Caray, Caray!

Unfortunately I have to see Fedra’s strip show. Gretel has snuck in and is also shocked.

Muneca wants to tell Ilitia that they are going to adopt a baby, but Lorenzo says no, she’s so jealous, you know her. When it’s all done, then we’ll tell her. She says let’s go to bed, forget this stuff about you in the guest room, come on. He goes on about her breaking something deep in him, he needs time, etc. What a crock.

Blondie cries to the lady who I can’t ever remember her name at the pension, she can’t believe how low Lowrenzo is. She says all men are like that, except for Brandon and Oliver of course.

Doris argues with Mari about Brandon. Mari wants to dump him if he loves her for real, Doris of course is against this idea.

Ugh more Fedra. The less said (and seen) the better. Spiderus cheers her on rather aggressively from the bar. He and the bartender go on and on about how awesome she is. Whatever. The judge watches with interest. Gretel can’t take it any more and runs out, knocking into people on the way. Spiderus sees her (though I don’t think he knows who it is just yet) and chases her out. Gretel hops in a cab she had waiting and takes off. Spiderus curses. I’m still not sure he knows it’s Gretel, but he knows it was someone spying at least.

Fedra moves in to work on the judge one on one. I am already sick this weekend so this scene is really working my resolve to not throw up. Sweet talk from Fedra is revolting.

Gretel returns home in her spy outfit. She does some extremely ugly crying. She is really mad and starts breaking stuff around the house. She flashes back to Fedra killing Mari’s father. She yells out Assassin!

In the morning, Delicia looks over the trashed house. Fedra comes down to see what’s up and freaks out.

Oliver wants to do something for a couple hours, Brandon says no there’s no time, then lists all their business for the day. Some paperwork, then start the investigation into the shooting. Mari brings breakfast. Brandon says I’m so lucky, she’s not just pretty, she treats me like a king!

Eman wakes up in his clothes, sleeping next to Ilitia, who is still in her clothes, with his face on her feet. Eman freaks. “you slept the whole night here, what are your parents going to say?” From outside they hear Fedra yell “what happened last night here in my house!” and think she is talking about them.

Lorenzo keeps up his grumpy act, waiting for Ilitia. The maid says she isn’t home, she didn’t sleep here. Lo is upset.

More Fedra yelling, now we see Kristel’s room, she is in her clothes and Orangy is in his clothes on the floor. She really knocked them all out last night. Fedra and Emiliano are yelling for everyone to get downstairs. K and Orangy try to figure out how to get him out of her room, AGAIN.

Downstairs the maids try to put things back together. Eman and Ilitia come down, Fedra immediately turns on her – what are you doing here so early? Did you spend the night together? Eman just smiles like he’s guilty. Cripes what a bunch of hypocrites. They boink regularly, all of them with whoever, and then when they actually have a good excuse (we fell asleep, still dressed, nothing happened) they get all stupid.

Brandon and Oliver leave, very pleased with their breakfast. When they leave, Doris says again that she is worried about Brandon being hurt by Mari if he really falls for her.

Finally Ilitia and Eman explain that they passed out. Fedra even says Emiliano, whatever, chill out. Emil does not chill. Kristel comes out, sees Ilitia, and jumps in, obviously hoping to deflect any attention away from who is in HER room. The phone rings, it’s Lorenzo. Emil takes the phone, he says ok ok, we’ll wait for you here. He tells Eman and Ilitia that when Lo and Muneca get here, the kids better have a really good explanation! I thought they just gave him the explanation?

Muneca thinks it’s fine that Ilitia didn’t come home, but Lorenzo is thirsty for blood.

Eman says he doesn’t know what happened, they were soooo tired and jst passed out. Emil says you know what? Me too. Kristel says her too. Gretel shows up and says ask Fedra! She knows! Instead of coming out with it, she beats around the bush and doesn’t come right out and say she drugged everybody. When she finally does, Fedra smacks her in the face. The doorbell rings, it’s Brandon and the cops. They have a search warrant.

Mari argues with Doris some more about Brandon. Netty walks in and wants to know what’s up. They don’t tell her. The single mom runs in with a package, it has the headline from the newspaper in it saying that Eva died after returning to her alcoholic ways.

Eman argues with Brandon. Emil demands an explanation. Brandon says it’s part of the murder investigation of Dolores, who was murdered in Netty’s pension.

Everyone screams and cries about the Eva headline, and rant about how it’s all Fedra’s fault.

Eman and Ilitia try to run Brandon off, apparently none of these people understand the power of a signed search warrant. The Commisar comes in and straightens them out.

Spiderus, Nereida, and the older lady who works in the house sit down to eat, Delicia runs in to say things are getting worse, the police are here. Spiderus of course is worried when he finds out that it’s about Dolores.

The cops say someone was hired to kill Netty and Dolores got killed by accident. They’ll be here searching for a while. Gretel says save your time, it’s her! She points and Fedra and says that she is the killer!

Netty swears to Mari that they will clear Eva’s name and take Fedra down. Netty says that Eva once told her that she found out a secret about Fedra, something that would get Fedra out of the family forever.

Gretel continues to scream, the men of course hold her back instead of listening to her. The cops just stare at her, then finally tell her to speak.

I guess it was Mari’s dad that had the secret on Fedra, and he died before he told anyone what it was.

Brandon gives her a chance to talk, but instead Gretel continues to rant and rave so Oliver finally butts in to help take her upstairs. Eman yells at Brandon for upsetting his sister, he’ll be sorry! The cops move to search the house. Lorenzo and Muneca show up, Ilitia runs straight to Lo, ignoring her mother.

Emiliano tells Oscar that Gretel has nervous problems, etc. She insists that she’s not crazy and tries to calm down. Emil leaves her alone with Oscar. She asks him you believe me, right? He says he hates to see her this way.

Lo immediately wants to know what Ilitia did to bring the cops this time. Nice guy! Ilitia says it’s not like that, and to top it all off, Brandon the monkey cop is here! Muneca says really? I really want to see him! Haha. Lo and Ilitia both yell at her. Fedra tells Lo that the cops are looking for a killer. Lo says fine, but more importantly, HOW DID MY DAUGHTER STAY HERE OVERNIGHT? Nice priorities.

Netty tells Mari that when Eva was recovering from her alcoholism and then Mari’s dad died Fedra kept putting booze in front of Eva to make her relapse.

Eman tries to explain that they just slept. Ilitia mumbles that it wasn’t HER idea to just sleep. Lo fumes and everyone starts giggling. Fedra has the nerve to tell Lo to not make scandals here in her house. Too late for that. Fedra says they want to ‘know’ each other before the wedding, that’s normal. Kristel jumps in saying WTF I’m about to marry Orangy and you won’t even let him come to my room to watch TV! Fedra says that’s different, Ilitia is a grown woman and Kristel is her virgin baby. Ilitia tries not to laugh. Just then a cop comes down with Orangy, asking if anyone knows who he is. Mouths drop, Eman laughs. Kristel might start crying.

Emil an Oscar try to get Gretel to lie down. Why doesn’t she open her damn mouth and say she saw last night. Emil gives her an injection.

Fedra demands an explanation, now Lo is laughing. “not so ‘whatever’ now that it’s YOUR daughter, eh?” Eman wants a good reason to not split Orangy’s face. I can’t believe how hypocritical this whole thing is. They have sex with their own woman/women, then threaten to kill anyone else who does the same thing. Whatever. Orangy swears he slept in Axel’s room. He passed out. Kristel says yes, we were discussing that, we all passed out, what’s up with that? Eman says to Fedra, what about you? She nods like she passed out too.

The old lady and Nereida say nothing strange is going on (to Brandon), but Delicia tells all about Bernardo arriving in the middle of the night all in black like a vampire. Nereida gives her a look, not sure if she knows something and is mad, or if she is surprised about all this.

