identity. Enter Gardenia who tells them that Jacinto and Margarita have arrived. Enter padre Bosco with Jacinto. The good father is shocked when he sees FrEd.

Aurora and Santi discuss their plan to find out the identity of Carpio when a man leaves the building with the envelope. They follow him.

Fernanda is daydreaming at Soledad’s tomb. She misses her very much. She runs her fingers over the name of Eduardo Juarez. She has so many questions without answers. She will love him forever. He’s left her heart so empty no man can fill it.

Padre Bosco is good at this game. He looks at Ed and says, “Who are you?” Ed says Franco Santoro. What? All three of them know he’s Eduardo. Jacinto and Marg leave.

Margarita, Jacinto, Gardenia, Lili, Father Bosco, and Steve all know Franco Santoro’s true identity. Did I leave anybody out? Does Martina know? Manzanares knew and look where he is now.

Padre Bosco and Ed share a hug. The discuss Manzanares and Ed tells him RM was an impostor. Father Bosco tells him that he believed that Manzanares was also investigating him.

Gardenia remarks that Padre Bosco doesn’t recognize Ed. Neither does Fernanda. Gardenia tells them that maybe the dead man told somebody about Eduardo since he had Ed’s passport.

Lucio continues his sad story. She wants to know why Manzanares was wrapping up the investigation. He says he’s sure Gardenia knows something. Jairo has dumped him. He remembers that Gardenia was going to tell him something like a secret about Franco Santoro.

Father Bosco discusses the ramifications of his knowing Ed and Franco. Ed asks the father if he knows any secret about Liliana and tells him that Manzanares was working under the orders of the mystery man – the enemy.

Aurora and Santi hug and kiss while Carpio walks around. Carpio seems to be walking around in circles just like this part of the plot.

Lucio’s head is bursting. Barb is so disappointed in him. He tells Barb that she has to get the information out of Gardenia.

Tomasa and Denia talk. Tomasa tells them about Lucio’s return and the necklace deal.

Barb tells Lucio that prison isn’t for him. She’s moved by his begging. She’s going to move heaven and earth to make him “disappear.” He’s grateful and actually trusts her. She tells him they have a contract. You keep my secrets and I’ll keep yours. He’ll shut up while he’s out and free. She leaves, and he’s not free yet.

Ed talks to Father Bosco and implores him to remember the name of the enemy. The Father tells him he can’t say anything if it was a product of the confessional. And, he says there might have been a good reason why Soledad kept this secret. The father urges him onward, but Ed doesn’t understand how he can do this without knowing the name of the enemy. The father also tells him he will save Liliana with God’s help.

Martina and Lili are winding some yarn when Silly Simple Simon and mama enter. They have brought goodies for the little girl. They tell Lili how sorry they are about Ciro’s demise and how much they loved him. Mrs. Ciro came to ask her something and if the name Artemio Bravo means anything since there was a paper a box they found with the name of Artemio Bravo on it. Lili disappears into herself.

Ed and Fr. Bosco discuss how Lili has been an innocent victim and that the family Elizalde has gone downhill since the arrival of La Hiena.

Meanwhile, Barb makes sure that Lucio will never see the light of day.

Margarita, Denia discuss who could be responsible for the theft of the necklace.

Fernanda visits Damian’s mother. Fernanda immediately asks her, “ Where is Damian.”

Santi and Aurora have lost Carpio.

Fernanda just wants to talk to Damian. She tells Ursula that she (Ursula) was waiting for him. Ursula is distraught because the police are after Damian and it is such an injustice.

Barb meets with Artemio Bravo and tells him that Rene is dead and that her chofer killed him. She also tells AB that Jairo Roca and Gardenia may have information about all this monkey business that they shouldn’t have. Do you have the impression that the body count is about to go up and up?

Gardenia, Margarita and Jacinto have an emotional discussion. Gardenia loves Ed and Fernanda is through with him. She actually thinks that she has a chance. Margarita and Jacinto are exasperated with her. This conversation actually was somewhat more complicated, so, if you know what actually happened, please bring it forth. Thanks.

Barb rips up an envelope and tells AB that Gardenia is now working for Franco. Barb doesn’t trust her for information. AB laughs at her. He wants everything that Gardenia and Jairo Roca know. She has to get it out of them even if blood must be spilled. Barb tells him where Rene is buried.

Padre tells Ed that he had several weird conversations from Barb – like she was following orders. Ed says do you think it’s possible that Lili found out Barb’s real boss. When Ed gets justice for Lili he will succeed in finding the name of the real enemy.

Mrs. Ciro is beside herself. She keeps pressing Lili for information about Artemio Bravo. Silly Simon says that if Lili the loca can’t speak, they might as well leave. Lili says, “Wait,” and hands Mrs. Ciro what looks like a ream of paper. Lili keeps the little box.

Ed asks Fr. Bosco how he is supposed to find out the name of the enemy. The name that his mother carried to her grave. It’s too early for an answer.

Artemio Bravo talks to Carpio. Carpio “made” Santi and Aurora and tells Artemio Bravo about them. Carpio hadn’t seen them before, and they are still looking for him. We now know that Santi and Aurora are in way too deep. AB shoves something at Carpio. It’s a new job. AB is not happy. We now also know that Carpio follows orders from Artemio Bravo in the same robot-like way that Barb does.

Aurora and Santi are in a park and discuss the monthly payments that Dominga received. They thinks it’s funny about how crazy they’ve been. Stupid Santi is going to call her Rebeca Sanchez even though they don’t know the identity of her mother. He loves her and is not marrying her for her mother, but for love. Santi wants to know if Aurora has a good reason not to marry him now. They kiss and we have our answer.

Fr. Bosco and Ed say their farewells, but before the padre leaves Ed asks Fr. Bosco if he knew that Fernands wrote him letters that his mother was supposed to send to him.

Fernanda keeps asking Ursula about Damian. Ursula refers to Damian as her baby and wants to know if Fer thinks Damian is a thief. Ursula reminds Fernanda about marrying for better or for worse. Fer tells Ursula this isn’t about a marriage. Damian caused her many problems. Ursala insists that Damian is innocent and that Damian adores her and that as a mother she can’t be wrong about that. Ha, ha!

Denia tells Marg that everybody knew Ed adored Fer. Now she’s in Ed’s house and can care for him and let the world know she loves him. Marg knows that Denia is having a nervous breakdown. Besides Fer married someone else.

Fr. Bosco tells Ed that Soledad did what she thought was best for him. Ed wants to know why she dared hide this from him. Fr. tells him that his world and Fer’s were completely different. The Elizaldes would never permit him to get near Fernanda. We hear the Mexican version of he’s from the wrong side of the tracks routine. Finally, Ed points out that Fernanda married a criminal.

Avances: Ed, Steve and Denia work at keeping his identity hidden while Barb works equally hard at revealing FrEd’s true identity.

Labels: manana