Caray, Caray!

This episode had a few bonbons of entertaining moments amongst the same old same old.

Luisa has decided to call Silvia on the phone right in the middle of the lobby and ask her in a loud voice who the father of Dora's baby is. [Doesn't she have an phone extension in her office? Doesn't she have email?] Of course, Albieri walks in on this. Luisa hastily hangs up on Silvia. She tells Albieri that the business of Dora's baby is driving her crazy.

Albieri takes a deep breath and tells her that he will confess the truth. Instead of his previous story where a former assistant fertilized Dora's egg with the wrong sperm, now Albieri tells Luisa that he mixed up the embryos and the wrong one got implanted in Dora. Once again, Luisa buys this tissue of lies and is ecstatic that Albieri isn't the father of Dora's baby. She sobers up a little when Albieri points out that the baby is not genetically Dora's at all but she concludes that carrying a fetus and birthing makes you a mom. She also rationalizes that Albieri's attachment to the child is the result of his guilt over the boo boo.

Vicki advises Cristina to lay off pursuing Leo for a while and make him miss her. Cristina agrees but we will see later on how well she does with this idea.

Mohamed hustles Lariat away from Ozzie. She protests that she is just a modern woman but Mohamed accuses her of not following their family customs.

Leo and Enrique are at a restaurant with Lorena, a business associate who follows the broccoli rubber band dress for success philosophy. She tells Leo that she wants to do business with his company. Of all the restaurants in Miami with big glass doors open to a patio this is the one that Cristina is walking by carrying a cake. On a plate. [Now when did you ever buy what is obviously a fancy cake where they didn't put it in a box? And why would you buy a cake like that for a party for 2 year olds? They are happy with a sheet cake and colored sprinkles.]

Cristina recognizes Leo even though he has his back to her, forces her way into the restaurant, creates a scene, screams insults at Lorena and dumps the cake on her. Leo has her arrested.

Jade lays it on a bit thick singing the praises of the girl who was at Ali's party to Said. She says that not only is the girl pretty, she knows how to cook without too much salt, won't burn his clothes with an iron, won't forget to buy groceries and is willing to be a second wife. Said pays no attention. He is totally absorbed with Jade.

Rosa speaks for us all when she asks Lucas what he still doing with Jade's jade pendant.

Cristina gets put in a cell with some rough customers.

Enrique urges Leo to drop the charges against Cristina but Leo insists that she should stay in jail overnight to learn a lesson.

Mohamed tells Latifa that he has doubts about Ozzie as a husband for Lariat. Latifa is so eager to get rid of Lariat that she doesn't care. Lariat tells Mohamed not to question Ozzie too much about their religion since she hasn't had time to teach him much about it. Ozzie arrives.

Cristina entertains her cellmates with the story of her relationship with Leo and the 'five minutes' with Diego that ruined everything. They are sympathetic. Cristina gives them the jewelry she is wearing that was a gift from Leo. She says that she doesn't want anything from him touching her.

Lorena, the object of Cristina's jealousy in the restaurant, signs at $10 million deal with Leo's company.

Enrique suggests that Cristina's performance in the restaurant brought them luck in getting the contract or something. He urges Leo to spring Cristina. Leo agrees and not only goes to the jail himself to get Cristina released but buys her more jewelry to replace what she told him was stolen in jail.

Latifa sings the praises of Lariat's cooking to Ozzie.

Mohamed tells Latifa that it is the man's duty to promote the bride. He sends the women to the kitchen for pastries and gets down to business. He says that they have to call uncle Abdul to decide on how the payment will be made. "Payment?" asks Ozzie. At first, Ozzie thinks that he is going to be paid to marry Lariat but when it becomes clear that he is the one who is supposed to pay a dowry, Ozzie is out of there faster than you can say, 'dancing with the stars.' Lariat loses it, to say the least.

Latifa runs in to Lucas while Mohamed is in a shop getting medicine for Nariza. He says that he is very happily married with a face that says just the opposite. Latifa tells him that Jade is happy with Said. Marisa appears. Lucas introduces Marisa to Latifa. Mohamed arrives and Latifa introduces Mohamed to Marisa. Then Latifa says that Jade will be very happy (muy feliz) when she knows that Lucas is muy feliz with his wife. Lucas says that he is muy feliz now that he knows that Jade is feliz in her marriage. After that feliz exchange, Lucas kisses Marisa and they leave.

Back in the car, Marisa is not muy feliz. She says that now that his Arab friends aren't around, Lucas stops being affectionate with her. She warns him never to use her in the way that he just did. [I had watch this scene a couple of times before I could figure what Marisa was complaining about. She certainly takes offense easily.]

I guess Latifa lost no time in telling Jade about her encounter with Lucas. Jade goes to Ali's house and she and Zoraida rehash the whole betrayal/perfidious Westerner thing again. Jade swears that she will rip Lucas out of her heart. Lucas walks in the rain and swears that he will forget Jade. Yawn.

If the medicine they got for Lariat was Valium or something like that, it's not working very well. When Mohamed points out to Lariat that Ozzie didn't want to pay a dowry, she reminds Mohamed that he got off cheap in the dowry department when he married Latifa and complains about a double standard. She lays into Latifa as well and says that she only has one brother now and she will never set foot in Mohamed's house again.

Lucas apologizes to Marisa in his spineless way. He says that the only thing he wants is for the three of them to live happily. Marisa repeats that this is the last time. Next time, he can forget about having a family.


Things are all ready for the birthday party for Daniel. When Vicki announces that Albieri is bringing a special present for Daniel, Estela repeats her warning about Albieri wanting to take Daniel from Dora.

Leo reluctantly agrees to go to Daniel's birthday party. Just to show that Cristina isn't in charge, he says that he'll arrive an hour late. Enrique observes that Leo and Cristina love each other and shouldn't hurt one another.

Nariza returns to Said's house and immediately vents her grievances against Mohamed and Latifa. When Jade comes downstairs, Nariza starts in on her. Finally, she says that she hopes Said's second wife doesn't treat him like Jade. "What second wife?" asks Said. Nariza replies that it is the one she had to come home to vet. Said says that he doesn't know what she is talking about. Jade backs out of the room unobtrusively.

In the street, Abdul tells Said that Nariza shouldn't have let the cat out of bag before she vetted the girl. Said says that he doesn't want a second wife. Abdul replies that he has to start fixing the problem he got into when he married Jade.

Ali and Zoraida agree that Jade will regret making Said take a second wife. Ali tells Jade that Abdul has asked him to receive the family of the girl that she wants Said to marry. Jade does a, "who me?" which makes Ali even angrier after what he saw and heard at the party the previous day. "May Allah protect you from yourself," says Ali.

Luisa is all perky getting ready for the party. Albieri thinks to himself that her happiness is reinforced by her seeing him as weak because she thinks she knows all his secrets. "How naive," he says to himself.

Ah, the tried and true telenovela device - telling secrets in large rooms with lots of places to be overheard. Lucas and Rosa are waiting for Marisa. Lucas counters Rosa's criticism of Cristina by saying that she helped him when he needed it. Rosa retorts that she helped him because she wanted him to marry Jade and that Marisa must not find out about this or she will never go to Cristina's house. Well, of course, Marisa hears this.

She stomps off saying that she won't go to the party. Lucas says that he will go alone. Marisa tells Rosa how fed up she is with Lucas and then goes into labor. Rosa gets Lucas before he leaves for the party. They go to the hospital. Leo is also about to leave for the party when he is told that Marisa is in labor.

It looks like a fun birthday party with a passel of kids running around screaming. Cristina is dejected that Leo hasn't shown up. The doorbell rings. It's Albieri with a bike for Daniel. Estela makes the obligatory criticism about Albieri buying expensive gifts for Daniel.

The doorbell rings again. It's Julio. He says that he finally wants to see the kid he is sure will be the image of Osvaldo. When he is shown Daniel, he tells Luisa that the baby cannot be Dora's child. Not satisfied, Julio sits down next to Albieri and says in Estela's hearing that Daniel cannot be Dora's child. [Jeez, talk about rude and not PC! So the next time I see a stranger with a little tummy, I'll just come right out and ask if she's pregnant. If I see a woman with twins in a stroller, I'll ask if she took fertility drugs. If I see a white woman with an oriental baby, I'll ask if she adopted the child because she can't have children. What happened to being polite and then gossiping later in private?] Estela tells Albieri that he might be the father of Daniel but he has no rights since the baby wasn't registered with his name. "The father?" asks Julio. Albieri bolts from the party.

Lucas is not in the labor or delivery room with Marisa. He asks Rosa if it isn't dangerous that the baby is born early and her premature labor might have been his fault for arguing with Marisa. Leo and Enrique arrive at the hospital. Leo wants to know why Albieri isn't there. Enrique will call him.

No footage of Marisa straining in the stirrups. We see her post delivery with Lucas looking on. She is given the baby and names her Natalia.

The credits roll.

Labels: clon

I’m here to announce, Jean is the winner of the Name That Recap game! Thank you, Jean, for coming to the rescue. It's a bad allergy season, and the creative juices weren't flowing.

There is some sort of party at Ali’s house. Jade obsesses some more about the newspaper articles. She tells Zoraida that she doesn’t know what to do. The more Said dislikes her, the stronger he refuses to give her a divorce. Z warns her that he might take a second wife, but Jade says she’d love that. In fact, she’s going to get him a woman, a pretty one. Jade steps up to a young woman named Muna and invites her to dance. As the two women dance, Said watches, perhaps confused and disturbed? I’m not sure.

Rosa goes to Albi’s. house. She’s been dying to meet Daniel, and today’s the day. Albi enters, Rosa asks about the photo montage, Luisa invites her to come see Daniel, and Albi interrupts, asking Luisa to make him some tea. Albi goes to Daniel’s room, and full of melodramatic fervor, he says, “If Rosa sees you, I’m finished.” When Luisa brings his tea in, Albi and Danny are gone. Albi is taking crying Danny into his car. Danny, your mama should’ve warned you, don’t get into cars with strangers, and Frankenalbi is stranger than anyone.

Back at the party, Abdul tells Ali that Nariza has a suitor. Ali thinks that’s wonderful, but wet blanket Abdul says she’s already proven that she’s not very wise about picking husbands. Ali says that Nariza made wise choices for wives for her brothers. The two men dispute the qualities of Latifa and Jade. Meanwhile Jade interviews the second-wife prospect. She speaks Spanish and she’s not engaged to anyone. She’ll do. Said looks on, perhaps confused and disturbed.

Zoraida warns Jade that she is diverting her destiny. She’ll lose her husband, and then she’ll be stuck with no way to change her future. Jade points out Muna to Said, but he only wants to look at Jade.

Rosa tells Luisa the story about the photo. Albi takes Danny to Dora’s house. Grandma gathers him up and says, “Now you’re safe,” glaring at Frankenalbi. Cris tells Albi that Grandma thinks Albi is the father and that he’s going to take Daniel away. Cris says, “You’re so nervous. Is it because of your wife?” Albi says, “Huh?” as if, “Wife? Do I have a wife?” She asks him to spill the beans. Is he the father? Albi says, “Um, I have to go.” This part is cute. As Albi is leaving, Cris tells him, “Luisa has the right to know that you didn’t betray her with your heart; it was only your sperm.” After he’s gone, she says to herself, “I don’t see that as a betrayal. Well, maybe a little.”