Spiderus is in his room putting his gun in a safe hiding place. Then he remembers oh yeah my ski mask and gloves. Cripes dude you have to dump incriminating evidence, not keep it in your room. He takes some stuff out of one drawer and sticks it in another drawer. Do cops only search top drawers or what? Just then Brandon busts in with gun drawn.

Benigno takes the Commisar down to meet the General. The General gives him permission to search the room. Commisar picks up a gun and says it was fired recently, Benigno says he has been practicing. Commisar tells the General what happened with Dolores getting killed. The General says fine, what does that have to do with this family? Commisar says they are trying to figure out the relationship between Netty and this family, they think Netty was the intended victim. The General says right away that it has to be Fedra, take her away! Lock her up! She’s at fault for all the bad things that have happened to this family!

Netty, the ladies and Cristian talk, they tell Begonia to relax and be safe here in the pension, they’ll help her. Netty says she understands about loving a married man, the other lady says who? Netty says oh nobody special, you know, because I’m an actress. The single mother says her man left her for another. They man bash and then Netty says the next good man that shows up they’ll have to tear him apart and share him. Or something like that, I’m not entirely sure. Of course just then Netty’s lawyer shows up with flowers and she flutters her eyelids at him.

Brandon tries to search the drawers of the dresser and hold a gun on Spiderus at the same time. Weren’t there like 50 cops there? This is ridiculous. Brandon tells him that he’s looking for the black clothes, etc. Where was he that night? He says he was at home sleeping. Brandon somehow missed the clothes that were sitting right there in the drawer. For some reason he cuffs Spiderus anyway. They leave the room and the dresser drawer isn’t closed with the ski mask just RIGHT THERE hanging out of the drawer. I thought Brandon was a good cop, this was the most incompetent police work I have ever seen.

Emil tells Oscar that Gretel has a mental problem ever since the death of his brother (Mari’s father). Oscar says she looks so normal! Oscar says they have to search this room too, but he’ll do it himself to not bother Gretel with all the other people ok? Emil says ok. Instead of searching, Oscar just goes and talks to Gretel. He promises to help her find a way to help her.

Brandon marches Spiderus out the front. Fedra demands that they don’t take him. She’s afraid that he’ll talk I’m sure. Orangy takes this opportunity to sneak out. Sounds like Brandon is taking Spiderus in to question him, he has information that makes him a possible suspect, and I think he said his alibi was weak. Eman even defends Spiderus, calling him honest. Fedra insists that they wait for the lawyers first. The Commisar tells Fedra that she is under arrest too. Based on the word of the General, I suppose.

Monday – Lo wants Eman and Ilitia to hurry up and get married, but Eman keeps thinking of Mari. He decides to fight for her, under the pretext that ‘Brandon isn’t right for her.’

Labels: llena

Many of our recent shows have been focusing on the lovely ladies of our novela. And I’m not just talking about focusing on their legs, or their busts, although the director does seem to take special delight in these types of camera angles. I’m talking about the ladies’ insecurities, their career aspirations, their plans, their tricks, and all the little things they do to get what they want. But tonight, there seemed to be more of a focus on the guys. A bunch of them behaved somewhat badly, but defended this behavior as “normal”. But what makes a guy normal? Just as women face a challenge in trying to be attractive and sexy, but not trashy, men try to be macho, but still caring. And where does one draw the line between strong and protective, and a wild boar out of control? Tonight, our guys got a bit wild, but hopefully, they didn’t “bore” us.

Of yes, and Vicky got even MORE crazy!

We begin in the only disco in Mexico City, given that Ale and Rafa, Julieta and Cesar, as well as Marian and Daniel, all just happened to end up there. As we saw last night, Rafa spied Daniel and DECKED him! Rafa accuses Dan of luring Ale to the cabin and trying to take advantage of her (which of course, he did). Marian is shocked, Danny denies, Ale denies, too, not wanting a scandal, and everyone tries to hold the boys apart. Danny even says he searched all over for Ale in the woods, yelling, “Ale, Ale!”, he was even sweating, his HAIR got messed up, and he got scratched (sudé, me despeiné y me arañé). Awww, poor Danny. He calls Rafa a beast, a caveman (cavernícola). Marian hustles Danny away, but it appears that no one’s defending the caveman this time. Julieta says Dan was right, Rafa IS too violent, and Alejandra is quite upset with him, too. Ale is embarrassed at Rafa’s behavior, and they all decide to go home. One bit of justice, though, is that little Cesar gets stuck with the check!

In a quiet coffee shop, Rosario seems smarter than we previously thought. She tells Quintana she knows he’s not really in love with her. He’s moving way too fast. But Quintana is persistent. He adamantly insists that his intentions are sincere, and Rosario, who says she actually does love Quintana, resolves to fight for their relationship, to make Quintana love her for real. They kiss. (Quintana is really frustrating. He does seem to have real feelings for Rosario. Why not tell her the truth about Marco? Ah, well, time will tell).

Claudia calls Marco, invites him over for some Siglo gossip and more, and Marco agrees, thinking this will be a good test to see if he’s really cured. He looks at Ale’s picture, saying “you drove me to this” (tú me orillaste a esto).

Outside Apartment #7 (may not be so lucky for Ramirez), Milagros debates, should I or shouldn’t I (knock on the door)? A neighbor walks up, and Milagros, after denying that she’s selling cookies, pretends to be Germán’s sister, and finds out that Señora Gloria lives there, and her “brother” may not come out for quite some time. Milly looks up for divine guidance, crosses herself, bites her lip, clenches her little fist to knock,

stops herself, crosses herself again, moves to knock again, and…..

We’re whisked away to a fine restaurant, where Gabriel is begging Rosaura to come home to him and the kids. Today.

Time for a commercial, but how are our guys doing on the normal scale so far? Was Rafa’s violent jealousy and overprotectiveness normal? What about Daniel’s smarmy self-absorption? Quintana’s earnestness? Gabriel’s dry pleading? I’m not sure our guys are doing so well tonight, although in many ways, they’re all “normal”.

Rosaura wants to move back to Miami. Gabe gives the same old saw, can’t find work at his high level. But he does love Rosie, and wants to please her, so he’ll keep trying. This is enough for Ro, who agrees to trust Gabe. Let’s go home right now! (Ay, pobre Pepeto!)

In his luxury car, Daniel is playing the fight for all it’s worth. He winces from the teeny little cut on his mouth, declaiming to Marian that men who settle disputes by blows are brain-damaged (descerebrado), unlike him, of course. Marian has to agree, she was really disappointed in Rafa. Dan reminds her that Rafa is also clearly in love with another woman, so Marian should really forget about him. Does your cut hurt? she asks. It does, but nothing a kiss couldn’t cure, he replies, leaning in for some sugar. She’s a little too sleepy for this, just wants to go up to her apartment (alone), and Danny’s okay with that. After she leaves, he muses to himself that Medina’s jealousy was just the thing he needed to get in good with Marian.

Back at Medina central, Ale isn’t mad at Rafa, she’s just disappointed. She reminds him how violent he almost got with that mariachi guy who was coming on to Ale a few months ago. You have to learn to control yourself, Rafa. Julieta’s lapping it up. Finally, a woman who can control her brother. Leonor wants to know what happened. After she finds out, she says she hopes Marian won’t be so upset at Rafa, she’ll fire Julieta from her job at Grupo Celeste. Rafa gulps.

Now for some REALLY normal men. Not! We see Jimenez’s father in law snoring on the couch, as Ramiro is doing some architect work on the computer (don’t you love the way he’s pecking furiously at the keyboard with one finger, hitting one or two keys over and over? Yes, that’s some HEAVY computing). But here come his wonderfully understanding wife and suegra, tastefully attired in matching granny robes, slippers and rollers.


