Caray, Caray!

First the video rewind: In the dark of night Fernanda has secretly gone to meet Damian at the old warehouse where he tries to persuade her to help him prove his innocence. He's ready with answers for any question she throws at him. As Viewerville cues the imaginary violins, he wimpers pathetically, weaving his tale of woe with just enough of the truth mixed in to make himself appear the totally naive and innocent victim of her devious stepmother's intrigues.

Damn explains that he couldn't tell Fer anything because just before they were about to leave on their honeymoon Babs called to tell him that the Elizaldes had gone to the authorities and accused him of fraud and theft. He had to leave the country immediately because the police were about to catch him. No, he couldn't call because all the phones were being tapped. Babs, he is certain, took all the money and deposited it in a personal account somewhere outside the country. Fer asks why Barbara would be so interested in helping Damn escape. Damn replies it was because Babs figured that if he was captured he'd tell the police everything he knew and that would be a leeetle bit inconvenient for her.

Fer wants proof of what Damian has told her. “I haven’t got any. Would I be here begging for small change to eat if I had $3 million in cash?” (Gotta admit here that, given Damian’s particularly sleazy version of events, Fernanda seems close to suffering a Sophia-ism.) Fer still finds it hard to believe what he’s just unloaded on her concerning her family, because as she says, it’s so dire that it’s enough to destroy it completely. Damn says he doesn't blame her; that he'd feel the same way in her place. The worst of it for him is that he doesn't have any way to prove anything. He tells her he’s desperate for a hug (skin crawl alert!) and then he moves towards her, kissing her hand, hugging and nuzzling her neck.

Eduardo, the little green-eyed monster having gotten the better of him, has followed Fer there and is hidden behind her car watching from a distance and assuming the worst: that Nanda is two-timing him with her husband. Obviously, the irony of it all is totally lost on poor, miserable, jealous Eddie (who Viewerville strains to remember looks like a grown man but still thinks like a high school freshman) and he is seething with anger. (Note: the pacing and staring and repeated shaking of his head while clenching his teeth and his fist. I vote to fire the director who green-lighted that take.) Of course, Fer acts like a cold fish towards Dam but it's not obvious from Eddie's hiding place. Ed thinks the worst. (So, just what was he basing the best on?)
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Estev and Gardenia are at the rectory explaining to Padre Bosco why it's important she stays there overnight. Dewey tells Padre Bosco that Franco and he think Denia's life is in danger at Las Animas. The two guys who kidnapped Denia are trying to off the witnesses to Rene Manzanares' murder. First there was Jairo Rocha and now it’s Denia. Denia tells Padre Bosco how she was kidnapped and put into a truck with a huge rattle snake to make her tell them what Manzanares found while snooping around in Franco Santoro's house. While Denia remembers how frightened she was all she can think of is seeing its ugly tongue shooting out menacingly at her. (I think I'll put a photo of it on the fridge. It does wonders as a natural appetite suppressant. That sandwich I started is headed for the garbage disposal.) Bosco asks just what it was that the man found. They tell the priest that he found out Franco Santoro's name wasn't his real name and that Denia told them his name was really Jesus Lopez Lopez.

Denia goes out to make tea. Bosco says it's dangerous if somebody's trying to find out Franco Santoro's real name. He asks Estev who they're talking about if Franco Santoro isn’t his real name. Estev laughs and says could be they're talking about Eduardo Juarez. Bosco returns the laugh signaling they’re both on the same sheet of music regarding Fr/Eduardo’s true identity.

Eddie's still spying on Nanda and Damn. (So when is it stalking and when is it just plain curiosity?) Seeing her with Damn's arms around her waist is too much for him to take. (Well, I can't say the Edster wasn't warned. There are just some things in life you don't need or want to know about.) Fer, to her credit, isn't exactly smothering Damian with mad, passionate kisses or dragging him down for a roll in the hay bales, but steam is starting to pour out of Ed's ears anyway.

Meanwhile, back at the hacienda, the Dairy Queen, Bitch-Barbie, complains to Gonzo at dinner about Franco Santoro's audacity in demanding to sit on the board and give orders to the rest of them. For once Any Balls says something smart. "So did you think that after giving us $10 million bucks all he would ask in return would be a few applause?" B-B makes her case. "--Profits are all we have to give them! Or did you think perhaps that that sum gives them the right to come here to decide what to do with our company also?" Camilo snickers that if the $10 million came out of his pocket he would have to say yes. (I would too. I guess Cad isn't totally ignorant; just his table manners are.) Gonzo, who really should have just stuck to milking his cows, tells Cad to stop with the stupid jokes. (What's so funny? Gonzo's lucky Fr/Ed hasn't asked for 3 or 4 seats on the board with the cash he's invested with them. It should be pro-forma. How much could he get for a bankrupt dairy with multi-million dollar lawsuits as far as the eye can see if he had had to sell it?) B-B lies and says the problem is the guy didn't tell her this before they closed the deal, and he was obligated to do so.

AB pipes up that she was the one who closed the deal with Santoro, not them. Besides that, if they refuse his request and give back Santoro’s investment they'll be stuck with the penalties that would result from it. (Goes without saying that is exactly what B-B wants.) Gonzo's up in arms now that this wasn't included in the contract. AB is on a roll and continues. "So, what do we do about it? Scream at him over it? Who's going to do that, you, Barbara?" B-B looks him dead in the eye and says earnestly that she wouldn't have a single problem confronting that outrageous son of a six-gun.

Back at the old warehouse, Damian continues to lay it on thick for Fernanda. He tells her she is the only one who has a chance of finding the proof of his innocence. However, to do so, she will have to find Barbara's secret account first. It would be difficult, but she's his only hope. "Besides, you still are the love of my life." (Nice touch, Damn.) He pulls her in close for emphasis. "I love you. You don't know how much." Finally Ed's had enough of masochistic voyeurism and he heads back to his car. Unfortunately for Ed, though, he leaves before he sees Fernanda push away and reject this last attempt by Damian. Damian asks Fer if she still doesn't believe him. Fer says she needs time to think. All of a sudden it occurs to her to ask him where he's been living all this time. "Say wha--?" Dam panics.

Meanwhile, the discussion continues at the Elizalde dinner table. (Didn’t anybody go to business school from that family? Or did they think that owning a business is somehow akin to the divine right of kings?) Any Balls tells Gonzo as an FYI that he ran into the VP of Powhere Meelk, Estev Norton, over at Las Animas and Norton told them how Franco Santoro had fought tooth and nail [luchar a brazo partido] to get his company to agree to the deal. It would seem just a bit petty to tell Santoro now that he couldn't be a member of the Board of Directors. Prissy adds that new blood in the company wouldn't be a bad idea. Babs says they've done fine making decisions without any input from strangers. Cad snickers that perhaps that's why they're bankrupt now. (Hubby is quick to note from his spot on the couch that even a broken clock is right twice a day.) Pris asks for Gonzo's opinion. Gonzo says he agrees with Babs. (Ok. Did we expect otherwise?)

Gonzo suggests that they submit it to a vote, only Fernanda is missing. AB wonders where she's been and B-B, looking like a cat with its ears pinned back, bitchily thinks to herself that she's probably off having a gay old time with her new little friend, Franco. She turns to Gonzo and says that she has no idea where Nanda is because ever since Damian left her she hasn't been around the house much or at the business either. AB tells everyone that she gets a double vote, one for herself and one for Santiago.

Once again at the old warehouse, Damn tells another whopper: that he's been living on the streets with drug addicts, crazies and drunks. "It's been ugly out there, Peque." (Gag me.) Just then she gets a call on her cell from Gonzo. Damn panics and begs her not to give him away. She decides after what seems to be an eternity not to answer it. Next question: she wants to know how she's going to keep in touch with him if he keeps his cell turned off. Damn says he'll call her every day and then warns her that Babs is Eeeevil incarnate. He says that he knows that everything was part of a plan that she conceived many years ago. "She's lethal and as long as she is close to the family and has Gonzolo's trust, your entire family is in mortal danger!" Nanda is knocked-back-on-her-heels impactada.

Ed makes it back to his car and speeds off.

Damn tells Fernanda that she must not trust Barbara. He emphasizes he's telling her all of this because he loves her and has been dreaming of the time he can prove his innocence and return to her. (Can it, dude. I’ve heard just about all I can stand.) Fernanda suddenly asks if he's talked with his mother. “The last time I saw her, the woman was totally distraught.” Damn lies again and says he went to the house but didn't tell her anything because he didn't want her to worry. (Uh, like she didn't watch t.v. and so she missed all those news broadcasts? I hope Fernanda’s taking mental notes cuz his story is so full of holes a Swiss cheese would be envious.) She says it's time for her to go and offers to give him a lift somewhere. He “selflessly” tells her he'll take public transportation because he doesn't want her to risk it. (I believe his public transportation, Vlad The Had, is still burning gas off-road nearby to keep warm and taking forty winks while he waits for Damian to finish.) Before she walks away he classily (not) bums a few pesos off her for bus fare.

Once again at the rectory Bosco tells Estev that now that he thinks about it Ed wasn't so foolish after all when he came up with that lie about his death. Carpio and Nestor watch Estev leave and then make their move. Killing the padre is still the plan, says Carpio. They don't have a choice.

Meanwhile, Dolly and Errika are thinking of what to name the baby. Augustin comes in and tells Dolly she needs to see the doctor to confirm the pregnancy and yadda yadda. Dolly doesn't think she needs to because "a woman always knows the signs." (Public Service Announcement #1687.) Then there's a discussion about her not exactly being a spring chicken any longer. FF>>

When Nanda arrives home, Tomasa races into the hall to tell her the whole family is waiting for her, including SRA. BARBARA. (Music ala Alfred Hitchcock Presents plays menacingly in the background.) It's something urgent, but Tomasa doesn't know what. Fer hurries into the dining room to the others.

The lovelorn Eddie, meanwhile, returns home full of self-recriminations. Eddie thinks he's a dope who's been duped. (Well, he's half right.) He was an idiot, he tells himself. "An idiot! That's what I was! --No! Eduardo Juarez was, but Franco Santoro is not! Franco Santoro, no!" He decides he is going to do something about it. (¡Ay! Immature men, no matter how good-looking they are, make my head hurt.)

Fer tells the family that she trusts Santoro. Bitch-Barbie tells her it seems strange that a man she scarcely knows should inspire such trust. "It seems you know more about Santoro than the rest of us do, or am I wrong?" (Are those claws peeking out of those paws?) Fernanda stares at Babs but says nothing. AB pipes up to say that Franco is a man that oozes confidence. "Papa, you've always said honorable people smell....well, ...honorable." Cad breaks in then with another snicker about that smell definitely not being the one they smell at the market. Fer frowns at Cad. (I’m sure she can't believe he and she actually share the same genes. Who knows? Monserrat might have been steppin' out on Gonzo somewhere in between AB and Liliana after all.)

Nanda asks if they're meeting to discuss Franco's trustworthiness. Gonzo explains Franco's request for a vote and voice in the Board of Directors as part of the agreement and says they were waiting on her to start the vote. The company's future depends on their decision. The voting begins as Bitchy Babs and Nanda share a confrontational stare.

At Las Animas, Fr/Ed calls up Err and invites her to dinner. Augustin and Dolly are excited to meet Err’s new BF but Err says maybe next time. The two supposed in-laws-to-be share a parental giggle at their little girl’s going ga-ga over her gallant. FF>>

B-B votes against Santoro. Cad and AB vote in favor. Err calls up Nanda in the middle of the voting to tell her about her big dinner date with Fr/Ed. Gonzo now votes against him. It's finally all up to Fernanda. The tension builds as Viewerville waits to see if Fer decides that Fr/Ed is a two-timing louse and thus not really trustworthy at all; or if she’ll vote in favor of him because of what she’s learned about her stepmother and so no longer trusts her.