Albi goes home and Luisa confronts him. “Are you Daniel’s father? I’m not the only one with suspicions. There are a lot of things that are strange about your story. First Silvia was sent away after she inseminated Dora. Then your assistant was sent away when he discovered that you didn’t use the correct donor’s sperm. And you don‘t want a child by me because you already have one. ” Albi makes excuses, but Luisa demands the name of the donor. Albi says he’ll tell her tomorrow.

Cristina calls to invite Lucas to the birthday party. Marisa is jealous that he’s talking to a woman. He gets off the phone and tells her what it’s about. She whines, “Do we have to go?” He tells her of course they’ll go. Suddenly she’s having problems because the baby moved. Heaven forbid that attention should be taken away from her for one moment. Lucas tells her that if it’s a girl, she chooses the name, and if it’s a boy, he chooses. She informs him that it’s a girl and she’ll name her Natalia. Lucas persists, if it’s a boy, I’ll name him Diego.

Jade is whining to Zoraida some more. Z says, “How are you going to forget him if you never stop talking about him?” That Zoraida, she didn’t just fall off the cabbage truck, did she?

Latifa asks Nariza how she met her principe azul, and Nariza spins a yarn. Latifa isn’t sure Nariza’s brothers will approve of her marrying a convert to Islam. Nariza says her case is special because she’s not a spring chicken anymore, and besides, she sacrificed everything for her brothers and now it’s her turn for the good life. As Nariza leaves, a woman asks Latifa for a glass of water. Latifa invites her into the house, and while she’s in the kitchen, the woman steals their stereo. Latifa falls into a heap of tears.

Lucas ponders Jade’s necklace and remembers her story. While Jade’s mom was pregnant, she sat under her favorite tree. But she saw something bright, the necklace, and went to get it. When she did, lightning hit the tree and set it on fire. The necklace gives her protection and happiness. Marisa calls to Lucas to show him the expensive designer crib.

Ozzie and Lariat are flirting at the mall. Lariat says that yes, she’ll marry him. Once he converts to Islam. Ozzie says he’ll convert to a burrito if she asks him to. She says that if he wants to take a second wife, she has to agree to it. A second wife? Ozzie thinks he died and went to heaven. (Wait ‘til he hears about the heaven part!)

He goes to kiss her and she screeches, “Haram!” She says that’s for after the wedding. After they get married he’ll see the real Nariza. Yeah, I’ll bet that’s the truth. She says, “I’m the kind that drives men crazy.” Yeah, I can’t argue that, either!

Nariza and Mohamed are talking about the robbery, and she’s in tears. Ali calls because he heard about it. Bad news travels fast. He says westerners have no respect for the law because they don’t realize that they’ll be judged by God. Muna’s father comes to talk to Ali. Ali calls in Jade and asks if Said is really looking for a second wife. Jade cryptically answers, “If Said wants a second wife, I authorize it. It would be welcome.”

Jade runs to tell Zoraida that it’s working. “Said will marry Muna and then he’ll divorce me and I’ll be free!” Ali comes storming in, the maddest we’ve seen him so far. “What are you doing? Are you putting another woman in your husband’s bed? You did it to get free of him! A man who made himself blind and deaf for you! Any other man would have abandoned you. You’re a malicious liar ! I opened my heart to you and fed you with it, but you spit on me and threw me on the floor.” He then turns on Zoraida for assisting. Z starts to say that she didn’t know anything, but Ali hollers, “You know everything that goes on in this house. A fly doesn’t move, that you don’t know it. But when this house falls and shame covers my head, it will fall on you too.” Then he turns back to Jade. “If you keep looking for damnation you’ll find it. Go ahead. Destroy the love your husband feels for you! Then you’ll find out the nature of what you’ve been hoping for.”

Leo drops in to see Cris. Her make-up actually looks semi-normal. He claims he was in the neighborhood. She says it’s really that he can’t live without her. Then she asks if he’s coming to Danny’s party. He appears to be Albieri’s son. THAT gets Leo’s attention. When he’s home he tells Enrique. Enrique says that if the madrina says so, it must be true. He wouldn’t miss that party for the world, for the chance to meet the child. Leo says, “Ni yo tampoco.”

Mohamed tells Nariza that she leaves for Morocco tomorrow to approve Said’s second wife. Latifa dashes off in a dither. She goes to her room to cry, for fear that Mohamed will take another wife too. Nariza informs Mohamed that she’s not leaving. It would be easier to move a mountain than to move her. He and Said got married without heeding her warnings, and so Said doesn’t need her advice now. “This is my only chance for happiness. God will judge you for making me suffer like this. I’ll be in the garden of Paradise surrounded by fruits, while you will have your heads cracked on the rocks! Tell Said’s second wife she can wait until I’m married!” Mohamed calls Abdul and tells him Nariza won’t leave Miami. Abdul and Ali (but mostly Abdul) complain that we’re all going to he!! in a handbasket. Abdul says he won’t let Ali interfere with the marriage. On the contrary, Ali has no desire to meddle with what Allah causes to happen. Abdul leaves, and Ali tells Zoraida, “See what Jade’s conspiracy caused? The only protection Jade has is Said’s love. If she kills that love, she kills the only protection she has. As Allah is my witness, I did everything I could.”

Latifa calls Ali to ask him to change the marriage contract so Mohamed can’t take a second wife. Ali reminds her that he read her the whole contract before she got married. So let it be written, so let it be done. Latifa said she wasn’t paying attention. In a link we looked at earlier in the series (Jean, did you post that or did I?), a woman wrote that her family never allowed her to read the marriage contract, and that’s true in most of the marriages.

Mohamed goes to the mall looking for his sister, and he sees Ozzie and Lariat together, very chummy. Mohamed announces that Lariat has to return to Morocco. Lariat wants to get married first. Osvaldo says he’s ready here and now. Mo says they’ll talk about it tonight.

Cris waltzes into the apartment with all the things for the party. Vicky pulls a can of Silly String out of the bag, but it looks like Cris already used it to decorate her dress.

At the clinic in the morning. Luisa demands from Albi the info on Danny’s father. She has reviewed all the files, and the only possible donor was the one Sylvia had prepared. He darts away, saying, “We’ll talk later.” Luisa reaches Sylvia on the phone. Just as Frankenalbi walks toward her, Luisa asks Sylvia, “Who was Dora’s sperm donor?” Roll credits. Don’t tell me, let me guess. Albi hangs up the phone before Sylvia can answer. Anyone laying bets?

Labels: clon

From Yesterday:
The doctor comes to work on Juan’s leg. They find they have common beliefs.

Rod and Leo are talking. Rod gives his take on love. Leo reminds him a little too eagerly that whatever he needs, all he has to do is ask.

Regina enters her room to find Aimee playing possum. She ponders who Renato could have confused with her.

Renato in his room. He remembers Regina’s words. He thinks she’s lying. Why? Why? Aimee is so different. He sits up suddenly.

Aimee is dreaming of Juan. This will be the last time. She sits up and says he’s gone, he abandoned me. Why?

Meanwhile Juan is in the Love Cave thinking about Aimee.

Aimee sits up and calls out his name. Renato calls out Aimee. Regina calls out Renato.

Tonight:
The maid brings Santos something to eat. She gets after him for exerting himself. He asks her to wait. Don’t leave. He’s got a present for her. She is excited about it but not sure she can accept it. He convinces her to take it. They make goo goo eyes at each other. Curly and the Parrot show up and interrupt the two love birds with a giggle. Pedro shows up and says get a move on we have stuff to do.

Aimee is making herself beautiful. Regina shows up and startles her. I’m surprised you are up so early since you were out running around until all hours of the night. Aimee says she likes to be alone. But after that? I looked for you everywhere and you could not be found. Aimee says the Finca is a prison for her. This “carcel” is your home (hogar). Aimee thinks she can convince Renato to move elsewhere. Regina says that Renato will never abandon the land. Why don’t you confide in me and tell me the truth. You went to look for this man Juan del Diablo. Dun, dun, dun!


Back at the Love Cave--Gabe thinks Juan should go back to the house. Juan says no way Jose. They are arguing about it when the gang shows up and fills him in on what’s going on. They say nothing has been said yet. Nobody suspects they were responsible. Juan thinks that is good.

Aimee is getting annoyed with Regina. Enough already! I broke it off with Juan. Are you satisfied? Regina says she is just concerned for her. Regina says when she was out looking for Aimee in the garden she ran into Renato. He was acting really strange. What was he doing? He was out walking on the beach looking for you. That gets her attention but she says it was you he saw you were the one walking on the beach. Of course it is your bad nerves. Now you don’t remember what you are doing. Regina says you are crazy… Rosie shows up with some towels. Aimee dismisses her and says thank you we don’t need you right now. But wait, Regina wants to ask her a question--Did you see me leave last night? You can see Rosenda pondering her answer but I’m pondering how does she keep her boobs from falling out of that blouse?

Leo walks in on Rod in the bathtub. Ack! Now I have to poke my eyes out! She is overcome with--something. (Viewerville is overcome with nausea.) He looks at her like “que the hell! “ She hurriedly leaves the towels and closes the door. She looks like she might swoon with delight at seeing her Hot Bod Rod sitting naked as a jaybird in the bathtub. Groan…

Rosenda answers that last night you entered the house and practically ran to your room. You didn’t talk to anybody. Aimee says see what did I tell you? Regina says it can’t be. You are mistaken. Aimee says now will you leave me in peace? Regina leaves crying. Rosenda looks at Aimee and you know she’s thinking that Aimee owes her a big time. Aimee thanks her “for telling the truth” with some perfume. Rosie assures her that she is at her service whenever she needs her. Which really means “soon I will have enough info to blackmail you with.” Aimee thinks to herself “Regina you are in my hands. Nobody imagines that it was me dressed like you going out. Not even Renato knows the difference.” Oh boy! That sounds like trouble.

Noel is talking to Renato. He’s telling him what went on at the dinner table. Noel says that Rod hauled off and smacked Regina. He goes on to say that Regina is so sensitive. Renato says back up Pops, I used to think that about Regina but she is not what she appears. He doesn’t want to say anything, and you can’t say anything to anybody, but last night he went to look for Aimee and saw Regina on the beach. Noel says no way that could happen Renato says oh but it did. When she returned to the house I was waiting for her. She didn’t see me. Are you sure it was her? (Now really Noel, how could you miss her she glows in the dark.) You can’t be right. It was Regina.

Leo walks in and startles Regina. Leo wants to know what is up. Regina wants to know if there has ever been any family history of madness?

Pedro and Santos are talking to the fisherfolk. They are showing them the money. If they discover it we will be up a creek without a paddle.

