Caray, Caray!

Friday: Gretel has had a nervous collapse, and Axel pushes Marianela away from her. Eman doesn’t want to believe Maximo that he’s Fedra’s son by somebody other than Emil. Hey, you asked, says Maximo. Go ask your mom.

***************

Now, this runs a bit long. Forgive me, but there were so many really super-sizzling conversations which would have lost their punch if I just summarized them. Grab your favorite beverage and settle in. Here goes:

Marianela wants to help with Gretel, but Axel yells at her not to do that fakey-nicey routine, ya big phony. Get out of our house and leave us all alone! Marianela’s eyes get big. Whoa! She flees.

Bernardo, happily humming to himself, injects a candy with some liquid. He puts it back in the box, chuckling. There’s a knock at his bedroom door and he quick hides the chocolates.

It’s Emanuel, and Bernardo remarks that he seems to be coming to his room at lot, and even though he’s just a servant, he would appreciate it if Eman would respect his privacy.

Respect? What you need is a good punch in the face, says Eman. He demands to hear the truth about his mother, who she was, when and why she came to this house, if she was ever with any man other than her father, and why she’s gone to so much trouble to hide her past. What’s the big mystery?

Bernardo tells him that his mother’s past was very sad, and it’s painful for her to remember it. For dramatic effect, he sits, squeezes his eyes shut and rubs his brow. Eman demands to know why she does everything to avoid telling him who Jose Maria Sevilla is. Bernardo pretends to puzzle about any connection. Eman wants to know what JMS has to do with his mother and… does he have any significance in Eman’s life?

Nothing! says Bernardo. Where do you get this stuff? Eman turns to leave and says I hope you’re not lying to me, because if I found out you are, I’ll never forgive you. He leaves. Gaaaa winces Bernardo, adjusting his wounded leg. Certainly he’s not wincing over any future lack of forgiveness. Compared to drugging and murder, why, he’d brush it off like a gnat.

Kristel arrives in the kitchen to see Nereida who says Already? Cool! When do I get my raise? Kristel sneers that she wouldn’t give her even her dirty clothes. Nereida asks if she thinks she can get rid of the baby without her help while keeping her family in the dark. Kristel tells her she’s gossipy and says she can take care of her problem on her own. Nereida says she bets she could get that raise herself from Fedra, just by blabbing that Fedra’s little treasure is knocked up.

Gretel is now under the covers of her bed, and Paula has her arm around her, comforting her. Axel demands to know what Marianela did to her. Gretel tells him to leave her alone. This scene is notable for the presence of one of my favorite characters in this show, the orange pussycat. It’s always lashing its tail and looking pissed off. I wonder if they velcroed it to the bed.

Leave me alone! sobs Gretel. Paula tells him he’s making things worse and to go get that tea Delicia is making for Gretel. Uh oh, I hope there isn’t a tea mix-up. Paula pets Gretel and remembers that she was so happy just a little bit ago. Gretel boo hoos that she thought she could be happy, but she seems to be marked for a life of pain. Paula hugs her tenderly and tells her she was always her favorite.

Into this poignant scene marches Carlota. Hands off my niece! We don’t allow that sort of familiarity in this house and you know it. She tells Axel, who’s just come back with the tea, to take care of Gretel. Come with me! she barks at Paula.

I’ll bet you’re glad to read all that because you were too busy squinting at Gretel’s teeth to see what’s up with them to pay close attention.

At the foot of the stairs, Emil is calling a doctor to hurry over. Marianela is with him, and Eman walks in wants to know what’s going on. Marianela fills him in and tells him how Axel turned on her and yelled at her to get out. Eman is tender and tells her how loving he thinks she is. She tells him Axel also told her to get out of everyone’s life. Eman is puzzled.

Carlota spits at Paula that just because she has some affair with Maximo, it doesn’t mean she has the right to act like she’s one of the family.
C: You’re just one of the servants! Stay away from my nieces and nephews.
P: But I’ve watched them grow up, I’ve taken care of them like a mother.
C: But you’re not their mother, and it’s not my fault you’ve been in love with a man who is above your station.
P: Thank you so very much for reminding me of my position.
C: I’m going to keep on defending the morals and principles of this family. When you were young, you could have moved out, married someone of your own class and formed your own family. But no, you decided to hang onto us all these years. You gave up being a mother. Don’t take out your frustrations on my young ‘uns.
P: You know I tried to be a mother when I had a child with Maximo.
C: But it was stillborn. That was 20 years ago! Why keep dwelling on it?
P: (getting tearful) Not one day goes by without thinking of my baby, and how my life would be now if it had lived.
She runs off in tears.

Fedra has been listening just out of sight and she comes out and confronts Carlota. Apparently she had no idea about the baby. The twenty years seems to be very significant to her. You tricked me! You lied to me! she says to Carlota. Not to you, lower your voice! says Carlota pulling her out of the hallway.

Oh good, we get to hear more! Now they’ve stepped into a bedroom and Carlota closes the door behind her. How can you look me in the eye? demands Fedra, agitated. You should have told me! Why? says Carlota, would it have changed anything? She reminds Fedra that she was desperate to have a child after Eman and Kristel to save her marriage. Carlota just helped her.

The child of a servant??? says Fedra. Carlota reminds her that she put the daughter of her own brother into Fedra’s arms. Someone of their own blood, who deserved to be raised as a Luiz y de Teresa.

Now I know why she’s nuts, says Fedra. She inherited it from Maximo. Hold on, says Carlota. Maximo’s not crazy, and neither is your daughter. She’s not my daughter, says Fedra.

Netty is talking on the phone to Brandon, who is in L.A. She’s stoked that he’ll find out whether the helicopter was sabotaged. He says if when he gets the report, he finds out it’s true, he’s going find the guilty party and put ‘em in the slammer.

Netty is grateful, and thinks he’s doing it all for Marianela. He reminds her that that’s over, but Netty doesn’t want to believe it. Believe it, he says, because Marienela’s completely in love with Emanuel. Netty shakes her head.

Carlota tells Fedra that she needs to put aside her dislike of Maximo, and now that she knows Maximo is Gretel’s father, can’t she change her feelings about Gretel? Fedra shakes her head no.

Fedra sits down. I loved that child as if I’d given birth to her myself. Even after I was able to have Axel. Not really, says Carlota, though I’m not criticizing you. All I’m saying is that she needs you more than ever. Don’t abandon her. Fedra says she won’t.

They agree that Emil should never find out. Fedra says she’s sticking with the story that she went to Spain with the kids due to her grief over her parents and Gretel was born there.

Wouldn’t the kids have noticed something odd? The plastic fake-pregnancy belly leaning on the bathroom cabinet while she took her shower? How her belly sounded hollow when they tapped on it?

Fedra wants to be sure Paula doesn’t suspect anything and Carlota assures her that Paula thinks the child was stillborn. Don’t forget, says Fedra, that despite all this, you owe me. I remember very well, says Carlota, smiling. Good, says Fedra. Now I’m going to go give my daughter a kiss.

Yum, another mystery!

The doctor is with Gretel and tells Marianela, Eman and Emil that something must have given Gretel a terrible emotional reaction. We see Fedra’s eyeball at the partly-open door. Marianela tells him that they were talking about when her father died, how Gretel was in his study when it happened. She was there! She knows! thoughtbubbles Fedra.