Back at the rectory, Carpio and Nestor break into Bosco's bedroom. The noise wakes Denia in the guest room across the hall. The two would-be hitmen stand there but don’t shoot. Nestor begs Carpio to simply shoot the priest in the leg and lie about it then tells Bosco that if he would just cooperate they would wound him and only say they’d killed him. Carpio tells Nestor to shut his big mouth. Padre Bosco is like, "Let me get this straight. You were ordered to kill me?" Carpio says it’s not time for a chat. Bosco begins to pray as Carpio tells him his time has come.

In the dining room at the Elizaldes once more, Fer votes in favor of Fr/Ed becoming a member of the Board of Directors. She smiles sweetly over at Babs and is intent on getting her reaction. B-B is definitely bummed but switches facial expressions quickly to a serene smile before looking over at Fer.

Fr/Ed picks up Err from her house and admits to her that it’s really a business dinner. He apologizes for the deception and gives her a chance to refuse his invitation. No way Errorika is going to miss an opportunity like this to be with him and tells him as much. After a reminder to buckle up for safety (Public Service Announcement #1688) they drive off to the restaurant.

Back at the parish in Bosco’s bedroom: the priest tries to talk the men into letting him go. Carpio is screwing up his courage, trying to pull the trigger. Nestor suggests to Carpio that they could call him an ambulance and once the priest gets better, he could leave town so nobody would know he’s still alive. Carpio says it wouldn’t work because if their boss found out he was still alive he’d just send another less merciful pair to do the deed. Bosco asks them who their boss is. Carpio tells him not to ask difficult questions and he starts to aim and pull. Nestor puts his hand on Carpio’s arm and begs him to aim at the priest’s legs. Denia runs in just then and is impactada to see it’s the self-same kidnappers there holding a gun on the padre. She runs out and both bad guys start after her.

Things are going downhill fast for these two baddies. Bosco goes for the switch to the campana bells as Carpio turns away to look down the hallway for a possible shot at Denia. Outside, the whole parish barrio hears the alarm and starts for the church with their machetes and pitchforks in one hand and torches in the other. Nestor grabs Denia and brings her back inside the room. Carpio orders Bosco to turn the bells off but Bosco explains that that would be useless. The parishioners have heard their agreed upon signal and know he’s in trouble. The whole town, he says, will be there in a couple of minutes to find out what’s happened to him. “If I don’t open the door for them they will break it down. So are you really still thinking of shooting me?” The priest suddenly orders them to let Denia go. He tells her not to open the door unless she hears them shoot or he gives the word. Denia backs out and down the hall.

Our two killers, Carpio and Nestor, having now turned into a couple of Keystone clowns, take turns looking out the window and sizing up the mob gathering down in the churchyard. Bosco tells them they’re in deep do-do but that they’re in luck because he’s willing to do a little negotiating. Carpio is all ears. “What do you want to negotiate, Padre?” “--Well, even if I do turn the campanas off you two won’t be able to leave here unless I give the word.” “--What’s the deal, Padre?” “--A name.” “—A name?” “Yes. Your freedom in exchange for the name of the man who hired you to kill me.”

At the eatery in Villa Madero: Err laughs nervously and tells Fr/Ed that he’s asking her the same favor that she asked him when Cad Elizalde beat her up at Fernanda’s wedding. Yes, he says, that’s why he has come to her to ask it, because he is now the one needing to restore his dignity. “Does that mean you’re in love with someone else? It doesn’t give our relationship any future.” Fr/Ed awkwardly adjusts his collar. “I don’t know what to term it, but I do need your help.” “—So am I supposed to use the same story for you with her, that we’re dating?” “—Not exactly. I want you to let me announce at the party that we are engaged.” (And now it’s Viewerville's turn to be impactado.) Errika’s eyes open wide and she smiles. (The girl’s gotta be wondering where all this will lead. I wonder if she’s ever seen Destilando Amor. Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!)

Everyone is still seated around the Elizalde’s dinnertable and AB tells his kid sis that he’s grateful that she voted in favor of Franco because, like it or not, it is best for the business. Babs' is undeniably all bent out of shape and lets the rest of them know it in no uncertain terms. She gets up to leave. Cad jumps up and actually apologizes to her explaining that she has got to assume that the least their new business partner will expect is to be a member of the Board. (Okay! So what sage businessman’s ghost has suddenly taken possession of Cadmilo Elizalde’s body?) Babs throws a shriveling look at Gonzo before storming out.

Nanda takes the opportunity to ask her daddy if he voted with Babs against Franco out of conviction or just to please her. “Out of solidarity with my wife." Gonzo now bares his soul and admits his greatest fear and his greatest weakness. “At this point in my life I needed to take advantage of the situation to tighten the tie for personal reasons that none of you could begin to imagine. For me Barbara means something that cannot be understood by anyone else but me. I didn’t vote against Franco or in favor of Barbara. I voted in favor of myself, because I would be able to withstand the loss of the company, but I could never stand to lose my wife.” (Said another way, if the trophy wife decides to take a powder she takes his gonads and the lockbox she’s kept them in along with her.) Any Balls, who thinks he still has his set, makes a silent toast to the gutless, late-life crisis of his daddy's that he always suspected; Cad rolls his eyes at his papi’s ever admitting his manhood was in a vise; and Fer reconsiders the true hold Babs has on her father.

Babs runs up to her room to call Artemio Bravo and tell him that Gonzo was the only one of the family to oppose Santoro’s entrance into the company’s Board of Directors. Artemio concludes that the man is very astute in his business strategies. Barbara says, effectively yes, because as she has discovered, he’s been manipulating Fernanda. “Franco and she have been secretly seeing each other without the family’s knowledge.” Art wonders if it could be romantic in nature. Barbara says could be, even though he is supposedly dating Errika Astorga, Fernanda’s BFF. Bravo mulls it over. “That proves he has the power of persuasion. Don’t let him out of your sight!”

At the restaurant Err tells Fr/Ed she can’t deny him the favor since he did the same for her, but it’s one thing to go around telling people your dating and quite another to tell them you’re engaged. People expect there to be a wedding and well they aren’t going to marry. He says true, so the plan is for her to break off the engagement a bit later on and that way she can save face. Err has to ask why he’s doing this. Fr/Eddie tells her it’s because the woman is breaking his heart. She asks him who has got him eating his heart out like this? “Do I know her?” He looks at her, unable to answer.

Speaking of the lucky lady who holds the heart of the hunkiest hombre in all of Latin America in her hands, she has just returned to her bedroom and enviously remembers the phone conversation she had a while earlier with Errika telling her that Franco and she were going to dinner together. For an instant Nanda gives sway to the little green-eyed monster within as well and begins to dial Franco’s cell. A second later she realizes what she’s doing and hangs up. “No! I’m not going to call him! Franco is my best friend’s boyfriend. ¡Ayyyyy!”

Back at the restaurant Err says fine, that Fr/Ed doesn’t have to tell her the woman’s name. “Just answer me this. Will she be at the party?” “—Yes!” “—Fine, then you can count on me.” “—Thanks, Errika. You are incredible!”

Carpio see no way out of the jam and tells Padre Bosco that by giving him the name of their boss they’re committing suicide. “Might as well be putting the name on our tombstones.” [una lapida en el pescuezo] Bosco says he only needs the name to protect himself, not to provoke the man. He promises that if they tell him he will immediately forget who told him. Carpio still doesn’t ‘fess up so Bosco calls down to Denia. Carpio and Nestor panic and offer to do what he’s asked. Padre then tells Denia to tell the parishioners that he is fine and he’ll come out in a bit and speak to them. Bosco turns back to the two men in his room. “Okay, boys. Who is he?” Carpio tells him that the man who ordered them to kill him was Artemio Bravo. Bosco is so impactado that he might just die from the shock anyway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Narrator: “For a long time you’ve seen him only in the shadows. Get ready to see The Face of Evil!”

[Gloria has graciously agreed to sub for me the next three Fridays while I travel to the land of the Midnight Sun to marry off my son on Midsummer’s Night Eve and to pay homage in the mead halls of Heorat to hubby’s Geat ancestry. –ed.]

Labels: manana

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 3:56 PM 92 comments

When there are two weeks left in a novela, but everything seems to be resolved, it’s time to go crazy! In this episode we have the highest highs, and the lowest lows. We also have a complete disregard for anything approaching justice. It’s beanie time! Let’s get this party started.

We begin with a recap of last night’s classic novela coincidence, in which Santi (with Rocío) has stopped by Paulina’s house (she said she didn’t feel well). Of course, Candy’s right behind in a taxi. Of course, Pau needs “comfort” from Santi, and Candy thinks it’s a hug. And what’s more, two seconds later, Candy sees two shadows upstairs kissing. It’s Santi and Paulina. Santi’s a traitor!

Turns out, it was Mario and Paulina, as many of us guessed. After a few more kisses, Pau hears the taxi leave, and abruptly pulls away from Mario. Downstairs, Santi and Rocío are playing a clapping game. Pau leaves a frustrated Mario, and comes downstairs to Santi’s question of what’s going on. She says she was dizzy, maybe had tachycardia. Santi isn’t buying this, and sends Roc into the kitchen to get a glass of water. He tells Pau to quit with the pretexts, and she doesn’t push it (because she’s already accomplished her goal). Santi and Roc leave, and Paulina congratulates herself on her little plan.

Candy, however, is distraught, and has come to Santi’s house to confront him. She tells Donato she’ll wait in the study.

Cut to Eduardo, who after being unable to shake his jealous suspicions about Chayo, has stupidly gone to a bar, and stupidly gone to (I think a hotel room) with a hottie in a sparkly purple tube top and pink silk hotpants. She basically attacks him, throwing him onto the bed. Ed is surprised that he’s not turned on.

Mario tells Paulina he doesn’t like being used. He’s found someone who’s way sexier than she is. She tells him to go for it. As he leaves she tells herself, OF COURSE I’m using you.

Santi arrives at Candy’s house, but she’s not there, so he calls her cell. Meño and Gregoria observe with baited breath, but there’s no answer. Meño half jokingly remarks that Candy could have been kidnapped, but it IS strange that she didn’t answer, so HE calls, and Candy answers. No, she doesn’t want to talk to Santi, he’s to come meet her at his house immediately.

In the bed of sin, Ed had “performance problems”, and wants another chance, but the hottie’s had it, and leaves to find someone else to ring her bell. Ed has an epiphany – he must love Chayo so much that he doesn’t even desire an amante. Hooray!

Pat and Beto have just finished watching an action movie in the theater, and Pat’s giving Beto a piggyback ride. Beto notices that Pat still has popcorn in his hair. Beto thinks Pat should make a movie. Pat says it’s really hard to make movies, when (what a coincidence) who should run into them but Pat’s old friend Maximiliano, who’s a FILMMAKER. Hmmmm. Pat introduces Beto as his guarura (bodyguard – I finally have my captions back, people!), and jokes that he has 3 guaruras now. Beto’s excited that now they can make a movie. They go to the coffee shop to talk about it.

Santi arrives home, sends his cute little lemon Rocío upstairs (she’s wearing a yellow coat), and enters the study to find out what Candy wanted. She gives him a chilly look.

In the coffee shop, Pat explains that he likes his artisan import business, but he’s looking for a more creative outlet. Well, what is he interested in? He likes kids (Beto adds that Pat IS a kid!). Maximiliano is working on a movie, and needs financing. Beto wants it to be a children’s movie. Max isn’t so sure, but Pat and Beto are persistent, and Max finally agrees (he says me rindo, or I give up). It can be a kids’ movie. Pat and Beto tell him about Beto’s idea of a superhero, who can fly, who has big wings like an angel, and you can’t lie to him, or his eyes light up. He has a blue suit, and silver armor, and what’s his weapon? A sword! shout Max and Beto in unison.

It’s time for Candy and Santi to clear the air. Candy relates how she took a taxi to Santi’s house to tell him the kids accepted the marriage, but when he left in his car, she followed him. Santi sees where this is going. He went to Paulina’s house, so Candy must be jealous again. But why? He was only there a few minutes. Yes, but long enough to kiss Paulina. I saw you!