Rod is just finding out that his shipment went missing. How could there not be any sign. Well, we’ve never had this problem before. Perhaps they were PIRATES. Rod doesn’t believe it. Bandits maybe, but not PIRATES. Nobody knew about it. The soldier says they are not at fault. They have always been faithful. Remember when we took care of that little matter regarding Juan de Dios? Do you think that I am in your hands? Oh no, we just want to remind you of the “favors” we have done for you in the past. We don’t bite the hand that feeds us. FF>>

Leo confides in Regina that her sister was crazy. Oh no! Regina is shocked and looks with doe eyes at Leo-- Do you think that the madness can be passed from parents to children? Leo says oh, of course. Regina falls for it hook, line, and sinker. Ok, now I want to smack her. Regina has some things to do and wants permission to take Clemencia with her. Why does a grown woman need permission to do anything? Leo doesn’t want anything to upset His Royal Majesty. Leo warns Regina that If something happens to Rod it is all her fault. Leo dreamily remembers seeing her big hunk of man sitting naked, exposed and vulnerable in the tub. Ah, what could have been. Sigh…

Rod is questioning the crew. He wants to know what happened to the shipment. The poor guy said they were like ghosts. Like PIRATES. Rod tells the guys they are good for nothing. Get out of my sight. Damn bandits. (Hey, but they could have been PIRATES.)

Gossip is spreading through the town.

Juan is still in the Love Cave. Gabe brings him some water and food. He says the gossip is that PIRATES are afoot. Juan laughs. He tries to talk with his mouth full. Nice. He asks Gabe about Estrella. Gabe loves her. What will you do if she doesn’t exist? She does, I held her in my arms, I kissed her. My opinion is that you should look for Jimena and tell her the truth. It’s not possible. Go find her. Like Mr. I Love You--But Now Not So Much is the one to give love advice.

Regina is talking to Jimena and Clemencia. Jimena says she needs her freedom. I think Regina is worried about her going back to the camp. She wants Renato or her father to go with her. Jimena says no it’s ok. The girls decide they will go with her to just outside the camp.

The doctor is thinking about Juan and what they talked about. How strange. Renato shows up and the doctor tells him he’s been thinking about Regina. Renato asks him if he likes Regina. Duh! Renato says he’s not really the one to talk to. He needs to talk to Rodrigo. Pablo says if she accepts him he would love her for every. Renato says that Regina has changed a lot. I’m not sure what he says after that.

Regina and Jimena and Clemencia go back to the camp. Regina makes Jimena promise that she will find them if she needs help. Jimena runs back into the gypsy camp. Everyone is glad to see her. Especially Servando. He sneaks up behind her and grabs her. What a slime ball. The other men stand around and laugh. (don’t even get me started.) Gabe saves her. He gets in to a knife fight with Servando. Which might not have been the best idea considering he’s good with knives and all. Servando draws first blood but Gabe finishes it with a really nice take-down. Jimena pleads for him to not kill him. He’s not worth the trouble (no vale la pena). Gabe tells him that he was saved this time so he’d better leave her alone.

Gabe and Jimena go for a walk. She is grateful to him. I’ll always be your friend. Estrella is not important. He helps her over a log and gazes wistfully into her eyes. He tells her he loves her-- as a friend of course. Whatever. How much do you love her? More than you can know. Do you want to help me. Sure. She reads his palm.

Juan is still in the cave with his leg all bandaged up. He remembers the woman with the veil and can’t figure out why he is drawn to her. He remembers touching her. Why does she move me?

MdR is in her cell when the white dove flies in. She looks happy to see it. An Angel…she remembers touching Juan’s face. She says it is you. It is you coming for me. But I can’t go. I can’t abandon my son. I can’t. I can’t.

Aimee thinks it is a fine idea to dress like Regina to look for Juan. Let pobrecita’ Regina take the fall. She dons the habit and sneaks out the window. Looks like we are in for another episode of Everyone Hates Reggie.

Juan and Gabe are talking in the Love Cave. Gabe is worried about his leg but Juan says don’t worry about me. You need to get some rest. Juan says they can’t be seen together. If someone asks he should say that Juan will be back soon or whatever he wants.
I will obey your orders because you are right.

Regina is looking for Aimee. Again, she’s not here. Hey check your closet dumbass. A light bulb goes off in her little pea brain. It is Aimee they saw, not me! Ya think? Oh, no, that is seriously not going to happen. I will not permit it. Regina looks in somebody’s room. She searches the rest of the house. Where is everybody? She goes out on the grounds. She goes back into the house. She runs into Renato. He needs something but she is busy. He wants to ask Aimee something. She gets all jumpy. Regina runs into Clemencia. She tells her that Renato is looking for Aimee and she’s not here. Clemencia says what can we do?. I say rat her out and let her face the music. You know she would do that to you without batting an eye. Regina tells Renato that Aimee is indisposed. She’s resting. Tomorrow she will be better. Renato doesn’t want her to go. He wants to talk to her. Please. She looks pensive.

Leo wants to know why Clemencia is standing guard. She says Aimee has a bad headache. Oh, great, Leo will go get her herbs.

Renato wants to read a poem to Regina. (How can you resist those eyes.) She sits down as he begins to read. FF>>

Aimee enters the Love Cave to find a fire going and Juan is asleep on the floor. He thinks it is Regina. She says it’s me, Aimee. She says she used it to get out of the house and find him. She can’t live without his kisses, his hugs. He pushes her away. Get out. She doesn’t get it. Why are you saying this. I need to know if it is true that you are gong. Are you going to abandon me? Yes. I’m leaving and I will never come back. Why? Why? He tells her she is his worst enemy. Aimee looks shocked.

Labels: salvaje

We start where we left off yesterday: Jorge is getting nostalgic at the hacienda. “It’s been so long since I was here. So many memories!” Meanwhile, Chavez is making his way towards the hacienda in the company of two of his lady friends from the strip club. They are in the stripper version (or Halloween version) of a maid’s uniform and a cop uniform. Naughty Maid and Naughty Cop are tired of the strip club clients who treat them disrespectfully. Chavez plans to not only treat them with respect, he will treat them to a night of loving and passion in his Paraíso Erótico- the hacienda.

Back at Doña Dolores’ restaurant, the dance contest is about to get started. Dodo and con man Martín flirt with each other and are joined by….hey! Isn’t that Paula from Gancho?! Yes, it is. Looking quite fetching in a sexy black and silver mod dress, and missing her cute glasses. But I digress..

We get a look at some of the couples who will be competing:
-Dandy convinces Susana to be his dance partner by assuring her that her chakras will thank her and that she will emerge from it with a purer/cleaner spirit.
-Claudia is nervous because her partner, Rafa, is still missing. Dandy assures Claudia he will show, as Rafa loves to dance. He reminisces about the time he and Rafa practiced their dance moves at Autos Siglo and were busted by Ale.
-Marino has partnered with one of the sales floor models and is sporting a special wig for the dance contest. Both the wig and his dance moves are an homage to John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever-over the top and cheesy. He is sure HE is going to win. Where have we heard this before?
-The General and Bebe are teaming together, but she wants to be sure he is healthy enough for the competition. He does a few stretches to convince her, but ends up hurting himself instead.
-Rosaura looks down her nose at the dance competition, especially when she sees Trapito and his partner go dancing by, and brags about the oh so fancy and fabulous dance parties she attended in Miami. “There weren’t any Nacos there. All the best people attended like the Estefans…” (Now I see why she doesn’t have a partner.)
-Jimenez actually brings his wife Elvira! She wants them to dance till they drop, and they’d better win, or else. She decides she will lead.
-Marino spins his partner and himself right into the waiting arms of dance partners B&V, who don’t mind at all. Marino, however is very disturbed.
-Ovi and Pepeto are paired together, but for a moment, after Trapito and his partner (one of the sales floor models) bump into them, it looks like there will be a partner switch. Trapito eyes Ovi (obvio!) and Pepeto eyes the sales floor model.

Back at the hacienda, Chavez and Naughty Cop and Naughty Maid are enjoying a drink at the bar in the pool house. The skirt on the cop is cut so high, and her thong undies are so small, that Univision feels the need to blur her derriere, and for once I am in agreement with the censors. Naughty Maid freaks herself out a bit talking about ghosts, as she’s always imagined that places like the hacienda have lots of ghosts wandering around.

Upstairs, Jorge’s in his jammies and tucked into his bed. Rosario calls his cell and wakes him up, wanting to know why he decided to spend the night at the hacienda. Jorge’s reply (like any good teenager): “Because I wanted to. What’s the problem? See ya tomorrow.” As he hangs up, he hears some party music. Could it be his imagination? Ghosts?

Well, I don’t think Jorge has EVER imagined the scene that is happening right then downstairs in the pool house. And ghosts don’t tend to wear sexy costumes and writhe suggestively on couches. Chavez has a lot of love to give, and he’s decided to give it to his amigitas one at a time. He takes Naughty Cop to another part of the house where she can “take his statement.” Naughty Maid decides to amuse herself by taking a dip in the pool while they are away. She takes off her stockings, then her dress (And I am horrified to see that not only do her bra and panties not match her costume, they don’t match each other! Striped cotton panties with a satin fringe bra. Que?), but she leaves her maid’s cap on, and jumps into the pool. She turns around mid swim to find a very confused Jorge staring at her. “Señorita, who are you?” Naughty Maid thinks her worst nightmares have come true. She calls him a ghost and then lets go a pretty impressive, blood curdling scream.

Back at the dance competition, Lorena Enriquez (she’ll forever be Gancho Paula to me) is announcing the start of the competition and introducing herself. Not only is she some famous tv show host, she’s Martin’s cousin. Claudia jumps on stage to try to stall the start of the competition as her partner has not yet arrived. Just then Rafa runs in and hops on stage. He and Lorena look each other over, and they both like what they see. She calls him guapo and starts some heavy duty flirting. Looks like Claudia has decided to play the role of Vicky tonight, as she jealously puts an end to this and cuts between Rafa and Lorena.

When we transport back to the hacienda, we see that Jorge and Naughty Maid have become fast friends. She introduces herself, “Yadira, mi amor!” Jorge thinks Miamor is an odd last name. Lol! He then introduces himself with his full name and as owner of the hacienda. He thinks she’s the maid- the real one. This whole time Jorge is sitting in a patio chair next to the pool, while Yadira shows off her cleavage and flashes her other goodies while cavorting near the edge of the pool. Sweet, innocent Jorge is just tickled that he found such a nice, amusing young lady to hang out with. Chavez’s time with Naughty Cop is not quite so wholesome, and he catches sight of Jorge and Yadira from the balcony above the pool. He motions to Yadira to keep quiet about his presence, and he and Naughty Cop try to sneak by Jorge.

Chavez manages to scurry quickly behind the bar, but Jorge sees Naughty Cop. “Ah, you must be the other employee (empleada)! And from the looks of your uniform, you’re part of the security team.” Lol! Chavez peeks from behind the bar wondering how he’s going to get out of this mess.

The dance competition begins and we learn the prize is 15 days of eating and drinking free at Dodo’s. (Univision had some strangely long commercial break and we came back mid scene, so some other prize might have been missed by me.) Commence the dancing!

