Caray, Caray!

(by Jody - substitute recapper for CherylNM)

* Barb talks with Camilo about Gonzo and their problem.

* Vladimir calls to annoy Priscilla, who is at home in bed. He keeps calling her "Gordita" and it annoys her. He's concerned about her and their baby. She just wants him to leave her alone and stop calling her. Damian realizes she's on the phone and wants to talk with her. She tells Vladimir it's okay. Damian takes the phone receiver from Vladimir and asks Priscilla for a huge favor, in the best interests of him, Vladimir, her and her baby. He asks her to plant some confidential papers from Grupo Lactos in the offices of Prolasa.

* Barb and Camilo continue their discussion about Santi and Aurora - they plan on a way to separate the two lovebirds so Aurora leaves the hacienda forever. Camilo agrees to the plan and leaves the office. Barb grins in contentment.

* Venus goes to office and meets with Steve. She is very interested and discusses what to call him - Mister (like Se~or or Don). Steve tells her about his and Franco's discussion over her job work. She's totally intrigued. He refers to "Mata Hari" and she thinks he wants her to kill someone which she refuses to do. He explains that he and Franco want her to be a seductive spy at their party.

* Tomasa tells Barb in the home office that Macario is on the phone, and says that Fey was at the summer house with a guest and left something behind. Barb tells her to tell him don't worry, it's fine. Barb asks where Fer is now. Tomasa says she left the house.

* Outside in the garden, Santi paints a new portrait of Aurora. They talk as he works. He asks her to marry him. She's stunned. They stop - gaze longingly into each other's eyes - they hold hands -- Camilo looks stunned as he spies from the living room window -- Santi and Aurora kiss. They love each other - she wants to wait, just long enough so they can know each other better. He agrees.

* Steve and Venus continue their discussion about what he and Franco want Venus to do at the party. Venus is confused and Steve explains that she is to be totally professional, no sex or love, just seduce the mystery man into falling in love with her.

* Franco arrives at the summer house. He meets Fer outside in the driveway and shows her the birth certificate for Don Artemio Bravo.

* Priscilla packs up her purse and is on the phone assuring Vladimir that she'll do the favor and will meet with Damian for the papers.

* Gonzo and Anibal are in a heated debate over whether or not Flor, the long-time trusted receptionist, is an evil spy or not. Anibal sticks to his decision to fire her. Gonzo is frustrated and angry at his son's stubbornness and stomps out of the office.

* Fer asks Franco about the importance of the certificate. Franco explains that it pertains to Don Artemio Bravo and that this evil shadow looms over the misery of Lili's life. Fer is confused and needs more information and details. Franco refuses to divulge anything specific and they change the subject to discuss getting Lili away from the clinic and getting her the actual medical help she needs. Fer tells Franco that she will help him.

* Barb arrives at the summer house and spies on Fer and Franco outside talking. She grumbles about Fer's secret meeting spot as Macario spooks her with a friendly greeting. She grumbles to herself but is polite and courteous to the old handyman. He wonders why she or Don Gonzo haven't been at the house for a long time. She tells him to return to his work. He says what work, no one comes to visit. She agrees to keep him company.

* Inside the living room, Franco explains to Fer that they need to take Lili to a safe house where she can be comfortable and cared for by friends. Fer wonders if he has someplace specific in mind. He won't give details, only that he has a debt to repay in regards to Lili. Fer is curious. Franco thought bubbles his memory about his mom's request.

* Barb takes Macario for a ride in her SUV through the wooded area. He's curious where they are going. She only says she needs his opinion about the property. They stop and she asks him to look around and tell her if some property is worth buying. They take a long walk.

* Franco and Fer discuss the plan for Lili's care and rehab. He says if she agrees, he can have Lili out of the clinic tonight - Dr. Obregon will agree to it. Fer is stunned and has multiple doubts about it working, and doesn't want the guilt of being an accomplice if the plan fails in anyway.

* At the apartment, Damian hands Priscilla the folder and tells her to hide it in the desk of a long-time employee of Prolasa. Priscilla is stunned, upset and refuses to do it. Damian explains that she's as deceitful as he is, she's carrying Vladimir's baby and pretending it's Anibal's. She reluctantly takes the folders and slams the door as she leaves.

* On the cliff in the middle of the woods, Barb asks Macario to take a good look at the property. He can't see anything through all the trees and leaves. She has him sit down and look carefully. As he sits and tries to look, Barb uses her stilleto heeled foot to shove Macario down the cliff.

* Aurora pets and talks with the horse in the stables. Camilo finds her and instructs her on the proper way to brush the horse. She is excited and loves horses. Camilo starts to flirt and asks her if she wants to go horseback riding with him.

* In the kitchen at Las Animas, Steve continues to explain to Venus the plan of seduction - to flirt with the mystery man and seduce him into falling for her but without her falling for him. She wonders about more detailed instruction - Steve says if she agrees to the plan, he will be her personal tutor and transform her from Venus the tramp into a lady of culture and class. Venus understands the job - she's intrigued - takes a moment and then accepts.

* Barb drives back to the summer house alone, grumbling to herself.

* Outside the summer house, Fer talks with Franco about life, secrets and movie fantasies. Franco has a brief thought bubble about the memory of Barb finding him and Fer kissing in the old granary (troje viejo). He only tells Fer a vague description of his memory.

* Camilo and Aurora go off for their ride - on the same horse.

* Fer and Franco walk down to the island in the garden. He asks if she's ever been in love. She laughs and says believe it or not, once in my childhood. He wonders if he appeared like this. He takes her head in his hands and plants a long, passionate, irresistible kiss on her lips. Just at that moment, Barb wanders through the well-manicured tree line and spies on the couple kissing passionately. Barb looks disgusted by the sight. Franco and Fer continue to kiss. Barb turns and walks away, occasionally turning back to spy on the lingering kiss. Franco and Fer stop kissing - Franco apologizes for his impulsiveness and for confusing his dreams with reality. Fer says he has nothing to apologize for - she should apologize. They mention responsibilities and she mentions her guilt and mixed emotions over her past with Eduardo.

* Barb continues to look over her shoulder as she walks quickly and quietly back to her SUV. She climbs in and drives away.

* Margie tries to cheer up her cousin Flor as they cook in her cottage kitchen. Flor is still upset over being fired by Anibal; she's also uneasy staying at the house. Margie tells her they are happy she's there with them. Flor has a light-bulb moment and remembers flirting with Vladimir - she's smitten with him and thinks he is interested in her. Margie is stunned.

* Vladimir returns to the apartment with a bouquet of roses. Damian tells him that Priscilla left. He's upset and thinks she left because of Damian. Vladimir scolds Damian for abusing Priscilla. Damian fights back and tells him that he got Vladimir together with Priscilla in the first place. They argue. Damian threatens Vladimir not to double-cross him.

* Barb returns home and yells for Tomasa, who scurries nervously to attention. Barb orders her to find Camilo and tell him she needs to see him immediately.

* Camilo and Aurora return to the stables after their ride. Santi asks her where she went. She enthusiastically tells him about the horseback ride. Santi isn't thrilled.

ADVANCE: Barb grumbles to Camilo about Fer and Franco's budding romance; Erika continues with her illusions of being with Franco Santoro.

Labels: manana

Special thanks to the heroes of YouTube, without whom this recap would not have been possible. Or at least not as thorough. I still didn't get everything, so please feel free to fill in the bits that I missed.

(Selected scenes consolidated for narrative/reading convenience)

Rerun of the end of Venus's interview, and Esteve being coy with FrEd about his plans for her.

In the Elizalde kitchen, Florecita tells Fernanda about the bizarre accusation against her. She was the only one with the keys to the files. Of course she didn't give them to anyone. Nanda thinks it must have been a horrible mistake. She trusts Florecita.

Santi comes into the kitchen and, seeing Florecita so weepy, asks what's going on. Flor says it's nothing. Fernanda promises Flor and Margarita that she'll look into this.

Flor and Marg leave Santi and Fer in the kitchen with Tomasa and another woman. Santi wants Fer to come to his studio to talk. His wish for privacy worries Fer. "It's about our father," he explains even more worrisomely.

Esteve has just told FrEd his plan. Whatever it is (we don't know yet), FrEd thinks it's truly crazy. Esteve triumphantly says that FrEd's reaction just proves that it's a brilliant idea.

(I don't get what FrEd says here - is it something about TV? And Esteve says, "not you.")

FrEd still doesn't like it. Esteve says to let Venus decide. She was clear with them that this is the only thing she's known how to do in her life. What they can offer is more dignified. FrEd says it's more dangerous, too. Esteve says it's not much more dangerous that what she did in Jairo's cantina.

FrEd reluctantly agrees to let Esteve pitch the idea to Venus. He takes out his bag and tells Esteve that he's going to investigate the secret that his mother took to her grave. Esteve is intrigued.

In his studio, Santi is telling Fer about his talk with Gonzo. He's never heard his dad talk that way before. He was saying that Santi's siblings are becoming strangers to him and he doesn't consider them trustworthy. Fer says that things are changing - for the worse.

There's a knock at Aurora's door. It's a sour-faced maid I don't recognize. She has some towels and asks to come in to leave them. All smiles, Aurora thanks her and says it's no bother - she'll take the towels herself. The maid leaves, seemingly miffed.

Aurora takes the towels into the bathroom. The camera pans down to the floor as Aurora stoops to the cabinet to put the towels away. She stands, and this is the first she or we see of the mirror over the sink. She shrieks and jumps back - a drippy, blood-colored cross has been painted on the mirror! Aurora is bien impactada.

Fer tells Santi that she's noticed that a lot of strange things have happened since her wedding, and now she's got a bad feeling, like there's a storm coming. Santi presses for details, but she can't offer any. It's just conjecture and impressions; not something specific. She doesn't want to poison his mind with things that might not be true.

Santi says their father told him that Franco Santoro isn't trustworthy. Fer says, "I'm going to tell you everything." He has to promise not to tell anyone else in the family what they've discussed. She says she'll tell him, but not now.

He asks her if she trusts Franco. She says she'd trust him with her eyes closed. She's sure he's an honest person.

She asks what's up with him and Aurora. He says it's like a story from a telenovela. Just then, Aurora comes to the door totally freaked out, babbling about the bathroom mirror. They run to look.

Camilo is riding a horse around and screeching at it in his usual charming way. (Supposedly, he has a reputation as a great horseman. Maybe they call him the Horse Screecher.) Babs shows up and demands to know what he was discussing with Jacinto earlier. He tells her it was nothing important. She makes a sarcastic comment about him having heartfelt chats with employees. Camilo is defensive.