Do you think she saw him fall? asks Emil. I think so, says Marianela, because she always flips out whenever it’s mentioned. Fedra comes in and pets Gretel, who apparently has been given a sedative. She was just a child, says Fedra, and she imagines things when she’s in crisis. The doctor disagrees, saying they should listen very carefully to whatever she says, because it’ll be bubbling up from her subconscious.

Emil wants to do whatever to turn her back into a normal girl. Fedra, still stroking Gretel, says she’ll never be normal, she inherited the crazy gene from Maximo. Nobody picks up on that little remark. Marianela asserts that Gretel isn’t crazy, and neither is Maximo. Eman pipes up, asking what’s going on with her (Fedra), why doesn’t she want Gretel to get better? Seems like she almost likes having Gretel that way. Fedra replies that she’s just a realist.

The doctor tells them all to be patient and everybody leaves except Marianela and Eman, who kisses his sleeping sister’s hand and tells her the nightmare will soon be over. Gretel awakes, looking confused. She hugs her brother and begs him not to leave her, she doesn’t want to die. He comforts her.

In the models’ dressing room, Ilitia is having another drink and imagining that Eman is with Marianela. Her agent/partner comes in and tells her to get ready, she goes on in five minutes. Ilitia scoffs and the agent tells her she’s going to be out of the agency. Ilitia reminds her that it’s just as much her agency, in fact maybe more because her father gave her the shares. The agent tells her to have some coffee and don’t make a fool of herself. Ilitia just smiles.

Muñeca tells the maid she just couldn’t bring herself to tell the police the truth about Lorenzo. The maid says it would’ve been a great opportunity to unload her rotten husband. Whatever you think of him, says Muñeca, Ilitia would hate me forever.

Lorenzo walks in just then, and in direct violation of telenovela rules, has not overheard their conversation. I don’t want to talk to you! Muñeca says. He grabs her arm, but she shakes him off and tells him the only reason she’s not throwing him out is that she doesn’t want any more trouble with Ilita. Just stay away from me, she says.

He says he understands, but he knows how she feels for him, and couldn’t they just start over? Remember that we were going to adopt a child? Ha! she says, and put him in danger from criminals? I’m not going to have anything more to do with them, he swears. I hope so, for your own good, she says angrily and walks off.

His cell rings and naturally it’s the mob boss, wanting to know when he wants Begoña offed. Lorenzo says as soon as he gives instructions, he just wants to make sure no fingers end up pointing at him.

Begonia tells Gladiola that she has the proof of paternity and asks her to keep the paper in a secure place. Gladiola gloats that Begoña can go after him now, but Begoña says no, she’s going to give him the opportunity to do the right thing. Gladiola thinks she’s nuts. Begoña says she still loves him, but if he doesn’t do right, she’ll go to the lawyer. Gladiola sighs.

Nereida has a big gift-wrapped box of chocolates and reads the card. It says that these are to apologize, and are signed Emanuel. Nereida laughs that Fedra wouldn’t like that. Here comes Bernardo with his smaller box and asks if the big box is for Marianela. Take her these instead, he says, slipping the card into his box.

The second-rate models are working the runway and then here comes Ilitia, who is vamping it up okay, maybe a little sexier than is proper, but still it’s no disaster. Her agent/partner looks on in dismay. An admirer hands Ilita a rose. She spots Brandon in the audience and wonders if he’s there to spoil her night. Still, she doesn’t stop smiling, but un-oh it looks like she’s doing a little off-the shoulder action with her leopard wrap. Whoa! grins Brandon, it looks like she’s going to strip.

He flashes back on the time she was all wet in her underlovelies poolside back home, then we see him up at the ramp, covering her with his jacket. The agent’s eyes bug out.

In the kitchen, Paula (who I now realize does look like she could be Gretel’s mother – good casting!) laments to Delicia that she can’t be with Gretel when she needs so much love and support. Delicia observes that her mother ought to do that. Such a mother! says Paula. I think she’s the reason Gretel is that way. She needs love and understanding, and she’s just about the same age.

Huh? says Delicia. Enough chit-chat, says Paula, waving her back to work.

Seems like everybody wants to hang out in Bernardo’s room. He’s like the most popular guy in the dorm who has the coolest sound system. Or maybe it’s his Lurch-like vibe. Anyway, this time it’s Fedra in there, and they discuss how Eman wants to know about her past and JM Sevillia. Bernardo figures Eman won’t give up until he finds out. Fedra feels like everybody’s closing in on her, and tells Bernardo that Gretel knows she killed Marianela’s father. Bernardo suddenly realizes why Gretel hates her so much. Time to off her, Fedra says.

Marienela is sitting on the diving board when Nereida brings her the chocolates and wants to know what’s going on between them. Marianela tells her to MYOB. Marianela reads the card “This is my way of saying sorry.” She picks the box up and opens it. Eman appears beside her and says he’s sorry for stealing a kiss, but not for the way he feels about her.

Brandon has toted Ilita back to her room and lays her on the bed, this time without falling on top of her. Telling her she’s drunk, he pulls her back up, providing another opportunity to hang on to her, and tells her she needs to take a shower. She wants to get back to her fashion show. He says she was making a fool of herself. She laughs and gives him a little shove. Like you don’t ever make a fool of yourself? No, you always do just the right thing, Superman!

Brandon decides he doesn’t want to fight and starts to leave. She closes the door and says he’s going to stay. They start necking.

Eman has his arm around Marianela and is bouncing the diving board. She tells him to stop, they’ll fall in. He says Who cares? Who cares who sees us? She tells him he doesn’t even know what he feels for her. You’re right, he says, but I know I’m dying to kiss you.

Whoo-hoo! Beso! And a nice slow one. Carlota appears on the lawn. What’s going on here??

Brandon breaks away from Ilitia, saying it’s not right. He doesn’t mess with badly brought-up girls. She says aw, she wants to be bad. He bends over to pick up his jacket and she admires his attributes. Don’t you want to be my man? It’s because of that fatty, isn’t it? Don’t worry, she’s probably super happy right now, kissing my novio. She tries to kiss him, but he pushes her away, looking alarmed. Are you afraid of a woman like me? she smiles. Or is it because I’m not fat?

She tips and he has to hold her up. He says he doesn’t feel the same way. But I want you to, she says, kissing him. Apparently he decides he wants what she wants.

Carlota, the picture of outraged dowagerism in her suit and frozen ‘do, tells off Eman and Marianela. He says they have nothing to be ashamed of. Marienala asks Eman to leave, and he does, but first he tells Carlota nothing she says will change how he feels.

Carlota tells Marianela she’s going to put a stop to it.

Gretel’s in bed and is scared when Fedra comes in. It’s true, says Fedra, that there is no such thing as a small enemy. It’s too bad that you were where you shouldn’t have been and saw something you shouldn’t have seen. You pushed him! says Fedra. That’s right, says Fedra, and it’s a secret I’m going to take to my grave, and you aren’t going to tell anybody, because I’m not going to let you.

Fedra yanks Gretel’s phone out by the roots and circles the bed. She slowly pulls the covers off Gretel. It depends, she says, on you, on your discretion and on your love for your mama. Because if you say anything, you’ll end up like him. You’re going to stay locked up in here until you come to me and beg my forgiveness. You’re not going to call anybody, certainly not the police, so I’m taking this (the phone) with me. She leaves and Gretel freaks.