Ed arrives home, and Chayo is sitting on her bed doing her psych homework. She’s upset that he’s late, and that he was spying on her earlier in the day, but he continues with his blind jealousy, accusing her again of two-timing him with Osvaldo. Unfortunately for him, Chayo sees red (lipstick on his collar, that is). She’s mad as hell, not gonna take it anymore, and tells him the marriage is OVER.

Candy’s on her way out, but Santi isn’t giving up. He relates how Pau made up the tachycardia stuff, and tricked him into going to her house. So what, says Candy, you were in her house, and she was kissing someone. Santi says he was in the living room with his daughter the whole time, the only explanation could be that Paulina was kissing some other man in her bedroom. Candy doesn’t bite. Another man? Sure, right. Santi the wise reminds her that Pau has an ex-novio named Mario, who’s his same height, hello! Candy sees he may be right, nervously bites her nails, turns away from him, taps her feet, starts thinking. Santi asks why is she tapping her feet (zapateando)? This isn’t flamenco. Candy mulls it over, and agrees to believe him. They kiss, and as we go to commercial, “últimos días” (final days) flashes on the screen.

After the commercial, it’s time for some total joy. Sin límites! To the tune of the theme song, we have a super montage. First, the kids have to study for exams. Rocío gets an A, and a hug from Santi, Chava and Candy get all the answers, and Pat helps Beto do his test on a table painted like a soccer ball. Then, in the judge’s office, the divorce papers are signed. Back at Santi’s, Candy shows off the invitations to the boda, to everyone’s delight. Next, Candy, Gregoria and Meño pick out the wedding dress, followed by Candy, Santi and the 3 kids picking out the wedding cake. No words are needed to show how everyone feels.

In the restaurant, Zamora and Toño are delivering flowered centerpieces bigger than they are. Toño’s crying, though. Zamora thinks he’s crying because now that Candy’s getting married, Toño has lost his chance for her. But he counsels Toño that in pining for Candy, maybe he’s shooting too high. Not so much, counters, Toño, she’s only about 40 centimeters taller than I. Our two clowns continue to set up the decorations.

At Candy’s, Chayo is putting the finishing touches on Candy’s makeup. It’s the day of the wedding! Lucía is wearing a white strapless dress with a pink sash and colorful stars, Gregoria looks very fine in a red satin jacket over a pink blouse, a three strand pearl necklace, and her hair up. The girls debate the makeup, some saying Candy needs chapas, which means red cheeks.

Over at Santi’s the guys are getting ready, too. Santi is wearing his typical white shirt with cufflinks and a blue tie to go with his light tan suit. Ed starts raining on Santi’s parade, warning of the perils of marriage, but Santi reminds him it’s the happiest day of his life, and they hug.

A beautiful jeweled pin has been fastened to Candy’s hair, pulled back in a simple but elegant bun, and Meño is overcome with emotion. He tells her how stunning she looks. And he’s right, she looks absolutely regal in her own strapless gown, which shows off her amazingly slim waist. She flashes a radiant smile. Meño comes downstairs to tell the girls Candy is ready, and they rush upstairs to gush over her. Everything is perfecto, right?

Wrong. The doorbell rings, Meño answers, and it’s a court officer! He gives Meño a summons for Candy. Apparently our judge was, in fact, paid off. (I think JeffMN called it correctly). Although they got divorced, it seems the custody thing was never completely terminated, and the officer says the judge has ruled in favor of Patricio! Also, Candy must appear IN TWO HOURS for the judge to deliver his “sentence”! Meño pleads, can't they wait, she is going to get married in two hours. Sorry, says the officer, if Candy doesn’t appear, there will be strong sanctions. Meño takes the summons and walks slowly back into the living room, completely deflated.

Upstairs, the ladies (and the two kids, Chava and Rocío, also looking cute in their dress-up clothes) are admiring Candy, unaware of the gathering storm. Chayo thinks Santi will faint when he sees her. Candy tells them to stop complimenting her (chulear) so much, but when Chava says she’s the prettiest bride in the world, she bends down, almost crying with joy, to give him a kiss (Chayo stops her – the makeup!). Also, don’t cry. She says after today, she’ll never cry again, and they’ll be happy para siempre (where have I heard that before?). The whole crowd bustles downstairs. But why is Meño so glum? He gives Candy the envelope. It’s a summons (citatorio) from the family law judge.

Over at Santiago’s, we have another group of well-dressed wedding guests. I’m especially impressed with Tina’s green and white dress and chic hairstyle, and with Isabel’s black dress with long white sleeves, a white choker with a single black opal and matching earrings. Wow! They, Jaime, Donato and Zamora await at the bottom of the grand staircase for Santi’s triumphant entrance. However, he saunters in BEHIND them, wondering what they’re all looking at. They’re startled, and he laughingly tells them the last time someone came down the staircase, it was Marissa, and that was a disaster, so they’ve changed strategy. Santi finally calls Jaime “Dad” and he calls Zamora “brother”, to the delight of all.

Candy doesn’t understand why there’s a summons. Meño gives her the sad news, that the judge gave custody to Pat. She can’t believe it, Pat dropped his demand, so there must be a mistake. Meño gives her the envelope, and there’s no mistake. What’s more, she has to appear at noon at the judge’s office. As she starts crying (and saying no puede ser), Chava hugs her, not understanding what’s wrong with his Mommy.

After the commercial, we’re back at Paulina’s house (pretty nice house, I might add – sure is convenient to be that rich), Mario doesn’t understand why Pau looks depressed, until he realizes she’s lost her battle for Santi, he’s really getting married, and there’s nothing she can do to stop it. Pau tells him she has accepted it, and let's go back to New York! Mario leans in for the kiss, but Pau says she just meant they’d travel together, she’d sooner die than reconcile with him. He doesn’t care, he’s got big plans (with Alicia).

Candy has gone upstairs to cry, and the little ones ask Lucía what’s going on. She just tells them everything will be okay. Meño asks her to call Santiago.

We then switch to two happy villains, Arturo and the judge, slapping each other on the back. Art’s only regret is ruining Santi’s wedding, since Santi was very helpful to him, but family comes first, and now Pat will have a chance to get Candy back (as if!) The judge adds that they had to stop the wedding, because if Candy were married, his custody order wouldn’t have worked. He tells Art that Candy will have to turn over Chava to Pat today.

Speaking of Pat, he’s playing video games with Beto, and the two boys are in boy heaven, as Beto wins again (it’s a racing car game). Beto wonders why they’re not at the wedding, though. Pat can’t really answer, says it’s not sexy for the ex-husband to go, but Beto doesn’t understand. The doorbell rings, and of course the court officer is delivering Pat’s matching summons. The man tells Pat the judge has awarded custody of Chava to Pat, and he, too, says there has to be some mistake. The officer says to tell it to the judge, and Pat signs for the paper, Margarita right behind him with a concerned look. Pat reads the summons, and realizes this ruins Candy’s wedding. He’s not happy at all.

Gregoria and Chayo are trying to cheer up Candy, who has changed out of her dress, telling her everything will be cleared up at the judge’s office. Candy’s not so sure, Pat has betrayed her before, he could do it again. Meño tells her Santi is here. Downstairs, Santi asks Lucía, Chava and Rocío what’s going on. The little ones tell him that Candy is crying but they don’t know why. Lucía says she knows, but he should go upstairs and Candy will tell him. Meño, Greg and Chayo come down, and Santi goes up to see what’s wrong. In her room, Candy is crying, her finger lightly tracing Chava’s photo. Santi enters, Candy tells him it’s Patricio, he’s taken Chava, and they have to cancel the wedding. Santi hugs her in support.

Back at Santi’s, Isabel hangs up after receiving the news from Santi, and sadly tells the others that there isn’t going to be a wedding today.

At least someone’s happy, though, as we see Alicia and Mario in post-coital bliss. Mario says Ali has changed his life. The last few days, he’s been completely obsessed with Paulina, but now he feels nothing for her. Same here, exclaims Ali. I was obsessed with Patricio for years. But today, I haven’t even thought of him. They both agree, it’s destiny.

At Chayo’s and Ed’s house, she’s packing. Ed comes in, what’s up, he thought they were fixing up their marriage. She responds that a week ago, she told him they were “separated”, and since he’s not leaving the apartment, she is. He doesn’t want her to make such a quick decision, but she’s been thinking about this for a long time. Well, says Ed, if it’s because of the other day, with that woman, he didn’t even make love to her! This doesn’t impress Chayo one bit, and when Ed thinks it’s a pretext for her to go to HER boyfriend, she tells him to think whatever you want, I’m out of here, and she leaves, slamming the door.

The judge tells Pat, no, there’s no error, the verdict is final, as of today Pat has custody. Pat can’t believe it. Candy yells at him that he promised to drop his demand, SLAPS him, and heads for the door. The judge stops her, deliver your son today, or else he’ll use public force. She walks out.

Over at the restaurant, Paulina looks at the decorations when a waiter tells her the wedding is cancelled. Well THAT brings a smile to her face!

Pat is furious with the judge, Pat had told him to cancel the custody procedure, explain, please! The judge says “I’m not authorized to answer that question”. When Pat asks who is, the judge says if Pat doesn’t take custody of Chava today, he’ll go to jail! Fine, put me in jail. No, that’s not all, adds our mean judge. Chava would be sent off to an Institution! (Okay, this whole thing is so ridiculous. A hearing the same day? Ignoring the wishes of both parents? Threatening to put the father in jail and the kid in an institution? Give me a break! Okay, Hombre, just relax, think about those peach halves, floating gently, gently…..Okay, I’ve adjusted my beanie, I’ll be fine).

Back home, Candy tells Chava he has to live with his Daddy. What a change in Chava, because now he’s sad about this, wants Candy to stop crying. He promises to live with Pat for just a few days, and then come back to his Mom. He swears it.

Santi is ranting to his Mom about how disgraceful Pat is. Isabel implores him to calm down. Santi adds that if Santi and Candy get married, it’ll be easier to fight for custody, because they’ll present a stable home, lots of financial support (this is why the judge told Arturo earlier he had to make his ruling before the wedding). Isa agrees.

Pat is alone in his big house, head in hands, can’t understand what happened, when he hears the baby cry. He calls for Alicia, but there’s no answer. He calls for Margarita, still no answer. Finding no one, he picks up Patito from his cradle, only to notice a note! Here’s what it says. “Patricio, I’m tired of your scorn. I’ve found a person who values me, and loves me, and for that reason, I’ve decided to leave and abandon you. I’m leaving your life forever. You can have Patito.” (this is really what it said, I don’t make up these telenovela goodbye notes). Pat looks as if he’s been through the wringer. I think I feel that way, too. What a day!

Vocabulario:

Guarura – a bodyguard, Pat used it to refer to his sons
Me rindo – I give up
Zapatear – to tap your feet, or stamp your feet
Chapas – red cheeks, I guess like rouge
Chulear – to compliment
Citatorio – a summons

Labels: Tontas

Good morning, world. Someone please post this for me. I was a little under the weather last night and made my best effort under the circumstances. Please enjoy and comment.

Martina repeats that she is delighted to see Venus, but she wants to know about Columba and Ysenia. Venus tells her about the three unidentified bodies. Silvestre enters singing a song, and Martina wants to know why he left the hospital. Venus tells Martina that damned Jairo just about to killed Silvestre.

Jacinto and Marg discuss the pitfalls of arguing with the Elizaldes. Jacinto has had it up to here, and Marg realizes that Jacinto is a strong and good man. There is a knock at the door and it is none other than dear Camilo. Camilo invites Jacinto outside, but Jacinto holds his ground. Camilo enters and Jacinto wants to know what’s up. Marg goes outside and prays for God to protect Jacinto. Camilo wants to know how much money Jacinto wants for the papers he found in Gonzo’s car. Camilo tries to backhand Jacinto, but Jacinto blocks it and gives Camilo a piece of his mind and tells Camilo to get lost. Camilo can’t believe Jacinto is in his face and giving him orders.

Marg comes back inside and finds Jacinto in an agitated state. He says he’s the same person he’s always been, but he’s sick of Camilo beating up on him.