Babs tells Camilo, "in case you haven't noticed, we're in danger." Camilo thinks she's exaggerating. Babs says no, Jacinto is totally on Team Franco, and Franco's been going against them at the company. And she thinks Camilo's conversation with Jacinto looked suspicious.

Camilo admits that Jacinto found Dad's car. Camilo himself has no idea where it is. Babs is sure Franco is behind it. However, Camilo thinks that if that were true, Franco would have canceled the deal with Grupo Lactose Intolerance. Babs says something about Franco being strange? Camilo says Jacinto said he'd leave him alone if he told him why Barb took the blame for the theft of the car. She thinks Santoro is interested in more than the Elizalde fortune. She's sure he's looking for something else too. That's why he's so dangerous. For now, they need to play along with his game and do what they can to convince Gonzo and the others without coming off as paranoid.

And he's going to need to continue humoring Jacinto, too. Camilo isn't happy about this. She reminds him that whatever he says to Jacinto, it will be like they're saying it directly to Franco Santoro.

Not surprisingly, the bloody cross has already been washed off of Aurora's mirror. Fernanda asks Aurora if she didn't just see a reflection or lights or something, but Aurora insists that it was a cross of blood. She realizes that someone must have painted it and then washed it off. Fer chalks it up to yet another bizarre happening. Santi says it was a very tasteless joke.

Aurora says it was no joke. Someone's wishing evil on her. Fer agrees, but Santi says it was only to frighten them. Nothing's going to happen. It's just a bad joke. Some employee must have done it. Fer says she'll talk to Tomasa and find out if she knows anything. She reassures Aurora that nothing will happen to her. Santi tells Aurora that no one in the family would play such a mean trick. They're not THAT awful, he laughs.

FrEd is discussing Artemio Bravo with Padre Bosco. FrEd thinks Bravo must be a very powerful man. He moved his office just to avoid meeting them. Bosco doesn't think that means he's powerful. If Bravo took the trouble to move his office, it's because he was afraid he'd be recognized.

Franco hadn't even thought of that! He asks if his mother ever said if she (or he?) was related to Bravo. Bosco says he can't repeat things that were discussed in a confessional. (Ah, so they DID discuss it?) All he can tell Franco is that Soledad lived in torment.

I miss the next part of the conversation (help!! I think it's important! something about "the man of her life"?? I had a lot of trouble with this scene.) Franco says he has a right to face this enemy. There's an enemy involved who wants to do away with both of them., without compassion. They can either wait to be victimized, or find them. He thinks he knows how to do it. He asks for a blessing. Bosco says he can have it as long as he doesn't hurt anyone.

Fernanda tells Tomasa to make sure that no one goes into the bedrooms except Tomasa and Berta. (I don't know which one Berta is; did she bring the towels?) She also asks if the doctor has come to see Pris; Tomasa says he's with her now.

The doctor is telling Pris take it easy for a few days and not make any sudden movements. She can get out of bed, but no exertion, no driving, and no exercise. Stay as calm as possible. Call if something new happens, and keep taking her medicine, he adds.

Pris talks to the baby. The danger has passed, and she can't wait to hold the baby in her arms.

Vladi has wasted no time with those filing cabinet keys. He's already looking through everything, and is crouched behind the main desk when Gonzo comes off the elevator and begins speaking to Florecita. (He takes her so much for granted that he doesn't even notice that she's not standing there.) Vlad pops up with his nose in a notebook. Gonzo asks where Flor is. "I fired her," Anyballs says as he enters the lobby. "I've been waiting for you so I could tell you," he says.

Before Gonzo can reply to that, Fernanda shows up and asks Gonzo why he fired Flor. "I just found out about it this moment," Gonzo says. Vlad has a guiltier than usual look on his face.

Fernanda is chewing Anyballs out in his office for accusing this girl who's worked for them for so many years. "How can you think she sold it?" she asks. "Giving it away is even worse," Ani jokes. Gonzo tells him he shouldn't have made this decision without consulting him. Fernanda says they should investigate whether it's even true or not. (Vlad is listening at the door, not that it's hard to hear all of the yelling.) But then what would you expect from a guy who isn't even worried about his wife and baby being in danger, she adds. She insists that they do an investigation.

Vlad ducks into his office to call Damian to warn him that Fernanda is going to investigate Flor's firing which Vlad never agreed with anyway. Damian says it can be fixed with Pris's help. Vlad doesn't want her to be involved, but Damian says Pris's family will find the proof that will implicate Florecita.

Next, Franco goes to the Palafox home. The woman who answers the door tells him that Mrs. P isn't out of bed yet. "Tell her it's about the patents," he says. The maid scurries off with the good news.

Ciro's wife and son want to hear all about the patents. FrEd admits he only mentioned patents to get their interest. What they're really going to talk about is money. Mrs. Palafox says they're the same thing. She wants to know how much. 100,000 dollars, he says. They seem happy with this figure. The money's all in his bag. All they have to do is give him whatever they found in the box.

Mrs. Palafox asks Franco if he knows what was in the box. He doesn't. Simon comes back with her handbag. She hopes he won't feel cheated when he sees it; she doesn't think it's worth anything. He says that's okay; it's his risk to take. She hands over the birth certificate. "Artemio Bravo," Franco breathes.

Can you get anything out of this picture I grabbed off of YouTube? Near the bottom, I see "Artemio Bravo," and the rest of his name (his mother's last name) is inconveniently out of frame.

In the upper corner, the last two lines are "Bravo" and "Artemio," but I can't read the rest of what's up there either. It would be nice if Ed would read it to us, but no such luck.

Fernanda checks in with Pris on her office phone and promises to see her later. She hangs up, and then whacks her shin against some part of her desk. (Unscripted, I presume.) She picks up her cell phone and says out loud that Franco needs to know what's been happening. Then she decides not to call him.

Gonzo has a guest in his office - his lawyer. "I never thought it would come to this point," Gonzo says. He's come to the painful realization that he needs protection from his own children.

Fernanda ends up calling FrEd after all. She wants to talk. He agrees to meet her at the bungalow in a few hours.

Barbara finds Aurora admiring some statues and says she'd expect an artist like her to appreciate art. She expects Aurora will invite the whole Elizalde family to her next exhibition. Barb strokes Aurora's bangs and thought-bubbles "pathetic loser, you're no more a sculptor as I am a nun." Aurora tells her that Santi is painting in his studio. Barb says it's a pleasure to see her face around here and she's glad she and Santi have something so solid.

Barb asks Aurora to call her by her name and confides that she's not Santi's favorite person, but he's her favorite of the stepchildren. Camilo interrupts and tries to flirt with Aurora. Barbara reminds him that she's Santi's girlfriend. He just wants to welcome her to the family. He plants a slimy kiss on her cheek which fails to delight. "Santiago just brought you here and now he's abandoned you? Very bad," he clucks. Aurora is uncomfortable. Barb enjoys the awkwardness.

Camilo tells Aurora how glad he is that she came back. Hopefully she'll stay longer. "It was Santiago's idea," she says without enthusiasm and excuses herself.

"You like her, right? Barb asks Camilo. He giggles stupidly.

Gonzo wants to know how to protect Barb's future if something happens to him. The lawyer is shocked. Well, just imagine how I feel, Gonzo says. The lawyer says the family's always been so harmonious. Gonzo says money's come between them. Surprised, the lawyer says they've always had "resources." Gonzo says there was this economic matter, and a new investor named Franco Santoro involved in the company.

"You're thinking of disinheriting your children?" the lawyer asks. Gonzo says no, he's just protecting his wife. The lawyer says it's just that Gonzo seems very upset, and he shouldn't make a decision now that he'll regret later. Gonzo angrily says he won't regret it. Otherwise he'll die, and she'll be helpless. The lawyer says he can dispose of his things however he pleases, but asks him to think about it for a few days.

Gonzo wants to leave 75% to his wife, and the rest to the kids. The lawyer thinks that's drastic. "I'm aware of that," Gonzo snaps. The lawyer says that once he signs a revised will, his wife could leave him or the kids practically in the street. (Doesn't Gonzo have to die first? Did I miss something?) Gonzo insists that she's moral and honest and loyal and would never do such a thing.

Mrs. Palafox tells Franco there wasn't anything else in the box except for that piece of paper. She asks if that paper tells him anything. He repeats that he doesn't know if it's worth anything. Mrs. Palafox wonders why he paid so much for it, then. He says he's okay with it for now; he believes it was a good deal.

Simon asks about the patents. FrEd says he doesn't really know anything about any patents, but he knows that Ciro was a great chess player. "What does that have to do with it?" Mrs. P asks. Something like he was the king of the chessboard... the king has limited movement and very little power, but it's the most important piece in the game.

(The Palafoxes stare at him blankly. Their total lack of recognition in this conversation tells us and FrEd that Ciro never gave them any clues to the inheritance and definitely did not intend for them to get anything.)

In this game, FrEd says, if you lose the king, like in this case the white king lost his head, then that's the end of the game. Surprising, eh? He leaves.

Simon is worried. Mrs P. tells him, "that man's even crazier than your father." Then they admire the money.

Erika comes back from a jog. Her mother is loafing around outside on a cloudy day in sunglasses and a dressing-gown. It's only by the grace of God she was able to get up today, she says. Yesterday she was the happiest woman in the world, believing she would have a baby, and it was all a lie. She's feels like a worthless decrepit old woman. Erika tries to cheer her up, saying millions of women experience menopause. Dolly doesn't care about millions of women. Her life has become a drama. Erika says the doctor said she'd feel fine with hormone therapy. Dolly thinks the doctor is totally wrong. The problem is that her husband is going to dump her in favor of a younger woman.

Vlad calls Pris to make sure she's okay and find out if she needs anything. She doesn't want to be called Gordita and is impatient with his questions about her medicine and sleep. "I was sleeping so soundly until your call woke me." "Really?" asks the gullible dupe. He's sorry. He wants to know about her dreams. Damian walks in on Vlad and asks for the phone. He wants a favor "for us - all four of us" (him, Vlad, her, and the baby). He wants her to put some confidential information about Grupo Lactos in her brother's desk.

Santi and Aurora are outside. "I hope they last," Camilo says. Babs disagrees. She tells Camilo that Gonzo doesn't like Aurora. "Since when does my father have an opinion about Santiago's girlfriends? Please!" Babs says he always worries about his children, but this time she's inclined to agree. She hopes their relationship is disrupted. Camilo's face turns a darker shade of orange as he relishes the prospect of being the agent of this deception.