What are you doing, looking at filth (cochinadas)? asks one of the lovelies. The other thinks he’s wasting light, it’s not free, is it? Ramiro defends himself, he’s working, for Doña Arcadia, designing a new agency. His wife seems to like this, but suegrita reminds him she bought this computer for the kids, so he’ll have to pay rent to use it for his purposes. And interest. As they go off for a cup of warm milk, his father-in-law says he should be thankful they don’t charge for the light. Or the chair. But it’s MY house, he moans. Wise suegro reminds him that when you marry a woman, what’s yours is hers. And what’s hers is…hers.

Marco rings the doorbell, Claudia opens, dressed like a Playboy Bunny, and my eyes sort of glaze over at her bountiful, bodacious bodice, bouncing buoyantly, glistening with baby oil, and…..

oh, sorry about that. Better rewind. I think they were saying something. Now where was I? Claudita fills him in on the Ale/Rafa thing, when Rosaura asked, Ale didn’t answer, and as you know, silence is the proof (el que calla otorga). Marco chugs some tequila, and Claudia wants him to watch the drinking, or he’ll fall asleep. What makes you think something’ll happen between us tonight? he asks teasingly. Because you like me, and I like you, she coos. They wrap their arms around each other,


and nature takes its course (actually there was a commercial, but you know me and my imagination).

Rosario and Quintana are kissing a bit more chastely, as Jorge comes out, wearing what looks like a ski hat, couldn’t sleep,


Ale’s not home yet, and Marco left. So what are you doing here, Quezada? Quiñones, corrects Quintana, forgetting his own name. I think this memory thing is catching. Anyway, he says goodnight.

Milagros is still outside Gloria’s door, can’t stand it any more, crosses herself one more time, raps on the door, and shuts her eyes. Nada. She knocks again, and Gloria opens, dressed in her negligee. She looks at Millie, asks if it isn’t just a bit late to be selling cookies? Shouldn’t you get back to your convent? Before Millie can a-nun-ciate a response, out barges Ramirez, pants down, shirt half off, tell-tale lipstick festooning his frenzied face.


They each give each other a “qué haces aquí”, before Milly asks all the right questions, and Ramirez gives all the wrong answers.

M: Are you two man and wife?
R: No, of course not.
G: What do you care?
M: Holy mother Mary, then this is an adulterous relationship? Doña Quieta would die, she’d just die.
R: No, no, no, please, you’re not going to say that to her.
G: What a pair of clowns (she goes back into her apartment and slams the door).
R: Look, no, please, Gloria, no, please (bumps his mouth on the door).
R: Please, you’re not going to tell my Mom, you CAN’T tell my mother. (he rubs his head in distress, then looks down, his fly is open, too!) Milly crosses herself again.
M: Of course I’ll tell her, she has to know her son is not what she thinks.
R: But if you tell my Mom I have a girlfriend, it’ll be really bad, I mean, she already discovered I had magazines with naked women, and she kicked me out of the house (Milly crosses herself), if she knew I was going out with a married woman (points to Gloria’s door, Milly crosses herself, starts praying)…
M: You’re going out with a married woman? And looking at magazines of naked women? You’re a degenerate!
R: No, I’m a normal man, totally normal. (you be the judge)


M: Normal?!
R: Although I recognize it’s not good that I’m going out with Gloria.
M: I don’t know what to say, after all you’ve just told me, Germán. I thought you were a different kind of man.
R: I told you, Milagros, I’m a normal man.
M: Normal? Germán Ramirez de Betancourt. You’ve disappointed me. (She starts praying). Revered Christ, help this man to save himself, and if he doesn’t save himself, may he be condemned.
R: Oh, calm down, Mamá – I mean, Milagros. Milagros, I’m really sorry, truly, but it’s good you found out all this before you got excited about me.
M: (Calmer, sadder) But I already was excited about you.
R: Really, truly, I’m sorry, Milagros.
M: I’m more sorry.
R: Milagros (takes her hand), I want to ask you a favor, don’t tell my mother any of this, I beseech you, I beg you, affectionately (she pulls her hand away)
M: I’ll think about it, but I’m not promising anything. (She leaves).
Ramirez hopes the spare couch is still available over at Marino’s.

Ale is pontificating about Rafa. The perfect man doesn’t exist. Rafa, you scare me sometimes, you’re so jealous. Every man who comes near me, you jump, Rafa. Julieta thinks Rafa is, like, SO last century. Ale is grateful her man protects her, but wishes it were done in a more peaceful manner. Still, she’s in a good mood, and forgives him. She’s really comfortable with Rafa, and with his whole family. She finishes her coffee, warmly says goodnight to Leonor and Julieta, and Rafa walks her out to the car. But guess who’s lurking in the shadows. Vicky, dressed to kill. But when she sees Rafa and Ale kiss under the stars, she SNAPS! Ale and Rafa drive away in the Pantera, and Vicky screams, it can’t be, it can’t be, those kisses were mine, Pajarito! You’ll pay! All of a sudden she gets fearful, starts walking backwards, whimpering about dark forces, she gasps, backs against the wall of the house, startles a random stranger, screams, and clutches her clutch to her breast! Could this be the curse of Morolongo???!!!

Okay, do you think this is symbolic? Let’s see, we have two big round candles, and one tall thin one.

Claudia starts to undress Marco, as they devour each other’s faces. He keeps looking over her shoulder, checking if he’ll see Medina in the bed. But no! He doesn’t see anything! He’s exultant, feels newborn, wants to celebrate. He wants to make love all night. So does Claudia. Come to bed, my tiger, she purrs.

Post-coitally blissful, Marco and Claudia thank each other, softly caressing their barely draped bodies.

He has to get home. But he promises many more nights of delight.

Vicky enters her house, sees her family, and screams. Her Dad’s a little PO’d at the hour. Where the devil have you been? No, no, she shrieks, don’t talk of devils or things like that, please. Her brothers wake up from their couches (Pancho was dreaming of “Belinda”), and when they find out she was looking for Rafa, they tell her to stop this. But No, Sir! She will NOT stop looking for her Pajarito, because she still loves him, and she’ll never let that WITCH have him, no way, over her DEAD BODY, No, Sir!!! She storms off to her room. The boys think the psychologist isn’t working. Dad disagrees, at least he got Vicky to drop the veil. But what really bothers him is that now she’s upset when he says the word “devil” and she’s talking about dark forces. The boys make cuckoo noises, showing how “normal” THEY are.


The Pantera pulls up in front of Ale’s building, and the lovers go for the vacuum cleaner (aspiradora) kiss.

But while they’re sucking face, a taxi delivers Macho Marco right next to them. What if he sees them? What would a “normal” man do? We’ll find out on Monday.

Monday, En la guerra y en el amor, todo se vale (all’s fair in love and war).

Vocabulario:

Sudé, me despeiné y me arañé – I was sweating, my hair was messed up, and I got scratched up
Un cavernícola – a caveman
Tú me orillaste a esto – you drove me to this
Descerebrado – brain damaged
El que calla otorga – silence is telling, literally something like he who is quiet delivers the prize
En la guerra y en el amor, todo se vale – all’s fair in love and war. Let the fightin’ and lovin’ begin!

Labels: dinero

Nati tells Gloria that she wants to be cured. The doctor told her that if she takes drugs during her pregnancy, it will harm the baby. Gloria is happy to hear this. She says that bringing a child into the world is a heavy responsibility. She says that when the children grow up, they follow the parents' example. Does Nati want to see her child like she is? Nati says no. She tells Nati in that case, she will have to get strength from somewhere to stay clean and keep everything calm.

Labels: clon

Read Chris's original recap. That recap covers Caps 18, 19, and 20. For Caps 19 and 20, start at the paragraph that begins, “Paula calls a friend at another company,” and read to the end of the recap.

Capitulo 19

1. MamaT says Fernando should’ve put super-competent Alicia in charge, considering the great report she made the last time. PapaH says, “Of course you’re going to forget about promoting la fea.”

2. Fernando tells Lety that he can’t present her promotion to the board after this mess. Lety breaks down and says that what upsets her is not her promotion, but his meeting and his image.