Silvestre, Martina and Venus have a lovely family moment. Martina gives Silvestre money that she has earned as Lili’s caregiver. Martina asks Venus what she’ll do now that the cantina is gone. Venus says she’ll look for work and a place to stay. They offer her their house. Silvestre tells her that life is now offering her another opportunity because she’s a decent girl.

Aurora is saying the Rosary at Dominga’s. Fortunately for us, this is all we have to her from her today. At the same time, Barb is pondering the last words she heard from Artemio Bravo about Aurora. She cuts her initials out of the handkerchief, and she remembers that Artemio Bravo told her that Aurora means nothing to her. But Barb still wants to know Aurora’s connection to Artemio Bravo. She thought bubbles that if Aurora crosses her path again, she’ll be met by the Devil just to get back at Artemio Bravo.

Vlad tells Anibal that they have to talk. Vlad says that he succeeded in avoiding a disaster. He wants Ani to explain some minutes of the Board of Directors meeting to him. Vlad, the rat, tells Any that someone in the organization is passing info to the Alvear family, their competitor.

Fer calls FrEd. She has found out something, and he asks her if it’s about Power Milk’s deposit. She wants to meet with him, like at 7:00 p.m at his house.

Damian finds out that Vlad is now in his old office. Vlad tells Damian that Fer wants to talk to him. Poor woman, says Vlad. He reminds Damian that he can trust him. Vlad says that Fer will pay to see him and that she’s inclined to help him.

Fer and FrEd meet. She doesn’t understand why he’d give $10 million to a company associated with Camilo. Ed doesn’t want to stir up trouble in the family. He also wants Barbara to be happy because she’s the only one who opposed the partnership. Fer thinks FrEd is playing with them. He says all business is a game of strategy, but that she is not part of the strategy. He asks her to confide in him.

Vlad wants to know what Dam will do. Dam will please his wife.

Fer tells FrEd that she believes that she’s shown him on various occasions that she trusts him. Her cell rings and she asks FrEd for privacy. Steve is waiting in the living room, and tells FrEd that it is dangerous for Gardenia to stay at Las Animas. They are going to find a place for her where no one can find her.

Fer and Damian talk. She wants to know why he hasn’t tried to contact her. He goes into his “mi peque” act and tries to get her sympathy. She’s not buying it. He tells her that he’s not with her because Barbara would like to see him dead.

Barb asks Tomasa if Santiago has returned. Tomasa tells her no because Aurora hasn’t returned either.

Damian continues playing Fer. He needs to see her real soon because Barb turned him in to the police and put a price on his head. At this point they discuss where they can meet and he comes up with la Troje Vieja, the Community Center (?) and begs her not to tell anyone and that they will meet at soon as possible.

FrEd tells Steve that the problems with Gardenia are related to Manzanares, Camilo, Artemio Bravo and the bombing of the cantina. Fer walks into the living room and tells FrEd that she has to leave because she has a meeting she forgot about. Once again she tells him he doesn’t have to escort her to the car.

Steve enters and FrEd says he’s wants to follow her and find out who she is meeting. It is now dark and Vlad is driving Damian to the meeting place.

Steve says what are you talking about. FrEd say he has to find out what’s going on.

Damian chose this dark lonely place to meet with Fer so that there would not be any witnesses. Dam gets out of the car and tells Vlad to go on. Fer drives with FrEd following behind her.

At Pueblo San Rafael Father Bosco bids goodnight to an employee. He locks up the building and the woman leaves through the walled garden and shuts the gate. Carpio and friend discuss Padre Bosco and that they can’t fail Artemio no matter how you look at it. Carpio is dangerous, but after reminding all of us that he looks like the son from Sanford and son, I think only of Frick and Frack when he appears on screen.

Ed realizes that Fer is going to “la Troje Vieja.”

Padre Bosco is saying his evening prayers when Carpio says it’s time to go. His sidekick doesn’t want to be part of this, but Carpio reminds him about Artemio’s orders. They carry long ropes and climbing gear out of the car.

Fer arrives at La Troje Vieja and looks around. She leaves the headlights on and calls out Damian’s name. He comes out of the shadows and all lovey dovey says, “yes, it’s me,” and you are a dream. FrEd is shocked to see them embrace. Dam tries to work his magic on Fer, but it does not appear that she’s going for it. Dam says when he explains, she’ll understand. So get on with it she says. He tells her that Barbara Greco is to blame for everything.

Frick and Frack have climbed the wall and rapel down into a patio and then the courtyard. The good padre has turned in for the night – when bad weather interrupts my satellite transmission.

Back again, Padre Bosco heads for the bed and leaves a candle burning, but he reaches up and shuts off the electric light. The two intruders head for his room and put silencers on their pistols. Carpio kicks at a door and Bosco gets up to see what’s happening. He looks out the window and calls out. Bosco then opens the door to his room. Commercial break.

Bosco walks down the hall while Frick and Frack are walking around in circles. There is a knock at the door by none other than Gardenia and Steve. Bosco knows them and invites them to sit down. Steve tells Bosco that he has brought Gardenia to Bosco’s church for safekeeping because she is in great danger. Looks like she’s jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

Frick and Frack realize that this is not their night and give up and leave.

Damian tells Fer that Barb told him that Gonzo had given the order to transfer the money. She wants to know why she didn’t tell her. He says Barb double crossed him and accused him of fraud and turned him in to the police. He was afraid to contact her because he thought it might be a trap. The money, he says, probably went into one of Barbar’s foreign accounts. Fer wants proof. He tells her that she has his word and if he had $3 million he wouldn’t be here. She doubts that she’s the only person he can trust and wants to know what he wants. She’s having a hard time understanding his tale. He understands and wants to know how he can prove his innocence. He needs her and embraces her. FrEd shakes his head in disbelief as he hides in the shadows.

Avances: FrEd can’t believe he’s so stupid.

Labels: manana

Redux: Ali calls Mario to discuss their destiny but he's busy lounging half-clad in Pau's bed. Candy and Santi have dinner Chez Santi to tell the family they are getting married. Lu loves it and the little ones loathe it. Rocio breaks out in her convenient rash. Santi insists they will all be happy. Rocio scratches her reply.

Mario, now with a t-shirt but still fetching, compliments Pau. He's amorous and she's tired. She rudely pushes him away and he threatens to leave. "Whatever you want," she mutters. After he leaves she happily calls Ali, their plan worked and Mario should be calling soon.

Lu tries to calm Rashio, I mean Rocio. Santi gives her her pill and makes her smile by telling her that of course Chava will live with them and Papi needs her help decorating Chava's new room. Papi scores a goal.

Meanwhile, in the colorful house Candy tells Chava she and Santi are making the best decision. He's worried she'll stop loving him. He says this twice. Candy tries to reassure him but after she leaves he tells Merengue "you love me, but my mama no."

Pato plays with Patito and is interrupted by the phone. It's Candy to ask a favor. She wants him to take Chava to school. Pato can tell she's crying. It's that Chava is mad at her because she and Santi set their wedding date instead of succumbing to the little tyrants (my words not hers). "Sigh...it's so hard to be a mother and a woman," (like she's the only one). Pat says he will try to talk to Chava then he rubs his face and moons for Candy.

Mario meets Ali for drinks. They flirt shamelessly and he strokes her arm. He can't believe she lives with a man who won't give her the time of day. He comments she's good enough to eat from head to toe (tu estas como para comerte de pies a cabeza) and if she gives him they chance he'd love to demonstrate...they kiss.

Santi tosses and turns in bed. He dreams that Interpol brings his son to him but it turns out to be Patito. "What kind of sick joke is this?" Suddenly Pat comes to claim his son and takes him away while Santi yells for clarification. He awakens from his strange nightmare in a cold sweat.

Next a.m. at Candy's house of miracles Candy complains to Babs that Chava is sad living with her. Barb cheers her up, "the kids will come around, a happy house makes kids happy."

Santi is at office seeing some poor kid that broke his nose playing soccer. Santi tries to cheer the kid up by saying he can operate right away and give him the nose of Sebastian Rulli or Tom Cruise. The kid looks like he wants to cry. I don't know why this scene was included.

The three children talk at school. Beto is tired because Patito cried all night. Chava is sad because his mama doesn't love him. Rocio says she knows something that will cheer him up, however Chava is determined to be sad.

Santi tells Lalo about his weird nightmare. Lalo asks could Patito be Santi's son and Patricio stole him? Santi acts like he's coughing up a hairball then he mocks Lalo, what a crazy idea! He has a plan, he'll steal the kid because he'll be a lot happier with Santi than with Pat, ha ha...ha? Lalo coughs up his own hairball and tells Santi not to obsess about Patito. They both start to sing the theme song from Fuego en la Sangre, "Vale mas..."

Santi can't stand it so he pays a visit to Pat. He, uh, happened to pass by and thought he'd say Hi to his godson (ahijado). Passing by from the other side of town? Pato knows Santi's full of it.

Santi's dying to hold Patito and Pat complies. Santi never looks happier than when he's holding and bonding with Patito. Santi asks Pato's advice on how to decorate Chava's new room. Pato advises Santi that Chava loves animals. He likes Giraffes in particular.

Looks like Art and the judge are in bed together figuratively speaking. "I'm at your service," says the smarmy judge as he and Art shake hands.

Over at Santi's he, Don and Roc are getting Chava's new room ready for him. Rocio wields a mean paint roller. Many split scenes with Santi painting the walls a solid color and Roc painting pictures, then they are all painting and rolling over each others' graffiti. They lie on the floor and admire their work. The final verdict...it's a complete mess and Roc pronounces it perfect. Suddenly she says "segunda mano?" and they jump up to start painting again. (This confused me because I thought segunda mano meant "second hand" so I'm not sure what the context is here.)

Pat drives his two older sons home from school. Beto misses his mom and Chava is slightly crabby. Pat asks Chava why the long face? Chava thinks Candy will marry and abandon him like Sole did to Beto. Pat gives him a pep talk and sets him straight, Santi is not a mala onda and he'll prove it. Pat cheers them up by driving like a crazy man. Not very safe but my grandpa used to do that with my sis and me and we absolutely loved it.

Santi and Roc are exhausted and resting on Chava's new bed; Donato brings Chava up with his eyes covered. Rocio is excited for him to see his room. Uno, dos, tres..."It's incredible!" Chava pronounces. OMG Santi kept saying Clopp-err and he means The Clapper. The lights turn off and on with clapping, he's got lava lamps too! Cool! Chava is as impressed as I am. Donato is pretty excited too and Santi keeps calling him Niño Donato. Funny.

It's an intergalactic super electra-especial room with a big screen behind the bed. Chava tells Roc a secret, "but we don't want them to get married." Rocio asks her papa to help. Santi explains to Chava that he doesn't want to replace Chava's family, he wants them to have a family in addition to his other one, it will be a family full of unconditional love and understanding. Will Chava be cool with that? Chava tells her another secret. "Chava says yes!" shrieks Rocio.

Now it's Beto's turn; he asks Pat why the long face? Pat kind of explains about Candy and Beto says "don't be sad I love you a lot." They agree to cheer each other up whever one of them gets sad. Pat hits the gas again.

Over at the instituto Chayo and Candy are talking. They are interrupted by cacaphony in the halls. Candy can't believe her ears, Santi and Chava together? Santi, Luc, Roc and Chava want to tell her something. They've decided they are cool with the marriage. Chava says Santi can be his friend and his papa won't be mad. Santi does the happy dance. The guys buddy punch and all is OK because Chava wants to live in his new room.

Lalo intercepts Chayo on her way out. He wants to be with her but she has to go to class. He'll go with her! She tells him not to say stupidities, he's just jealous, outta the way, bye.

More noise in the halls and it seems all the ladies are wearing red outfits today. Meño is thrilled at the news, lots of fast talking and fun. Santi kisses Candy and makes the kids giggle.

Chayo walks with Osvaldo complaining about her husband while Lalo obviously stalks them. Chayo sees him right away. They duck behind a stairwell until Lalo scurries by.