Marianela tells Carlota she just can’t help what she feels for Eman, she’s tried to not to feel that way. Carlota says she better find a way, or she’s going to take her to Spain with her. Marianela takes out a chocolate and starts eating it.

Brandon and Ilitia are under the covers, smooching big time. Somehow his kisses remind me of my dog gulping his canned food.

Marianela tells Carlota she’s a grown woman and makes her own decisions. Suddenly she’s really woozy, and thinks it might be the diet. Carlota is concerned and tells her kindly she better go lie down and they’ll finish their conversation tomorrow. Marienela says she knows she and Eman have no future. Nereida, watching, figures out it’s not the diet, it’s the chocolates Bernardo switched.

Marianela promises to distance herself from Eman. Carlota tells her not to forget her responsibilities – one day she’ll be the matriarch of the Ruiz y de Teresa. Carlota strokes her fondly.

Fedra has gone to Lorena to get her to pretend to be Axel’s girlfriend, and she’s offering money. Lorena says everybody knows his preferences, and she doesn’t want to mess with a pervert. Fedra says he’s just confused, and the money seems to appeal to Lorena, so it looks like a done deal.

Nereida and Bernardo are having dinner in the kitchen, he with a napkin tied poked into his collar, which is unlikely to turn a young lady’s knees to jelly. She asks him what he put in the chocolates, and tells him if he’s poisoning Marianela, he’s going to be in big trouble. He grabs her arm and tells her she’s paid to mop floors, so butt out.

Why do you hate her? Nereida says, pushing her luck. He says he’s just following orders, now leave him alone. I know she’s not loved in this house, says Nereida. That’s right, says he, and I’m going to do everybody a favor and get rid of her.

What he doesn’t notice, even though she’s right in his eyeline, is Carlota listening. She realizes the police were right – he does want to kill Marianela.

Oliver is upset that Gretel doesn’t answer her cell, maybe she doesn’t care for him? Gretel is in bed, wondering where he is. Finally she gets some happiness and now her mother wants to destroy her. She realizes she has to get out of there. Split screen of the two agonizing. They may be going through hell, but the orange kitty looks quite content for a change.

Marianela, who looks okay now, is sitting on a rock alone in the garden and tells herself she has to forget Eman. She pulls the lily pin from her pocket and flashes back to her mother giving it to her. What’s its significance, and how is it tied to her father’s death, she wonders.

Here comes Fedra. Talking to yourself? she says. You’re the one person we’d like to see lose her marbles. Hahaha. Fedra comes up close and hisses that she knows Marianela want to take her house and her family, but that she (Fedra) will destroy her before she can.

Axel shows up in some room where Lorena is waiting, and apologizes for not remembering her. She says she’s his girlfriend, this is the room where they’ve had so much fun, and she’s going to help him remember. She starts kissing him. He kisses her neck while she thoughtbubbles that if he doesn’t like girls, he’ll push her off, but who cares? Money is money!

Marianela tells Fedra she doesn’t want anything she’s got, not her family, not her money. Fedra doesn’t believe her, and asks why she’s against her, why she manipulated her children, set Axel and Eman against her, and now Emil, and traumatized Gretel. Marianela says Fedra’s the manipulator, not her. Marienela tells her she’s a real Ruiz y Teresa, and didn’t just get the name second-hand like Fedra.

Fedra grabs her by the neck and Marianela grabs back, telling her from here on out, she’s to respect her. She shoves Fedra off, telling her she’s going to unmask her so her family can see what kind of person she really is.

Avances: Emiliano tells Fedra she has to say who his real father is. Marienela asks Kristel if she’s pregnant by Mauricio. I think she tells Eman they have to get a grip.

Labels: llena

In the opening scene, Natalia, who is usually trying to get rid of her mother, now has a tantrum because her mother is trying to leave. Natalia begins her often-repeated litany of blame and adds a new twist:
¡Voy a inhalar hasta que me muera!
(I’m going to inhale until I die!)

But Marisa makes a getaway in her red convertible. She passes a street person who is digging through some trash. Marisa stops the car, gets out and approaches the woman. She calls out: Señora… ¿Mamá? Mamá? [What the…?] The woman disappears into the night.

Who taught Rania to dance? Elaine on Seinfeld? Ni modo. She is dancing for Said and even if he doesn’t seem mad with desire, at least he is smiling politely. Jadiya watches with her friends. She tells them she’s going to dance the way her mother taught her and they are to applaud her when she does. Jadiya then takes Rania’s place in front of her father and dances as her friends clap appreciatively; and Rania goes sulking to Amina.

Said has to leave for a ‘business’ appointment. No sooner is he out the door than Rania screams ‘mucosa envidiosa’ (jealous brat) and sets upon Jadiya so aggressively that Amina has to hold her back. Jadiya’s friends look on in horror, but Jadiya smiles to herself. Mission accomplished.

Lucía intercepts Consuelo in her attempted nocturnal escape from the del Valle house. Leaving like that makes her look guilty, Lucía tells her. Unless maybe Consuelo is willing to do her a favor and be her spy in the House of sKanks…

Leo’s cell phone rings as he and Roberto are leaving the hearing. It’s Malicia. She invites him to Salamandra for a drink. He accepts and also agrees to receive her in his office the following day.

At Salamandra, Diana has overheard Malicia’s invitation and now warns her:
Si fuera tú, no me metería con Leonardo Ferrer. Mira, Cristina no es Clara, Alicia.
(If I were you, I wouldn’t mess with LF. Look, Cristina isn’t Clara, A.)
Butt out, says the Malicious one, or you’ll end up cleaning bathrooms.

Leo asks Cris to join him but she’s tired and has a headache so she begs off. But after Leo and Roberto leave, she tries to call Leo and gets his voicemail. She has a feeling… So she and Vicki decide to follow the men.

Malicia greets Leo and Roberto ever so graciously as soon as they arrive at Salamandra.

Dora is at home telling Estela about Daniel’s testimony:
¡Hubieras visto a Daniel! Le dijo al juez que yo era su madre y muy orgulloso!
(You should have seen Daniel! He told the judge that I was his mother – and he was very proud to say it.)
Lucas shows up at their apartment looking for Jade.

Another Ferrer is out paying a surprise visit. Marisa comes calling at Gloria’s looking for Alejandro. Gloria isn’t happy but she does have Ramón escort Marisa to Alej’s room.

Dora tells Lucas that Jade and Daniel have gone out and she doesn’t know where.

But we do. They are in TOPIM (the only park in Miami) and Jade, in a modest purple hippie dress, is dancing for Daniel.

Back at Gloria’s, Alej has just arranged to meet up with Diana when Ramón arrives with Marisa. She is there to ask him to come back to Natalia. She knows she was unfair, she did things she’s not proud of, and she is ashamed of the necklace incident. She was wrong about him and now she is asking forgiveness. But everything was done for her daughter’s sake, to protect her.

Now the situation is out of control and Marisa needs Alej’s help. Nati is killing herself and killing her baby too. But she’ll listen to him. She loves him.

Alej interjects:
No sé si lo sepa, el hijo que está esperando Natalia no es mío.
(I don’t know if you know, the baby N is expecting isn’t mine.)

No, Marisa didn’t know. She is momentarily taken aback but still pleads with Alej to come back to Natalia.