Dodo’s tiny dance floor is so packed that almost as soon as everyone begins dancing, they all start bumping into each other. Eventually they all go tumbling down like dominoes. Dodo has a fit and yells that none of them are doing it right. (Most times things are much better in our imaginations than they turn out to be in reality.) Super Rafa saves the day (of course), by suggesting they do the competition the way they do on Canal de las Estrellas. Each couple dances one at a time and are judged one at a time (like Dancing With the Stars). Lorena is impressed. Not only is Rafa handsome, he’s also wise! Claudia puts on her Vicky hat and jumps in to cool Lorena’s jets.

While Rosario is worrying about Jorge and all the painful memories he must be encountering at the hacienda, we see Jorge drinking and laughing with the Naughties, while they dance on the table and couch and kiss him on his cheeks. He asks them how long they have worked at the hacienda, who hired them, how do they get paid? They stall and fudge their answers until the sleeping pills they slipped him take effect. Once he’s asleep, Chavez enlists the help of Chucho and another hacienda worker to carry Jorge upstairs and tuck him back into bed. Chavez is sure when he wakes tomorrow, he will think it was all a dream. He then warns Chucho to not say a word. “Nothing happened. You saw nothing.”

The dance competition at Dodo’s is in high gear. Each couple takes their turn and is judged on a scale of 1 to 10 by Lorena.
- Maicol Yakson takes the floor solo. He does a perfect impersonation of Michael Jackson, moonwalk and all, and leaves the crowed impressed. Score: 9
- Ovi and Pepeto do a merengue. There’s plenty of heat, but it’s all really coming from Ovi. Score: 7
- Marino and Yadira (sales floor model, not Naughty Maid) dance the Saturday Night Fever hustle to “I Will Survive.” They’re doing pretty well and he almost succeeds doing the lift-spin, but then spins himself and Yadira right into the crowd. Score: 9
- Buga and Amador (hey, now we know their names!) have a lot of fun doing their dance, whatever it is, and are a crowd favorite. But they only score a 5.
- Jimenez and Elvira dance a slow one to “Besame, Besame Mucho.” I don’t think they do badly, although they struggle with the lifts. Score: 5. (Mrs. Jimenez is NOT pleased.)
- Susana and Dandy take a blast from the past and bring out some fun vintage dances (the Watusy, the Swim, the Mash Potato, etc.) to “”Wooly Bully.” Score: 9. Susanna is so excited that she hugs Dandy (hmmmm…)
- The General and Bebe dance to a slow tempo cha cha. The crowd loves them, but they only score a 7.
- Trapito and Noemi dance to the “Lion Sleeps Tonight”, but apparently Trapito lands more like an elephant each time he leaps from one end of the dance floor to the other. Noemi and Lorena seem to appreciate his efforts and they score a 9!
- Dodo and Martin look like they’re square dancing, but it gives them a chance to flirt some more. Score: 9
- Ramirez and Tally seem to be dancing to two different songs. She’s doing some sultry Latin moves, and he’s pulled out some vintage hip hop moves. Score: 8

Rafa and Claudia hit the dance floor and they are dancing to one of my favorite Celia Cruz salsa songs, “La Vida es Carnaval” Claudia is a sexy salsera, and Rafa…well, Rafa is being himself. He is dancing with energy and enthusiasm, if not with much rhythm or coordination. He even throws in a few break-dancing moves. He has a huge, infectious smile on his face. And, as usual, the crowd loves him! And Lorena really loves him. Score: 10! They’re the winners. The crowd cheers and picks Rafa up on their shoulders. He and Claudia mount the stage and Lorena gives Rafa a lingering hug. Rafa thanks everyone, but then announces he has to leave to go meet his pajarita. Both Lorena and Claudia are bitterly disappointed. Rafa rips off his dance jersey and hands it to Claudia as he runs off. She complains that it’s just like a fairytale where the prince runs off and leaves something behind, but instead, she didn’t even get a shoe in the deal.

We finally get a glimpse of Ale and Marco this episode. She is waiting impatiently for him at the hotel’s restaurant. He finally arrives, wearing not only a full suit, but a thick scarf! Ale is concerned and wants to know if he’s sick. She takes a closer look at him, notes that he’s tense and wonders if the cost of the hotel room is worrying him, given their money woes. He assures her that’s not the case and that he’s ready for their evening of romance and lovemaking. Ale looks more than ready and almost skips to their room.

The room is decked out in flowers and other romantic details that Ale really appreciates. Lots of mi amors are exchanged and the kissing begins. Marco suddenly reaches for the lights and turns them off. He and Ale then bicker about why he wants to turn the light off, and so soon. (It’s not going to be that easy Marco.) Ale seductively excuses herself to the bathroom, while Marco feigns a few sneezes and coughs and frantically searches for some candles which will give him the perfect excuse to turn off the lights. The front desk informs him they are a prohibited fire hazard when he calls. Think Marco, think!

Ale beckons him to the bathroom. He’s managed to take off his jacket, but the rest of his clothes and his scarf are still in place. (I actually thought he could tell Ale he had some sort of kinky scarf fetish and leave it, and only it, on as they made love. It’s an idea at least.) Ale, however, has shed all her clothes, and all her inhibitions, and climbed into a bubble bath. She’s eating some delicious looking strawberries that are placed on the edge of the tub, and she wants Marco to join her. Well, you can’t really take a bubble bath with a scarf on, or in the dark. What’s Marco going to do? Ale gives him some come hither looks, she coos, she beckons with her finger, she even pouts. Marco stalls, he hems, he haws, he stutters. Ale finally has had it. She says she knew this idea wouldn’t work and looks sad and dejected. Marco turns his head as he tries to come up with a good lie and Ale catches a glimpse of THE HICKEY. “Mi amor, what’s that?” Uh, oh!

Tomorrow: Vicky tries to make Rafa’s last night with the Panther unforgettable, by making a baby in the back seat.

Labels: dinero

#198 Happy April Fool's Day!

Ahoy all, pardon the hasty post, I have a play tonight and must dash. I will fix any errors later tonight. If any of you see a glaring mistake or omission please let me know. Thanks.

Family...it's hard to define family in Gancholandia. Is family defined by blood or by upbringing? Are hermanos de alma any closer than hermanos de sangre? Who's your mama, your daddy, your sister, your kids? These questions are not easy to answer in our little telenovela, are they? Still, they all bear consideration, now and especially in the weeks to come. Let's join our friends as they attempt to find their own definitions of family and self...

As Moni weeps in the gym Estre also tearfully avers that she and Moni's prince never did anything. Please trust her, she swears on her unborn hijo. Too late for lies, says Moni, Estre broke that bond of friendship today. (Romper ese lazo = to break that bond) Great, Moni's on a screaming rant worthy of a four year old (as Mike pointed out), she doesn't want to even be near someone like Estrella!

Coni interrupts Jacqui who is getting a "magic finger" massage by Costi. Hey, those were her words, not mine! I like how Costi pretty much ignores Coni when she's around. Jacqui tells Coni that she's not in the mood for stress so she and Costi retire to the bedroom for some, ahem, relaxation techniques.

Framed by the carved tusks (very savage!) Jero taunts Sal while Aldo watches. Jero asks Aldo why he's pining over some dame like Estrella, they're not worth it. He knows how it feels, Coni's mother, Aldo's grandmother (ha, he can't even say her name) used Jero and threw him in the trash. But she'll regret it, he'll return with a great fortune and stand in front of her and have vengeance. Aldo asks what's Jero going to do about it, is he like his partner? No no no, Jero's not a murderer like Oscar, he has his limits. But he's not saying what he has in store for her. Aldo and Sal share a discreet look.

Rolu jumps back into his chair just before Xime enters, then Arni enters right after her. Rolu accuses her of being out with Arni since they arrived home within seconds of each other. She laughs and says he it was a coincidence and she's tired, goodnighty! She runs upstairs (looking stunning) and Rolu grouses.

Sucks to live in a small neighborhood. Mau waits for Moni outside her vecindad, stands in her way, maintains his innocence and tells her to hit him or kiss him. Guess which she chooses? He slumps to the ground, unconscious. She kneels down crying his name and he smiles, "mi amor". She pushes him away and sez he's not her love, harrumph! Too late little monkey, I think he knows how you still feel about him.

Ultimas semanas!!

Inside the house Moni tells mami why she's so ticked off. Isa milks it for all it's worth...Mau and Estre are complete low-lifes, what they did was unpardonable. Have dignity daughter! Believe it or not Moni tells her to give it a rest. Isa get's all weepy and pathetic, don't take it out on me boo hoo! She hates Mau for Moni's sake. Moni gives her the 411, she will never stop loving Mau. Isabel continues hissing doubts and nastiness into Moni's ears. Moni says she's going to concentrate on her training and doesn't want to think of Mau any more. Isa won't shut it. Moni's had enough of this endless venom and tells her mami she's not into vengeance. Folks, this is is getting old, let's FF>>.

Moni ends by telling Isa that this thing hasn't touched her essence, she's still who she is and "life doesn't end just because of this." Isa does her pale-wan-hands-upon-the-coverlet thing, "sniff sniff, you're right, it doesn't end...for YOU."

Over at Grupo Sermeño (GS) Pau is teaching the new receptionist how to serve cappuchinos to Beto and Marcos and laughing at the tale of Beto's unfortunate antics of the previous night. Beto's put out because the whole company knows he was handcuffed to the park bench in his boxers. Marcos chuckles in pride at the resourcefulness of his daughters. I notice Beto's got darts on his desk. I was wondering what he does in the office all day.

Today at the gym Don Cesar is wearing an attractive green jacket with light yellow shirt to contrast. Very tasteful and understated for him. He tells Moni that Mau is a good guy, he's sure of it. Moni doesn't want to hear it so they discuss her upcoming fight with La Momia. Don Cesar is certain she'll win but Moni's not as confident. She wants to win and reclaim the neighborhood so let's practice!

Marcos is a little tongue-tied because his love for Nieves is serious. Beto cautions him not to take adantage of mom because she has a macho son who will defend her honor. Beto practically blows his capucchino out his nose when Marcos requests his Mom's hand in marriage. Beto puts his feet up on the desk and begins negotiating his mother's dowry (dote). He gives a little squeak of satisfaction and asks how much money is on the table? Marcos looks about as surprised as I have ever seen him.

At Gym Jimmy Coni is training and her hands hurt. She gets so mad she pushes the bag and then comes back swinging when it hits her in the butt. Her trainer rolls his eyes, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Over at Creep Acres Oski and Jero discuss their funds. Oski suggests they remind Coni her time is about up for raising their money. And just in case she hasn't he'll give her a little reminder of what's at stake, i.e. she'll go to jail for murder. Right here my tv went all wonky and I have no idea what they discussed, but I suspect that Oski says something about getting rid of Sal, Lorenza and Aldo just to be safe. (Can anyone help out here?) When Oski leaves Jero says, "No Oski, you're not going to be able to kill anyone, it's you who will end up in jail and I will have it all."