Camilo asks Babs if she really wants Santi and Aurora's relationship to end. She's not right for the family, Babs says. Camilo says he can help open Santi's eyes. Babs says even more important, make your dad feel better. "I'll help my little brother," Camilo says and leaves.

Babs snickers privately. "Like always, you took the bait."

Next time:
Babs sees Fernanda kissing FrEd.

Bonus avances from the youtube version (I'll be obnoxiously vague to avoid spoiling): Barb helps an old man make a difficult trip. Venus tells Esteve she'd do it for free. Vlad worries about Pris.

Labels: manana

Alternative title: Marissa Goes Splat! And That's That.

Jeez, I thought this was supposed to be a reasonably light-hearted comedy. Really wasn't on board for that horrible drop off the balcony, pool of blood underneath Marissa's head, or the gruesome hospital scenes. Not exactly 7 pm viewing material in my opinion. But why quibble? Let's just resume what happened and move on.

Santiago is pacing in the hospital with Paulina hanging on to him like a limpet. The detectives (one of whom played a smarmy, corrupt politician in Guapos) tell him that Marissa is in grave condition and could die at any moment. No problem with police though. They explained everything.

Scene change: Candy is calling Santi's house for any news and being semi-hysterical. Still a little bit "it's-all-about-me" going on with her.

Back to the hospital. Santiago is trying to talk to Marissa (truly gruesome-looking in these scenes). Paulina is draped all over him and wants to know what he feels for the injured woman. "Compassion and guilt" are his replies. Guilt because, even though he tried to save her, he didn't. Paulina, playing her part to perfection, says piously, We must pray that she'll recover consciousness and tell us something. Marissa suddenly takes a turn for the worse and Santiago starts pressing frantically on her chest. I've taken CPR many times and seems to me he's pressing way too high up....but whatever.

Another scene change: We're back at Patricio's . Meño and Gregoria have joined them and they're hearing about Pato's accident. Was he hit by a hurricane?...well, the hurricane was Chava. Chuckles all 'round.

Again, with the hospital and Santiago fretting while Paulina hangs on for dear life. Detectives have no clue as to the baby's whereabouts.

Noisy scene now. Eduardo and Chayo are at the lawyer's office and so busy screaming at each other that nothing gets done.

But back at the hospital, Paulina seems to be making headway. She's brought Santiago a little "cafecito" and delivers it while leaning intimately on his knee. Far from brushing her off, he admits he wouldn't have wanted to be alone through all this, and he appreciates that she's being a "real friend". She gently reminds him that he should call home and let his folks know how things are. And, gulp, he should call Candy too. (Well played, Paulina!) He doesn't call her though, just his mom.

The detective now is holding up a hand recorder to Marissa's mangled mouth but her garbled and painful words are impossible to understand.

At Patricio's house, Candy gets the call from Isabella telling her about the London situation. Chava suggest that since Santiago hasn't found his baby, maybe they could give him Patito. (Sledgehammer Irony here). Patricio doesn't think it's a good idea and even Beto wants to hang on to the little bugger.

Chayo and Lalo's fight continues, meanwhile. He won't GIVE her a divorce but he COULD divorce her. And on what grounds? Abandonment of the home and adultery with Osvaldo. After more shouting, they decide on a pact (which he agrees to with his fingers crossed behind his back). He'll hide at her apartment. If anything fishy happens with Osvaldo, he'll be proved right. If not, he'll have to give her a divorce. Agreed.

Tensions are getting relieved at Patricio's house. First, an explanation of why Margarita flew the coop. She was tending an aunt who was in intensive care. Grandma is back now but can't be expected to handle three children on her own (Amen to that!) but then the situation changes when a summons appears and it turns out to be a notice that Candy has been granted custody of Chava. High-pitched squeals of delight.

In the hospital, Marissa keeps trying to talk. She manages to get out three words....Santiago....Alicia....baby. Of course the detectives are clueless. WHAT COULD THIS MEAN? Gotta string this out, you know.

Lalo's still trying to soften Chayo's heart....or at least get a drink, crimenently! Alas there's only water in the house so he trudges off to the bedroom to hide, awaiting Osvaldo's arrival and expected perfidy. More disappointment with the bedroom TV. No adult channels. Jeez! But the bed is comfortable. Osvaldo arrives with a plate of cheese and ham and a bottle of red wine. Hmmm....looks more like a date than a tutoring session. We shall see.

Santiago isn't making any more sense of the clues than the detectives. He doesn't think that Alicia and Marissa know each other so why would she mention her? The detectives promise to follow up any leads and have some experts listen further to the tapes though.

Flip again to a tender good-bye twixt Candy and Patricio. She can believe him now. He really didn't want to take Chava away from her and she tells him "te quiero mucho". (you're very dear to me). He wishes she could care for him the way he cares for her but....anyway, he would never want to hurt her. She promises that she'll keep Chava close to him, and that he can have him even more than twice a week if he wishes. They end by smiling at each other and saying "Equipo" (we're a team). We break for a slew of ads on a positive note.

And come back to dreadful drama. Marissa is dying...in spite of Santiago's frantic instructions to "breathe, breathe!". She manages a few parting words though. "You tried to save me....you were always a good man....A tear rolls down her cheek. He begs her to tell him where the baby is. She shakes her head and seems to be saying "What you did, what you did..." (closed captions failed at this point) and then she flat lines. Santi frantically calls for a doctor in English.

And boom, we're back in comedy territory with Lalo falling asleep as Osvaldo drones on and on about Freud and frigidity (He could do my job, muses Eduardo. He puts people to sleep!). Of course what he doesn't see is Osvaldo reaching for Chayo's hand....and Chayo pushing him away.

Remember Hombre's Friday title Act Your Age? Well, Candy and Chava are having a little love talk and clearly Chava makes more sense than his mom. Why aren't you and Santi getting married if you love each other? he asks. Er, because we had a fight and got mad at each other so he doesn't want to be with me anymore.

If you get mad at me, will you stop loving me, queries Chava. No, of course not! Then why is it different with adults? Well, we're more complicated. RIDICULOUS. But they have to string this out a few more days, so hang on. Act like you buy that silly explanation for now.

The hospital scene become surreal. The doctor's efforts to revive Marissa have failed. Nothing more to be done. Santiago starts pounding on Marissa's chest. Forgive me, but all I could think of was "abuse of a corpse". Found this scene really off-putting. But I suppose we are supposed to sense how frantic and hopeless and out of control Santiago is now feeling. But still, ugh....

Another ad and when we come back, we see the real Paulina. She's talking to someone on the phone, complaining about having to hang around the hospital all the time and not a minute to go shopping! What's a shallow fashion maven to do!? Santiago joins her, gives her the news that Marissa has died and all hope of finding his son is lost. He remembers the baby's ultra-sound, listening to the heartbeat, putting up the safety gate on the stairs, building the playhouse, and then the gruesome video where Marissa told him he'd never see his son alive.

Alright. Another change of pace. We knew Osvaldo would eventually make a mistake and he's pushing it now, insisting on a little kiss, unable to understand that Chayo's not interested. An enraged Lalo bursts out of the bedroom and lays claim to not only Chayo but the cheese and the wine, if possible. Osvaldo, all petulant now, snarls "I leave you to him. You deserve him."

Lalo's ready to settle in with the cheese dip and the drinks, but Chayo kicks him out as well. She doesn't want to see him till the day of the divorce. And she's keeping the cheese!

Back to Santiago. More despair. More clinging by Paulina. More promises by detectives to follow up on information and listen to the tape more fully. Next scene is on the plane where Santiago has one of those prophetic dreams and realizes the strange coincidence of Marissa leaving and then Alicia returning with a baby. The penny has dropped! Some more comic folderol with Camil abusing the air hostess call button and still more Paulina drapery but that's it for now.

Back at Meño's house, Gregoria has received a letter from Alicia saying she's finally found a guy who really loves her and values her. But no return address. Guess this is supposed to keep us on tenterhooks.

Now we're at the restaurant. Jaime is playing. Frijolito is singing. Nice tone but painfully flat. Oh well. The Institutas have arrived all together for dinner and Chayo is protesting that she never knew Osvaldo had the hots for her. The rest can't believe how dense she is. There's some man-bashing along the lines of "all they ever think about is south of the Equator" when Candy gets all sentimental and says, I found someone whom I could really talk to, walk hand in hand with....Santiago. Sigh. So Chayo, if you love Eduardo, try and work out your marriage. Don't divorce. Barb points out the obvious...that Candy and Santiago could also still make a go of it. Duh. And lastly, Lulu reminds everybody that actually "sex is good". Of course, she's only going on hearsay. Whatevah. We have totally covered the relationship question. Moving on.

Santiago is still in the plane with devious Paulina but he's dreaming of Candy holding the baby and then him holding Patito. Paulina finally decides to divulge that she knows where Alicia is....with Mario...in New York. Of course she doesn't admit scheming with Alicia to off-load Mario but she does agree to call and get their address when they land. More points for Paulina? Are you really worried Santi and Candy won't get back together? Of course not. But let's push this a little longer. Santi abuses the call button some more and then we switch to the final, really stupid, annoying scene.

There was some unpleasant teasing of Lulu about replacing her with a truly superior cook (Isabella) but when Meño heads for the kitchen, he finds Tina and Donato actually doing the work while Chabeli directs and criticizes and generally acts obnoxious. (quite unlike her usual character). Alright, fire me if you will, she concedes, but please don't tell Jaime the truth.

Yes, I'm Miss Crankypants tonight. But what a stupid scene and what a stupid scenario this whole competition between Jaime and Isabella was ! Does not advance the plot at all and makes two, up till now reasonably intelligent characters, look ridiculous. Ick and double ick.

Enough complaining. How about some vocabulary?

Vocabulario:

el chisme corre come polvora (lit. the gossip is spreading like gunpowder) the news is spreading like wildfire
una pista = a clue, what the detectives are looking for
equipo = team
escarmio = ridicule, derision
abogaducho de cuarto = third rate punk of a lawyer
no te di pie de esto = Chayo protesting that she "never encouraged that" from Osvaldo
me has tomado el pelo = you were having me on, you were fooling me. Meño to Isabella when he found out she wasn't really cooking
tapón de alberca = stopper in a sink (don't remember where this came up in the episode...but it did)

Dicho of the Day:

Más vale solo que mal acompañado = Better to be alone than in unpleasant company.

(Could apply to Santiago and stick-like-glue Paulina. Might refer to Chayo and Eduardo, depending on how you feel. Might even apply to Santiago and Candy, because some of us think he'd be better off without her!)