3. Marcia tells Alicia that this is her big chance since Lety has taken such a fall.

4. Lety cries to the cuartel about the catastrophe. They tell her that Ortiz is bitter because his wife cheats on him. Paula calls a technician from another company.

5. Ariel wants to monitor all transactions of Conceptos. Humberto refuses. Ariel proposes Plan B, that Olarte passes him all information. Humberto supports that because the balance wasn’t ready for today’s meeting.

6. Ortiz won’t let the cuartel access the computer. Fernando sets him straight. Ortiz prints the report for Lety. Fernando orders him to bring Lety’s computer back NOW. Olarte orders him to copy the files to CD.

7. Luigi throws a tantrum which causes a spark which scares the dog which he tied to the camera which falls over and breaks.

8. Fernando vetoes Ariel’s financial supervision, since Ariel’s excuse was that the balance wasn’t ready, and now it is.

---

Capitulo 20
The Cap 20 recap continues at the link posted with Cap 19.

1. The cuartel suspects that Ortiz raided Lety’s files. All the good guys pitch in: Saimon sabotages Luigi’s computer and Irmita summons Ortiz to fix it. Celso unlocks Ortiz’s office and the cuartel finds the file in his desk.

2. Lety explains the balance report and defends it against Ariel. Fernando gets board approval for her promotion to the executive position.

3. Lety shows Fernando that Ortiz copied her files. Ortiz tells Olarte that the cuartel found the file. Fernando gives Ortiz a choice: squeal and submit a voluntary resignation, or refuse to talk and end up in jail. Ortiz implicates Olarte but not Alicia.

4. Luigi gushes about the upcoming Benny Ibara video clip and slips in a barely-veiled reference to Benny being the son of Julissa, who plays Teresita.

5. Olarte begs Ariel for help and gets the brush-off. But when Ariel sees that Fernando is going to interrogate Olarte, Ariel promises him a good job if he doesn’t squeal, and a long list of enemies if he does.

6. Fernando offers Olarte a choice similar to Ortiz’s. Olarte denies that Ariel was involved, and he refuses to tell who blocked Lety’s computer. Fernando fires him and promises to spread his reputation throughout Mexico’s business world.

7. Fernando reports to the board why Olarte was fired. He refuses Ariel’s demand to appoint the replacement. Ariel says, “You think I was behind the conspiracy?” Fern says, “Olarte was your ally and everyone knows it.

Labels: fea-2010

Capítulo 156: In which Marisa tries to find a way to help her daughter, but keeps blocking the path with her giant ego; Zein finds a shark to defend Dora; Lucas gets a mini-makeover; and Jade, still single, returns to Miami.

Clara tells the security guard at her gated community not to let Fernando back in and asks for his discretion about her troubles – you know how these neighbors are!

At her restaurant, Gloria asks Alej indignantly:
¿Es cierto lo que me dijo Ramoncito, que te vas a ser papá?
Is it true what Ramoncito told me, that you’re going to be a father?

At Casa Ferrer, Marisa peeks in on Nati. Nati tells her she wants to get better and Marisa promises to help her.

Enrique: An addict can destroy the very best of families. And no meaningful recovery is possible without the addict’s complete buy-in.

Marisa to Natalia:
No te preocupes, estás aquí en los brazos de tu mamá y nada malo te va a pasar.
Don’t worry, you’re here in your mother’s arms and nothing bad is going to happen to you.

Marisa tells Lucas she’d like to take Natalia to a clinic in Orlando. Don’t you want to talk to Enrique about it? asks Lucas.

Enrique has been listening to Rosa chatter about her favorite topic, the reincarnated Diego. When Marisa and Lucas join him, he tries to make them understand that they can’t control the process of recovery. The fundamental effort must be Natalia’s. Marisa is offended by the idea that there’s something she can’t control.

At Mohamed’s place, Latifa and Samira are arguing about using a veil. Samira says she won’t end up like her Aunt Jade because she intends to study and work so she can be independent. Once again, Mohamed blames Latifa for Samira’s refusal to wear a veil, and once again says that she failed to teach her daughter anything.

The phone rings. It’s Tío Abdul inviting Mohamed to Fez on business. He tells Abdul he’ll be there in two weeks. We’re going to Fez? asks Latifa. No, corrects Mohamed, I’m going to Fez.

At Alí’s house in Fez, Jade stands happily before a mirror as she gets ready for her wedding. When Said appears, she asks: ¿Lllego el sheik? (Has the sheik arrived?). No, el sheik no va a venir. Cancelé nuestra boda. (No, the sheik’s not coming. I cancelled our wedding.). Come to Miami, says Said, be close to Jadiya, but let’s postpone the marriage until we are sure.

At Salamandra, Zein asks Rogelio if he and Clara broke up. No, says Rogelio, and he’s quite uncomfortable with the way things are, especially his hasty and impulsive invitation to Malicia to go to Paris with him. He and Malicia aren’t even friends. Go to Paris with her and I’m sure you’ll become friends, advises Zein. (Boo, hiss!!!)

Enter Cris and Dora looking for Zein. They’d like him to read a document and explain it to them.

Malicia tells Pablo that she has to go to Paris. It's for her job. She tried to get someone to go in her place, but couldn’t manage to find anyone.

Gloria sets off in full matriarchal plumage to confront her nemesis, Marisa (la cabeza de fósforo.)

Zein is explaining the document to Dora and Cris: Leo is seeking to nullify Daniel’s birth certificate and have himself declared legal father and his deceased wife Isabel, his legal mother.

Girl reporter Amalia has tracked down Roberto and wants to interview him and Leo about the clone. He backpedals – you know Albieri and his crazy ideas, he says. He is rescued from his own stupidity when his cell phone rings – You couldn’t have called at a more opportune moment, he tells his obsessive wife as escapes from Amalia.

And at the Del Valle home, Andrea mentions to her mother that Nati is entering rehab voluntarily. Lucia didn’t know because Marisa is still not talking about it, even to her best (really, her only) friend.

In Fez, Alí tells Jade not to be sad; it’s all for the best. And she does seem calm until she steps outside and notices Daniel staring at her, and holding her necklace in his outstretched palm. Then her eyes widen with fear.

At the Casa Ferrer, Rosa urges Lucas to eat something:
No has probado bocado en todo el día.
You haven’t had a bit to eat all day.
But Lucas is still in his “forty’s no fun when your 20-year-old self is there reminding you of your failure and ready to steal your life” mood. He leaves.

Shouldn’t Nati go to the doctor? asks Rosa sensibly. Marisa has asked the doctor to come to see her in the house. She is trying to figure out a way to get Natalia away from Miami, and in particular, away from Alejandro. [After everything that has happened, she is still blaming him for Natalia’s addiction.]

Marisa goes to her daughter’s room. Do you need anything? No. Do you want to go look at baby clothes with me? No. Do you want to take a trip with me, anywhere you want? ¡No insistas, mamá! No quiero nada. (Stop insisting, mom, I don’t want anything.)

Clara is talking on her cell phone as she walks through the scary drug barrio looking for Fernando. She’s asking Caro to make excuses for her at work. Enrique takes the phone from Caro and tells Clara she’s going about things the wrong way. She needs to find a group for support. (Good advice, but lousy timing. This is the time to get Clara to a safe place.)

Just then, Clara spots Paula. Paula tells her she and Fernando were fighting – look at this bruise on my forehead – and she called the police. They took him away but she’s not sure where. Were they downtown? At the beach?

Daniel rejoins his tour group in Fez. He asks the guide, Guillermo, how long a clone can live. I think you’ve been in the sun too long, he answers in befuddlement.

Lucas is looking at the window display of a clothing store in Miami.

Daniel is looking at pendants at a stall in Fez.

Lucas is in a barberchair: Is that the look you wanted? asks the barber.

Back at Salamandra, Zein is going to refer Dora to a lawyer who can help her.