Chris is at GS and Mau thanks him for what he just installed in his office, some sort of security camera hooked up to the computer. Julia, I think your wish has been granted! Chris is ready to start interrogating but Mau just wants his discretion. Chris comments on how Pau looks quite the executive these days and he brings up Tano. Mau tells him to forget Pau, she's interested in Tano and Tano's interested in her. Negativo, sez Chris, no way, just like Mau and Beto he intends to fight for the woman he loves.

Gabi, Xime and Pau gossip about seeing Chris, why is he there? Pau wants to hide and Xime says no problem amiga, she'll keep an eye on the cat and the other on the hook (eyes in the back of her head). Gabi is excited about the upcoming fiesta, it will have lots of millionaires.

Gabi answers the phone, it's Jero and he know where Oscar is, how much will she pay for the info?

Rolu is giving Arni the third degree, last night he and Xime came home at the same time. Just a coincidence sez Arni. Rolu tells him not to hide things. Arni tells his bro he's hallucinating. Oh yeah, well why does Arni let her touch him? Some fraternal pushing ensues and the subject of the letters comes up, some more yelling, and Arni admits he's in love with her. Finally!

Isa shows up at GS and Mau thanks her for coming. OK so this is the set up, cool. The viper says she has come to laugh in his face and gloat that her plan worked perfectly up to the last detail. She tells Mau that she injected both him and Estrella, undressed them, put them in bed and took pictures. Mau asks how could she do that to her daughter? Isa laughs and says why ask what he already knows, that she has hated Valentina since the day she knew she was pregnant. She never wants Monita to be happy because due to her Isabel was never happy either. I don't get the logic but whatever. He offers to cut a deal to prevent Monita from getting hurt. Isa tells him there is no deal possible, since Moni can't give Isa her life back she no longer has any use for her. She leaves, satisfied with her victory. Mau goes directly to his computer and sees that he has captured the entire conversation. I've got you, he says. Let's hope so!

Marcos comes in and Mau tells Marcos that Hissy was back again to gloat but he recorded the whole thing. Marcos is impressed. The big party is tomorrow and he wanted Valentina to be there since GS is part of her inheritence. Mau's all for it because he wants to unmask Isa in front of the whole world and prove she she trapped them. Marcos hopes that Mau can get Moni there and that she will finally accept Marcos as her father.

Get out! Rolu orders his brother to grab his things and leave. Arni's defense is Rolu treats her like crap. "But she's MINE" Rolu insists. Arni's defense, she's not happy with you, you treat her badly, cheat on her. Arni refuses to leave the house or leave Xime alone with Rolu. She deserves better. The gloves are off. Rolu sez he lied to keep her around, Xime changed his life. Arni sez well too bad, she changed mine too and she deserves better than you.

Gabi grabs her purse and runs out of GS. Her gal pals are worried, what was that telephone call about? Pau stresses, she's on her own and Chris is around. Xime teaches her some relaxing exercises. (Heh, Paula almost falls over.) The hot new receptionis joins in. Ohm....

Beto plays darts while Chris pouts that Pau no longer loves him. Beto wants to help and since he's the Director General he can. He offer Chris a temporary gig (chamba temporal) as a security cop. Will Chris accept or not? Acepto!! Chris hugs Beto a little more emphatically than Beto likes but hey, Chris is a man in love.

Xime visits her favorite primis Mau, she's excited about tomorrow's mega party. She's bummed for Mau but she can't believe he would do it with Moni's best friend! Mau tries to tell her that nothing happened. Basically she doesn't believe and describes a variety of scenarios where such a thing could happen and why can't he tell her the circumstances. There is always a logical explanation, say for example they were held up by laser ray guns and ordered to remove their clothes. She babbles on until he finally tells her it was an Isabel trap, she injected them, took off their clothes, put them in bed and took pictures. Poor Xime can't quite wrap her mind around that one, ray guns make more sense, but no matter, she agrees to bring Moni to tomorrow's party.

Back at the gym our little hothead recalls Mau's romantic words from happier times and punches the bag like crazy. I hate you I hate you boo hoo!

Tomorrow: Looks like one of Moni's old flames is in town. Coni also runs into him, literally, and they have some crazy hawt eye contact.


Estar aqui con un ojo al gato y con otro al garabato. = To have eyes in the back of one's head (Lit. An eye kept on the cat, the other eye on the hook, because in olden Mexican kitchens -without refrigerators- they hung the meat on a hook called a "garabato", so they had to keep an eye on the cat and the other on the meat. Also a clever allusion to our telenovela because another word for garabato is, you guessed it, gancho.)

Labels: gancho

We start out with Ale and Rafa. Ale is beside herself when she realizes Rafas’ car is the one that caused all her problems. She threatens to have Marco confiscate it. Rafa tells her that the car was not part of the deal. Ales’ not buying into that and says she’s going to call Marco. Rafa says go ahead, see what a great guy he is.

Ale wants to know what he is talking about. Rafa bites his tongue but it is too late. Ale wants to know why he would talk about her fiancé like that. She wants to know what he knows about Marco. Rafa is trying really hard not to spill the beans.

Rafa tells her that she knows he doesn’t have a very good relationship with Marco. He says you tell me one thing he tells me something else. Ale is relentless and wants to know what Rafa knows. Ale has gotten herself so upset she becomes nauseous starts gagging and suddenly leaves.

The Siglo crew now approaches Rafa and wants to know about his “semi-new” car. Marino makes fun of it and Rafa defends it telling him the attributes of his Grand Marquis. It even has air conditioning.

Rosaura tells him if he were in the United States he would be considered poor for driving around in that car. Marino tells him he has a buyer for the car. Bebe, because it would be nostalgic for him since when
this car was new it would have around the time of Bebes’ first communion.

Claudia tells him he should have a car more appropriate with his salary. One that he could take her out for the weekend. (Claudia give it a rest.)

Susana enters Ales’ office and finds her not looking so good. Ale looks as if she is about to hurl. The gagging goes on for a while. Susana wants to know what’s up? Ale says Rafa has assaulted her once more by bringing that car to Siglo. She says she is sick to her stomach.

Susana has just the remedy for that and pulls out one of her homeopathic oils. She tells her she has to do a memory regression so that she can rationally deal with the subject of her accident. She gives Ale a drink of something pink. Ale makes a face and downs it. Susana chides her and tells her that it isn’t that bad. Ale than informs Susana that Beltran has given her a mission. Susana seems a little alarmed.

Rafa has arrived at his new hunting ground Refri Transportation. He lies to get his way past the guard. He tells him he has a check he needs to get inside to deposit. The guard is a little suspicious but Rafa has learned how to spin a good lie. The guard lets him in, as Rafa turns and tells him to park his car.

Rafa encounters Magda the receptionist. She tells him that Mr. Zarate is busy and cant attend to him. Rafa asks her if it is okay if he takes a seat and waits for him. He wants to know if they have a catalogue he could look at to familiarize himself with the business. She points him to a place and Rafa begins his studies.

Back at Siglo, Susana has started her new mission. Do Ales’ dirty work. It is now her job to light the fire under the lazy bums called Siglo vendors. Marino wants to come up with an arrangement with Susana that will make not only her job easier but theirs as well. Susana isn’t buying that and tells Marino to get rid of the toothpick and walks away

The crew is now complaining that it is like working in a maximum security prison. Claudia isn’t as dumb as she looks and suggests that Ale has put Susana in charge of making there lives miserable. They delegate Bow-tie guy to go and talk to Beltran. He is none to agreeable about this and they end up dragging him off to face Beltran.

Back at Refri, Magda is asking Rafa how long he plans on waiting. Our little lion hunter tells her he will wait as long as necessary. She wants to know what exactly his business is. He starts talking with her. She tells him not to waste his time as there have been many before him and none have been successful. Zarate only works with Mountain trucks. (Camiones de Montana). Rafa insists he has a better offer for him. Magda tells him he just won’t listen to any one else.

Rosario and Jorge are out on the patio. Rosario wants to know what’s wrong. Jorge says he has a restless soul. He has a bad feeling about the hacienda . Rosario tells him to not be so negative. She reminds him he was just there a while ago with his buddies. Jorge tells her he didn‘t get to see anything. He suggests the two of them go check it out now. Rosario doesn’t want to go and suggests he asks Marco to take him.

Quintana has come to visit Jorge. What luck. Now he has a chauffer to take him to the Hacienda. Rosario kisses him goodbye and says to herself, she hopes he doesn’t run into any surprises (Oh oh).

Beltran and Bow-tie guy are now having a little talk. Beltran wants to know all the gossip in particular anything about Claudia. Bow-tie guy says he wants to talk business. He is complaining that Susan wants details about their business plans, bla bla bla. He says now that Ale is a treasure to work with, they have to put up with Susana who is contradicting her. (Making them work).

Beltran double talks him and tells him to go ahead and give their reports to Susana. Bow-tie guy has just figured out Beltran is not what he seems to be, and leaves the office slightly confused but without a single concession. Once he has left Beltran calls them swine, vagrants parasites and opportunists and sucks on his oxygen.

Jorge has arrived at the Hacienda with Quintana and is greeted by Chucho . Chucho seems a little nervous about the visit.

Dona Delores has entered our favorite salon and has invited everyone to participate in the dance contest at Trancazo. Poor Ovi doesn’t have a partner. Well that problem is easily solved. In walks Pepito. It is love (or lust) at first sight.

Bow-tie gives the bad news to the Siglo crew. He says all the power now is in the hands of Susana. And now their destiny lies in the hands of Dandy. The General wants to know if he is up to it. Dandy says it is Susana, it will be a piece of cake or wheat cake. (Actually the dicho was talking about bread or pan, but I think that is what it means.)

Susana and Ale are discussing their role changes at Siglo. Then Ale casually asks about Rafa and we get a juicy sarcastic line “ oh right he is out looking for the mega-client that will solve their problems.”

Rafa has just witnessed a dressing down of the poor Magda by the assistant of Zarate . Rafa wants to know what that was all about. Magda confesses she use to be in charge of sales until the owner retired and Zarate took over. (Or soemthing like that. I got a little lost.) She was demoted and is just waiting out her pension. In the Meantime Zarate hired some young thing to take her place.

Rafa then suggests since she use to be in charge of sales that perhaps she could help him out. She doesn’t think this is the best idea. Rafa gets a Vicky call. She doesn’t believe he is working. Rafa tells her where he is and hangs up. Magdas’ phone rings. She tells Rafa he has a call. Crazy Vicky has called checking up on him.

Ale gets a call from Marco. He turns on the charm and she turns on the sarcasm. He tells her that Urdiales has loaned him the money for the wedding. How great and is Urdiales going to let him come to the wedding or will he have to work? She blows him off and tells him she has to work and hangs up

Marco is very frustrated and tells Chavez she is worse than ever, and goes off on Chavez blaming him for making him hang out with him last night.

Chavez tells him not to blame him for the problems he has with Ale. He’s worried that things aren’t going well between the two of them. He inquires if Marco has had his wild night of sex, or even any sex with Ale. Marco says no. Chavez continues to be worried. Things aren’t going the way they planned. He tells him to call Ale and arrange a romantic eve. Marco thinks a hotel is the best place. Chavez thinks this might be a bit expensive. Marco wants him to work with him here if he is planning all this the least he can do is come up with the money.