Labels: Tontas

I missed the repeats from yesterday and came in as Barbara - after having hauled the decrepit paterfamilias ashes most thoroughly - whimpered: she's fearful for her old age because his children don't care for her. He says he'll take care of it and she makes him promise not to tell the kids what she said. Her thoughtbubble: "I'll use all your dough to destroy you and your odious family, and then I'll make sure the biz with Franco putrifies."

"What does it matter what I think, if you've already accepted Franco's proposal?" asks Fer (on the phone to Errika). Err: "What girl would turn down being presented as the fiancee of a guy as cute as Franco? I'll be the envy of everybody." Fer changes the subject and asks about Err's parents. She hears the pregnancy of Err's ma is actually menopause, well DUH, and they agree the mom needs to be coddled a bit. Err goes back to blabbing about Fr/Ed but suddenly the police are at Fer's door so she hangs up with some relief.

No police - it's actually Santiago, they embrace happily, he pulls Aurora into the room and they're all three happy. "Lazarus, risen from the dead!" Fer exclaims.

Margarita is reading about the artisan's fair that will be under the aegis of the new community center (I think). Jacinto enters, in his jammies, and they are all cozy and cuddly. Stupidly - since he was about to get lucky - he brings up the awkward situation at Fr/Ed's - Gardenia's righteous rage against that gum-popping Mary Magdalene aka Venus that Martina has dragged in from the ashes of the Bad Love Bar.

Margarita is very jealous because Venus is so good-looking and a lady of easy virtue to boot. Jacinto has to exert himself to get back in her good graces.

During the whole hour, Fr/Ed and Esteve kill a lot of time wondering what to do about Venus. They want to find work for her as a favor to Martina, but Venus cheerfully admits she has no skills other than mud-wrestling and whatever happens when she is alone with her clients at night. And there's the problem of Gardenia and her righteous rage.

Fr/Ed interviews the gum-popping Jezebel. Steve has an idea of what to do for/with her - but we don't find out what it is. We just know Fr/Ed is adamantly opposed, even though it is not the opening of a new "mud shop + little house of love." Maybe tomorrow we'll find out. The lads agree Venus is the most honest women they've ever known. Hmm.

Santi brings breakfast to Aurora. They are cheerful canoodlers when Barbara enters, muy impactada to discover Cigarman was wrong about Aurora being dead. She tries to be friendly but is very bad at it. She interrogates Aurora about where she's been, her family, etc. and gets a bunch of lies in return. She tells Santi he is her favorite stepchild and he wants to barf.

Aurora is telling Santi she needs something to do while she's at the hacienda. Gonzo comes in, gives her a somewhat lukewarm greeting (he and Barbara think the Aurora/Santi relationship is too "relaxed"), and asks to speak with Santi alone. In the study, he fiercely complains about his other children being unfair and hard towards Barbara, and says, "I trust you Santi, you are fair. Fer is trying to separate me from my wife. Nobody messes with my honey bun."

Barbara enters, playfully ruffles Santi's hair, he leaves, she points out how her loving overtures to Santi were rebuffed. Gonzo says he's going to a lawyer to make sure Barbara is well taken care of after his death [A death which, given that very fact, might well be coming along sooner than he expects. --Ed.]

Barbara whimpers that Santi considers her an "intrusion" and says she's sorry to be breaking the happy harmony of the family with her little worries. She gives Gonzo more sugar on his way out.

Aurora asks Santi if he mentioned the Gonzo look-alike banging on Dominga's door. No, there were other things on the agenda. They agree they don't want to say anything about Aurora's family so they drop it. "But gee whiz, he sure looked a lot like your dad.". Pris is

Barbara/Rebeca calls Cigarman and asks, "How are you so sure the girl is dead?" He tells her about the fire and says, "It's the best thing that could have happened - she was very dangerous." He hangs up. Barbara thinks she knows what happened, her thought-bubble goes: "Aw, she got tired of screwing you, you decrepit old monster, and decided to go for the young handsome rich Elizalde boy instead, so you tried to 'eliminate' her."

Fer visits Prisila in bed. Pris is wearing, as Ferro has described it, 'makeup that's supposed to look like she isn't wearing makeup.' We hear again that Pris may lose the baby if she doesn't rest.

I hope you remember: Fer was in her car spying when Pris went into Vladimir's apartment, and she therefore knows Pris was lying yesterday when Fer called and asked her to lunch and Pris said, "can't, I'm at the spa."

Fer asks about the spa, gets more horse hockey, says Anibal is a beast for telling Pris: "If you lose the baby, well, that's destiny for ya." Finally she asks, "Do you know Vladimir?" She wonders about his working for Pris's family... she leaves and Pris is in anguish wondering whether Damien spilled the beans about baby's daddy. "No, we had a deal, he has to stick with it!"

Camilo and Jacinto have yet another horn-locking confrontation in the stable. Many threats. Barbara is watching from behind a tree or something. Jacinto is not intimidated and says Camilo must come back tomorrow if he wants the car back. "Jacinto, don't push me or your life is in danger!" "That's been the case since my sainted mother gave birth to me." Camilo kicks a wall.

Flor cries a lot, tells Margarita she's been fired, they go to see Fer, there is sympathy but no resolution. Meanwhile, Anibal gives the KEYS to the SPECIAL IMPORTANT SUPER SECRET ARCHIVES to VLADIMIR while the search for a new secretary goes forward. Vlad uncomfortably opines that firing was too harsh a punishment for Flor (remember, it was Vlad that did the deed and then fingered Flor for it). AB says, my decisions are not open to discussion.

Tomorrow: Fr/Ed gets the special important papers from Cero's wife.

Labels: manana

Coming July 6 after Cuidado ends.

Leticia Calderón is a ruthless killer; Victoria Ruffo is her submissive sister. Alisson Lozz is their niece-victim, and Arturo Peniche is the priest who awakens her lust! All this in the new version of Cadenas de Amargura (Bitter Chains). Filmed in Real Del Monte, Hidalgo. Other Guapos faves appear too, such as Laura Flores and Altair Jirabo.

Sinopsis

An automobile accident that took the life of her parents left Paloma at the mercy of her aunts, the Misses Espinoza de Los Monteros. Although one aunt, Macarena, loves Paloma, she’s too weak to fight against her evil sister Carlota, who tortures the girl emotionally to break her.

Paloma is resigned to her lot of being a half prisoner of Carlota until adulthood. She finds refuge at the convent where she studies and has a good friend in the rebellious Romina, her classmate and neighbor.

The years pass, and Paloma and Romina become pretty teenagers, united as best friends. But love enters their lives. Romina becomes the girlfriend of Emiliano Sanz, a newcomer in town, but he also has an interest in Paloma. And Paloma has begun a secret romance with Inaki, a young Spanish boy.

Aunt Macarena finally dares to go against her sister’s will and supports her niece’s romance. Paloma begins to ask questions. Why has Macarena dared to confront Carlota now when she has lived for years under her dominance? Paloma discovers that Macarena has a terrible secret. But soon, Inaki and Macarena will die under mysterious circmstances.

Paloma finds refuge in her friendship with Emiliano, but their friendship becomes love, separating her forever from her childhood friend Romina. Then Padre Cristobal enters her life. He is a tortured priest who has a strong link with all the lies and intrigues of Carlota.

Who knows what will happen in the name of love?

Labels: amor, Cuidado, synopsis-cast

Hello you noble crew, please contact me and let me know if you are game to continue on with the next one, the Rulli spectaculo "Female mud-wrestler, uh, I mean boxer, meets rich gorgeous powerful ex-racing-car-driver real-estate magnate."

Thanks for everything!

Labels: gancho, recappers-needed, Tontas

The title means "A hook-shot to the heart." Here is a translation of the Esmas description:

This is the history of a very original love between a professional boxer, Valentina López (alias 'La Monita') and Mauricio Sermeño, former racecar driver and now owner and president of the Sermeño real-estate company.

Family melodrama, enjoyable and entertaining, with innumerable attractive locations and adventures, full of tangled situations and misunderstandings well justified and constructed, but above all, livened up with a large dose of tears, laughs and much love.

The story begins with Valentina in a big fight. She loses because she hurts her hand, she will search for other work while she recuperates. She does this on the sly, hiding it from her boyfriend and trainer Beto - they've been dating for eight years - and in complicity with his mother, Nieves, who looks at 'La Monita' as a daughter.

Valentina finds work in Mauricio's business. Mauricio has a great heart and has decided to adopt three orphaned brothers. This doesn't sit well with his girlfriend Constanza, who detests them. All she cares about is leading Mauricio to the altar, more because of his economic and social status than for him himself.

In her quest to marry, Constanza will always count on the complicity of Jerónimo and Óscar Cárdenas, respectively Mauricio's cousin and employee. All they care about is the power and money of our story's protagonist, separating him from Valentina and from his three adopted children, who adore 'La Monita.'

Constanza, as well as Jerónimo y Óscar, fail to take into consideration the love that Valentina and Mauricio feel for each other, the love that will triumph again and again despite all efforts to separate them; from the first moment the boxer and the ex-racecar driver get to know each other, they are subsumed in each other. The intensity and sincerity of their sentimants will triumph over any obstacle put in their path.

Labels: gancho, synopsis-cast

Santi is so drunk that he can barely talk and he can’t stand up on his own, but he still has enough working brain cells to know that Paulina is not his friend regardless of her assurances to the contrary. He’s a glum drunk, thinking about Candy’s sad face when they broke up. Pau feeds him like a mama bird, and he sits like a baby bird, mouth wide open, waiting for the food to arrive. It just struck me as funny. She keeps throwing accusations, and he keeps shooting down every one of them. Even when he is not firing on all cylinders, she still can’t score any points. She puts him into bed, and he thanks her with a brotherly hug. He falls asleep mid-hug, and he falls to the floor after she leaves the room.

At the restaurant, Isabel and Jaime are both surprised that they only make minimum wage. Isabel pulls Meño aside and begs him to pay her just a little bit more than Jaime – even just one dollar.

Pat tells his nurse about the fabulous relationship he had with Candy, and he tries to get the guy to agree that they could still get back together after all these years. And pigs might fly. The nurse tells Pat to pass the bean dip. (In my friend’s family, if someone doesn’t want to answer an uncomfortable question like, “When are you ever going to get married?” the one queried answers, “Pass the bean dip.”)

Candy remembers their split and says to herself, “I love you so much, Santiago.”

In the morning, a meaningless scene at Pat’s house.