Ramón rushes back to Gloria and fills her in on the conversation. Gloria runs up to Alej’s room and tells him he’d be nuts to go back and make the same mistake all over. Marisa leaves humbly, saying she understands.

When Alej and Gloria are alone, he says:
¿Qué quieres que haga? Yo sé que no debería pero la amo demasiado.
(What do you want me to do? I know I shouldn’t, but I love her so much. literally: too much)

Marisa gets back home only to learn from Rosa that Natalia has, once again, been kidnaped. (La tiene secuestrada de nuevo.) All Rosa knows is that a rude, angry guy has been calling every half hour. They have her somewhere downtown. Marisa tries to reach Leo and Lucas but they both have their phones off.

We see Alej in his room. He appears to have made a decision. He walks out purposefully and shuts the door behind him. [But what is that thing in his room?]

Said is at Salamandra scanning the crowd. [He and Marisa were supposed to get together but they both seem to have forgotten about it.]

As Malicia serves drinks to Roberto and Leo, Leo asks her what she wanted to talk to him about. She tells him it’s something he’ll like, but they should talk in a quieter place. His office tomorrow.

Alej’s decision has taken him back to the Casa Ferrer. Rosa and Marisa bring him up to speed on Nati’s situation. Since no one knows where she is, he’ll look in the Old Scary Drug Place. Marisa gives him her car keys and he sets out to rescue the woman he loves.

And at Salamandra, Said at last gives Zein his answer: Jade is free. (libre, folks, not gratis. Anything but gratis.)

Cris and Vicki enter the club. Mira con quién está Leo (Look who Leo’s with) observes Vicki tartly. Malicia takes Cris aside. She doesn’t want any misunderstandings, she says. She called Leo because Zein wants to make a surprise party for him. Malicia thinks it’s Zein’s way of making things right with Cris (reivindicar contigo) Cris nods and smiles. [There is no thought bubble, but if there were, it would be: ¡Me las va a pagar!]

Diana observes to Pablo that Alej is taking a long time getting to the club. Then Pablo gets a call from Alej. We hear him say: Where are you? And then: ¿Otra vez, brother? (Again?) Diana snatches the phone. Alej tells her somewhat cryptically that he has a problem and they’ll talk tomorrow. Then he hangs up leaving Diana feeling uneasy.

Clara is at home regaling Caro with the story of sadsack Escobar showing up with his flowers and wine and finding her with Rogelio. When Caro asks how he reacted (¿y qué cara puso?) (literally, what face did he put on?), Clara says:
Bueno, fue una cara como entre estreñido y tener un callo en el pie y que se lo estén pisando.
(Well it was an expression somewhere between constipated and having a callus on your foot and you’re walking on it.)

Rogelio has taken the apartment papers home to analyze them point by point.

This smiling conversation is cut short by an ominous phone call. Says Clara:
¡A Fernando se lo llevaron preso por droga!
(Someone’s holding Fernando, it’s something to do with drugs).
Caro takes the phone and takes charge.

Albieri (you remember Albieri? Little guy, huge ego?) comes home to an empty house. He calls Anita but she says Luisa’s not with her.

Ah, but she is. Poor Albieri, she says to Luisa. He is beside himself (desesperado) looking for you. Wait until I take my revenge, answers Luisa. Then he’ll know what desperate feels like.

Lucas comes upon Daniel and Jade (her face attractively flushed from the dance) in the park. Lucas has come to claim Jade but Daniel is not about to give her up. You shut up, says Lucas. Jade – come with me! Daniel blocks his way, Lucas is prepared to fight for his story, his life, his woman; he punches Daniel in the face and the fight is on. Jade is appalled by their behavior and runs away.

Since Lucas hasn’t spent a lot of time working out with Pablo and the guys in the gym, it’s no surprise that his twenty-year-old counterpart is the one who is ultimately left standing.

There follows a sort of post-combatal truce (If these guys were smokers, they’d be lighting up right now):
Daniel: How would you feel if you were a copy of someone?
Lucas: It’s better than being the leavings (desperdicio) of someone else. I was always an inferior copy, first of Diego, then of you.

Daniel looks thoughtful. Did you feel like that when you were my age? he asks. Yes, he did. And what did you do when you felt that way? Lucas tells him: I felt like escaping, running away. I used to cry. And I wanted to die.

At Casa Ferrer, Marisa takes the call from the drug guy: Yes, I know where that is, she says and sets out alone, despite Rosa’s urging her to wait for help.

The Zombie trio – Fernando, Natalia and Paula – are being held together in a New but equally Scary Drug Place. Natalia is feeling some pains in her belly. She’s afraid she’s going into labor and she begs the drug guys to let her go.

Paula tries to bargain for her freedom by offering to sell ectasy to school kids – you know how much kids love it, she says.

Outside the New Scary Drug Place, Marisa – in her usual skintight, low-cut, miniskirted dress – asks the first scuzzball she meets where she can find El Perro (the dog).

It appears that Clara has already found the hound. She is sitting opposite him, desperately trying to buy time because she doesn’t have enough money to pay off Fernando’s drug debt in exchange for his freedom. El Perro tells her she has 24 hours or her Playboycito of a son will die.

Marisa is led inside and quickly arranges to pay off Fernando and Natalia’s debts.

Fernando and Natalia are set free. Paula thinks she’s included in the deal, but she discovers that her ransom hasn’t been paid. Her captor has other plans for her. [Fortunately, with the Ectasy for Kiddies remark, the writers have inoculated us against feeling sorry for Paula. And her friends don’t even seem to notice they are leaving her behind.]

Alej arrives at Casa Ferrer after an unsuccessful search. If anything happens to Natalia, he says, he’ll never forgive himself.

Clara takes Fernando home. They’d have killed you if it weren’t for Marisa she tells him. He says he saw his band play and the guy who replaced him is good. Not better than you, says Clara.

Natalia and Marisa arrive at Casa Ferrer. At this point the pains are so bad, Nati can barely walk down the stairs. She sees Alej and tells him to go away, that it isn’t his baby. If it’s your baby, it’s mine too, he tells her, no matter who is the father. He says:
No te voy a dejar. Nunca más te voy a dejar.
(I’m not leaving you. I’ll never leave you again.)

Help me, mama, Nati pleads to Marisa. I don’t want to lose my baby.

Marisa takes charge. She tells Rosa to notify Leo and Lucas. Natalia is going to the clinic.

Back in the barrio, Gloria pumps Ramón for information on Alej’s whereabouts and, as usual, when he tells her (He went looking for Natalia), she scolds him for being a gossip.

Across the street Gloria is attracting some eyeball action. As the offending Abdul says to the equally guilty Mohamed:
El haram entra por los ojos cuando el hombre está descuidado.
(Sin enters through the eyes when a man is careless.)

When Dora goes to Cris’s bar to ask Miguel to testify at the paternity hearing – he needs to confirm that he saw her when she was pregnant – he tells her she can count on him for anything.

The mood in the del Valle house is anything but mellow these days. Lucía is downright testy and explodes when Andrea mentions Roberto’s audiencia de paternidad. Even though the hearing is closed and Lucía will be denied entry, she insists on going with Roberto. She has no intention of leaving him alone with the sKanks.

Andrea gets a call from Alej. The baby is 7 months along and anything could happen, he says. She heads off to the hospital.