Chavez suggests that for Ale the place isn’t what is important as much as the thought, but then agrees to come up with the money.

Ale and Susana are discussing if her bad mood is from lack of sex. Susana says why not give Trapito a try. Then she says her bad mood is with the entire world. She tells her it might help however if she did resolve her intimacy problems with Marco. Then she tells her a women that isn’t caressed will turn sour. And leaves.

Rafa finally gets his chance with Zarate. This is a fleeting moment and Zarate is not interested . He then tells him to leave and not come back. Zarate then goes off on Magda for letting him in. Rafa comes to her defense and says she had no idea that he was waiting for him. He apologizes to Magda and leaves.

Rafa leaves semi-defeated but is not going to give up. Marco is also not going to give up. He calls Ale back suggests a passionate night. Ale wants to know if he has been drinking. She is suspicious that he will cancel at the last moment . Marco assures her that tonight that won’t happen. She warns him it better not and then agrees to meet him. He gives her the directions of the hotel and Ale seems impressed and more than ready.

Chavez returns with the money for Marcos hot night. He tells Marco not to blow it and seems worried about the money they are spending. Marco tells him it will be worth the outcome. He goes to take a shower and Chavez heads for a drink. We hear a loud scream coming from Marco.

Marco runs out of the bathroom screaming and it seems his little night of fun has left a huge mark. Chavez wants to know what the heck it is. (If anyone missed this tonight it was honestly the funniest scene). Marco wants Chavez to tell him want it is, pointing to a very large hickey on his neck. Chavez has a look of disbelief on his face.

Chavez wants to know how he got it He wants to know if he was bit by a vampire or a donkey. Marco is very angry and says it was from the friend he introduced him to last night. He is so angry and if things weren’t bad enough he has to get naked with Ale tonight.

Chavez tells him to tell Ale he was attacked by a bat. Marco calls him an idiot and says only someone like you would believe that. (These two together are so funny and I am so glad they made-up)

Our boys are in big problems now. Chavez tells Marco he has to cancel and Marco knows that is not an option. Ale will kill him or even do something worse if he cancels.

Ale is excited about her night out and Susana seems pleased. Ale is out to do the wild thing. She encounters the Siglo crew and sweetly tells them all good night and to come to work tomorrow when ever they feel like it. They all look very concerned.

Ramirez tells everyone that Ale has washed her hands of them and has left them to the hands of Susana. He looks very worried. Dandy and Claudia have come up with a plan as they scoot over to their desk. Dandy is rubbing an oil on Claudias’ temples as Susana rounds the corner.

Susana wants to know what he is doing. Dandy mentions some type of oil used to relieve stress. Susana is quite impressed and want to know where he got it. (Oh Dandy you are so smooth.) Dandy babbles on and Susana tells him they need to talk more about this.

Dandy suggest they go out. (we see Claudia in the chair rubbing the oil on her face.) He suggests they meet at Trancazo for the dance competition. He cant leave now because Claudia is waiting for him to finish his treatment. It is a date.

This is another funny little scene. Dandy is backing up and accidentally steps on Claudias’ feet. The crew all rush over to see if he had any luck and he tells them she fell for it. Claudia wants to know where he got the oil. He tells her it is motor oil.

Now the gang is off . Bebe shows up with the two floor models and says he is ready for the dance contest. (Way to go Bebe).

Back to our favorite couple. Chavez is trying to cover up Marco’s hickey with some make-up powder. Marco tells him to be more careful. He wants to know if it is working. Chavez complains about the make-up and says he doesn’t like the texture, its all clumpy, and he wants to know where he got it. He says from an old girlfriend. Marco takes a look in the mirror and is freaking out. It is not working.

He tells him Ale is a women and knows all about these things. She’s going know what it is. Poor Chavez is sitting in a chair looking as if he just lost his best friend. Marco asks him what should they do now. Chavez suggests putting tomatoes and a little piece of meat on it. (This is so funny).

Marco Is beside him self and is screaming at Chavez telling him tomatoes and meat aren’t going to fix it. They only have a half an hour before he has to meet Ale.

Chavez tells him he can put a scarf on and tell her he has a cold. Marco says and yea when I am all nude except for the scarf? So then Chavez says don’t women think it is romantic to have it dark. Turn the lights off and don’t turn them back on for anything.

Then Chavez goes off on his little Ale lust rant, and says unless she is an exhibitionist and starts getting himself all worked up at the thought of Ale in the nude. Marco screams at him to shut up. Then Chavez says well turn the lights off, unless of course you need some light. Marco is offended and tells Chavez he knows his way around in the dark.

We are back at the Hacienda and Jorge is asking Chucho how many head of cattle (I think that was the question) they have gained. Chucho tells him that he doesn’t have that information. Only Chavez knows those things.

Jorge decides he wants to spend the night. Quintana tells him he can’t stay but will Come back for him tomorrow. He says he will let Rosario know he is staying at the Hacienda and Jorge tells him that he will do it. Jorge is content to be at his hacienda

Our final little scene is Chavez in the car with two young women. They are all excited about their plans. Chavez promises them a good time at a great place, the Hacienda. We see Jorge fast asleep at the Hacienda.

Labels: dinero

Ok so we open with the damn pictures. Grrr, evil Mami Vibora!!! Yeah, what is with Mona's funky 60's feel, well we can always tell the wedding isn't going to work if the dress is out of character...this one defintiely was, though I do like it.

So then we go to said wedding not happening and Pau and Tano are making goo goo eyes sort of, Pau apologizes for that Beso and says she knows he only wants to be friends but she was thinking maybe more was there, Tano says not so fast, friends is good but I haven't closed the door on more. Hmmm....Cris kvetches to Don Cesar in the background about her.

So now we go to the Loony bin where Loriloca is cleaning Aldo's elbow and attempts to practice singing opera and manages to scare off Oski and Jero, she doesn't look bad in jeans but then sorry ass Sal makes a moan. Aldo takes that as a sign and ushers Lore to go find the nurse. Aldo rushes over to Sal. He asks Aldo about Mau and Estre and if it's true. He assures Aldo there must be an explanation.

Back at the wedding Ali is now chatting with Gabi about her situation, the little girls wonder where Mau is, and Ivan jokes about he and Lu doing that someday, but Tere quashes that for the moment. Estre and Mau chat about wishing Aldo was here. And the anvil drops as Mau tells how he's got that Vibora Issy under control and she can do nothing after today. Hrmph.

Sal continues his pep talk to Aldo, and promises his help if Aldo helps him, i.e. drop the drugs dude...now is the time to grow up and act like a man. Overcome your challenges and move forward, Sal needs to rely on Aldo...HELP SAL you strung out child.

Beautiful pics of everyone so lovely coming into the church....jeepers, here comes Mona walking by herself super fast...she throws the pics at Mau and Bodas Interruptus, again...commercial.

Ok, so Mau picks them up with no clue, looks at them, and doesn't say much while she screams at him. He tries to get in a word between her whines. He finally says this all was a trick, but her response is, this is over. She runs out with Estre in tow trying to convince her it's not true. Cries and complaining for the next few minutes...it's a lie, I don't believe you....so on, until Mau runs out and explains Issy took these to harm us.

Inside Xime and others all say no way did this happen...Nieves knows and screams this is the work of Isabel the Vibora, Ali bugs Issy, then Marc does too, but Issy stomps out defiant...and tells Mona not to listen to any of these folks. They all start asking her to think about it logically, someone took the photos and so forth. They all see it, but of course she wants Mami love so bad she's dumified and goes off with her Ma. Marcos tells everyone to calm down, it'll get sorted out and they will avenge Issy.

Beto and Coni discuss the non-Boda, him upset, her happy at the happenings. Coni says it's destiny. Beto knows it's Issy. They argue about this. He's sure nothing happened, she bets something did.

At the gym/reception site, Mau sits alone when Cesar walks up and offers his companionship. Cesar wants to confirm that nothing happened between Estre and him, Mau tells him how they woke up nekkid and that's all he knows, and he's sure Issy is behind this. He insists Issy will eventually fall into his trap and he goes to see his kids.

Mona bawls at home with Ma, how could her sister/bff do such a thing. Mama says maybe he's not the guy destined for you. Mama wants her to cheer up. Oh yeah, that'll work. Just tell her and it is so. Uh oh, the neurons start firing, and Mona wonders if Ma really did take the photos. Hmmm, ok, well, when Issy sees she's cornered, she admits she took them.

Over at Xime's the Estre consolation party is going on. She swears she wouldn't do this to her best friend, but one by one the other girls remember all the guys that Estre kind of turned her direction who were others' beaus. Whoops.

Ma now explains how it came about that she took the photos; she didn't want to wake Mona about the discovery, so took the photos. The neurons are still firing and Val asks then why did she stay so quiet and let her go through with the wedding prep and all. She says she wanted to spare her the pain of seeing the photos, she continues that Mau and Estre don't deserve her love and friendship.

Gabi suggests Estre has a sex addiction and needs therapy. Estre knows nothing happened. Xime says well you have to convince Mona and that will be hard. Whoops.

Coni has apparently been walking around chained to Beto for a while and wants to go home now and be uncuffed. She's even sick of his smell. She then quickly changes her tune and wants some lovin' here, now, in the park.

Tere and Mau are now hashing over the non-Boda happening. Lu comes down and assures her Pa he's great and all will be ok. Mau feels better and is happy to have them with him.

Back at the park, Coni wants to play a game with Beto. His clothes are thrown over the bush; she begs him to follow her, he does and she leaves him handcuffed to the park bench. Not really a fair game, eh?

Nieves' and Marcos' turn to rehash everything, he is happy to see her smiling, and explains this is why he fell in love with her. I must admit, Nieves looks gorgeous. She thanks Marcos for caring about her daughter Mona so much.

Mona goes to the gym and sees it all pretty and sad music plays hum di dum, she starts destroying all the tables and climbs into the ring, crying, to destroy more...yep, she loses it, and we get flashbacks to the Xochimilco fireworks. Well, at least we know she still loves him despite this, she makes this remark. Mau concurrently flashes back to Issy being a snot threatening to destroy their love.

Beto sees an adorable black and white dog and begs him to bring his pants to him. Of course the dog doesn't listen and runs off with the pants in the other direction.

Next, we go to Costeno giving Jacqui a very personal massage with a few bite kisses thrown in. I must say, the fact that he is shirtless is interesting, and very nice!!! Jacqui keeps chirping about Marcos and other silly crap.

Nieves is enjoying a walk with Marcos and is pleased that it is making her feel better. He is walking with her heart handbag, super cute. He throws more flattery her way, and she melts at his words until she notices her son handcuffed to the bench. Of course Marcos thinks the worst until Beto explains that Coni did this to him. Marcos laughs.

Estre looks for Mona at the gym. Mona wants nothing to do with her and tells her to leave because she is pregnant. Estre swears that she wouldn't do such a thing and that she is totally in love with her cachorro. There is nothing between her and the prince, Mona has to believe her!!

Will she???