Apparently that lawyer is named Cecilia Levi. Or that’s what Roberto has heard, and, he tells Leo, she is a force to be reckoned with. Enrique advises Leo that it would be better to settle the matter out of court. A court proceeding not only would bring unwanted notoriety, it would harm Albieri. But Leo insists on proceeding. Daniel is going to bear his name!

Dora and Estela are home when they get a call from Daniel: he is on his way home.

When Clara gets back to the office, she tells Caro what Paula said. But she has looked at several police stations and hasn’t been able to find him.

Enter Lucas sporting a white polo shirt and a new haircut. You look twenty years younger, the women tell him.

And what about Paris? asks Caro as the friends resume their conversation. No, says Clara, how can I go? I’m a disaster as a woman and mother. Even so, Clara admits that she loves Rogelio and doesn’t want to lose him. She wants to tell him the truth.

Mohamed is home with his family. He offers to take Samira to buy a cell phone – provided she wears her veil. She refuses. Mohamed and Amin go ahead leaving Samira behind. Samira tells her mother that she is sure Allah would not want custom or belief imposed by force on anyone.

Latifa is stewing about Mohamed’s plans to go to Fez without her. She’s afraid Abdul will push him to take a second wife. When the Naz comes in, Latifa begs her to talk to her brother and try to persuade him to take Latifa with him on his trip. The Naz can be in charge of the household in her absence. The Naz, rather nastily, agrees to consider it.

Rosa announces to Marisa that Alejandro’s mother has arrived. Tell her I’m not here, snaps Marisa. She’s not here to see you, she’s here for Natalia. And after all, the baby is her grandchild, says Rosa.

Gloria walks in and at first her gaze wanders as she takes in the wealth on display. But she is as focused as a laser when she enters Natalia’s room. If you still have any brain cells working, warns Gloria, you’d better stay away from that garbage. And after the baby is born, if you can’t take care of it, then I will, she promises. I’ll raise the kid just like I raised my baby.

Credits roll

Labels: clon

Tonight's guest chef answers this question...

The family Licenciado tells Tio Maximo that the Doc has pronounced him mentally incapacitated. Tio acts a like a loony in response.

Fedra and Spiderus/Bernardo get all hot and slithery at the thought of drugging the family for the night, especially that obnoxius Gretel. She slips the knock out drops into her boot and says the judge won’t be able to resist her because no man can resist La Reina; she does a little wiggle (ugh) to drive the point home. Finally everything will be hers. There is some discussion about Spider's beloved Capitan being named a murderer and Spider accuses her of still loving the capitan in spite of everything.

Gretel pets her kitty and says finally tonight she’ll figure out what that Fedra is up to.

Tio Max shakes the Licenciado and yells that he’s not crazy and the licenciado is in league with Fedra.

Muñeca takes Begonia out for coffee so Begonia can whine that her boyfriend “Andre” dumped her. Begonia says she was on the point of becoming his slave and she advises Muñeca that ALL men are the same., she shouldn’t trust her husband. Muneca says she’ll get Begonia her modeling job back at the agency. (That should really tick Lowrenzo off, heh heh.)

Oh good lord Fedra is in the kitchen murdering eggs for tonight’s dinner. If she's supposed to actually be separating these eggs she is failing miserable. She kicks the staff out and pulls the poison drops out of her stinky boot with her slimy eggy hands.

The ladies at Casa Netty are fretting about the arrest. Mari finds baggies full of “tea” in the perp’s suitcase just as Emiliano arrives. He starts to cause a scene but is interrupted by the perp being escorted out. He blames Netty for putting his niece in a dangerous situation and tells them the baggies aren’t herbs they are drogas!! (drugs)

Ilitia gripes to Kristel and Agent Orange about the fat fishy taking all of Eman’s attentions and decides to publicy announce their wedding date. Eman overhears and advises her this is something they should decide together, no? Well she wants him to decide now and she pouts coyly. In the background Kristel discusses Brandon’s manly attributes, thereby irritating the already irritable Orangey. Alone, Eman tells Ilitia there is too much going on with his family for him to set a wedding date.

Delicia informs Gretel that Fedra is downstairs preparing dinner for the family. Psycho-type music blares in the background.

Emiliano bellows at Brandon and demands to know his intentions toward his niece. Brandon and Mari mollify him somewhat but he demands that she return at once to the house. Netty refuses and Brandon agrees that Mari will be much safer and happier in Netty’s house.

Ilitia tells Eman that La Gorda is in love with him and the usual conversation ensues.

Mari insists she will stay with Netty and flounces upstairs. Emiliano tells Netty that one day Mari WILL come back. Netty bursts into tears and tell E that he doesn’t even have the heart to give his condolences. He feels awful that he didn’t know Mama D died and it’s a good excuse for them to hug. She says she’s tired of fighting and she begs him not to ever come to her house again. She’s all weepy “Good bye forever my love.”

Muñeca comes home and Lowrenzo uses it as an excuse to act mad at her AGAIN. She’s not biting though, and says poor Begona was distraught so Lowrenzo has to give Begona her job back. He says the problem is Andre works at the agency. Muñeca says no problem just fire the oaf (patan). Lowrenzo finally agrees to rehire his squeeze but then thought bubbles something contrary which I didn’t understand.

Begona tells her neighbor/babysitter that she’s moving out soon. Then she tells Christian about the pension full of angels where they are moving and they won’t need his jerk of a father any more.

Fedra takes Gretel’s dinner upstairs to force feed her, sarcastic words flow, and Gretel takes a bite of the food.

Doris tells Netty about Mari’s university fees and Netty says they’ll figure out a way to pay so Mari can realize her dream.

Brandon tells Mari that he wasn’t lying to Emiliano about his feelings for her. What would she say if he told her he’s starting to fall for her?

Apparently Gretel has eaten all the food so Fedra leaves, satisfied. Gretel pulls some medicine out of a box. A moment later we hear the toilet flush as she daintily wipes her mouth. Saved by the old binge and purge. Axel calls her to tell her he’s fine and he has to see her. She says she’ll have some news for him tomorrow.

Downstairs the entire family and their significant others are oohing and aahing over Fedra’s incredible cooking. Ilitia makes Fedra promise to give her the recipe. Suddenly Eman demands to know what she put in the souffle besides eggs! False alarm, he says it’s so delicious is all and he’ll have another. They all stuff their faces with toxic souffles as Fedra gloats.

Brandon tries to talk Mari into being his novia for reals. Doesn’t she like his kisses? Doesn’t she want a chance at real happiness? Mari reminds him it’s not real, Netty overhears and says something about actors can still kiss as if they are really in love. (I think.) Brandon demonstrates by dipping Mari and laying a big fat one on her.

Gretel tells her reflection that tonight she follows Fedra. She puts on some sort of spy fedora. A fedora to follow Fedra. Heh, sorry, I couldn’t resist.

Downstairs the family sleepily says their goodbyes. Emiliano comments to Eman how much Mari is in love with "that guy". Eman thought bubbles “No way”, then falls asleep as visions of Marianela dance in his head.

Gretel slips outside.

Netty tells Mari how happy she is that Mari loves that guy, she shouldn’t let love slip through her fingers. Mari asks why Netty has never marrried. Netty gives some cock and bull about her being an actress and putting her career first. Who knows, one day maybe she’ll be surprised. they are interrupted by the doctor who arrives with a bouquet of roses.

I just noticed that Kristel is wearing the same sort of disgusting shiny pants as her mother. I wish she and Orangey would fall asleep soon and shut up. Oops, there they go.

Fedra and Spiderus slip out of the house, laughing at Gretel’s hysterics. As a mom she totally sucks. They are wtched by Tio Maximo and Benigno on his closed circuit screens. Benigno passes out while Tio curses the viper.

Gretel stands in the shadows and vows that tonight she will find out who Fedra really is. Well you’d better get moving honey or you’re gonna miss your chance.

There is a late night knock on Netty’s door. The household, sans Netty who is on her date, dither about until finally Oliver throws open the door. Guess who? It’s Begonia and baby.