Santi and Candy take Chava over to Pat's house. Chava explains to Pat that he wants his mama to be happy, isn't that what Pat wants too, verdad papa? "Uh...I think if you're happy I'm happy" hedges pat. Santi wants to visit his godson, Pat says he's sleeping, Santi tries to insist and Candy pulls him away, "you really like that kid don't you?"

At the restaurant Meño tells Sven and Ole that he has news that's finger licking good, he yells for Greg. Great news, Chava and Rocio are behind the wedding!!

Beto draws a super hero for his dad. His superhero has wings and people cannot tell lies in front of him. He and Pat design the superhero costume.

Lalo looks for Chayo and he tries to solicit the help of some students. They guys tell Lalo she's probably with the teacher, they always hang out together. Doh!!!

Chayo and Prof go to the library and catch Lalo peeping at them through the window. Chayo wants to confront him but the prof tells "Chayito" not to act like the hysteria they are studying, she should just calm down and try to forget about their peeping pal (cuate).

Santi and Candy are still making out. Oh, they're kissing goodbye. She asks if he's going straight home and he laughs, "No I'm going to a strip bar first ha ha ha." Candy forces a laugh and I'm wondering will she end up catching him with a stripper or something? This episode has been way too happy so we know the anvil of anger and misunderstanding is about to drop.

She calls her mom to say she wants to invite Santi to eat so they can celebrate. She puts a pic of her and Santi on the desk so it's official...official that the anvil will drop that is.

Santi advises Rocio that although he doesn't support mediocrity it's not the end of the world if she gets an 8 or 9 from time to time. She wants straights 10s. Santi comments sometimes she's a sangroncita, meaning she's a little full of herself, uptight, stuck up. The phone rings and of course it's mami dearest. ("Hola mami" Santi mocks behind her back. He's funny!) Rocio says her mami isn't feeling well and wants to see her. Papi says no, Rocio scratches while smiling impishly, Santi tells her to quit faking her rash, Papi knows he's being played but agrees anyway.

Candy, all dressed up and ready to surprise Santi, arrives at his place by taxi just as he leaves. She laughingly follows his car. This will end badly.

Meanwhile Lalo goes to a bar to drink and complain about his wife. He tries to call Chayo, cries into the phone, and vows he won't let his woman treat him like that. He straightens his tie, spies a hottie and starts to wink at her.

Pau pretends to be sick so Santi will touch her tender head. Of course Candy arrives just then and instead of jumping out of the taxi, jumps to conclusions. Why is Santi fondling his ex-wife? When Candy finally gets out of the taxi it's too late, they have already gone inside and Candy sees their silhouette. She thinks she sees Santi and Pau kissing. Kerplunk! The anvil has fallen.

Labels: Tontas

Revisiting Mañanaville: Where the devil did you get this (papers) says Camilho when he finally sees that Jacinto is holding insurance papers from his Papi's car. In a rare moment of emotion,hugging his father in front of the smirky Barbinator, in fact the only glee we have ever seen from Anibal about the $10 million, we are saved PaPa!! We see Gardenia's lovely neck wrung again but only hard enough for her to spill her secrets per the Boys in Black at Artemio's request.

Tonight, we relive the Jacinto -vs- Camilho standoff, just then Anibal shows up to tell little brother of the appearance of $10 million, we owe our lives to this man, claims Anibal to the ever smirking Cami, and now let's go see our new best friend, Franco Santoro. Jacinto has a moment of private triumph, still amazed at how much his life has changed lately while the elated Elizaldes drive away.

Gardenia gets the snake in a sack threat again, but gee we don't even get to see the snake tonight, shucks [Ed note: I must confess to being one of those weirdos who always like the herpetology building at the zoo.] She decides to tell them what Manzanares learned in Franco's house. What he learned squeaks out the breathless Gardenia, is that Don Santorito isn't named that. Manzanares found a passport with another name. Well what is his true (verdadero) name? demands Carpio.

Santiago wisely asks Fernanda not to tell anyone what he is is packing to go off to do and what has happened. Not even our sainted Papi?, chides Fernanda. And where do you think you will find Aurora? If she is alive, there is still hope, says Santi. She hugs him ands says don't stop fighting for love.

The snake is about to come out again. Before she spills the beans Gardenia wants to know they are good Christians and are not going to do her any harm. Gardenia talks fast, you have to think of my poor children (criaturas). My children will be orphans (quedar huerfanos). The father of my children abandoned me. The tongue is loosened by the continued strangling, She appeals to their mercy in the name of their children and sainted mothers. Carpio is screaming in exasperation. She gets closer and closer... Je Je Jésus López López.... [whew. Gardenia redeems herself and I don't have to hate her forever.]

The knocking on the door brings Esteve, calling for Gardenia. Where can she be she has been a long time at the market. He opens to a man with a clipboard says he has the rental car. He only needs a credit card and ID. They go to look, This is pretty, It's precious says the agent. He shows him the power steering (dirección hidráulica) and other features. you have to sign here.

Eduardo shows up at the asylum and greets Martina. She says they have missed him, Liliana is doing well. (Barely above coma level but it's all relative, no). He has serious news for her, but calms her fears that it isn't her father who is safe and sound in the little clinic. He continues, Jairo Roca's club was burned out last night in with the place full (en plen actividad) .

The boys in black decide to call Artemio, not knowing what to do next. We are in the car with Gardenia hearing the conversation, Artemio, it's Carpio, yes Gardenia talked, do you want to hear what she told us?
***

Martina is visibly upset, do you know who died? Eduardo has to tell her, 15 people including Jairo. Tearfully she asks, And Venus? Do you know what happened to her? The very Venus is in modest yellow scarf and twinkly blue eye shadow offering up flowers to thank the Virgincita for sparing her. Martina names other co-workers who may have perished, friends Colomba, Yesenia and especially Venus. Eduardo assures her she will be able to help her friends. Lili calls for Martina.

Gardenia is the one who needs the help. She is dragged from the car and Carpio says they will let her go cutting the duct tape from her wrists, but if she talks and they will hear about it and she will pay the consequences and he makes her say the real name of her patron again. She carefully says Jésus López López. She thanks God and says for her beloved Eduardo she is capable of anything.

Eduardo says he won't rest until he can see Lili out of here and completely healthy (sano). Do you remember who Artemio Bravo is? A lot depends on this including your liberty, he asks. She knits and sways saying, you are sad. No, I am fine, says Ed. Lili adds, But there is someone who knows who he is, someone who knows everything. Ask your Mama. She hands him the tiny coffer. Ask my Nana Soledad, she knows everything.

Fernanda determines that her Papi doesn't know everything. He swears that Barb had the car on the street. He tells her not to worry because she is going to be very busy. Why, because Power Milk has deposited all that money . IN place of $3m they have given us $10m. And you are saying that Mr. Santoro

Where is Santi: Silently she adds the epithet, second rate painter (pintor de pacotilla). El pintor is dreaming of meetings with Aurora and looking sad and remembering when she said a few good things . He goes back to the toll booth like we wanted him too but he is looking sad and remembering first scenes, better scenes then finally her being in love with another man speech. Santi tears.

Meanwhile sad sack Abora arrives back at the house of Dominga. It looks so much cleaner and cheerier than when we last saw it, but with sentimental music she fondly strokes the grimy sheets. of the grimy torturer letting us know she can still grab tragedy out of the mouth of salvation. Abora tears.

Babara is pressing and pressing where is Santi when is he coming back. Even though he takes no notice of the company, this news impacts him. And where is Auroral . Fernanda worms out and Barba thinks, Santi and Aurora are together now.

Esteve is singing to his new rental car, you are my little coochy face while he fusses with it [If this is a product placement, I can't figure out what kind of car it is or even which rental company, did anyone notice?]. when Gardenia comes up in the back of a farmer's hay wagon, not exactly with her hayride face on. She thanks the farmer and greets Esteve who says, What happened you had me worried. She begins to gasp for breath so she can tell him, me caer de santon?
***
Eduardo steps into the nurse office and she takes him to see the Dr. wackkyo He is taking a sleeping cure. She can't maintain this lie and hide his absence from staff and patients and families much longer. Eduardo tells nurse she should say he is on vacation . He asks if Martina can go see her

The B in B are telling Artemio of the passport and the name of Lopez but the picture of Santoro When he demands to see the effects they recovered from Manzanares, they sheepishly admit they have destroyed the body of Manzanares so they cannot recover anything. Jésus López López. hmmm.

Gardenia repeats the name for Esteve. That was the first name that occurred to me. Because they are many people with this name. Esteve points out that she has meddled (hurgando) with the name of Franco Santoro because now they will know that this isn't his real name.

Martina shows up to ask for Papa at the clinic. The nurse says he isn't here but ask Dr. Rey (aka Dr. Cuteguy). what happened to my Pa. You have nothing to worry about, your father got a lot healthier and wanted to go home.
He wants to go with her to find her Papi, she doesn't want to bother him, more likely doesn't want to take hin to her poor house but he has already seen it. Dr. Rey sighs in her wake, Martina is a woman full of mysteries, that is what disturbs me so about her.

Gardenia is telling Ed what she did was desperate but Ed says it was really ingenious. Esteve says Gardenia is in grave danger. Gardenia remembers that this guy or fool (fulano) is named Artemio Bravo.

The business (transfer) with Power Milk is confirmed. Didn't you have sufficient capability to kill it? She tells Artemio that PM gave more than triple the money so she thought it wasn't necessary to lose that much money. He must have thought it was an inversion (investment). Artemio tells Barbara that a old saying in business is if you can't beat the competition, buy them. He thinks that Power Milk that will come in take over, absorb and thus destroy Lactos. Barbara inquires about what Artemio has found out about Franco Santoro, he tells her the name that was found, but doesn't take her into his confidence of who and how. Again he repeats the name, Jésus López López, She looks serious but not like she knows the name, she just looks soundly one-upped.

While Esteve, Eduardo and Gardenia plan how to keep Gardenia safe, they notice, the Elizalde boys are coming up the driveway, Gardenia has had enough of them and walks out to hide. Eduardo slips out the back door and Steve says okay I will answer the door. He says meekly in sweat shirt , what can I do to help, Sorry Franco Santoro isn't here, who are you, Anibal is still animated and smiling, Oh yes I am Steve Norton Of Power Milk oh yes, Power Milk. Oh great please come in you guys.

Barbara is asking stupid questions, must be slipping a bit. Why does this man want a double identity. You should know that is this to hide the other identity . Santoro is collaborating for our cause. If this guy is hiding something he wants to do business with Lactos losing. He must want to end up with the Elizalde business. And we are going to help him do it. Do you understand? She says yes, perfectly.

One more thing, Aurora is the girlfriend of Santiago Elizalde, Barbara says. Artemio barely moves, Barbi wants to know how she got the handkerchief with her initials. The handkerchief has no significance, Artemio supposes she came by it from one of the servants who bought it or stole it, She asks further, Then where is Aurora? I need to know.
***
This young one is a complete stranger for you and she will remain that. Who is Aurora. where does she come from. This is none of your business. Hasta pronto, Rebeca. and Artemio leaves the room.

The drinks and toasting proceed. Now we are partners (socios) . The consolidation of this deal was entirely due to Franco, He has perfect confidence in you, says Esteve while CamilHo sneaks unsubtle looks out the window. Now your company can to keep its promises and pay its debts. Esteve looks forward to seeing the talent and vision of Franco Santoro on the new Board of Directors (Junta Directiva). Anibal double swallows his drink, What? Well that was the main condition that our President insisted on, says Esteve. Even Camil seems surprised, He is asking for a place in the Board? Yes or we would dissolve the agreement and take back the money, Esteve assures them. In unison, they all slug down more whiskey fast.

Venus is crying about her fears for her fallen comrades as a happier than ever Silvestre pats her lovely silky arm. Martina comes in and the girls hug. Papa says better she wasn't still there working at the cantina or my Martina would be flying now.