Santiago wakes up, somehow back in bed in his pajamas. He’s remembering happier times in Puerto Vallarta. The ever-attentive Donato brings his patrón a remedy for the anticipated hangover. Santi informs Don that he and Candy have broken up, while Candy, amid tears, tells Chava the same thing. We see quick clips of the rest of the cast getting the news. Candy is wearing jeans. I think it’s the first time she’s worn pants in the entire show.

At the office, Candy and Santi encounter each other in the hall. They burn up 30 seconds of show, with everyone saying hello to each other. Goodnight, John-Boy. In his batcave, Santi tells Hortensia he needs his punching bag back because he has so much stress built up. Hortensia volunteers to relieve the stress for him, and he dubs that a definite overshare. He asks Horti to bring him Patito.

Art, the son-of-a-metiche, comes to celebrate with Pat because Candy split up with Santi. He says it’s his grand opportunity. Pat tries to tell him that he’s nuts, but Art isn’t listening.


Candy cries on Meño’s shoulder, and she takes off her engagement ring. Lulu comes in and offers to take care of the baby. Hortensia bribes Lulu to let her hold Patito, and promptly takes him to the cave for Santiago’s therapy. As always, Patito brings out Santiago’s biggest smiles.

Max comes to see Pat with the bad news. The movie investors rejected the project. Apparently they did not get the memo about Bring Your Crying Baby To Work Day. Max doesn’t know any other potential investors. Pat says he’ll provide the rest of the investment.

Candy goes to Santi’s office to get Patito.
C: How are you doing?
S: Bad. Sad. Lonely. I feel like I’ve lost the light on my path. And you?
C: Bad. Just like you.
S: Just as bad? (With hope in his voice.)
C: Yes.

They step closer and almost end their foolish separation, when his phone rings. When will he learn to ignore that dang phone??? It sure would help his love life! It’s Ambrosini. Santi announces to Candy, “They’ve found my son!” as the camera fixes on Patito. They found Marissa in a hotel in London. She doesn’t have the baby, but when they get Mar, they’ll be just one step away from the baby. Santi is worried that it’s another false alarm, but Ambro assures him, it’s the real thing, and they have her closely watched. Now, there is a happy man. Candy gives him a big excited hug and they get nose-to-nose, but then they remember that they don’t do that anymore (the finale is still six episodes away) and so they sadly pull apart. They both feel rejected. Candy leaves, with both of them cold and distant.

Max shows Pat the trailer to the movie. Pat is so excited, he ignores his ringing phone. See? It is possible to ignore a ringing phone in a novela. But not when it will keep the leads apart.

Hortensia can’t get Santi a flight. It’s vacation season, and the soonest flight she can find is in a week. Pau comes in and says she knows somebody; she’ll get him tickets. He tells her that for once she’s being helpful. What’s up with Santiago’s shirt pocket? It looks like it is outlined with cellophane tape! Pau gets on the phone and gets a booking for this afternoon. Santi rushes home to pack his bag. His mama sends him off with her best wishes for his success. He warns her, no wild parties while he’s gone, and no raves.

At school, the kids argue about whose parent is fighting with whom. The kids have an idea to make their parents happy.

In a large upscale hotel in London, we see Marissa cross the lobby with shopping bags in each hand, while an agent on the elevated walkway keeps her under surveillance, updating his boss by telephone. The London hotel clerk, with a Mexican accent, skin which sees the sun, and all her teeth, gives Marissa her messages.

Santi finds his airplane seat and finds Paulina sitting beside him. Pau gives her usual loving-wife look. Santi looks more disgusted with her than usual. She thanks him for letting her come. He reminds her that he didn’t permit it; she simply appeared. She keeps annoying him with questions. Does he still love Candy? He says, “I’ll never stop loving her.”

Candy goes to see Isabel and Jaime, and she asks them to keep her informed about Santi’s trip. Isabel tells how much she regrets seeing them split. Isa lets it slip that Pau is sharing the flight. Candy gets back to Pat’s, and the three kids want to entertain them, dressed as clowns. Chava wants his mama to stop being sad and angry, but she says she’s not. Ay uh-huh! Later, taking care of the baby, she’s so upset about her day that she’s shaking poor Patito like she’s making whipped cream! No wonder he doesn’t settle. She prays for Santi and keeps shaking the baby. Speaking of babies, yesterday I got to hold two-month-old Jeremy and he fell asleep in my arms. Is there anything more marvelous than that?

At the hotel, Mar eats in the dining room
while the agent watches, accompanied by Santi and Pau. The man at the next table comes over and joins her. Later in her rooms, there is a knock on the door. She opens it, assuming it’s her dinner companion, eager to see her again. Instead it’s Santi and the agents. She tears through her suite, with Santi close on her heels. She makes it to the bedroom and shuts the door on him. Santi tells her, “There’s no sense in continuing this game. We already know everything. How about if you stop what you’re doing, okay?” Ambrosini has his hand under his jacket, where his holster would be. Marissa says, “It’s not a game. You never understood that. GO AWAY!” She frantically looks around for an escape. Santi tells her to give up. The hotel is surrounded by agents that have been watching her for weeks. If she just tells him where his son is, he assures her nothing will happen to her. Marissa screams that his son died. She’s looking much crazier than Lili at her worst, and she’s approaching Boufy LaFont levels, just before he went all to pieces.

Talk of his son dying puts Santi over the edge. He starts yelling through the door. “That’s not true! Tell me where he is!” As she rushes out to the balcony, she screams, “It’s not your son. You abandoned me so it’s not your son. You’ll never find him!” Santi starts trying to break the door down, while Ambrosini tries to get to her from the balcony of the next room. She runs back inside. Santi somehow gets through the door and chases Mar. She runs back to the balcony and falls over the railing like a sack of potatoes. Santi manages to grab her hand before she falls the three or four stories to the street below. He hangs on tight. She screams a lot, and her grip is slipping.

====================
Miscellaneous Notes
Friday will be a double header. Can someone recap the first hour, and Hombre de Misterio will recap the second hour? I still think they have to show another double header on another night this week. Sylvia doesn’t mind a 2-hour recap if it falls on Thursday. But Judy and Kris, if it falls on your night, what would you like?

Unless I help with a yet-to-be-announced double header, this is my last recap. Thank you, friends. It has been a blast. I have really appreciated your support and I love our community. I won't be a regular recapper again any time soon; I can't afford the time. But I will substitute now and then.

I’m doing the happy dance. Thanks to the switch to digital, I had to rescan my TV and discovered that my cable carries another channel. Telefutura! If my house burns down, I hope it’s not between 10 and 11, Mon thru Fri. Don’t nobody get between Paula and her Fea!

Labels: Tontas

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Labels: index

Hi everybody,

I've been pretty scarce these last few weeks, sorry. It's because I've been trying to boost my bands' web presence to try and drum up some wedding business. With the economy the way it is, sadly, many brides are arriving at their ceremonies and receptions with - iPods! Sigh.

So anyway, one of the things I've been doing is recording little snippets of wedding songs and, even though I'll probably never do a Hispanic wedding because I'm such a gringo, I love the Mexican/Spanish love songs and have put a few of them on my new blog - including the one Alma asked for, "Un Rinconcito del Cielo." You can have a listen:

Wedding songs in Spanish.

Let me know what you think!

I'll be recapping MEPS tomorrow...

Labels: announcements

I will be filling in for Jardinera while she is gone for the next 3 Fridays.

Flor is crying as she is turning in her badge.

Fernanda is devastated. She feels like she has been in a fog and it's finally cleared and is seeing everything clearly for the first time. She can't believe that the people she has believed in has lied to her. Franco/Ed is trying to comfort her. She tells him that she's scared. Theme music plays. He extends his hand, she grabs it. He caresses her face. And we get a kiss. Soft and sweet. This time she doesn't push him away. Afterward she kind of starts to freak out. She tells him to forget that the kiss ever happened. He agrees. She reminds herself and Franco/Ed that she is married.

Venus and Martina are outside talking and hoping that Franco/Ed can give Venus a job.

Gardinia asks Esteve where Franco/Ed is. She complains to him about the girls. He guesses it's about Venus. He smiles when he says her name and wants to know what's the problem with her. Gardenia gets pissed because she realizes she will get nowhere with him. She leaves and Esteve thinks she's jealous.

Fernanda gets herself a drink. Franco/Ed is looking confused. Fernanda wonders what other lies have been told to her that she does not know about. Franco/Ed says it must hurt. Yes admits Fernanda. And now I know how Eduardo felt. Franco/Ed looks at her. You know I felt anger at him, lots of anger. And I never imagined the pain that I was causing him. Even though I never caused it, it was still my fault. The damage was unrepairable. I let it happen. Franco/Ed asks her if she wants his opinion. He tells her to find that sadness that is inside her and cure it. She asks him for his help. Franco/Ed tells her that we cannot help others until we help ourselves first.

AB does into his study to find Barbara waiting for him. She has brought him the contract that Power Milk has signed with Grupo Lactos. He starts to look it over while giving her the stink eye. He tells her that they have spent 15 years preparing for the collapse of Gonzalo Elizande. Now some guy comes in to save the day. We have to revise our plans. Are you willing to wait for the time needed to complete our plans? No replies Barbara. And what are you planning to do asks AB. Barbara tells him that she will leave them in the hands of Franco Santoro. Let him destroy them. Let him finish what you started. AB is not in agreement. He wants him ruined. He wants to know that he caused it. She suggests getting rid of Franco/Ed. AB tells her no, there has to be someone behind him. Well while we wait to find that out, Grupo Lactos could get out of being ruined replies Barbara. AB suggests she keep controlling the money. It not that easy anymore replies Barbara. Gonzalo has his children now. He trusts Anibal and Fernanda. AB doesn't care. He wants everything to collapse.

Santi and Aurora are packing up the house. She asks Santi if he thins that man (AB) will return again. He offers to stay for a couple more days. No replies Aurora. There is nothing here for me. All that is important is for me to be with you.

AB wants Barbara to give him Gonzalo's remains (despojos) and the rest is hers. Including my freedom asks Barbara. AB asks her when did she ever lose it? When I met you. And Aurora, where is she? She's dead replies AB. Now leave. He cries and mutters her name when Barbara leaves.

Aurora thanks the virgincita because she will be leaving behind her tears, solidarity and pain. Now I will start a new life next to the man I love. Santi says it's time to leave and insists on carrying her out. (does this little speech mean no more tears? or am I hoping for too much?)

Erika and her mom Delores are at the doctor's office. He tells Deloresthat she is not pregnant, but has started menopause.