Meanwhile Lowrenzo goes lower than we ever thought possible. He leads Muneca to believe that he will agree to adopt one of her orphans. She’s beside herself with joy. Oh no, I think I know what he has up his sleeve.

The doc Arnaldo takes Netty to an adorable restaurant. He tells her she needs a man to protect her, will she marry him? Netty tries to change the subject. She orders a tequila to calm her nerves.

Oh shoot, Spiderus and Fedra arrive at La Mala Noche. I was hoping Chris would get stuck with the striptease but it looks like I might be the one after all. Fedra’s all excited to perform if you can call it that. Gretel sneaks in behind them, “La Mala Noche? What type of place is this?”

The judge walks in and Spiderus escorts him down the hall as Gretel watches.

Lowrenzo tells Muneca he only wants one child and it has to be a boy. He tells her they will have to find the perfect little boy to add to their family.

Cut to the adorable Christian who is the subject of much attention at Casa Netty. All the ladies adore him. Oh look, the men love him too. I didn’t know I was such a sap but seeing Brandon and Oliver play with the baby makes me all gooey inside.

Gretel eavesdrops while Spiderus tells some waiter named Shark that the judge has to have the best table front and center. Just then the sensation of the night is announced. Everyone claps for The Queen!!

Mari and Doris discuss Begona and wonder why women always have to fall for married men. “Like you and Emanuel?” asks Doris, the usual mini-lecture follows. Mari eats chocolate.

Gretel wonders why Bernardo is being such a hustler (buscón) to the judge. Suddenly La Reina saunters out onto the state wearing bloomers and carrying a tambourine. “Fedra?!?” Gretel whispers, muy pero muy impactada.

Chris, tag you’re it!

Tomorrow: The police show up at Horror House and Gretel points the finger at Fedra.

Labels: llena

Edit: this episode will air on Monday, due to two pre-emptions.

At Gabriela's, her claws flex and she becomes the tigress when Adolfo dares accuse her of theft. After the threat of jail, she follows Adolfo out into the hall landing, shouting down the stairwell at the old lunatic -- and bringing her father and Leonardo charging in from his apartment.



Juan José swings by solitary confinement at the prison to bid farewell to Marcos and resignedly points out when Marcos begs for help that everybody makes their own luck -- and that Marcos has been happily throwing his away with both hands.

Some moments later, the big front door at the prison creaks open, and Juan José slips out to the wide world beyond. At first, he's tentative, looking back, then up at the sun; passing by the vast, weedy prison setback and on down the street, turning round and round to see.

He faces heavenward, crosses himself, and smiles. Suddenly, he gets happy feet and starts jogging; the first place he lands is a taquito stand for a long-awaited bite. And then on through the neighborhood, jumping for joy, shouting he's free! FREE!

David meets Gabriela in the park, where he's furious to hear what Adolfo has done and goes straight to fix it. Up in Adolfo's condo, Yolanda is privately relieved to hear Adolfo didn't see anyone but the girls. He is just ordering a mystified Carlos to fire the girls when David bursts in, fighting mad.

David berates Adolfo for throwing his weight around against a couple of girls and over some stupid shoes -- which he himself tossed in the trash, he informs them. Carlos is only interested in and bristling at the part where David was apparently in L.A with Gabriela.

When David insists on repaying the amount, Adolfo once again is disgusted David is mixed up in his business. Yolanda sees how illogical this all looks to Carlos and David and emphasizes it's over nothing but a pair of shoes she supposedly wanted.



After David exits, Adolfo as usual finds a way to blame Carlos for being an idiot by choosing the girls. Yolanda sees firing them as a good thing, though, and encourages Carlos to do so, against his wishes. After Carlos exits, Adolfo orders Yolanda for once in her life to use her brains and find out what the girls know.

Juan José pays a tearful visit to his mother's grave and is bitterly aggrieved that she had not one happy day in her life; he promises that the people who caused them so much pain and trouble will pay dearly -- more dearly than even they themselves have.

Elsa is ecstatic to open her door and find Juan José standing there. After a joyful embrace, she is surprised to hear the lawyer had nothing to do with his parole; and Juan José is furious to learn how much cash that shyster took her for.



At Gabriela's she must admit to Santiago that Carlos actually simply chose the two of them for the trip. Leonardo enters and strongly urges Gabriela to neither pay back nor resign; and when he wants to intervene with Adolfo, Santiago discourages him. Leonardo is suspicious of Adolfo. But Santiago is glad Gabriela wants to resign.

Juan José explains to Elsa at her dinner table that the ones who framed him are to blame for his mother's death: had he not been in prison, she would be fine. Elsa is just making him chuckle, suggesting Juan José come to work at the garment factory, when Carlos shows up at the door. He's mashing on Elsa, which Juan José naturally dislikes; so their first meeting is fractious and short for Carlos.

At Leonardo's, he explains to Ramón his reservations about Adolfo and the illogical shoes business. What's more, he notes that giving waitresses a vacation out of the country seems irregular indeed. Things don't add up.



Upstairs, Yolanda visits to try to smooth Gabriela's feathers and learn more, but only puts Gabriela further on the defensive, revealing David showed up to admit he was in L.A. with them and tossed the shoes.

Elsa tells Juan José how she knows Carlos, and he's worried about her living alone. But she's been alone a long time and knows how to take care of herself, she insists. Just don't answer the door without looking or asking; not all the scoundrels are in prison, unfortunately, he says.

When Elsa invites him to stay with her, Juan José thinks it's improper -- but the topic suddenly reminds him he's newly a home owner! It's in San Ángel and was bequeathed to him by his departed cell mate.



At some luxury hotel pool, Carlos and Roberto hang with a couple of tomatoes; and Roberto gets rough with one of them after she calls him out for misrepresenting himself as a wealthy playboy. The girls stick around only for the sake of Carlos, the good looking, rich one. In a fit of pique, Roberto digs at Carlos for Adolfo treating him like a bastard, which does definitely push Carlos's buttons.



Santiago comes by Mario's to ask for an amount to cover the girls' L.A. trip, and Mario has to explain Bertha is his grieving niece when Santiago is alarmed to have also seen her gawking at him in the cemetery. Mario gives Santiago the money and finds out Adolfo is pressuring the girls.

Back at Elsa's, Juan José explains the crazy way he came to inherit the house -- and the crazy, old guy who gave it to him, and his crazy treasure story. She thinks any house in San Ángel must be worth a lot, and Juan José points out it's likely in ruins after 30 years' neglect. Elsa's excited and suggests they go see it right away.

Yolanda tells Adolfo at the condo that the shoes are in one of a zillion trash cans in L.A., and he decides to give Déborah a ring to see what she can do. At Gabriela's, Santiago angrily hands over the cash for the trip to pay back and instructs her to resign immediately.

Juan José and Elsa show up at a rickety gate in front of a huge mansion -- and pass through to approach the massive door of Juan José's new house.

Labels: verdad

Alternate Title: Rafa Proposes! Ale Accepts! And No One Seems to Notice.

Ale and Rafa are in their office and Rafa is kissing away Ale’s pain over the loss of her patrimonio (patrimony/birthright/inheritance)-- the Hacienda Alejandra. The kisses seem to be working wonders.

We’re transported to Marian in her office, who is experiencing emotional pain of a different sort, over our Rafa. Daniel barges in and wants to know what’s the matter (Qué tienes?). Marian says she’s completely derrotada (beaten/outdone). The man she loves, loves another. Always thinking about number one, Daniel says he’s in the same boat. He looks at her meaningfully. Marian rightfully points out that if he really loved her, he wouldn’t be enjoying her pain so much. Dan disagrees. It’s the salesman that’s causing her so much pain. He’s just here to offer her his shoulder to cry on. To make his point, he coaxes her from her chair and offers her a gentle kiss on the lips. His kiss, unlike Rafa’s, does not take away the pain.