Esteve says, your majesty prepare to sit on your Elizalde throne. They are hugely pleased with the dropped jaws of the Elizalde brothers and realizing the seat on the board was same demand exactly that Eduardo said to Barbara was an absolute condition.
****

Camilo make Anibal stop the car. Who's is going to scream (grito) to the heavens, Barbara?. Camilo jumps out saying, I see a blacksmith (herrero) that just changed the horseshoes (herraduras). By this he figures out that Jacinto had a hand in the disappearance of Papa's car and he thinks he can do something threatening.


Venus worries about the 3 unidentified bodies . Silvestre says they are safe at least. Venus tells them that Jairo was on the point of pimping out the country girl (campesina), Aurora.

Jacinto is arguing about the risk he has taken with Margarita, who finally says she has faith in him. He says am I playing along with the Gringo. Suddenly, It is Camilo Elizalde at the door with his famous smirk, but Jacinto has a few aces up his sleeve too. [Ed note, did Esteve make Jacinto take Gonzo's car or just to make him stand up to Camilho who will have to admit to himself that people know he broke into Franco's and is now at risk of having burgled the house of his chief benefactor who is the savior of his family??]

Next: Fernando hears from Damian while in Eduardo's office and rushes out. Eduardo suspects who it is and decides to follow Fernanda, where he sees the clandestine meeting in the dark in what looks like the dryice forest left over from FELS.

Labels: manana

Raul and Sole marry. Hugs and kisses all around.

Mario sneaks up to the grounds to find Pau.

Santi tells Raul to run. He says you should too then, you are on the same path. They toast and laugh.

Pau and Mario continue arguing. The gist of this argument is that he needs to leave because Pau told Santi the whole truth about leaving for him not the career. She tells Mario she told Shanti Mario is Roc’ real Pa. He is po’d because now Santi wants to kill him, not just the mob.



Sole chats with Beto to make sure he won’t miss her too much when she’s gone. He won’t, he lovews her. She too and she cries.

Santi spies Mario departing and calls him on his betrayal with Pau. Mario studders and wanders off after Santi says don’t bother explaining, just leave. Pau watches from a distance the exchange.


Arturo & Gogo chat and Art says he gave Pato a great surprise but he can’t tell about it yet. Hmmm….

Issy and Jaime come up with Tono and Zamora, whom Jaime introduces as his son frijolito, Tono makes a joke about being adopted and called little lentil and together they could make a legume salad.

Santi walks up to the girls chatting and smooches on Candi, he notices Ali standing without the baby and goes up to the house.

Turns out Santi can’t contain himself to hold the baby. He tries to do what he can suggesting all things to Pato to wander off. Finally, he tells him to go warm the milk, he's more in practice these days and he'll hold the baby. He coos to Patito he's finally with his Padrino and shys away from giving him back to Pato.

Pau takes Ali up to her room to moan about Mario returning. She tells Ali that she fears he’ll ruin her plans, and she tells Ali that Roc is Mario’s child. Ali actually sounds concerned about Santi because he loves Roc so much.

Lu runs into a nicely dressed Charly and Fede comes up apparently uninvited. Charly smartly leaves so fist won’t fly.

Pau decides to sic Mario on Ali at her suggestion to interest him in another woman and shows her a pic. No esta mal she proclaims, he‘s hot. Ok, she’ll seduce him.


The new family chats over at Meno’s about the wedding and how happy and beautiful it was and how happy Beto was and smart etc to see his Mom marry another man, and he’ll still have his Dad. The kids don’t buy it and think Beto is happy because Raul has been so good to him. This prompts Santi to contemplate the benefits of spankings again. He gets a call from the Agente that they found Marissa in Sao Paulo, so he will go there. Roc proclaims suki suki again that she’ll maybe get to be with her brother finally. He leaves Roc at Candi's and jokes she’s going to live there now.

Issy can tell something is bothering Lu about her boyfriend. Lu is upset with Fede she tells her G-ma - he always wants to you know and I don't yet. She says good for fleeing, you shouldn’t sleep with someone you don’t want to. Now there's a profound telenovela thought.... :)

Pau plans the encounter with Ali and Mario sending him to meet her at a bar after telling him on the phone to meet Pau herself/.

Lu thinks she’s still in love with Charley, but she’s scared to get close to him, despite knowing that’s bad.


Raul and Sole start their honeymoon…..well not quite….the taxi is downstairs to take them to the airport. For a ten hour flight they will have to wait. He reminds her there is a bathroom….huy!!

Pato chats with Beto to make sure he’s not missing his Ma too much. He tries to cheer Beto up with all these great things they will do and tells him how well he behaved and he should be proud, his Ma is happy.

Sex pot walks in and Mario instantly notices her. We get a panning up her leg. Boys liked that I’m sure.

Beto wants a song to help him to sleep. Pato doesn’t know a song except Alejandro Fernandez or Miguel Bose, but Beto doesn‘t know these guys so he‘s going to miss MA even more.

Mario and Ali are instant twin souls…yeah right. They talk about NY and how it is the center of the universe.

Issy thinks maybe Lu is with Fede to forget Charles…things don’t work that way, she should figure out if she really wants to forget Char

Charly chats with Meno about Lu and feeling bad to have her be with a guy infected like him. Meno tells him he has the right to love. He’s going to submit his film and do other things to take his mind of his pain.

Santi gets flight to Brasil the next day. Pau comes in and chats nicely to him while they are packing. He is impactado. She offers to help with the wedding. He thinks that’s maybe not so good, but they’ll talk later.

He wakes up and says goodbye to everyone when the agent shows up. Ooops, false alarm no flight to Sao Paulo they were confused by a Mexican lady hiding there for robbing a jewelry store.

Pato plays super padre again and they talk about making Banderitas…Beto misses his Mama

Ali shows up in the am, apparently still drunk. Pato isn’t face. Margarita thinks she should have shame and that Pato won’t be attracted to her like this. She’s not concerned there are other prospects.

The big house family is having breakfast and Pau announces to much impactedness that she is going to move out. Roc is the only one bummed

The multicolored house is also having breakfast. Candi gets call from Pato and gets an impactado face…and we go to commercial.

Ah, he’s giving her the uncontested divorce. They are at the judge’s.

Ali and Pau chat about Mario’s virtues. Pau tells of her plan to be nice and try to convince them to let her help plan the wedding. Then she’ll drop the bomb.

Divorce PSA. The judge spews about broken homes and reconciliation etc. Candi is upset that things might not be final today, but Pato agrees with her and thinks it best that they just finalize it, and agrees with her that not all families have problems and they will work together for Chava.

Mario chases down Pau, he’s mad she flaked on him. He tries to find out what she really wants and thinks it’s the money. She invites him to the house for a “session”… Hmmm where will this go


Pato chats with Chava about the divorce and how happy Candi is with Santi so we need to be happy for her. Chava is impressed being picked up at school with such a car. Hell yeah….we even get to hear it’s low hum engine… how fun.

Horty announces Candi who brings flowers and tells of the divorce. They joke about their wedding being soon and other kissy stuff.

Pau goes to the office of Candi and wants to help with their wedding. Candi will “let her know…” :) yeah right...obviously this has to go somewhere though...

Ali calls Mario and gets the slip, but he does promise to call her after his er “commitment”

The “family” is all dressed up at dinner and the kids wonder what the elegance is for, they decided to set the date for the wedding. The kids are not happy about the wedding so the parents actually say, heh, tough, like it or not we are marrying. Hurrah!!!

Labels: Tontas

Capitulo 76 –

From last night: Babs gives Franco and Pow-where Meeelk the ol’ heeve ho. He doesn’t understand Babs attitude. She says since he has deposited the $3 million to Rebecca Sanchez’ account, like he said he would, the deal is off. He asks if she has a way of viewing the accounts.

Santiago and Fernanda arrive at the morgue to see if one of the unidentified bodies is Aurora. Santiago is inconsolable.

A waiter brings a laptop into the private suite at the race track for Fr/Ed and Babs to look up the accounts. Fr/Ed tells her to look in Rebecca Sanchez’ account. It shows the most recent deposit of $1.5 million dollars. Before she looks into Grupo Lactos Interolerance’s account, he tells her that if she finds the rest of the money they agreed upon in the other account, then what about their deal? Babs looks flustered.

Morgue lady tells Santiago and Fernanda they can’t take fingerprints to identify the bodies because they’ve been so badly burned. Off he goes to see dead people, Nanda stays behind.

OMG, Franco has deposited $10 million in Grupo Lactos’ account just this morning. BarBecky pours on the fake apologies and tears, begging forgiveness. She tells him she’s committed the worst mistake of her life, she lost hope. She’s had sooo much to deal with, she says. The business going down the tubes, Fernanda’s marriage falling apart, her own marriage in crisis, yada, yada, yada. All of a sudden the tears dry up and she asks if there’s anyone else in her family that knows he deposited the money. He tells her she’s the only one that knows, and that’s because he thought she’d want to be the one to give the family the news. Eddie looks almost like he’s having fun playing with Barbie this way! She asks if after all this and her stupidity if he’s going to cancel the deal. He says no, on the contrary, if she meets two of his conditions, he’s prepared to give Grupo L 3 times the amount they originally agreed on. Now she’s all ears. He says the first condition is to attend the fiesta at her house with her family and he hands her the invitation. Fine, she says, what’s the second condition? Franco wants a vote and a seat on the Board of Grupo Lactos. Babs no es Happy!

Santiago returns with the news that Aurora was not one of the dead bodies. He says he’s going to find her, she has to be alive.

The truck with the 2 goons and Gardenia is barreling down a dirt road.

Richie Cunningham aka Esteve Nor-Tone and Jass-into are in Fr/Ed’s office. Esteve is renting a car. J-Ass, who’s always a little late to catch on, wants to know why he’s in charge of Gonzo’s car. Esteve scolds him for calling him Senor Nor-Tone and boosts Jacinto’s ego by telling him he’s Ricardo’s bestest friend ever – practically like brothers. Esteve asks Jacinto if it’s true that he’s got really bad scars on his back that Cadmilho gave him and that he never hit Cad back because he was the bosses’ son. Esteve goes on to explain that now he’ll be able to pay Cadmilho back for all his mistreatment. Esteve gets a chuckle out of Jacinto’s response to his English. (Jacinto definitely is the straight man here – straight man as in comedy!)

Santi and Fern return to the exploded cantina. They see Aurora’s bolsa and in his best Dr. Frankenstein impression he begins screaming, “She’s Alive! She’s Alive!”

Now Jass-into is pretty mad, screaming at Esteve about all this being Cadmilho’s fault. Esteve has to talk Jacinto into the plan. Esteve explains they have to teach Cad a lesson, and they also have to find out what Cad was looking for at Las Animas. Jacinto will also be taking a copy of Gonzo’s car insurance found in the car to make his point with Cad about who’s really the boss now! But Jacinto has to be careful to leave Franco out of the whole thing.

AnyBalls, Barb and Gonzo are congratulating each other after seeing the $10 million account balance in the bank. AnyBalls is gushing over how great Franco is – I think if Franco wanted to have AnyBalls baby like Prisci did, at this point AnyBalls is so in love with Franco that he wouldn’t have to be taken to see the high class prostitutes! Babs tells them about the big party in honor of the business deal.

Fr/Ed goes to see Graciela Palafox.

AnyBalls is on the phone telling somebody they can go ahead with the construction of the Cheese Factory. Enter Vlad to tell AnyBalls he’s going out to eat. Vlad looks weirded out and Babs wants to know what Damian’s friend is doing working there. Babs says she doesn’t trust him. AnyBalls says he’s taken precautions.

Vlad goes to get Florecita for lunch. She calls him “Vladi”, and asks if the lunch invitation is sincere. Vlad says it’s not an invitation, he’s begging. Florecita practically keels over with joy hearing this.

Franco is speaking with Simple Simon, Son of Ciro (say that 5 times fast!). He explains he’s a friend of dear old dads.