Natalia tells Alej that the baby is really his. She lied to him after seeing him with Diana. If she had been willing to give up drugs, he would never have left her, he tells her. Yes, she agrees, she destoyed everything. But we’ll rebuild it, Alej tells her.

Lucas has been waiting outside Dora’s apartment all night for a chance to talk to Jade. Just as Dora comes out and tells him that Jade is inside – she was asleep when Dora left – Lucas gets a call informing him that Natalia is in labor. He leaves in a hurry.

In the apartment, Jade tells Estela and Dora about last night’s fight and Dora rushes to check on Daniel.

The clan is gathering at the hospital. Natalia is being wheeled on a stretcher to the delivery room while Marisa, Lucas, Enrique, Rosa, Alejandro and Andrea wait.

We hear a few screams, a few grunts and then we realize we are in the presence of a miracle: from those skinny loins, instead of a scrawny 7-month premie crack baby, we see emerge a large, wide-eyed three-month-old infant that may just weigh more than Natalia. But we don’t hear the baby cry. Says Natalia:
¡Quiero ver a mi hijo! ¿Por qué no llora mi hijo?
(I want to see my baby! Why isn’t my baby crying?

Credits roll.

Labels: clon

In a luxury hotel suite, "Aunt" Elsa agrees with Caramelo that the suite is nicer than her apartment; but she still doesn't want to move in there with them. Before Caramelo retires, she pokes fun at Asunción's hair comb-over when he appears newly showered and in a satin robe.

At Mario's, he frets again over Santiago reneging on the deal; but tells Abelardo he trusts Alejandra completely with the secrets of the tunnel house. Abelardo wonders if she could think of some solution.

Back at the hotel, Asunción is impressed with room service; but not nearly as impressed as Elsa is with Juan José's gorgeous transformation. When she opens the door to him, she can't even pronounce his whole name at once. Juan José guffaws gleefully, lampooning the dog carcass Asunción is apparently wearing on his head.

In their apartment hallway, Gabriela is just raking Julieta over the coals for being late for work because of Roberto, when she has to use her own keys to open the door, because Julieta can't find hers. As the door swings open, they are both horrified at the devastation of their apartment turned upside down.

Juan José leaves Asunción to his room service, preferring to invite Elsa to dinner at a nice restaurant. At the Sagitario, they argue over whether Elsa should accept part of the treasure from Juan José. He wants to get her brother a lawyer; an apartment and car for her; whatever she wants.

But she doesn't think it's right; the treasure belongs to him and has nothing to do with her, she insists. When Elsa worries about what people will think, Juan José laughs at her, pointing out she's always the first to claim she doesn't care what people think!

He feels he owes it all to her; and she's less than happy to hear again he thinks they're like brother and sister. She refuses anything. And Elsa is positively upset to learn he's contracted Alejandra to remodel the house -- with an eye to making her family suffer; Juan José points out he has much more money than they now.

Julieta alerts Leonardo to their apartment break-in; and when he runs immediately to check it out, he finds no forced entry. They see that everything's torn up, but nothing's missing. Leonardo suspects rather that someone came looking for something, and the girls can't imagine what that would be.

When Leonardo suggests the intruder came in with a key, Julieta frantically searches her purse and determines her set is missing. Leonardo sends Ramón to fetch a fingerprint kit. At Adolfo's condo, he's furious to hear Roberto didn't find the diamonds and threatens Roberto with his life if he betrays him.

Roberto hastily explains he searched the tiny place with gloves and found nothing, leaving no fingerprints. When he holds Julieta's keys up and grins -- bragging he didn't have to break in -- a horrified Adolfo orders him sharply to get the hell rid of them. Adolfo is still perplexed and frustrated Roberto found nothing.

Next morning at the breakfast table, in a spotless apartment, Julieta's just wondering if some nut job broke in when Leonardo enters to have the locks changed and inform them of a 24-hour watch outside. Also, they only found fingerprints for the girls and their father. Gabriela thinks to apologize for being rude yesterday.

Alejandra and Mina tour Juan José's house and level with him that it's going to be so costly he should just build a new one. But he's dead set on living in this house; and they head into the kitchen, where Mina wonders if they found water in the old well.

Juan José moves to Alejandra's side, fixes her in the eyes and smiles just for her, saying he found -- a treasure. He teases that he doesn't want to get scolded again, so they'll stop digging now. Alejandra's just exiting the kitchen -- chuckling and protesting that she didn't scold him -- when negotiating the step, her old accident injury makes her stumble.

She explains about the accident, unwittingly plunging Juan José into momentary despair over Piedád's death -- and connecting Alejandra's taxi to it and the bus crash. When she innocently asks if she said something wrong, Juan José shrugs it off in denial; but Alejandra wonders.

At Roberto's apartment, he snickers and hands Carlos a draft beer from the tap, explaining his car, apartment and everything came from a good job he just started at a company. Noting the trefoil ring on the hand around Carlos's mug handle, Roberto claims he'll have some news about the girls and the weekend trip tomorrow.

But he really likes the ring, Roberto says. Carlos reminds him the only identical one was somehow lost by Adolfo 20 years ago. After Carlos exits, Roberto removes the recently stolen trefoil ring from its hiding place and examines it.

At the tunnel house, Alejandra and Mina shock Abelardo by discussing their remodeling work -- for the house he utterly failed to buy; then they shock Mario by revealing the original owner was Juan José Victoria.

After the men exit into the tunnel, the women resume discussing the "Ocampo" remodel -- and Ocampo. With a knowing grin and both eyebrows raised, Alejandra tantalizes Mina, hinting she should have seen Juan José with his shirt off!

At the park, David meets a waiting Gabriela for a stolen moment before he flies to Cancún on business again. They are both happy and loving; and David's sincere need and ardor prompt Gabriela to divulge that the only way she'll be able to stay in town -- is if they were married. With a last, long kiss, David appears to be considering it.

Exiting the tunnel into Mario's office, both men regret that all Alejandra's wonderful work will be for naught if Santiago won't do his job. Mario surprises Abelardo explaining who Juan José Victoria is; that he's not sure he was guilty -- and that he's out of prison, where Roberto found him in the neighborhood, perhaps on a mission of vengeance. Abelardo's going to check on the original owner at the penitentiary.

In the hallway, Abelardo encounters Dora, whom he asks whether she worked at the Mirador Hotel when the maid was murdered. She reluctantly admits she did. Dora astounds Abelardo by confessing that she knows the man they convicted was not the one who did it!

Discussing the $5 million peso remodel they're looking at, Alejandra and Mina also discuss Juan José. When Alejandra judges him definitely attractive -- but lacking a bit of class, Mina enthusiastically rejoins that to her he's not lacking anything!

At that moment, the object of desire enters and wants to take Alejandra to coffee to talk over the remodel details. On exiting, Juan José and Alejandra awkwardly encounter Elsa entering; she's there to see Mina on clothing business, but isn't very pleased to hear Mina gush at how their new client is so fond of her friend.

David bids goodbye to Mario, who's abed, and chuckles at Mario's gossipy interest in Gabriela; but Mario is interested for David's sake, he says. As David exits, Abelardo enters and surprises Mario with news that Gregorio was murdered in prison and bequeathed the house to his cell mate, Juan José Victoria! And when Abelardo also explains Dora's admission, Mario wants to speak with her immediately.