Feliz Cesar Chavez day!!!!

Labels: gancho

Lucas promises Marisa to give their baby a family, love and a home. For her, he promises to try again. Talk about an awkward embrace!

It appears that two months have gone by. Marisa has a little baby bump and Ali wants Zoraida to come home. Nariza has been asked to go back with Latifa but she refuses. She give her usual speech about sacrificing herself for her brothers and wanting to live her own life. Latifa gives her usual speech about wanting a baby and being afraid that if she doesn't conceive, Mohamed will send her back. Zoriada promises to make a 'special petition' for Latifa to conceive. It involves a lot of incense. They go to Mohamed's shop. Latifa gives her usual speech about the scandalous behavior of Westerners and, as usual, is jealous when Mohamed serves a woman customer.

At the store, Zoriada sees a society page picture of Lucas and the pregnant Marisa.

Zoraida and Latifa do the fertility-enhancing ritual, which involves Latifa stepping over the burning incense and praying.

Dora is still living at Cristina's. For how long did she sublet her place? As usual, her mother, who we find out is named, Estela, is inveighing against Albieri and warning Dora that he will try and take Danielito from her. As usual, Dora doesn't think Albieri would do such a thing. "Piensa mal y acertarás," replies her mother, literally, "think the worst and it will be correct," translated in the English titles as, "trust no one." When Dora tells Cristina and Vicki how ridiculous her mother's suspicions are, Vicki says that Osvaldo thinks that Albieri is the baby's father. Cristina asks if Dora knows whose sperm Albieri used to fertilize her eggs?

Albieri refers to the clone as Diego, in Luisa's presence.

Lucas sits around crying thinking about how Jade betrayed him. He tells Rosa that he just wants to forget her but that doesn't seem very likely.

Zoraida returns to Morocco and Jade is overjoyed to see her until she sees the newspaper clipping about Lucas and Marisa that Zoriada brought. Jade calculates that Marisa must have been pregnant when Lucas came to Morocco and told her that his marriage was over. Zoraida gives her usual speech about the perfidy of Westerners and urges Jade to learn to love Said. Jade says that Said isn't in love with her. She is just an object that he bought. If Lucas has betrayed her, she will never believe in love again. She thinks of all the crazy things she did for Lucas and look at him now. What hurts the most she says is that he didn't suffer for her. [We're all suffering here, Jade.]

Lucas tells Rosa that he idealized Jade and he should have learned from Diego not to do that. He doesn't feel any of the same crazy passion for Marisa that he did for Jade but Marisa has been nice to him and she's having his baby. He thinks of all the crazy things he did for Jade and feels a lot of anger.

We keep picking at this scab. Lucas gets Jade's pendant out. He has flashbacks. He says that he will do all he can to forget her. [Let it be so!] Rosa tells him to get rid of the pendant. Lucas says that he will keep it to remember never to fall into such a trap again.

Jade wanders around like a lost soul, goes to the ruins and cries.

Dora and her mother come to Albieri's to fetch Daniel. Estela is pretty rude. She asks Luisa why, if she and Albieri love Daniel so much, they don't have children of their own. Meanwhile Albieri is tempting Dora to move to LA with promises of dance lessons. She appears to be interested but her mother barges in, accuses Albieri of making Daniel think that he is rich, drags him out of the house and Dora has no choice but to follow.

Dora and her mother return to Cristina's apartment. In the most amazing scene, Dora puts her two-year old child down to sleep in less than 10 seconds! Estela warns Dora that when Daniel is older, he may ask to live with Albieri. She says that kids are opportunists and go with the best deal.

As usual, Luisa is deluded about her relationship with Albieri. She tells Albieri that she thinks it would be good for them to move to LA, start over and leave Daniel behind. Albieri replies that he's going to LA with Daniel or not at all.

Rosa goes on and on to Lucas about the supposedly photoshopped picture of Albieri and Diego. Lucas doesn't really understand what she is talking about and neither do we.

Said comes home for lunch but Jade airily tells him that she forgot about lunch and there's no food in the house. Said is angry. He accuses Jade of wanting to go after Lucas. He finds Jade's newspaper clipping about Lucas. She won't tell him where she got it, which makes him angrier. He produces a lot more newspaper clippings and tells Jade that he spent a fortune on a detective to follow Lucas. The clippings tell the same story Jade already knows - that according to the society pages, Lucas and Marisa are happily married. Said reminds Jade of all he's risked to protect her. When Said runs into Abdul, who assumes that Said's glum expression is Jade's fault. His recommendation is to leave a whip lying around the house where Jade can see it.

Jade burns the clippings asking, as usual, why Lucas lied to her.

Nariza is out with Osvaldo. He sees a watch in a jewelry store that he likes. He says that there is a woman who is crazy about him in the barrio who would buy it for him. Nariza says that her millionaire boyfriend would buy her a gold necklace in the store if she asked for it. Nariza asks if Osvaldo has thought about marrying. She boldly invites him to meet her family and propose to her. All he needs to do is become a Muslim. "I'll convert to whatever you want, doll," says Osvaldo.

Nariza returns to Latifa's house and announces that she is engaged to a convert to Islam. Meanwhile, at the club, Osvaldo tells his friends that he is getting married to a millionaire in Arabia. This information is passed on to Dora who is disappointed. She hoped that she and Osvaldo would get back together. To cheer her up, Cristina proposes to have a birthday party for Daniel at her house and invite Leo and Lucas.

Rosa is going out shopping and to Albieri's . She asks Leo why he is on the outs with Albieri.

Cristina invites Enrique to the birthday party for Daniel and asks him to bring Leo as well. Leo says that he won't go. He says that Cristina is like drugs were to Enrique. If he is with her, he would get tangled in her snares.

Cristina barges into Albieri's office. With Luisa overhearing, she asks if Albieri is Daniel's father. He asks where she got such a crazy idea. She replies that everyone is saying it. Then we get to the real purpose of the visit as far as the plot goes. She invites Albieri to the birthday party for Daniel and drops the bombshell that Leo is coming.

Dora drops Daniel off at Luisa's house.

Lucas is moping around his office.

Said comes home and finds that Jade has burnt the newspaper articles about Marisa and Lucas.

The credits roll.

Labels: clon

Preview/Review: Aimee learns that Juan will go to Spain, which ruins her appetite. She dons Regina’s nun’s habit and except for the ruby red lips which Renato doesn’t seem to notice, he is so blinded by the white so Aimee is able to slip out of the house to search for Juan’s vanishing kisses before they sail off to Spain. But Renato decides to follow Regina, or so he thinks. Oh those twins, oh for a cape of invisibility.

Juan has a fit with the maid that the paint it black mystery lady and her mute maid have disappeared. Gabriel tries to reason that it is not the maid’s fault. Why can’t the maid write if she can’t speak. He clasps Rosario’s rosary with questions and strange feelings in his heart.

The fisherman meet to argue about the embargo, Juan finds out he cannot commission any boat to slip out to Spain. Raul de Marin comes in to Juan’s house.

Clemencia happily tells Jimena that the bearded one is still disgusting but very much alive. Regina is happy with her completed dream with Renato Paradise to be built but not a night in paradise like she really wants with Renato.

Juan threatens de Marin that he still has to repay his debt or be exposed for fraud.

Noel announces at the homey dinner that Juan is leaving for Spain. Emotions and dinner plates vibrate with agitation. Aimee runs from the dining table, Regina tries to run off to help Aimee as does Renato. Papa Bear Rodrigo waves her off and says Juan Aldama was nothing more than a rat in knight’s clothing. Good riddance he is a cad anyway. Regina ignores the big problem of Juan while she waxes poetic on the Paradise building today on her big trip with Renato to establish the Paradise village.

Juan and Gabriel and the fishermen plan revenge and justice.

Rodrigo cannot believe that money has been spent on the dirt bags that pass for peasants.. Regina is happy in her own little humanitarian daydream, Noel tries to reason with Rodrigo, this is part of the promise by the Associates to improve the lives of the unwashed, I mean deserving peasants. Noel says his son has taken this to heart as his noble purpose. Rod repeats that only business and profits (ganancias) count, in a moment of utter truthfulness.

Aimee tells Renato she is in a snit, he want s to call for the snit doctor but she only wants to be left in peace. She is beginning to show her true self-centered nature in her ire. She cries in silence that the only thing she wants to do is find Juan.

The fight starts. on the ship lots of swords and Juan and his men in masks.

Speaking of costumes, Aimee finds a spare nun’s garb in Regina’s side of the closet.

The sword fight ensues on the fake boat. Ed.Note: Sorry folks, I just noticed the boat tonight, it looks like a floating shoe box, and probably is.

The silky slut dress is hidden under the bed while Aimee hides her flaming red hair under the wimple and she’s off to high adventure.

With only a few sword swipes, Juan and his agile fishermen turned pirates are able to conquer the shoe box, errr boat, they flash the torch toward the shore to signal that the boat has been conquered.

Smoking on the balcony, Renato sees Regina/Aimee take off out of the hacienda dressed in white, She forgot it kind of glows in the dark. He follows with more curiosity than he has shown before..

Juan’s band of merry men find treasure and celebrate while a couple of energizer sailors left over, come back to life to attack. One is beaten down and falls, but has enough strength and hidden knives to stab Juan. Oh good, lots of blood flows.

Back in the agitated dining room, Regina defends her work with the poor, Rodrigo rewards her with a huge smack in the face for her insolence in being uppity. Noel pulls off Rodrigo and Regina gets to make a feminist speech about women not getting to express their opinions. Rodrigo regrets that his money paid for such a fancy European education and she is still a rebel! Leonarda tells Rodrigo to be calmer. Noel says no one knows the mind of Regina. Leonarda swoops to comfort Rodrigo with Noel looking right at Rod’s eyes. Leonarda has lost the will to hide her true passion since she and Noel had that little talk last night.

Regina cries to Clemencia and Jimena. She is so sad that her father is a scum-sucking capitalist brute (Ed’s word choice), Clemencia says don’t provoke him so. Jimena supports her concern and noble desires to help the poor. She begins to read Regina’s palm this time. She will meet a man with the same values and goals as her. Is it to be Renato? asks Regina hopefully. Jimena says, no it is someone else to come into your life. hmmmm, no one can imagine who it could be if not Renato.
***

The men bring Juan wounded to the cave. Juan insists they take out the knife point lodged in his leg. He bites a rag and they remove a large piece of knife point. Gabriel insists he will go for Doctor Miranda who can fix the severe wound. Juan wants them to all get away form them so they won’t be implicated in the fight. Somehow he convinces them to leave him alone and badly wounded to recover on his own. What a man!

Meanwhile at the brothel. The lovely blonde teases Federico but Fulgencio tells him that tomorrow early they will go to the cave to get the arms to move them out (so the boats were embargoed for this). Juan winces alone in the cave while Aimee approaches, Renato follows, she notices him but hides while close behind Federico and Fulgencio follow along and see REnato too., Rats, their plans are foiled for the moment, What ever is Renato doing in a scuzzy place like this? Fulgencio wants Fed to capture Gabriel’s confidence (that’s not an easy task since Fed is such a Fop to even the young impressionable Gab) so he must convince him to work for me, avows, Fulgencio.