The goons are out in the middle of nowhere with Gardenia and they call Artemio Bravo for further instructions. He tells them to find out what she knows about what Manzanares found out about Franco Santoro and if she doesn’t want to talk, make her talk. She asks if Lucio sent them. Lucio quien? The Goon with the Brains tells her their friends of Rene Manzanares to make her feel more comfortable, and they only thing they want to know is what Manzanarez found in Fr/Ed’s house.

Enter Des-Graciela Palafox. Fr/Ed says he’s there because of the box Lili has. He explains that it was his families box. Franco asks if there were any papers in the box. Des-Graciela denies knowing anything about what he’s talking about. Simple Simon whispers in Mommy’s ear and she says now that her son refreshed her memory, she remembers there was a paper in the box but she can’t give it to him.

The Goon has a painful hold on Gardenia’s face, but she tells him she doesn’t know anything about what Manzanares found out. They don’t believe her. Karma’s a bitch Denia!

Vlad and Florecita chat at lunch about Grupo Lactos and the Elizalde Family. Vlad asks why AnyBalls is so happy today. Flor tells him it’s because of the deal the family made with a company from the United States and they received a lot of money today.

Desgraciela says the person whose name is on the paper knows where Ciro’s fortune is and it’s probably worth millions of dollars, and nobody but she and her son are entitled to this money. They think Ciro left all his money to Liliana. Graciela says if she doesn’t have the papers to Ciro’s fortune then she must know who does. She says she’ll give Franco his paper once he gets all the info on Ciro’s fortune out of Lili.

Goon #2 goes back to the truck to try to get more info out of Denia. The goons are playing good cop-bad cop with her now. She insists she knows nothing. Goon #2 leaves the truck.

Jassinto goes to see Cadmilho. Jass wants Cad to get off the horse to talk, but Cad’s not moving. Jassinto shows Cad the paper and if he wants to know what it is he’s got to get down off the horse.

The Goons put a bag with a big rattlesnake in the truck and lock Denia in.

Cad gets down off the horse and tells Jassinto that if this isn’t important he’s going to “marcar la cara” – mark up his face (with the whip I’m sure). Cad takes the paper out of Cinto’s hand. He sees what it is and wants to know where Jacinto got and why he has it. Cad yells at Jacinto that this has nothing to do with him and Jacinto threatens to take the rest of the papers to Franco Santoro.

Flor and Vladi return from lunch. He says he hopes they go again soon and kisses her hand. Florecita is plotzing at her desk.

At the Gym, Prisci is taking a Pilates class, when Vladi calls her. He wants to know how she and his baby are. He tells her Grupo Lactos isn’t broke anymore.

Cadmilho wants to know why Jacinto hasn’t told Franco Santoro. He says he didn’t want to lose his opportunity to do business directly with Cad. AnyBalls pulls up and gives the news to Cad about the $10 million from Franco. Cad eyeballs Jacinto suspiciously. After they leave, Jacinto thinks to himself, “I’m The Man, Man!”

Goons are back to see if Denia’s ready to talk and threaten to leave her alone with the snke again if she doesn’t. She’s ready to spill the frijoles now. She tells them that Manzanares found out that Franco Santoro is not his real name, his real name is . . . . Stay Tuned for tomorrow’s capitulo!!!

Labels: manana

Judy couldn’t find a substitute recapper so I’m posting a bare-bones emergency recap.

Pat and Candy meet with the judge for custody. The judge asks why she passed for dead for seven years.
Candy tells her wedding catastrophe.
P: You didn’t have the right to take my son.
C: It was your fault for cheating on me.
P: The one who suffered was Chava.
C: That’s why I let him know you.
P: After seven years. When you needed me.
C: No. My son doesn’t need a father.
Candy pretends to be the hero martyr for keeping Pat away from Chava.

Raúl & Sol pick up Beto from school. Chava has to go home with Ali.

Secretary Ratched has Santi nervous because she’s so harsh. Then she finds out he’s a plastic surgeon and she’s all charm. Then the other women in the office also want his attention. Santiago goes into flirting sales rep mode.

Raúl and Sol tell Beto they are getting married ASAP and taking him on their world trip.

The two witches take Chava and Roc to lunch. Ali explains the custody battle from her point of view.

Pat started the custody battle because he thought Santi was involved with the mafia. Don’t I have the right to know and raise my son, too? The judge says he will decide. Candy starts bawling, gets down on her knees, and begs Pat to relent. Tears work. Pat says he will not pursue custody.

Soon Santi is surrounded by women all clamoring for his attention. Just another typical day for Jaime Camil.

Raúl and Sol go to get a marriage license. Everything is fine until Beto realizes he has finals next week.

Candy comes out of the judge’s office to tell Santi that Pat has dropped the custody battle. Pat comes out and says he’ll give her the divorce too. Santi does a happy dance. Pat signs the papers dropping the suit. Pat suffers.

Beto tells Sol she can go on her trip. He’ll stay with his dad. She talks to Raúl later, undecided.

Pau tells Santi she left him, not for her career, but to be with Mario. Santi blows a gasket. He asks, as do we, why is she telling him this now? Roc comes in and asks why they are fighting.

Chava is depressed about the divorce.

Isa and Jaime bring friends to the restaurant. Meño tells Sven and Ole he needs lots of customers so he can pay his debts.

Pat tells his mom about his rough day while Ali the Exile looks on.

In a bar, Ali tells Pau she’s so happy that Pat is giving Candy a divorce. Pau says, “Great for you, rotten for me.” She also realizes Mario could return. Ali’s surprised they were amantes. Pau says she told Santi. Ali asks, “What, are you nuts?” Pau says she did it so that if Mario returns, .. I can’t figure out what she says. Some plot to win Santi. Ali says she’ll never pull it off. Besides, Pau’s dark side shows. By the way, Ali asks, who is Mario?

Santi and Candy decide that their problems are resolved and they can get married ASAP. They don’t realize there are still 16 episodes left.

Art visits Pat to tell him he’s closed all his business ventures and he’s now retired. Later Raúl and Pat ask if he can take care of Beto for a month. Pat’s glad to do it.

Luc takes Fred and two amigas to the restaurant. Charly is pissy and spills Fred’s drink on him. When the food arrives, Fred flips the plate onto Charly. Meet me outside.

Candy and Santiago do some serious kissing and serious flirting.

Art visits the Family Court judge. He wants Pat to get custody. What is the judge’s price?

Labels: Tontas

At the breakfast table, in her makeup that is careful to look like not wearing makeup, Barbara rudely tells Tomasa to get the hell out. She then says to herself that Artemio Bravo must be behind Aurora leaving, as she smashes up an egg.

Artemio tells his two henchmen to find Gardenia, when they have her, then go find Padre Bosco. They leave. Artemio calls Barbara and tells her to nix any business between Grupo Lactos and Powermilk. She wants to know if he has something to do with Aurora leaving town again and he tells her to shut it and mind her own beeswax.

Fr/Ed shows Fernanda her father’s car, she is full of shame. He says Camilo is an adult, she doesn’t have to feel responsible for him. She tells him how Barbara claimed it was stolen from some other place, she thinks everyone at her house is up to no good.

Barbara, in an uncharacteristic panic, tries to knock down the door to Santiago’s room to find Aurora and yells that she knows that Santiago has that “muchachita” hidden in there. Santiago opens the door and says “AURORA! HER NAME IS AURORA!” Hey Santiago, I thought you didn’t care?

Silvestre, looking quite healthy now, is walking past the burnt out cantina with some groceries. He joins the crowd of people trying to see what’s going on. Lots of corpses in body bags, full emergency response in progress here. Ambulances, fire truck, police, even what looks like a CSI crew (yeah right in novelaland).

Barbara has finally finished breakfast, she calls Fr/Ed and says she wants to meet him later at the Equestrian club. That place just looks like the track to me, nothing so fancy as a ‘club’.

Downstairs, Camilo tells Barbara that he saw tire tracks from his car, but they just ended like the car was lifted away by helicopter. She tells him to shut up and forget the whole thing before he causes a bigger problem, he shouldn’t have gone back there. He reminds her that if something happens and he goes down, he is taking her down with him.

Vladimir brings a bouquet of flowers to another flower, Florecita, at the front desk. When she leaves to find a vase for them, he snoops around her desk, pretending to use the phone. He sees some binder that looks like it’s full of important stuff. When she comes back he asks when she goes to lunch, she thinks he’s asking her out and is waaaay too excited by the prospect since Vlad is so creepy. He wasn’t, he wanted to know when her desk would be unoccupied, but he goes with the flow. Flor gets even more excited, it’s almost uncomfortable to watch. Does she go for the greasy slimy type? She didn’t get this excited when Fr/Ed first showed up.

Gardenia makes Esteve some pozole (yum – we actually have eaten that as Christmas dinner the last two years, both the Mexican and the gringo sides of the family can’t get enough of it). She proceeds to gripe about Fernanda, wishing Damian would return so she’d get back to him and leave Eduardo alone for her. Yeah right.

Fernanda complains about numerous things, then recalls that Soledad once told her that problems are cowards, that’s why they never arrive alone. How true! I liked that so I made a special point of writing it down. It doesn’t help when those problems arrive, but I like how it sounds. She says for instance right now so many problems are coming together, just like when her mother died, Liliana got committed, etc, way back when. They talk some more about Soledad, both getting emotional.

Silvestre announces that breakfast is ready, back at his house, and a fantastic pair of legs come out of the other room, turns out to be Venus. Unfortunately she is still wearing her cantina clown makeup, I am ready to see this actress look a little more classy to properly display her hotness. It’s in there, just hidden behind the hooker outfit. Aurora is there too, it turns out. Silvestre tells them what he saw at the cantina, then that he was able to verify that Jairo was one of the people killed. So at least nobody will be chasing them. They also have some other dead and wounded that haven’t been identified. Aurora immediately says she’s going there. God I hate her. I hate her so much. She hasn’t done anything but drag down every scene she has been in. She is like Bella from Twilight – it’s like the writer(s) keep trying to outdo themselves in every scene to see what horribly disastrous and self-destructive decision she can make THIS time. I really would not be sad to see her disappear, except then we have to have scenes with Santiago crying, which aren’t any better. Sigh.

Fernanda continues to whine about feeling alone, she also feels angry about her loneliness. Fr/Ed, because he wants a piece of that, calmly listens and comforts her. She is falling for it, because she says Fr/Ed is the only one who understands her.

Aurora finds some people at the cantina that confirm that Dominga died in the explosion. I was excited for a second because now we can end the endless back and forth for Aurora between Santiago and Dominga, but then I realized that Aurora would continue to furrow her brow and be a huge whiny pain in the butt one way or another.

Fr/Ed is about to plant a kiss on Fernanda when she spots Jacinto arriving, breaking the clinch. Fernanda says goodbye and as usual, doesn’t want Fr/Ed to walk her out. As she leaves Fr/Ed gives Jacinto the “dude you are cockblocking me” look and Jacinto gives him back the “dude I didn’t know!” look. Fr/Ed realizes he didn’t intend to have bad timing and laughs. Fern sits in her car and daydreams about Fr/Ed. She stops herself, saying that he is the boyfriend of her best friend. FINALLY! I have been waiting for someone to raise this point forever. Since the last time they were locking lips down by the river. I thought she just forgot, this is the first time she seems to have remembered. Poor Erika, she sees him once every two weeks for like five minutes at his house as he is on his way out, and she is convinced they are getting married.

Jacinto tells Fr/Ed all about the cantina bomb and that Jairo is dead.

Venus tells Silvestre the story of how they escaped, they were sneaking out the back way when the bomb went off. We see a flashback with some ragdolls comically flying through the air, supposing to be the two ladies.

Aurora goes to church and prays for Dominga. Whatever.

Santiago paints and broods.

Jacinto tells Fr/Ed and Esteve how he caught Camilo snooping around earlier and scared him off. He is obviously pleased to not have to kiss Camilo’s ass any longer. Hell yeah I would be too, after all this time.

In his office, Vlad talks to Damian on the phone. Fern arrives and he hangs up. She gives him the third degree about Damian, he is a horrible liar but she gets nothing out of him. She wants him to hunt Damian down, she’ll even pay.