A little later, Dora enters and Mario and she relive the details of the events surrounding the death of the maid -- her friend, Isabel. In fact, Dora claims after six years as a maid at the hotel, she asked to work in the house there due to associated painful memories. She knew Isabel about six months and they were good friends.

Mario retells and flashes back to the occasion he saw Juan José and Isabel with their heads together, whispering and giggling in the hallway. Dora becomes anxious and emotional, wondering what could be done for him after eleven years; but Mario encourages her to think positively.

Dora painfully explains her experience of the event to Mario, following the details of Carlos's nightmare -- except that Dora trailed her friend's screams and attackers down the hallway and watched one of the boys (we recognize Roberto) actually pick Isabel up and throw her over the railing! The only face she recognized was that of Adolfo's son: Carlos Ávila!

Labels: verdad

Yes, the whole gang has converged on ValleSol , a spiffy resort for the annual automobile convention. The Auto Siglo sales force, Doña Arcadia and her pups( complete with their robes, their sun tan lotion and their car sick pills) and the long-suffering Chatooo arrive first. Rosaura, for once, trills that there's nothing like this in Miami. Thanks be to God.

There's the usual bickering and sniping amongst the sales folk. Marino is being castigated for his feud with Sandra. Bebe reminds him that he'll never get to see his daughter if he doesn't apologize and make up with Sandra. Marino reminds Bebe that he NEVER apologizes to any woman. And no advice from you Ramirez...you have neither wife nor child, he adds. No, snivels his buddy, but I had a wonderful woman, right in front of me, and I realized it too late.

We tear ourselves away from this sad scene to contemplate another. Jaime's still hunkered down at the table with Leonor, talking about his childhood, his dreams, and his hopes for starting work soon. There's a knock at the door. At first I thought it was VickyVickyVicky but the knock was too civilized. Instead it was a messenger with a mysterious envelope. Inside are the pictures of Leonor and her kids, taken without them realizing it. Ohoooooo. Scary. But Jaime advises her not to tell Rafa or he won't go to the convention. This seems like strange advice to me. But whatever. If it works for the plot and getting us to the gran final Friday, I'm all for it.

Julieta arrives and asks the classic telenovela question: ¿Qué haces aqui? If you don't know what that means, it's back to Spanish 101 for you. Julieta starts hyperventilating, throws Jaime out (Leonor winks reassuringly at him) and then our little chippie starts complaining about the stress of having two suitors vying for her hand. Leonor settles it by noting that Julieta is way too young to get married. That being said, Julieta finally notices Jaime's fine graduation certificate on the table and realizes her former novio is now a bona fide lawyer. Will this change things? Sure hope so. Cesar is just a wet behind the ears office Romeo in comparison.

While the Auto Sigloites are gushing about the beautiful ValleSol, a hungover Marco and Chavez also arrive. Chavez gets stuck with the bill for the taxi (nothing new there) and they sneak into their quarters before anyone can realize they're on campus. This is a stealth operation, after all.

Stealth II, Miss Vicky, arrives shortly after, vowing with clenched, perfect teeth that RAFA IS HERS! AND NO WAY IS HE GETTING AWAY FROM HER!!!! Got that, amigos? What's Private 057's bet on this one?

Stealth III arrives, with a little too much eye makeup. It's none other than Miss Milagros. She's still trying to decide if Ramirez is her future or the convent. Lordy, that's a tough choice. Think I might opt for the convent, in spite of his surprisingly robust physique. But what do I know? A lifetime of those pompous lectures though could make you homicidal.

Now our two lovebirds make an entrance in the Pantera. They're running late because Rafa was stopping every whip stitch to check the oil, the tires, go pipi and grab some tacos. Ale is in a skin-tight hot pink strapless dress so he may have grabbed something else besides. Just sayin'. Although given those sterile kisses, maybe not.

A big Auto Siglo fuss at the registration desk. Rooms must be shared. Shock, Awe and Horror. Marino immediately requests Claudia for a roommate. Pepeto puts in his bid for Rosaura. And Doña Arcadia puts an end to all that nonsense. Boys with boys; girls with girls. And the Presidential Suite for me and another suite for my pups. I guess if Chato's lucky, he'll find a couch somewhere.

Next to arrive are Stealth IV, Daniel and Marian, also in a strapless dress and looking quite fetching. Both of them are actually. They make a nice couple. Or would if he weren't such a doofus.

But wait! Here's a new visitor. We see her sandal feet and some exotic long garb. Yikes. It's the lioness MGM style of the auto industry. The feared and revered Rebecca Madariaga. Hard to take her seriously, since this actress plays the hopeless naca in those cheesy Hora Pico comedies but whatever. Let's go with it. This could be fun. She's carrying a lion cub as her accessory and is taunting the venerable Queen with an astounding lack of respect. Marino starts to suck up to her and Doña Arcadia fells him with one well-timed blow. Bien hecho Doña!

A short gloomy return to the apartment where Rosario is in the doldrums. Jorge reminds her that Quintana must be genuinely repentant if he confessed his previous bad intentions. And she still loves him, right? Yesssss...snivel snivel. Plus the usual telenovela cant: One can't forget a great love overnight. I had so many dreams, so many illusions. Yada yada. We know this will work out. Back to ValleSol where the action is.

Rafa and Ale have finally walked in and Doña Arcadia has that gleeful I-know-what-you've-been-up-to-look. And tells 'em that have to share a room. WHAT!!!??? Just kidding. A room for each. And get changed and come on down. The party is starting and we're going to have a couple of drinks.

Licenciado Gomez of Clos Autos now shows up. He's quite genial given how sharply he and Rafa parted. He's introduced to Ale, compliments her beauty as he razzes her about causing him to lose his best salesman. But nevertheless, he's going to give them a run for their money for the trophy for Best Agency. Let the games begin!

And the games are afoot between Doña Arcadia and the fearsome Rebecca. The lioness refers contemptuously to the crazy goings-on she heard about at Auto Siglo. Crazy? Well, yes, we've been making money like crazy, if that's what you mean, snaps back the Queen. I like these two together. Nice of the writer to throw in this extra little tussle during the last week.

Back in the room, which Ale and Rafa do seem to be sharing: he's getting the heebie-jeebies though he doesn't know why. Ale tries to calm him down and snuggles up to kiss his cheek while he clamps his lips together. I'll cut him some slack this time because he's nervous, but he only has a few more days to show me he's galan-worthy. They saunter forth to the lobby and check each other out. They're definitely hawt!

Three raggedy men come shambling up the path now. Clearly not guests. But they're looking for Rafael Medina. And they've found him. Good thing because he has to marry this guy's daughter. WHAT!? Well, is this the Medina who gave a lecture on Love in Monterrey? Er, yes. It was all a mistake, but yes, I did. Well, you got my daughter pregnant and now you have to do right by her! And they drag him off, throw him in a red van and vamoose.

We see a pair of hands hidden behind some bushes. Part of the Marian plot, no doubt.

And now Ale, staggering down the steps in impossibly high heels shouts at a taxi to follow the red truck. Whoops. And take her with him please. Off they go.

Back to our clot of Auto Siglo salespeople who are traveling in a big amoeba-like mass. They've finally noticed that Ale and Rafa aren't with them and Claudia assumes the worst (or best, depending on your point of view). Susana tries to get Ale on her cellphone but it's turned off. No room in that tight Ale dress for a cellphone anyway. Doña Arcadia orders everyone to search the grounds.