Franco/Ed and Fernanda are saying goodbye. He asks her if she will help him get Lili out of the mental hospital. She tells him that it's not just her decision to make, but also her fathers. He tells her that her father should not be told. Fernanda thinks that it will complicate things further and that he has not told her where Lili would be or about her treatment. Franco/Ed promises that he will soon have more concrete plans. She tells him to call her when he does. She wishes him a good night and goes to shake his hand. He grabs and kisses it.

Priscilla is in bed resting. Anibal comes in and wonders why she's in bed at this time. She tells him that she's not feeling well. She thinks that she might lose the baby. Anibal the sensitive, supportive and caring husband that he is tells her that if that happens then it was meant to be.

Vlad is worried and upset about Priscilla. Damien tries to offer comforting words. Vlad goes on about how Priscilla treated him. Damien sprouts non-sense and Vlad eats it up. He tells Damien that he is the best friend in the world. Damien says I'm looking out for you. And then they hug while Vlad cries like a sissy. (I just want to tell him to grow a pair).

Priscilla tells Anibal that she will do all she can to prevent losing the baby. He turns to walk away. She yells at him to stay and listen to all that she has to say. The only way this baby will not be born is if I die. Anibal tells her to quit talking crazy. She yells that she has not finished talking yet. He has to get use to having a baby. This baby will be his punishment. She goes on to say that his child will be his worst enemy. And will pay him back the only way he (Anibal) knows. And that's cruelty.

Delores (Erika's mother) in sitting on the couch crying. She can't believe that she's not pregnant. Her husband (name escapes me) comes in bearing gifts for the little one that she's expecting. Erika tries to warn him, but he doesn't listen. He shows off the gifts, but Delores finally interrupts him and tells him the truth. He's shocked, but then offers her his support and understanding.

Barbara is putting her her sexy lingerie when Gonzalo comes in saying you're looking for me? He stops talking and with mouth hanging open and I believe a little drool on his chin goes up to Barbara. She tells him that she's giving him a treatment that only the lord/king of the house deserves. They start kissing and honestly she seems to like it.

Esteve tells Franco/Ed about Venus and that's she's very lively. (quick note: the view of Fernando casually lounging on the sofa with that sexy grin HOT) Anyway Venus is looking for a job and wondering if Franco/Ed can give her one. Another thing says Esteve be careful with Gardenia. You are playing with fire. No kidding. Be careful with her.

Gardenia is preparing dinner and Venus tries to snag a bite, but Gardenia tells her and Martina that if they are hungry to make there own food. Martina tells Gardenia not to be that way. Venus tells Gardenia, "What you think I can't cook?" If I made the same thing mine would be better. Gardenia gets pissed and walks out. Martina tells Venus to control herself. She doesn't want problems with Senor Santoro.

Esteve and Franco/Ed are looking at a picture of a house? They conclude business and Esteve shows Franco/Ed the list of invites for the party along with the food, music, flowers, etc., etc. Franco/Ed is shocked that Esteve invited the press. Of course responds Esteve. We are going to have a big celebration and it has to be in the papers. Gardenia storms in interrupting Esteve and Franco/Ed. She wants to talk with him. It's important.

Gonzalo thanks Barbara not only for the wonderful lovemaking, but also for the wonderful life they have together. She sighs. He asks her what's wrong. She doesn't want to worry him. He begs her to tell him. She says that she's scared of what could happen to her.

Franco/Ed tells Esteve to handle the invitations. Esteve leaves. Gardenia asks if he plans to let those girls stay. Franco/Ed replies that it's too late for Martina to go home to her dad's. Well she brought her friend so that you can give her a job. Yes, Esteve told me replies Franco/Ed. Doing what asks Gardenia. Well I'm sure we can find something for her responds Franco/Ed. Gardenia gets pissed and says that we can't Eduardo. He looks up at her wondering what is wrong with you. She tells him that she will not have it. He finally gets pissed and shouts out her name to stop her verbal rampage. He tells her we'll deal with it in the morning. She stalks off. He reminisces about his kiss with Fernanda and mutters her name.

At Fernanda's she does the same. She says to herself that they kissed and how wonderful it was. But it cannot happen again, because she is married and must be respectful.

Gonzalo keeps questioning Barbara about her comment. She tells him that her position is fragile not just at the house, but also at the office. Lately, it's been difficult managing it all. Gonzalo asks if she's referring to his kids. She just looks at him. What happened asks Gonzalo. Barbara tells him nothing concrete. Your kids are adults now and make decisions. They are not always in agreement with me. Gonzalo says they are not always in mine either. But that shouldn't cause you to be scared. Of course replies Barbara. You are they're father. If something happened to me, you would still be there father. But god forbid if something happened to you...I could end up in the street.

Franco/Ed tells Esteve about what Fernanda told him Damien told her about Barbara. He says that Fernanda's confused and has realized that she has been living in a lie. The only thing she's positive about is if Damien really did what they are accusing him of then her marriage is over. Esteve asks if what Damien said about Barbara is true? Franco/Ed thinks that Fernanda's life along with her family will result in a tragedy. Esteve asks about Lili. He's still thinking about what to do. But the good thing is that Fernanda is confiding in me. He confesses that he kissed her. He couldn't help himself. Esteve asks how she reacted. Franco/Ed says that she let her emotions rule her. Esteve thinks that she loves him. Franco/Ed thinks that it was an impulse because she said afterwards that she was married. That kiss I gave her was filled with all my love. I don't think if meant anything to her.

Monday: Barbara sees Aurora in her house

Labels: manana

Jardinera, I hope you don't mind if I create a blog entry for Friday's show. I assume you're having computer problems or a family crisis. I hope everything is okay. But the natives were getting restless, so I wanted to give them a place to post.

The posts for Friday's show, at the bottom of Thursday's blog:

Carlos said:
Seems like the recap has been a bit delayed, so permit me to venture out a little to start things off. We begin with the unwarranted dismissal of Flor. In Texas I expect that Jim Adler would be more than happy to take he case. She'd possibly end up owning GL. OK now we're with the predestined couple. Charles Schultz said it best in the Peanuts specials..."wah wah wah." Oh, things are looking up, he reaches out his right hand in friendship and clasps her R hand. Uh oh this is looking more than friendly. Now he's touching her cheek with his left hand ( we really shouldn't be spying on this). Oh jeez, now he pulls her face in fixes his eyes in hers, OMG, now he's moving in for the kill. He reaches out his lower lip, she her upper, they touch ... crap, now a gentle but full-strength kiss. Opps, nobody meant it, a mistake, it didn't happen... ¡POR FAVOR! OK, now let's sit on the sofa..."wah wah wah". Thank goodness, this is much better, Martina and Venus on the porch...

RSK said:
Carlos, you are too funny! Yes, they still think they are 15. I am surprised that you didn't have any comments about poor Dolly (just kidding). I could not believe that really bizarre scene with the mini bullfighter outfit. Maybe it was meant as a product placement for Jack In the Box "Mini Vaca" burger.rsk

Carlos said:
OK, these cuties are flourishing in the fresh country air." Not a bad gig these ricos have," more or less observes Venus (dang, she's cute and intelligent,too. Martina point out that Gardenia is a bit territorial. Que the hell, what is Sanducky? I could folloup on the Dewey theme ,but won't. Deni quejas to Esteve about the lovely ladies on the porch. He's amused. Back to the annointed ones, wah wah wah. OK here's Ironsides, miraculosly ambulatory, exitinf his Hummer, Babs is there. She gives him the GL and PM contract. BFD, apparently. Carlos

Labels: manana

Our beloved novela has so many facets. We have a love triangle, lots of PSA’s, and of course, a bunch of adorable kids. Tonight, it seems we have more than a bunch of adorable kids. In fact, just about every character is acting like a child, or a baby. It’s like the playground in third grade (I’m still mad at Stevie Strauss for throwing that dodgeball at me when I wasn’t looking!). Okay, let’s check out tonight’s maturity meter.

Paulina is still trying to break up Santi and Candy. She tells him that Candy is two-timing him. He doesn’t believe her. She says Candy is an untrustworthy woman. Santi laughs it off, look who’s talking, you who cheated on me with my friend Mario. Pau doesn’t give up, she snuggles into him in his consultorio chair, so he slides out of her grasp and out of the chair. She then opines that the detective is robbing Santi, and not finding the baby, how long is that going to continue? Santi tells her to butt out.

Meanwhile, Lulu has been talking to Candy at the receptionist desk, asking if she minds that Santi’s ex is in his office. Candy has faith in Santi. When Pau comes out, she informs Candy that Candy’s destroying Santi’s life (by supposedly still seeing Pat), and not to deny it.

So did Pau’s plan work? Not at all. Candy enters Santi’s office, all smiles, and they have a cute repeat of the other day’s mini-spat, in which Candy accused Santi of jealousy, and Santi, pointing to his handsomeness, said who, me? This time, Santi accuses Candy of jealousy, Candy points to her sexiness, says who, me? They both agree to trust each other, they seal it with a kiss, and make a date for lunch. So, I guess we’ll have no more problems tonight, right? Well……….

We have a silly scene with Isabel and Jaime, puffing out their figurative chests, she’s a great cook, he’s better at piano, both think they earn more than the other at their new “jobs” at Meño’s restaurant. Grow up, people!

Meanwhile, yesterday, Pat fell off some steps, and we’ve all been waiting to see if he has amnesia, is blind, paralyzed, or whatever, but it’s nothing nearly that dramatic. He’s back in the house, in pain, and rather than calling an ambulance, big boy Pat has Chava call his Mommy (Chava’s Mommy, not Pat’s, although I think Pat wants Candy to be his Mommy at this point). Candy rushes out, tells Horti and Lulu she has to go to Pat right away (no details given), as Horti, ever protective of her Santi, smiles knowingly at Lulu. After Candy leaves, Santi comes out, ready for the lunch date, Horti informs him that Miss Candy has gone to Mr. Piojoso’s house. Fortunately, Santi has just agreed to have total confidence in Candy, so no hay problema, right? Well…………….

Candy has arrived at Pat’s in record time, she opens the door for the paramedics. Pat says he’s fine, but his shoulder, foot and hand hurt a lot. He begs Candy to come with him in the ambulance, don’t leave him alone. (Poor baby). At this point, Candy is holding Patito, and tells all the boys that someone has to watch the three smaller ones, and besides, she doesn’t want problems with Santiago.

Back in the Institute, Santi is having a major meltdown, pacing back and forth in front of Horti and Lulu’s desk. What could have been so dire that Candy had to leave like a rocket? Lulu is defending Candy, saying there must be a good reason, while Horti is on Santi’s side, the novio comes first! Santi finally stops pacing, asks Hort to call his house, he’ll have lunch with them, he’s not gonna eat alone, like some dog!