Aurora goes to confession, but we don’t hear the details. I’m sure she’s confessing that she had to lie to Santiago, but she should be confessing to her endless stupid decisions. “Father I have continually done the most backward and idiotic thing I could possibly do in all situations, in spite of clear evidence of what the proper choices should have been.” Penance? A slap in the face every time she scrunches up her eyebrows, that is always the first sign of something ridiculous on the way.

Tomasa is now the one beating down Santiago’s door, he tells her to piss off but she finally says something about Dominga dying so he opens the door. He obviously wants to now go find Aurora, who he claims to not care about any more.

In Fr/Ed’s office, he, Jacinto, and Esteve discuss Gonzalo’s car. If Camilo happens to find it, Jacinto is supposed to say it just appeared there from nowhere. Fr/Ed tells Jacinto that he will start paying back to Camilo what he deserves. I vote for asskicking. Fr/Ed leaves to get to his meeting with Barbara.

Santiago runs outside, Fern is just getting home, he throws her back in the car to take him to town to see the cantina and look for Aurora.

Florecita swoons over Vladimir again later on, I don’t get it but whatever. I guess she is just desperate. He manages to get her to leave to get him coffee, he steals the binder that he saw there earlier and leaves the reception area.

Some engineer is telling Anibal by phone that they need money NOW or they will halt construction/repairs or something. Anibal demands to have a couple hours to get the money before they give up. Vladimir comes in and says he found some irregularities in Pris’s accounts and wants to talk about them. Anibal thought bubbles that he has to do something, he doesn’t want to look like a thief in front of his family with this Priscilla account information, he makes up some excuse to put Vlad off for a short while. Vlad changes speed and drops his lie, to start the rumor, that Flor is selling company secrets to their rival company.

Upon finding out that some victims are unidentified, Santiago is sure that one of the unknown dead is Aurora. Turns out Aurora is only 20 feet away, getting on a bus. Where is she headed, back to Hacienda Elizalde?

Artemio Bravo’s henchmen spy on Gardenia outside Las Animas using binoculars. Even from a distance her hips move the right way when she walks.

At the racetrack, Barb is on the phone when Fr/Ed arrives, he figures out right away that she isn’t really on a phone call, she is pretending to be a hardass with someone to keep Fr/Ed on his toes. He doesn’t buy any of it, so it was a waste.

Gardenia is walking down the road, the bad guy pull up and the driver distracts her while the other sneaks up on her and grabs her. They drive off, leaving her tote bag in the street. Do we know what’s inside it? The music and camera made it seem like it was important.

Barb finally gets off her fake phone call and tells Fr/Ed “deal’s off”.


Tomorrow – Fr/Ed shows Barbara how he transferred the money she asked for to Rebecca Sanchez’s account. Gardenia looks lovely even in captivity, again.

Labels: manana

Things are looking up tonight. Chava accepts Santiago, Rocío is on the verge of accepting Candy, Pau and Ali have been essentially neutralized, Pat is reconsidering his battle, Candy is ready to get married, and Santiago has been ready to get married for months. With 16 episodes left, we know the contentment can't last, but let's enjoy it while we can. Carpe capitulo!

From Friday, Pat overhears as Chava throws another tantrum, telling Candy that she loves Santi more than him. He runs away and crosses a boundary line (literal and figurative) into the path of a falling limb. Candy runs and pushes Chava out of the way. Because “the greatest mom on earth” raised a boy who ignores limits, the limb falls on Candy and knocks her out. Pat displays more intelligence than all of Mexidoon combined; he calls an ambulance immediately.

Isabel and Jaime are trying to revive Sven. Isabel says, “Say something!” Jaime says, “Don’t say that. He’ll send me to the devil!” Jaime is scared that Sven will hate him, but instead Sven just wants to give him a sweet hug, to a duet of “Frijolito!” and “Papa!” Fred, Luc, and Roc walk in. The girls are happy for them; Fred just looks constipated.

In a restaurant, with a flower vase that looks like a cauldron, the two witches are plotting. Ali says she can’t leave Pat because she loves him. Pua thinks she can manipulate Ali as easily as she pulls strings with the children, but she’s way out of her league. To drive that fact home, Ali stiffs Pau with the restaurant tab.

In their dining room, Jaime and Sven rehash their story with the family. Jaime tells how afraid he was that Sven would reject him. Sven tells his memories from childhood. They promise they will make up for all the time they’ve lost.

Pat is consoling Chava at the hospital. Santi runs in, followed by Meño, Greg and Charly. Santi dashes off to check her condition but not before thanking Pat for contacting him. In her hospital bed, a delirious Candy mumbles, “Nobody is going to take my son from me.” Santi skims her chart and looks worried. In the waiting room, Chava tells Abue that it was his fault. Pat confirms; Candy got hit while she was saving Chava. Pat says Candy could give her life for Chava because she loves him so much. Go Pat! He’s proving to Chava that he’s wrong to think his mama doesn’t love him, like he claimed in his tantrum in the park. Big contrast to how Pauline treats Rocío.

Santi reports to the family that Candy suffered a serious blow to the upper back. If it had been a bit higher, it would have.. He pauses, looks down at a scared little Chava, and detours his report: she’ll be able to return home soon. Now it’s Pat’s turn to give Santi a heartfelt thank you. They may be rivals but they honestly respect each other. Anyone want to join the Santi/Pat Admiration Society?

The office staff gets the call from Meño. The girls want to rush to the hospital, but Barb advises that now is the time for them to focus on their work, and it’s the time for the family to be together at the hospital.

Raúl takes Beto out for burgers after school. Notice that Beto is cheery and chattery when he has someone’s full attention. I think Chava and Roc usually overshadow him. Raúl wants to talk man-to-man. He’s going to ask Beto’s mom to marry him, and he wants Beto’s help with a surprise. The boy couldn’t be happier with the news. Raúl takes Beto to help select a ring. When they get back to the apartment, Raúl confesses to Beto that he’s terrified that Sol will say no, so they think good thoughts together.

Santi takes Chava to Candy’s room. He sees the machines, the neck brace, and the tubes, and he hugs Santi for strength. Santi answers his questions about the tubes and whether she’s conscious. Then Chava cuddles up to his mama, thanks her for saving him, and tells her how much he loves her. I’m surprised that, in true novela fashion, Candy didn’t waken at that moment.

Gregoria, Meño, and Charly join for a meeting of the Candy Admiration Society, as they tell each other how wonderful she is. Anyone want to join that society? Don’t all yell at once.

Pat goes to talk to the unconscious Candy. He tells her he still loves her and he wishes he had been the one to be injured. He allows himself to reflect on what a loss he suffered when he lost Candy. Getting ready to leave, he strokes her face. Then he kisses her forehead gently, looks at her up close, struggles with himself, and yields to the temptation to take advantage of her unconsciousness and kiss her on the lips. This is when Candy awakens at just the right moment. She tells Pat not to kiss her.

Out in the waiting room, Greg knows something happened between Pat and Candy. Pat won’t answer. Pat says Chava can stay with him while Candy recovers. While Santi listens, Chava asks if his dad would mind if he stayed at Rocío’s house instead. GOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!! Chava has moved onto Team Santi. One down, one to go. Pat says they need to ask Santi first. Santi pokes his head around the corner and says that’s fine with him, but the decision is Pat’s. Then Santi retreats around the corner again to give Pat the privacy he needs with his son. Note the difference in how Santi respects the space of Pat-n-Chava, in contrast to how he dealt with Pat-n-Patito at the baptism party.

Now it’s Santi’s turn to visit Candy. She’s glad Chava is okay, he loves her endlessly, blah, blah, blah. She’s worried that Pat will take Chava. She thinks he was following her to gather evidence against her.

Ole shares Sven’s joy at finding out that Jaime is his father. He can’t believe that now he has a complete family. Ole recommends that he tell his mother. Meanwhile Jaime tells Isa how glad he is that Donato interfered. Chava arrives. As he tells Roc about his eventful day, isn’t it nice to see that Rocío is not Miss Centro Universo? First she’s concerned that Chava got hurt, then she feels bad that Candy got hurt. Roc, the smart one, concludes that Candy is not a bad person. Chava says she’s like an angel. Pau is listening at the door and doesn’t like this development.

Soledad arrives home and finds her apartment filled with flowers and a beautiful table laid, but the room is empty. She sees the jeweler’s box on her plate. She opens it and sees the ring, and she starts crying. Beto enters in a suit and asks her if she wants to marry Raúl. Raúl enters, also crying, and repeats the question. She accepts, he puts the ring on her, and they kiss while Beto watches. He’s patient with all that kissing stuff, but when it goes too long, he interrupts them with, “She accepted!” Then we have a grammar lesson on the conjugation of aceptar.

At work the next day, Sol shows off her ring to the staff. She says they intend to get married within a month. Lulu asks if she’s pregnant and everyone is embarrassed about such a delicate question. Sol doesn’t answer and they don’t know how to react. But then she laughs and says, “Of course not!”

Over breakfast, Raúl tells Ed that he’s getting married. Ed tries to talk him out of it. Marriage is the loss of your freedom and the end of your life. Ed got married because nobody warned him. Raúl asks Ed what’s really bothering him. It’s that things aren’t getting any better with Chayo.

Candy goes to the Family Court judge to ask for a meeting with Patricio so they can discuss these matters directly. She’s tired of the uncertainty. The judge says that if she does that, she risks losing custody. At least I think that’s what was said. She begs for an appointment as soon as possible. He tells her things are not done that way. She tries to explain that doesn’t matter. She’s Miss Centro Universo and things must be done her way. At home, Pat reflects on Candy saving Chava.

At school, Beto reads his essay to the class. It says he loves his mother and he wants her to be happy. She has been happy since Raúl came, and Beto likes playing with him too. Last night they got engaged and they cried from happiness. Then Chava reads his essay about how his mother saved him from the limb and how much she loves him. All this is working on Rocío and it looks like she’s about to switch sides too.

At the office, Candy prays that she gets custody and Pat gives her the divorce. I have several serious problems with her prayer, but I’ve complained enough about Candy for one recap.

The office staff updates Candy on what’s happened while she was out.

Raúl gets an e-mail inviting him to a conference in Vienna. Afterwards he would continue to “Asia” to investigate new technology and consider updating his equipment. (To do list: flight reservations. Destination airport: Asia.) The problem is, he has to leave next week. When he tells Sol that they have to change their plans, she’s afraid he’s backing out. Quite the contrary. He wants to get married in two days, and the trip will be their honeymoon.

Agent Rossini calls on Santiago. His friend has located Marissa and they are just a step away from finding his son. But when Rossini shows Santi the fees, Santi is truly stunned. And that’s only the initial payment! (The statement lists a numbered account into which to deposit the payment. Does this sound fishy to anyone?) Santi fumbles a bit but he knows that finding his son is worth any price. He’ll shift funds tomorrow to cover it. When he tells Candy, she’s also astounded at the cost. They joke about having to live in sleeping bags in the park.

Gregoria is cleaning house and flirting with Art on the phone when a process server brings a summons to family court for Candy. Candy goes into a panic that she’ll lose Chava. She says if that happens she’ll die. Gee, imagine how Pat must feel, having his son taken from him for all those years. Not that that matters.

Pat gets a summons as well. When he realizes it’s for today, he’s stressed. He knows he can’t delay his decision any longer, and he prays for direction.

Candy snipes at Pat in the lobby of Family Court. She tells him she doesn’t care what the judge says, Pat’s not taking Chava. Oh, that Candy. She’s such a card, bless her heart.

The two witches chatter as they go get the kids from school. Ali’s just glad she’s not at the house changing diapers and listening to the brat cry all day. When the kids come out, Pau tells Chava that his mom is in court to see who he is going to live with.

Santi tries to talk to the secretary at the court, but she blows him off. He tries good manners, then humor, then friendliness, then charm. Nothing works. A regular Nurse Ratched. Then he makes noises in his chair just to annoy her.

No previews for tomorrow.

Labels: Tontas