Back to our odd couple. Chavez wants to bunk with Marco because the rooms are so expensive. And the bed's big enough, surely. No way. You're on the couch, snaps our licenciado. Next horrific discovery. The whiskey is in those little bottles meant for dwarves! How can one get a buzz on with that!?

Exactly what Marian's thinking. Daniel's only plan seems to be to go out and mingle and see what their tormentors, Ale and Rafa, are up to. Marian's thought bubbling that she has a much better plan, but mum's the word.

And now the answer to our machete question. An angry brother is holding it to Rafa's throat while Papa beckons daughter Coralina, a toothsome lass, in to verify if this is the culprit who got her pregnant. We see Ale staring worriedly in the window at this frightening scene. Is this the guy? asks Papa again.

Wanna know the answer? Tune in tomorrow because that's where our episode ends tonight.

Previews:
Bebé is bleating that they should be worried about the whereabouts of Rafa and Ale. Indeed they should!
And Marian's mysterious partner in crime is asking if it was part of the plan to kidnap Medina. WHAT? shrieks Marian.

Vocabulary:

No soy tu gato = I'm not your servant. (Chavez to Marco)
que la cancion! = same old story, (Chavez getting stiffed for the taxi fare and tip)
sigilo = stealth (Marco says they have to sneak into their rooms with "el mayor sigilo")
degüello = slaughter. (Jimenez worries that if he loses his job his wife will "deguella" him)
brincos dieran = you wish! Doña Arcadia teasing Rafa and Ale when she told them they had to share a room
no te andes creyendo la muy muy = don't go around thinking you're a big shot, hot stuff....Dona Arcadia and Rebecca insulting each other
mojado de gaznete = a little something to wet the whistle (Chavez looking for a drink)
enano = dwarf (Chavez, horrified to find only those little airline type bottles of booze in the room)
ñaña = heebie-jeebies, creepy {feeling} Rafa trying to explain why he feels strange

Dicho of the Day

El león cree que todos son de su condición = The lion thinks everyone is like him( but used to mean Not everybody thinks and acts the way you do.)

Not particularly relevant here but used a lot in telenovelas and since we've got a new character, the lioness Rebecca, just thought I'd throw this in.

Labels: dinero

Capitulo 59-B

This is the second part of Missing Recap 41 at this link.

1. Omar says Fernando has to start tonight. Fernando says he needs time to adjust to the idea. It’s like getting a tooth pulled without anesthesia, every day for a year. Omar says that he’ll get numb to it. After a few kisses he won’t feel a thing. And after awhile he’ll like it.

2. (This scene is missing from the complete DVD set.) Erasmo says Conceptos is no place for his niña (little girl) and she must resign tomorrow. Julieta reminds him that without her income they can’t make car payments, and he’d lose his FI accounting job too. Tom listens through his imaginary door.

3. Juana feels a strong essence around Lety. She’s sure that Lety’s situation is changing, and there is intense love. Marta tells the cuartel she’s stopped eating, but when they’re gone, she binges.

---

Capitulo 60

Read Kim's original recap, the section called “Missing Recap 42: Prelude to a kiss.” Then come back here to discuss it.

1. Fernando drinks heavily at lunch and protests his mission. He continues grabbing excuses. Omar tells him he just needs more “embellezadors” – whiskey to make a woman more beautiful. They role play for practice. Omar reminds him of what’s at stake. Fern agrees to one tiny kiss, nothing more. Ever!

2. Paula says Saimon is a great guy, but she won’t be his novia because he’s poor. She ditches Saimon and accepts a date with another rico.

3. Juana reads Lety’s shells. The man she loves wants to go out with her. She’ll get a lot of money. The relationship she’s desired will happen. A great dream will become a reality.

4. (This part is missing from the complete DVD set.) In response to Juana’s predictions, Lety has an extended fantasy in which Fernando proposes. Marcia, Alicia and Luigi are supportive (this must be a fantasy!), and the cuartel ladies are all bridesmaids. Parts of the fantasy seem like ballet, parts like opera, and parts like tango, even with Argentinian accents. Is there some classic genre of melodramatic tango movie?
5. Fernando worries about employee reaction because they won’t make payroll tomorrow. Marta tells Fernando Juana’s prediction. He finally accepts his mission and asks Omar what he has to do.

6. Lety has a meeting with the lawyer and Tomás. Fern says cancel it. Instead she sends Tom alone. She doesn’t want to bring Fernando more whiskey. He says that she disobeyed him regarding the meeting and the whiskey. That means Tom has more influence over her. He tells Omar to tell his Mommy to come and get him; he doesn’t want to play anymore.

7. At the antro, Omar ditches and tells Lety she needs to stay with Fern because he’s depressed. Fernando proposes a toast. Lety asks, “Por Conceptos? He answers, “Por los dos.” At first glance, he’s toasting ‘the two of us.’ But he does not say ‘nos dos.’ So it can also mean ‘both,’ i.e. both to Conceptos and to nos dos, the two of us.

Labels: fea-2010

Brandon wipes OJ off of Ilitia, who surprisingly lets him.

Muneca and the maid free themselves from being tied up. The captions are horrible/nonexistent again today. I am amazed again, for the 100th time, how a major TV network can screw up something so simple. My brother has made recordings of German TV shows to share with us (me and my other brothers) and made the captions himself with some program he got for free. Inexcusable.

Fedra whines about Emil supporting Netty. Spiderus says well, Netty IS pretty… Fedra doesn’t like that at all. Eman comes in and wants to talk to her alone, Spiderus leaves. Eman wants to know if Chema and Jose Maria are the same person. Ominous music.

Brandon and his horrible chango/chilango voice try and comfort Ilitia, she gets weepy and says whenever he’s around something goes wrong, her life is a disaster.

Fedra tells Eman she doesn’t want to talk about that guy, he’s dangerous. Eman says he is the one who killed her parents, right? She says yes and whines on about how he should forget about Chema and pay attention to his own life.

Ilitia cries and Brandon tries to comfort her. He says it hurts him to see her cry. She pushes him out and closes her door. He says to himself that it looks like she has a heart after all.

Eman says the day he was in the fire Fedra kept yelling for Jose Maria to save her son, why was she doing that? Emil walks up and wants to know what they are talking about. Fedra gives Eman a dirty look.

Mari tells Maximo that she isn’t afraid of Fedra, she won’t let her push her around. Maximo is proud of her. He gives her a knife to carry with her to defend herself. She says first Netty gives her pepper spray, now he gives her a knife, what is everyone arming her for? Maximo says for the war! Fedra declared war the day Mari was born.

Emil wants to know who Jose Maria Sevilla. She says you know, the guy who killed my parents. Eman asks if she had a kid with Jose Maria, Gretel heard her cry to J.M. to save his/her child the night of the fire. Emil tells Eman not to say crap like that and respect his mother. I’m having a bit of a hard time following all this, sorry. Fedra says Gretel is sick and anyway that night she was all worried and crazy because of the fire. The fire made her remember the worst day of her life, sorry! She leaves and Eman says he thinks that maybe Fedra isn’t who they thought she was. Emil says he is having that same feeling, even after 25 years of marriage. Well that settles Eman’s parentage, he has to be in his 30s (ok that’s in real life, we’re supposed to believe Fernando Colunga as college aged half the time too).