Our third damsel in love with Rafa, doesn’t appear to be feeling any pain any more. Vicky’s returned home, triumphant, from the doctor’s. Her brothers are grumpy and hungry, and so is Don Gaston, and they let Vicky know it. She sits down and calmly tells them that they are going to have to learn how to cook for themselves, because she won’t always be there. “What you talkin’ ‘bout Vicky?” The brothers are not pleased by this thought. Vicky lets them know that it’s the doctor’s orders. He’s told her that she needs to let go of her past, and THEY are part of her past. Pancho lets her know that his empty stomach is very much a part of the present. Well then, they can eat the yogurt, jicama and pepinos (cucumbers) that can be found in the kitchen. Anyway, it’s better for their health. She sashays away, and up to her room. The Hungry Hermanos can only complain to Don Gaston who is not sympathetic. Once alone he wonders what he’s going to do with his niña. Why can’t she find another man to pacify her? (I feel sorry for whoever that man ends up being.)

At the Salon, Ovi and the boys dream of a life of leisure when Julieta comes breezing in with a heap of shopping bags. Looks like she’s spent her whole primero sueldo (first paycheck/salary) on clothes and even on furniture for the house. She actually got a credit card to pay for the furniture. (I’m thinking, isn’t this the way Ale first got into financial trouble?) She wants Ovi and the boys, or Las Señoritas as they prefer to be called, to give her a new look that will impress a new chavo guapo (handsome guy) she’s dating. The Salon Crew is shocked that she’s kicked their Jaime to the curb.

Rafa and Ale continue their discussion about the changes Ale’s making. Rafa asks about the apartment he heard her discussing with Susana. Ale explains that she found a small apartment “for the three of us.” Rafa wants to know what “three”, which we know will get a smart aleck answer from Ale. “It’s for me and my two boyfriends.” She then lets a very shocked and confused looking Rafa off the hook quickly, letting him know it’s for her, her papa and her tia. Oh, and Asucena, so four people. She just can’t go on living with Marco. This makes Rafa very happy and he does a quick run around her desk to give her a squeeze. Ale is concerned about the talk Jorge wants to have with her about the sale of the hacienda.

But first Rafa would like for Ale to come home with him this evening so that she can speak with his mom and sis, and calm their fears about their relationship. Rafa is most worried about eventually talking to her papa and tia. He wonders if they will ever accept him. “Claro que sí!” (Of course!) Rafa still thinks it will be hard for them to accept the difference in class. He doesn’t want his love to be a burden on her. Ale calms his fears with a bit more of her signature sarcastic humor (pretending to buckle under his supposed huge weight), and even more of her signature sweet kisses.

Jimenez’s relationship is not going as well. He’s telling the sexologist that he can’t tell his wife about the architecture job Arcadia is giving him until he feels it’s a sure thing. Things at home are starting to get pretty stressful again. For a while, after he got a separate apartment for himself and his wife and children, things were starting to go well. Then his suegros (in-laws) started to find any pretext to come over and stay over, and now he’s sleeping on the couch with his father-in-law. The sexologist tells him he needs to man up, tell his wife the truth about his new work, and kick his suegros out! Jimenez gets indigestion just thinking about his wife’s and suegra’s reactions.

We’re treated to another relationship not going well. Jaime is crying into his coffee cup while talking to Leonor at Casa Medina. Leonor feels for him. He’s a buen muchacho (a good boy), but she’s got to take her daughter’s side in this. And look at him. He’s grisetito (from the word gris which means grey, but in this context means gloomy/dull). While Julieta has turned into an independent, working woman on the way up, with lots of boys asking her out. Jaime says he’s seen it with his own eyes, remembering the day he met slimy Cesar at her office. Julieta interrupts this gloom and doom when she waltzes into the house with her new look-- which consists of some sexy high heels and a tight, hot pink micro dress. She does at least have on a demure, long sleeved, denim bolero jacket over said micro dress. She pretends Jaime isn’t in the room and informs Leonor that she’s going out dancing that night.


Vicky is also looking for an outfit for the evening that will enhance her assets. Clothes are laid out on her bed, but she’s currently trying on a sexy sporty look—pink polo that provides a generous display of décolletage, and a short black skirt (the length and cut of a tennis skirt). “Muy bien Vicky.” She is pleased with the effect. She’s going to look good and be her sweetest (tierna) to get her revenge on Ale. The Brothers barge in without knocking, angrily munching on a sliced apple they have brought per Vicky's orders, which resulted in Pacho spilling some blood. They can’t seem to get past her newly revealed cleavage and exposed stems and lose track of what they were angry about. Vicky asks “innocently” if they think she looks attractive, which sets them sputtering and stuttering. They finally run out in shamed defeat, and our Vicky cackles evilly. She got the answer she wanted.


Back at Casa Medina, Slimy Cesar has arrived, looking hip in his dark wash jeans, black button down shirt, and grey vest, to pick up Julieta. He gives Leonor the perfunctory greetings, insults Jaime, and pants and slimes all over Julieta when he sees her in her new “look”. He then gives her a big smooch, right there in front of her mother and Jaime. They are left mouth open impactados as Julieta and Cesar bounce out to the club. Jaime collapses onto the couch in tears, barely able to breathe. “La perdí.” (I’ve lost her.) Leonor goes for more coffee. It’s obviously going to be a long night.

Vicky is prepping herself for battle that night. She’s settled on a very fetching, knee length, tight black/dark blue dress, with a white long sleeved bolero sweater. She gives herself a pep talk. “Rafa loves you. He’s yours. You’ll get him back no matter what (cueste lo que cueste).” She then makes an analogy that seems to have been her life motto for a VERY long time. “If someone takes your doll, you get rid of her AND her dolls!” How popular do we think little girl Vicky was with the other little girls?

Marco returns home to his loving family (that’s everyone, minus Ale). They all worry that Ale should have been home by now, but Marco isn’t letting it ruin his good mood. Not only did he manage to “sell” the hacienda today, he also got his groove back. He does thought bubble that Ale better not be with that Rafa, otherwise his revenge will be something fierce! (All these plans for revenge against them, and Rafa and Ale are blissfully happy.)

Ale has taken Rafa up on his invitation to go to his home, where Leonor is unsure how to greet her. “Señora? Señorita?” (My son’s lover???) Ale says that Alejandra will be just fine. And anyway, soon she’ll be divorced. Rafa tells Leonor how much Ale loves him, which gets an “ira, ira, ira” from Ale. Jaime is at the dining table lost in his own world and pain. Rafa tells Leonor that soon Ale will be divorced and then the two of them will marry. Stop the train there buddy! Ale doesn’t remember the question ever being asked. If he wants to marry her, then he’ll have to get down on his knees (a rodillas) and ask her properly. “Sera un placer.” (It will be a pleasure.) Rafa begins to get down on his knees, but a smiling Ale stops him, telling him it’s not necessary. She ACCEPTS! (Hey, did Rafa just propose? Did Ale just accept? Is this happening for real?)

We don’t find out because all their attention is drawn over to Jaime who is urgently fiddling around in the liquor/china cabinet. He pulls out a bottle of tequila. He says it’s to celebrate, but they all know it’s to dull the pain of losing Julieta.

Marco is also having a drink, but whiskey is his poison. He’s starting to get antsy that Ale has yet to return. Jorge doesn’t think he should be finding solace (consuelo) in the bottom of a bottle, especially after his drunken display the evening before. Marco’s not finding solace anywhere, because he begins one of his famous freak outs. He can’t believe Ale’s not interested in resolving their “little” differences. (He really shouldn’t keep referring to it as little. I’m just saying.) Rosario and Jorge fully support him, of course. Quintana arrives and doesn’t understand the fuss and worry over a grown woman (una mujer hecha y derecha) being out late. Jorge says that a married woman doesn’t have any other business but her husband at this hour! Marco emphatically agrees.