Juan writhes and hallucinates in the cave remembering nights of passion and his later angry reproach of Aimee. He says he has to do something to forget about Aimee, he’s just got to. Boy this cave is getting crowded with menacing memories and arms dealers.
***

Nun in white appears, let’s see oh yes, it is the real Regina, who can’t find sister girl in the room so she sneaks out of the house. Lots of people out on the dunes in white, but no , Aimee sneaks back in but Rosenda sees her. And wonder what the novitiate is doing out being so interesting and mysterious in the night. Hmmm, perhaps another opportunity to gain power for our smooth shouldered Rose.

Renato returns and sees the innocent nun, What are you doing here? I should ask the same, quips Regina. Where have you been? barks the possessive even when he has no reason to be Renato. Why I was just walking in the garden. You are lying you were on the beach! I saw you hiding when I came behind you, It seems like you were afraid you would be discovered. Regina realizes it was Aimee. (Thankfully one character seems to be able to think clearly)

Aimee hides the nun stuff back in the closet and sighs relief that she did not get discovered. Meanwhile Renato goes wild on Regina whom he cannot now trust and note he once again cannot restrain his anger. She isn’t the white nun he always thought she was but is a lying beach stalker. Leaving Regina in that corner of the world so hard for a nun called by the rest of us, damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
***

Again in the cave, the once spotless straw where he made love to Aimee so recently with bleached white sheets is grimy and bloody, cold and dark. The good Dr. Miranda returns with Gabriel. Juan worries about trusting the Docs’s discretion. who assures him it is part of of his profession as he cuts away the pant leg while Juan groans in pain. He talks of the woman who disappeared while the doctor stitches the long wound. The doctor doesn’t know who Paint it Black could be, seems like lots of crazy folks are out and about these days.

Leonarda tenderly turns down Rod’s bed while she defends her son and his generous if silly ways, but says Noel is a fool, implying that only the mighty Rod has good judgement. Rod wants to know why she married Noel. She reveals, After the death of my sister and you took off for Europa I was so lonely and felt well you know, he was better than nothing.

The Doc ties off the stitches and says the rabble rousers should be stopped , Juan insists that they only are fighting for justice, The doctor shakes his hand and pledges his support.
***

Rodrigo says love is a dream that one day will turn into a nightmare. Leonarda pledges to do absolutely anything for him. He doesn’t quite get her drift. She professes her undying love. He looks somewhere between surprised, amused and mostly bored silly.

Aimee fakes sleep, Regina rushes in and then wonders who Renato is confusing her with if Aimee is playing sleeping dog. Renato takes off his tie and wonders why Regina lied to him and then wonders if Aimee will lie too. Aimee wakes from the dream of Juan’s rejections .crying why why?

Juan says he has to rid himself of this passion that is consuming him. He has to forget her , So we fade out with our lovelies in their respective luxurious beds or squalid caves lost in unrequited love and lust:
Juan calls out, Aimee,
Aimee calls out, Juan,
Renato calls out, Aimee
Regina call out, Renato

An eerie parody of the Walton’s good night refrains but each talking only to themselves.

Coming up next: Looks like Aimee isn’t ready to give up her bad habits after all. Juan queries Gabriel, what would he do if Estrella doesn’t exist and councils him to see Jimena and tell her the truth.

Labels: salvaje

Poor Said. Lucas sees Jade and Said very close to each other, so Lucas leaves. Jade tells Said that she’s sad because it makes her think of her mother. She learned to dance to it for the man she would love. Said asks if she’ll dance to it for him. She looks up and sees that Lucas has left, so she can quit being nice to Said. “No, I won’t dance it for anyone.”

Zoraida arrives in Miami. Latifa is thrilled to see her. Two beach babes walk by and bat their eyes at Mohamed, making Latifa jealous. She’s afraid he’ll ditch her and take another wife. Nariza greets Zoraida and she’s walking on air. She’s glad her brothers are happy, she wants the whole world to be happy, and now it’s her turn too. Zoraida speculates that she has a love interest. Nariza doesn’t deny it. She even tells Z to sit and rest while she makes tea for her. Zoraida is convinced that the pod people came to Miami and replaced Nariza.

Cristina is unpacking her beauty merchandise. She calls Leo to thank him, at least that’s her pretexto, but he hangs up on her.

Lucas gets home. Rosa tells him the “marvelous” news - Marisa came back, and Leo convinced her to stay. Since Lucas can’t stand up to his dad nor Marisa, Lucas leaves and checks into a hotel. Rosa reports that Lucas left when he found out Marisa was here. Leo throws his usual tantrum. He shouts, “I won’t allow it!” He starts to have chest pains, but he continues his tantrum between gasps for breath. “He never showed me any consideration. Never.” Translation: He doesn’t make me the center of his universe like he should. Rosa tells the maid to call Enrique and tell him Leo feels bad. He’s about to keel over, and Rosa is walking him around the room rather than sitting him down. Finally LEO has the sense to tell them to call a doctor. The doctor wasn’t in, so the maid suggests calling 911, but Rosa says no way. If Leo saw an ambulance it would kill him. Okey-dokey.

Lucas, in his hotel room, ponders Jade. Jade, at the ruins, ponders Lucas.

Marisa arrives, but Rosa doesn’t tell her about Leo’s heart attack or whatever. She tells the maid not to tell her that Lucas came and left. Lucas calls, and Rosa tells him she thinks pop had a heart attack. Some people go to the hospital for those. Rosa tells Leo that she called Albieri, and Leo is mad (again). Leo refuses to see him.

Nariza sees Osvaldo outside. First she tries to send Latifa and Zoraida to Mohamed’s store. They don’t want to go, so she makes the excuse of going out to water the plants. Osvaldo flatters her, saying it’s a shame to cover her beauty. She tells him she has a millionaire suitor, and since she hasn’t told him no yet, she can’t be seen with anyone else. They will have to do everything in secret. Osvaldo likes adventures.

Lucas rushes in to see his dad, and Leo milks it. “I don’t need a doctor to tell me that my heart can’t endure what my son is doing to me.” Que cursi! “Cursi” doesn’t have a good translation in English. The closest equivalent is “sappy sentimentalism.” Leo’s line is a poster child for “cursi.” Leo says that if you don’t care about your father, at least care for the child you created. Marisa walks up behind them and announces, “I’m pregnant, Lucas.” Lucas’ face says, “Oh, crap.” Marisa, with all her usual charm, says, “I should’ve known not to expect anything from you.” She walks away. Leo tells Lucas he won’t allow Lucas to endanger the life of his grandchild. That comes first, even if it means losing his only remaining son. Oh, that Leo, bless his heart. Leo tells Lucas it’s time to grow up. He can’t be the irresponsible child he’s always been.

Marisa tells Rosa that if Lucas doesn’t want the baby, neither does she. He can just go have a baby with Jade! Rosa tells her that Jade sent him packing. So things can be just like they were before Lucas went to the hotel. With that, Marisa realizes that Lucas moved out when he knew Marisa was staying there.

In Morocco, Jade arrives home and Said wonders where she’s been. He orders her to iron his clothes. Tio Abdul tells Said that he needs to teach his wife better, and that she ought to dress more modestly. Jade gets a fiendish, impudent smile and intentionally scorches Said’s shirt. She presents it to Said and says, “I told you I don’t know how to iron.” Abdul comments, “In this house the camel rides the Bedouin.” Said drags her off to their room. He accuses her of doing it to torment him, so that he would lose his temper. She tells him he knew what he was getting into when he married her (that is QUITE a stretch!). She begs him to reject her and marry someone else who will take good care of him. Then it dawns on him. He realizes that she wants to get him so mad that he will divorce her. He says he might marry other women, but he will never, ever give her her freedom.

Ugly scene. Lucas returns from the hotel. Marisa insists on talking to him right now. She tells him, “Do you think I’ve always wanted to be married to a man who tells me I’m just a result of confusion in his life”? Well, considering how much she tried to confuse him back then, I’d say she got the dessert she ordered. He says, “If I returned, it’s because I felt like I should. Satisfied?” She replies, “Don’t look at me as if I planned all this to trap you. Did someone force you to sleep with me?” Well, remembering when she delayed him from meeting Jade at the beach, I’d say she tried pretty hard to force him! She tells him he has to decide whether to ask her to stay, but it has to be with full rights as his wife, his only woman. It’s up to him whether or not this child gets born.

Jade goes to visit Ali, all sweetness and light. She asks, “What happens if a man doesn’t pay the bride price? Is that cause for divorce?” Ali reminds her that Said has paid almost the entire dowry, and he’ll finish payments in a couple months. Jade insists, “What if he doesn’t?” I don’t want to think about how Jade would assure that he couldn’t pay the dowry. Ali agrees, in that case the woman could get a divorce. Jade is delighted. But then Ali inserts one other point. If she divorces him, she has to pay back all of the dowry and the gold that he has paid so far. Now Jade’s not so happy. If Jade would spend half as much energy getting along with her husband, as she spends trying to get away from him, their marriage would look like something from 1950’s TV.

Albieri arrives at Leo’s house. Rosa tells him the doctor just left. Leo pretends to be sleeping. Albi says he’ll wait. He pages through the planner he’s carrying, and out falls a photo. Rosa picks it up and is delighted to see a childhood picture of Diego, but she can’t understand how Luisa can be in the picture. Albi says that he PhotoShopped the picture. (Even THAT is pretty creepy. This guy puts someone else’s child in a picture with him and his wife?) Rosa observes that Diego never had a shirt like that. Albi says he bought it one day when he took Diego to his house. Leo “wakes,” and Rosa can’t wait to show him the photo. But when she looks around, Albi has left. He goes to Cristina’s to see Daniel. When he realizes that Leo goes there and might one day see Daniel, he gets more flustered and leaves.

Ozzie and Dora have their usual scrap at the bar. She walks off. Vicky tells Ozzie that it’s obvious that he’s still wild about her. Osvaldo denies it and says he found out the truth - that Albieri is the baby’s father.

Albieri is at home, pondering how long he’ll be able to keep Daniel hidden. He suggests to Luisa that they move to LA. Luisa reminds him that he hates LA; how about London where Mary Brown and Sylvia are? No, Albi is fixated on LA. In that case, Luisa is fine with it. She’d like a chance at a new start with him. He says that if Daniel could go with them, he’d leave today. This worries Luisa. Then he says, “Do you think Dora would like to live in LA?” This worries Luisa a lot more. Albi explains, Dora wouldn’t want to be separated from Daniel. Oh, yeah. Then it all seems perfectly normal!

Lucas reports to Marisa. She gives the requirements if this child is going to be born.
1. That he returns to her.
2. That she has the full position she deserves in this house, and in his life.
Lucas says he wants this baby to be born, and he’ll do everything possible to give the baby a home. Marisa agrees that the baby will be born, and their marriage will continue. And then she goes in for the kill, with condition 3:
You will take back / renounce everything you told me that day in Morocco. Lucas the invertebrate agrees to everything.

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