We immediately cut to Santi’s house, as Isabel tells Paulina that Santi’s not coming home for lunch, so there’s no point in waiting. Oh, but I didn’t come to see Santi, I came for Rocío, says Pau. However, Pau then tells Rocío, sorry, she has important things to do, can’t have lunch with them today. Phone rings, Santi IS coming for lunch, and guess what? Paulina WILL cancel her important appointment, and have lunch with Rocío.

Well, here’s the cute Doctora we’ve been waiting for. She has long, lush hair (a la Candy’s “new look”, must be the same stylist), and she tells Pat he has a broken pinky (dedo meñique), a bruised shoulder and he’s sprained (esguince) his ankle. Am I gonna die, Doc? No, she’ll just do a few more tests (will they hurt?, asks our big boy) to see if he tore any ligaments, and he’s going to have to rest at home for a week or two. Pat can’t do that. He’s gotta take care of three kids (and himself). Doctora jokingly volunteers to come to his house to be his personal nurse.

Santi enters his dining room, the two girls, Jaime and Isabel are sitting at the table, he tells them how upset he is that Candy ditched him (me dejo plantado) for that (he then makes a motion of pulling something out of his hair). Jaime asks, pulgoso (flea-man)?. No, piojoso (lice-man, or louse), chime in the other three. It’s funny until Paulina enters, says I told you Candy was untrustworthy, and this gets Santi a little PO’ed. He takes Pau aside, what’s she doing there, doesn’t she have her own house now? She tells him she doesn’t know how to cook, and the food is so good here. He lays into her for criticizing Candy, but she says it’s for his own good, Candy can’t be trusted, and he’s jealous. He again counters with the Mario betrayal, but after she goes back into the dining room, he looks in the mirror and wonders if she’s at least partially right. Why is he becoming half-bitter (medio amargado)?

At Pat’s the medical guys have set him up on his bed, and he doesn’t know how he’s going to do the ironing and make all the breakfasts for two weeks. Candy assures him she’ll take care of everything. Chava comes in, Santi’s calling. Okay, give me the phone. No, he’s at the door, says Chava (that Santi doesn’t waste time). Candy goes to greet him, and he immediately asks what was so urgent that she ditched him. Well, Pat had an accident, they put his hand in a cast (enyesar la mano) and bandaged his ankle. Fine, he’s all set, let’s go. Nope, gotta stay, says Candy. Santi almost blows up, counts to diez, first she had to stay for Chava, now for Pat, what’s up? Candy tells him since Pat can’t care for the kids, she’ll have to stay here a few days (again, why not hire someone?). Santi is really upset, he rants about how all Pat’s photos are here, Candy at the wedding with Pat, Pat’s going to try to reconquer Candy, the best thing may be that they have a little…. “tiempo”, a time-out or break in their relationship. Sorry, Candy doesn’t believe in time-outs. Oh, then you want to break up (terminar)? Candy looks impactada.

Lucía is on her computer when Isa enters, says she has to go to work, but can Luc look out for Rocío, make sure Pau doesn’t poison her mind? Sure, says Lucía, gets a little smile, and calls Charly (all right!)

Candy says she never said she wanted to break up, but stubborn Santi says if she didn’t want a time-out that means she wanted to break up. She tells him to stop acting childish, but he walks out the door, and she says to herself I can’t stand it that he’s childish (me choca que sea infantil). We then have a funny split screen where they both have their arms crossed, both absolutely sure the other will apologize. They’re each saying the same thing, one after the other. I’ll give him/her a few minutes, he/she will come running back to admit I was right. Well, it’s been a few minutes, he/she isn’t here yet. Well, if that’s the way you want it, terminamos (bye bye love).

The two male nurses have helped Pat onto the bed, they’ll be back tonight to check up on him. He tells Patito isn’t that something, that Candy hired two male nurses, he might have preferred some female nurses. He wonders for a minute if Candy would be jealous of female nurses, maybe she is warming up to him. No, he reassures Patito, Candy loves that louse Santiago.

The boys come in, looking guilty. Daddy, can you forgive us? Chava thinks that because of what they did, Pat looks like a mummy (momia). He tells them he’s fine, he thinks he looks sexy, they shouldn’t feel bad at all. But, he does have a favor to ask, he adds with a tone of mischief. Can they tell Candy to send some better nurses? They jump on top of him in fun.

There’s another silly scene where Jaime takes a cab to his job, and as soon as he leaves, Isa has Donato fire up the SUV, they’ve got to get there first! They zip out of the driveway.

Santi’s zipping along himself, driving his sports car in the countryside, deep in thought.

Candy calls her Mom in tears, tells her how mad Santi is, Gregoria thinks it’ll pass, but Candy disagrees, because they broke up.

Meanwhile, Patito (in his crib in Pat’s room) starts crying. Pat realizes it’s feeding time, calls for Candy, who can’t hear him, then struggles to get up with all his casts and slings. Candy comes in and picks up Patito, but Pat sees that she was crying. She tells him that she and Santi broke up.

Sure enough, back in the big house, Paulina is poisoning Rocío’s mind over a game of Chinese Checkers (can’t believe they still play that – sure brings back memories). Fortunately, no sooner can Pau get in one remark about that “crazy Candy”, when Lucía shows up with Charly. As Rocío goes to greet Charly, Luc quietly tells Pau her brainwashing (lavada de coco) time is up. Lucía and Charly says they can all four play, maybe get some french fries and coke.

On the empty highway, Santi’s phone rings, and it’s Eduardo, where are you, Man? Out driving, and I’m not coming in, either. Ed can’t believe he’d leave his patients hanging to have fun with his girlfriend. What girlfriend, we broke up. Ed’s concerned, where is Santi? 12 miles from Tequila (must be the Mexican version of down on Bourbon Street). Ed’s coming right away to support his bud.

We now have the one time in this episode where someone does act grownup. As Candy gently rocks the baby, Patricio tells her he feels terrible about what happened with Santi, he’ll call and try to talk to him. Candy thanks him, but no, Santi’s just being stubborn, childish and inflexible, always wants things his own way. Pat says she has her life, he can hire someone, but she says she’s fine, she’ll get the girls at the Institute to cover for her. Pat then says the magic words, I admire you. You always put your child first (oh yeah, he knows how to push those buttons!). Although I do have a broken heart (corazon hecho pedacitos – torn into little pieces), says Candy sadly.

Santi and Ed are no longer 12 miles from Tequila, they’re drowning in it, sitting in a little bar, venting. Santi still can’t understand why Candy has to jump everytime Pat hurts his little finger, but Ed says I told you women were dangerous. Don’t be ridiculous, answers Santi, let’s go back in time, to when we were little. Remember your first girlfriend? The one you first kissed, put your arms around, noticed that parts of her body were softer than others? (lol) Sure, María Sofía. Ed gets a glazed-over, happy look. Okay, says Santi, hold that thought, fast forward to today, you have problems with Chayo, you treat her badly. Now, what if María Sofía appeared today? Ed wouldn’t let her get away again (He'd tirarle el perro - come on to her). Right, says Santi, it’s the same with Pat. He has pictures of their wedding still up, it’s been ten years, but he has this chance to recapture her again, see what I mean? (Jaime Camil then completely forgets his lines, remarks that he must be drunk, so the guys have a shot). Salud!

We have a short scene in which Candy is holding Patito, helping Chava and Beto with their homework, telling them she’s very happy (but she’s not really).

Back in the bar, our two abandonados are totally sloshed, hugging each other and singing in slurred voices. I love you, Man! We have to forget those dames. Right, says Ed, I have to forget Candy, and you have to forget Chayo (he IS drunk). Santi’s phone rings, he gives it to Ed, if it’s Candy, YOU answer. But it can’t be Candy, says Ed, because it’s coming from your house. So Santi answers, totally drunk. Heelllloooo? It’s Rocío, with Paulina prompting her, ask him where he is. Where are you, Daddy? He says he’s at a medical conference. Pau says tell him to hurry. Daddy, can you come home fast? Sure, no problem. Paulina says “yes!”. The guys hug again in their drunken stupor. (I’m thinking they’d better not try to drive home in their condition!)

Back in the restaurant, it’s the Isabel/Jaime competition, Isa with her toque serving a special dish, Jaime dishing out a tune on the ivories. She kids him about playing the piano, he says he was just hungry, and saw a piano, just decided to play it for fun. But what about her hat, she looks life a chef. No, for his information, this is the latest fashion. They then start yelling at each other that they discovered the other one is actually working there. Meño stops them, get back to work you two, he can’t believe their attitude for minimum wage earners. Minimum wage? they gasp in unison.

The Chinese Checkers game is going great, Charly, Lucía and Rocío playing, Paulina having fallen asleep on the couch. Lucía sees this, shushes the others, then at the top of her lungs yells “I won!”, thus waking up Paulina, which they all find amusing. Pau takes Rocío off to bed, Charly thanks Lucía for inviting him, and at least things are looking better for these two.

At Pat’s house, the male nurse (enfermero) has given him his meds, and Pat has dinner in front of him. But of course he can’t cut the food (who picked this meal?), so Candy cuts the chicken, but she doesn’t seem to be enjoying herself. Pat, though, is milking this as much as he can, asks if Candy can cut the avocados, too. Candy’s not so enthusiastic about this, she’ll get the nurse to help him.

Good news, Santiago made it home (I was picturing him in an accident, Candy having to choose, but he’s fine, just still very drunk). Paulina sees him come in the door, and now I’m thinking she could very easily take him upstairs, get him undressed, and… Well, let’s see. Pau asks why he drank so much. Because she brushed me off, dumped me (la mandé por un tubo). Paulina comforts him. So maybe they aren’t going upstairs, but Santi’s really in a bad way, and Paulina’s right there for him.

So, it’s Friday, but there’s no impactado moment, no car crash, nobody catches anyone kissing, we just have a sad Santi, no baby to bond with, too worn out to work, his wealth is waning, his girl is gone, down in the dumps.

And to me, the only one who can save him is Candy. Yes, I think it’s time our heroine showed she really can work miracles.


Vocabulario:

Dedo meñique – little finger, or pinky
Esguince – a sprain or strain
Me dejo plantado – she ditched me, or she stood me up
Enyesar – to put in a plaster cast
Me choca que sea infantil – I can’t stand it that he’s childish
Momia – a mummy
Lavada de coco – brainwashing, literally, washing the coconut, which is sort of like a head
Tirarle el perro - Coming on to someone you like - Literally, to pull the dog to her/him/you (thanks to JudyB and Jarocha for this one)
Mandar por un tubo – to dump somebody, or give them the brush off -literally, to send through a pipe

Labels: Tontas

From yesterday: Ed tells Fer that Barb is a mysterious person and difficult to know and wants to know why she asked. She saw Damian and is doubting his words that Barb is behind all the problems in the family and the company. How could she have lived her life with such a cheat.