Here’s a couple having a nice, wholesome evening together. Milagros and Ramirez have just exited the church after the performance of the children’s choir. Milagros is moved to tears by the performance, and leans on Ramirez’s unyielding shoulder. He stiffly admits the performance brought a tear to his eye too. She thanks him for accompanying her and suggests they head out to get some churros rellenos de cajeta y chocolate (churros filled with dulce de leche/caramel and chocolate). Yum! I am really starting to like Milagros. Ramirez’s response to such a delicious idea is to bring up the diabetic shock this would induce. Our girl Milagros calls him out, pointing out that he manages to find the negative in everything. She prefers to find happiness in the simple things in life. (Encontrar la felicidad en las cosas sensillas de la vida.) I like her even more now.


Ramirez understands her philosophy, but still can’t do churros. He’s got another appointment and has to run. In addition to being a philosopher, Milagros is a very smart cookie. She’s certain he has a date with another woman. He denies it, claims he’s meeting his book editor, dodges kissing her, and runs off. Clever Milagros (who seems to be channeling Vicky) follows him in stealth mode, through the streets and into the apartment building of the curvy redhead.

Back at Casa Medina, Rafa is wondering what has put Jaime in such a black mood and why he’s so desperate for a drink. Jaime explains that Julieta went off dancing with that guy, and now Rafa’s worried. Ale and Leonor think they are being over dramatic. What’s wrong with going out dancing? Because she is a niña, Rafa asserts. The ladies roll their eyes at these hysterics, but Ale agrees to go dancing with Rafa to check things out.

Meanwhile Daniel has also convinced Marian to go out dancing with him, as it will be the perfect distraction for her, and a great way to let off some steam (quitar su coraje—anger/fury).

At the Club Solarium, Julieta thinks the place is really cool (muy padre). But all Cesar can talk about is how much he likes her and that he wants her to be his novia. (He’s so fast moving he can’t even say her whole name. He annoyingly calls her Juli.) Julieta tries to cool his heels about this whole novia/o thing. She’ll give it some thought, but right now she wants to dance. Just then Rafa and Ale enter the club, and Rafa channels Lumi from Soy Tu Dueña by letting out an “achis, achis” in reaction to the youthful clientele. Ale thinks they can hang and dance with the kids. They’re a young couple after all. They get a table, but quickly get up to dance.

At the old folks’ home, aka Marco’s Apartment, the evening’s entertainment involves watching Quintana romance Rosario on the couch. Marco does get a little pleasure from getting one over on Quintana when he finds out the hacienda has been sold. They eye each other suspiciously over their whiskeys. When Rosario goes to get him coffee, Quintana swears to Marco that he’s not going to let him get away with it/get his way (salir con la tuya). Marco confidently says that the contract is already sign, sealed and delivered. “No hay nada que puedes hacer. Que lastima!” (There’s nothing you can do about it. What a shame.) Rosario returns and Marco smirks behind their backs, but it’s obvious he wants to be rid of Quintana.

At the Club, Rafa is busting out some of his famous dance moves and Ale is trying to copy them. Rafa’s eyes wander over to the backside of a shapely pair of gams on a little brunette. Ale follows his gaze, but she isn’t upset by his appreciation of the piernas bonitas (nice/pretty legs). She admits they’re very nice, and then she recognizes, before Rafa, who those legs are attached to. “Rafa es tu hermana, ciego!” Rafa doesn’t believe it. His sister is a niña. (Keep telling yourself that Rafa.) He is then horrified to find out that the shapely legs are indeed attached to Julieta. He dances over and “accidentally” on purpose bumps into Julieta and her date. What a coincidence! Introductions are made and Rafa eyes Cesar suspiciously. He doesn’t like that their table is all the way over there in the dark.


Rafa and Ale continue to dance, and the kids go to sit at their dark table. Marian and Daniel arrive and Julieta spots them. Marian is sure they will run into some of Daniel’s conquests there since he is Don Popular. But he assures her that he only has eyes for her (solo tengo ojos para ti).

Things are moving at an even slower pace than before at Marco’s place. Rosario and Quintana decide to blow this popsicle stand and head out, leaving a despondent Marco all alone with his whiskey. He throws himself a pity party and calls himself a complete fiasco. His woman is putting the horns on him, and he’s at home getting drunk all alone. “How pathetic!”

Said woman is having a great time dancing with her not so secret, non-lover. They take a break and sit with Julieta and Cesar at their dark booth. Cesar swears his intentions with Julieta are honorable, as Rafa gives him the death stare. Julieta warns Cesar that Rafa is like a jealous husband and can even get violent. Ale backs up this assertion. “Tu vas a respetar a mi hermana, verdad?!” (You’re going to show my sister respect, right?) They drink on it, and Julieta catches site of Marian and Daniel dancing. She can sense the danger with Rafa’s mood, and feigns a headache to encourage them all to leave. She motions silently to Ale who then spots Marian and Daniel. Ale gets it, but Cesar does not. He points out Marian’s presence. Once Rafa sees Daniel, he starts to see red. Not just for all their past animosities, but for that last stunt Daniel pulled leaving Ale stranded in the woods. Daniel is on his backside on the floor before he even knows what hit him. The club comes to a standstill as everyone looks on in horror.

Tomorrow: Marco gives his new and improved libido a test run with Claudia. Vicky sees Rafa kissing Ale in front of his house and is not pleased.

Labels: dinero

Read Chris's original recap. Note, that recap covers Caps 16 and 17. Cap 17 starts at the paragraph that begins, “The next day Omar is hanging out.”

Capitulo 17

1. Ariel orders Olarte to get the financial data somehow, then he bullies Alicia. Fernando tells Omar to keep Alicia close so she doesn’t become Ariel’s spy.

2. Olarte and Alicia agree that if Lety looks good in tomorrow’s meeting, the two of them have lost. They’ll join forces to bring her down. Ali tries to get the balance from Lety.

3. Luigi and Fernando scrap about production costs and quality.

4. Fernando offers Lety a ride home, but first dancing, then to his place to work. But it’s a fantasy. Fernando takes a model dancing and Marcia finds out that he left work more than an hour ago.

5. Marcia rants about Lety to his parents. She’s undermining Marcia’s authority and Fern dared take Lety to the club. She’s bewitched him; who knows where it will end? MamaT counsels Marcia to separate emotional relationships from work or she’ll lose.

6. Lety tells MamaJ about her promotion. Tomas speculates that Lety is coming between Fernando and Marcia; she should be proud of such a feat.

7. Lety admits to Tom that she’s going to cook the books. If she doesn’t, Fernando will lose the presidency and she’ll lose her job. Tomas thinks that Alicia just needs a man who understands her.

8. Omar gets dressed to leave Ali’s apartment. She wants him to move in.

9. Olarte tries to break into Lety’s computer but her files are protected so he brings in the IT guy.

---

Capitulo 18

Read Chris's original recap. Note, that recap covers Caps 18, 19, and 20. If you don’t want to read ahead, stop at the paragraph that begins, “Paula calls a friend at another company.” That marks the beginning of Cap 19.

1. Ortiz, the IT guy, can’t crack Lety’s passwords. Olarte tells him not to tell anyone about their effort.

2. The cheap child model that Omar hired called in sick. They get Lola’s daughter to substitute.

3. Fernando calls a meeting with Marcia and Luigi to try to placate them before the committee meeting. They both complain that in making so many commercials, quality has suffered. He asks both to not complain at the meeting.

4. Olarte stalls Lety in his office so Alicia can sabotage Lety’s computer.

5. Fernando and Marcia come to a truce about Lety and Alicia, so that Marcia won’t turn against him in the meeting. He seems so sincere, but his happy dance when she leaves tells us it was just a manipulation.

6. Fernando freaks because Lety’s computer crashed, and she can’t print the balance for the meeting. She doesn’t have a back-up disk. Ortiz insists on having Lety’s passwords. He tells the committee that the computer problem was probably caused by operator misuse.

Labels: fea-2010