Meanwhile Barb is looking for Dr. O. Adolfina tells Barb that Dr. O has gone to see his sick mother in Vera Cruz. Barb asks about Lili and Adolfina says better than ever. Barb wants to see her and Adolfina tries to tell Barb that Lili can’t have visitors. Too bad about the rules says Barb, they are meant to be broken.

FrEd tells Fer that he doesn’t know Gonzo enough to figure out the effect his spouse has on him. She has no doubt all these problems could be the end of her family. FrEd says that if you trust Damian over Barbara?? She doubts everything. What about your marriage. Her marriage exists on paper only.

Both Dam and Vlad try to comfort Pris and calm her down. She insists that Dam tell her why he is there. She starts to make a call to Anibal. Vlad is muy impactado.

Ed gives Fer a drink of tequila and says it will be good for you. He wants to know what Fer wants of him. She says that Damian said Barb has the $3million. She has no proof that Barb has it in a personal account. She wants to know if Barb spoke to him about different accounts than those of Lactos. He shakes his head but does not give us a clue if it’s a “yes” or a “no.”

In a very disturbing scene, Barb visits Lili who is clearly terrorized. Barb reminds Lili that very soon she’s going to be an orphan and that she is going to be responsible for her father’s death. Barb rubs it in calling Lili an assesina, etc. Anibal and Camilo already accuse you of killing your mother. A very physical fight ensues. Barb slugs Lili and calls her more names. You will be alone and crazy in this Hell. Enter Adolfina who wants to know what happened. The poor thing fell, lies Barb, while she was dancing. Lili curls up in her chair.

At Pueblo Purificacion: Aurora, who is dressed as a milkmaid, is arranging flowers in a little walled garden in Dominga’s hovel while Santi cooks dinner. She compliments his cooking. He made the meal especially for her. And, if she goes with him, he’ll become a great chef. He wants her to go with him because the worst thing would be to be separated from her. She wants to know if he thinks it’s a good idea. She reminds him of her faults: no family, education, talent. And that his family doesn’t know who she is. He doesn’t care. She’s afraid they’ll hate her for having told lies. They swear a pact never to tell. So, then, she’ll return with him. Finally, she agrees to go with him. They kiss and then hear a loud, insistent knock at the door. She goes to see who is at the door. She peeks from behind the curtains and sees a man with a goatee and scary look on his face. Sorry, folks, he’s not disfigured and is not a single-eyed Cyclops. Just a man and she is terrified.

FrEd asks Fer if your stepmother was aware of secret accounts and if you found out about them, what would you do? It would show that my husband was telling the truth. He asks and if it proved that Damian had lied to you?

Vlad gives Pris a pill. But the Dynamic Duo’s concern for pregnant Pris doesn’t last long. Dam says what are you thinking of telling your husband. Call him, but I am going to tell the truth that you are about to lose your baby and the identity of the real father of your baby. You miserable pig, say Pris. Go on, Dam says, call him or I will. Vlad tries to stop Dam’s rant. Dam wants Pris to stay there. Vlad invites Dam to step outside – later, says Dam. Dam doesn’t want to miss Pris’ call.

Fer says there are two options if Bar is innocent – my marriage is over and it will be a tragedy for my family. FrEd says what if both are guilty? A third option is both are guilty. Is there a third option or are both guilty. He says it’s a possibility, but it doesn’t matter. Fer keeps at him: Are you willing to help me find out the truth, she asks. First he says, what do you know about Artemio Bravo.

Santi asks Aurora about what’s going on? Then he sees The Man in Black and notes that The Man looks just like his father except he has a beard, a moustache, and he’s younger. They wonder who it could be. Let’s ask, says Santi.

Fer says she doesn’t know Artemio Bravo. FrEd says this man has a lot to do with what is going on. She never heard this name. How about Rebeca Sanchez – she hasn’t heard that one either.

Barb keeps comforting Lili in her own inimitable way. She reminds Lili that her father is sick and wants to visit her and that she should behave herself. Where is Martina???? Barb, on her way out tells Adolfina to tell Dr. O to call her. Finally, the old witch leaves. Adolfina tries to comfort Lili. She says Martina will be back soon to take care of her. Lili is distraught.

Fer asks why these people are so important. He has to find out. Maybe they can help determine Dam’s guilt or not. She still wants his help because for one thing she has to know the truth about Damian. FrEd knows she’s thinking of her father and her family. She also wants to find out what’s up with her stepmother. He wants to know if she’s willing to do what he asks. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. Sure, she says.

Santi and Aurora discuss the man at the door. Aurora is afraid she will lose her freedom. She thinks they know Dominga. They get away from the door. Santi realizes that those guys aren’t going to leave so he has to develop a strategy. He sees women’s high-heeled shoes by the door that inspire him.

Pris accuses Vlad of being a liar and cheat. He begs her to let him explain. She says no. She’s leaving and doesn’t want to know anything about them. She tells Vlad to shut up. Dam says enough Pris. You’re exaggerating. I’m accused of robbing money that I didn’t rob and you are pregnant by a man who isn’t your husband. We’re partners. She wants to spit at him. Now they have secrets to keep.

Santi, dressed as a peasant woman opens the door. He is covered up with a serape and gloves. The Man says he is looking for Dominga. Santi says don’t come near me because I have a cold. Yes, this is Dominga’s house. The Man is looking for her. Who? – a friend says the man. Santi says he’s a neighbor. The Man keeps asking where is Dominga. Santi tells him she died. The Man wants to know how she died. In an accident, says Santi in a village where a hotel burned. And what about the girl who lived with her? Where is she? Santi says the girl is dead, too. The Man looks shocked.

Little Rocio brings coffee to Fer and FrEd. FrEd is once again talking to her about Lili and says that it’s not sufficient to transfer Lili to Stockholm. What do mean freeing her. Do you remember the day I talked to you about the Jinete Justiciero? What does Lili have to do with this. Fer explains that her sister is sick. He tells her that what surrounds her family surrounds him, too. They have to make decisions now. He is sure that Lili needs help from specialists. Fer says there’s something else. What?

Santi keeps up his act. The Man is visibly moved. Santi says they are both charcoal and ashes and asks if the man knew them. He did. They weren’t friends they were more than that. Man One in Black runs to open the Jeep door for Artemio Bravo while the other two MIB get in the car. Finally they leave. Ed: It’s just a little hard to believe that a man who is bringing down a Titan in the milk industry could fall for such a lame act. Anyway, ahem.

Fred says he does not know his enemy but there are people who are interested in him. Why does Camilo want to hurt you? He doesn’t know. What does Lili have to do with this. The names of Artemio Bravo and Rebeca Sanchez mean something to Lili. So that’s why they are pursuing her. She wants to know what it all means and he says the same person who is responsible for having Lili locked up is the same person who is his enemy, and Lili knows the enemy.

AB thinks to himself – dead, Aurora dead. Editor: We missed a little glycerin tear running down his cheek, gee whiz. He left Aurora with a mean-spirited drunk and now he misses her. Yeah, right.

Aurora said she nearly fainted when she saw the man because he looked like Gonzo. Aurora says she’s never seen this man and that he must be Dominga’s friend. Aurora says they have to get out of there. Where could he have come from? Santi says his eyes were cold when I told him Dominga was dead. He asks her did you know this man.

The secret that Lili has is terrible says Ed. That’s why she’s locked up. They did it to turn her into a vegetable. Fer says if that’s true it’s a monstrous crime. He wants Fer’s help in freeing Lili. He asks her help again in freeing Lili. Who’s going to believe Lili – whatever she says could be a hallucination or fantasy. Do you really believe that. He says they have the solution in their hands. Lili can be rehabilitated and you can do something to help your sister. We have to get her out of that clinic and get her rehabbed. Fer understands. Haven’t you seen that Lili has made progress. He says can I count on you?

Back at Vlad’s, Vlad asks Pris what’s she going to do. She says I’m going home. He asks her forgiveness. Call me a taxi or I will. Dam says to Vlad what are you going to do. Vlad’s says he’s going with her. Dam wants a moment to talk to her alone. She says I already told Vlad I wasn’t going to stay here. Dam says I don’t have anything against you. It’s just a coincidence that we’re in this together. If you forget what you saw, it will be good for both of us. You'll have your baby, and your husband will never know. She’s not sure. Take your time, he says, think about it. You are an intelligent woman. And if she doesn’t accept? He’ll have to flee and prove his innocence and when your father, your brother and family find out that the baby you expect isn’t your husband's they all turn their back on you.

Anibal yells at a flabbergasted Flor – how did these reports get in the hands of Franco Alvear? They are minutes of the Board of Directors – they got in the hands of my enemies. The documents are from the files to which poor Flor has access. A raging Ani wants to know how they got in his wife’s brother’s hands. He accuses Flor of being a traitor and traitors have to be banished.

Dam says that Ani never played fair. Ani has always been a jerk. It’s the entire Elizalde family’s fault. Ani has been using her money all along. So what, that’s my affair, says Pris. Now that Vlad is in the company, he can watch out for you. Don’t worry because Vlad is completely looking out for her interests. Vlad, she calls out. Dumb ass Vlad enters wearing an apron and asks her if she’s hungry. Call me a taxi. But, but says Vlad. Dam, who now thinks he has Pris in the palm of his hands, tells Vlad never to contradict a pregnant woman.

At Lactos, Flor is crying as she is turning over documents to Osvaldo. Ani wants to know why she’s still there and that he could send her to jail and complain to the rest of his family. He accuses her of espionage. Flor turns in her ID.

Fer says that what you see is easy, but I am terrified. I will open my eyes and see something strange like a nightmare. Why does the earth shake. He says that is reality they are confronting themselves. Her anguish is to believe lies and to trust people who lied. He says that the worst lie is not to confront terror. She says I trusted and was fooled and since then I am dying of fear and am not able to do anything. Then feel fear, he says – turn it into your ally. She says now fear and you are my only allies. Yes, he says and reaches for her hand. Theme music plays. She kisses his hand and he wipes her tears away, moves in closer and puts his forehead next to hers and finally they kiss.

Avances: AB talks to Barb. She further twists Gonzo around her finger. Fer and FrEd are allies.

Someone - please tag this for me. Thanks.

Labels: manana