Maximo tells Mari that her father had discovered Fedra’s secret but died before he could tell him (and others I guess, like Eva and Netty) what it was. Maximo says what a coincidence that he died then, he wasn’t a drinker, he knows that he was pushed. And the same thing might happen to Mari, so take the knife! She takes it.

Muneca and the maid untie Low and the driver. Low begs forgiveness for all this happening, Muneca swears she is going to find a way to help him out of this situation.

Begonia gets test results and is excited. She tells the baby that now they have proof!

Oliver tries to sneak Gretel out of the pension. He says nobody is home, but they crouch down anyway, like that will help. She says they are acting like a couple of criminals, he says they are, they just stole a beautiful night. Aww. They go partway down the hall and Netty comes down the stairs and totally busts them.

Mari wonders if Fedra is really capable of killing her father. She looks at a photo of Fedra with Eman and Kristel, when Eman walks in and says hi to her she gets startled and drops it, breaking the glass in the frame. Eman says he’ll pick it up, he understands she’s nervous about what happened between them. She says it’s not that, she’s scared and pissed off because his mother won’t be happy until Mari is dead.

Oliver and Gretel pretend they were looking for an earring. When Netty sees that she has both earrings in, then they say oh wait it’s Gretel’s belly button ring. Netty wants to know what they were doing that would cause a belly button ring to fall out. Gretel somehow manages to change the subject to say that she really came over to tell her thanks for going with her father Emil to the hospital to see Axel. Netty falls for it and gives her a hug. Gretel takes this opportunity to leave, Oliver follows her.

Mari tries to tell Eman that Fedra tried to choke her, he tries to make excuses or that she misunderstood something, Mari says whatever she’s your mother of course you will always take her side. Mari leaves.

Kristel is suffering from morning sickness worse than any woman in the real world has ever suffered. She acts like she drank a couple bottles of whiskey the night before. Nereida sits and watches her with a smile. It sounds like Nereida agrees to make a tea to kill the baby, but I don’t think that’s right. I think she is going to make a tea to help Kristel feel better, and keep the secret, but first Kristel has to give her a little extra money in her salary. Blackmail.

In Los Angeles, Brandon talks to some guy about the helicopter accident. The copter was new, in perfect condition, there was no reason for it to blow up. If there was more to that conversation please fill me in. The captions suck ass and I can’t understand Brandon’s horrible voice very well.

Doris is reading some magazine about Mexican history, Gladiola shows up and tells her she’s late for work. Doris runs off and Gladiola picks up the magazine. Was this a follow up to some earlier PSA material about Mexican history? My contribution – if you have a chance to visit Guanajuato, do it. Full of history and so interesting and fun. I’ve been there twice and I can’t wait to go again sometime.

Paula is preparing a meal for Maximo, based on the care she is giving to make sure everything is just right. Gretel sneaks in, saying she doesn’t want Fedra to see her. She is smiling and says she finally has good reason, she’s in love! I feel bad saying this, since Gretel is such a sympathetic character, but she has horrible teeth. Being in a family this rich, her teeth should look perfect, like her parents and siblings. What happened here?

Ilitia’s modeling engagement is going poorly. She pouts and the director calls a break. Ilita goes for a drink, some chick stops her, saying she already can’t walk straight, no more drinks! Ilitia whines and feels sorry for herself.

Eman decides he is going to try and stop his mother from ruining more lives. He calls someone to deliver a box of chocolate to Mari. Spiderus is skulking about and overhears.

Mari sits in her room and fusses that Eman won’t accept that his mother is a killer. She says she has to find out who Fedra really is, she has to finish her father’s investigation. She is talking out loud of course, so Gretel overhears and comes in, wanting to know what’s up. Mari instead asks her where she was last night.

Paula and Maximo talk about their past, there was something about a pregnancy but I couldn’t understand if she was pregnant or if someone else was, or what. Anyway Paula has kept this crappy job for so many years to be near Maximo, she wants to know what has he done for their love? She has made such a sacrifice. She leaves in tears, he calls after her but she doesn’t come back.

Oliver and the Comisario discuss how the family Ruiz y de Teresa is surrounded by deaths and it’s suspicious. Muneca shows up to talk to them. She says she needs help, some guy are threatening her family.

Low is pushing Begona around, she must have come to him with the proof. He is mad that she came to his house with this. She wants to know how he can reject Christian as his son but he accepts Ilitia, even though she is the product of an affair too. He wants to know how she knows all that. She says Muneca told her. He says he doesn’t want to discuss this with her. She then drags out the test results to prove his paternity. I guess before she had just shown up and he was pushing her out of the house on general principle.

Fedra is livid that Eman has the gall to order chocolates for Mari, like it’s a crime. She is worried that Eman actually likes her, Spiderus says it isn’t possible. Fedra thinks that it really is happening and is worried. Spiderus says don’t worry, soon Eman will be bringing her flowers….. to her grave. He is going to do something to her chocolates.

Begona tells Low that she is going to tell Muneca the truth and she’ll dump his ass. Her goal is to ruin him. He says the test results are fake. She says check it out, they are for real. Uh oh I think something bad is going to happen to Begona. Then she says the only way out for him is to recognize his paternity, to give her son his name. She says he better decide quickly, then leaves with the baby.

Muneca is trying to get the Comisario to put 15 men on her house for protection, but won’t tell him who is threatening her family or why. Good luck with that. Oliver and the Comisario feel the same way, Oliver says talk or they can’t help. The Comisario says this whole appearance by her here makes him think that the accusation that Low had some contraband was true after all.

Crap I thought I would escape the entire Axel amnesia saga but here he is in his bed. He wants Fedra to tell him why everyone is so worked up all the time, what’s the deal? She says it’s all because of Mari, ever since she has come to the house she has been tormenting Fedra and the others. She says more bad things about Mari, that she wants to destroy the family. She tells Axel not to worry about that, she has a surprise, she invited his girlfriend over. He is as surprised as we are to discover that he has a girlfriend. I see what Fedra’s plan is, I’m sure it won’t work in the long run. I don’t think losing your memory makes you any less gay. Emil comes in and says that they all need to talk. He wants to know what Fedra did to him before that was so horrible.

Gretel is really rocking the tight low cut t-shirt, but those teeth. She is going on an on to Mari about how awesome Oliver is and how awesome their relationship is, it’s so awesome. Mari has a doll, she says she found it in her father’s office. Gretel starts doing a freak out. Mari says there are some things she doesn’t understand. Why did Gretel say she was responsible for Mari’s father’s death? You were there right? You saw him fall out the window?

Fedra gets all defensive, how can he think she would do something against her kids? See Axel? This is what Mari has brought into this house! They argue for a bit and Fedra blames it all on Mari. Emil says he’s starting to question what kind of woman she is, he isn’t quite buying into her I’m so awesome talk.

Mari pushes Gretel for her version of the death way back when. Gretel just freaks out a bit. She has a flashback of Fedra throwing the guy off the balcony. Gretel tells Mari that she saw everything! Mari (and the entire viewership) says “tell me then! TELL ME!” Gretel just acts all freaky. Cripes.

Eman wants Maximo to tell him whatever it is that he knows about Fedra. Maximo isn’t in the mood, Eman says he isn’t leaving. He must know why Fedra is his worst enemy.

Mari begs some more, Gretel doesn’t answer some more. CRIPES. Gretel finally says “the silver lily” and passes out. Thanks for nothing.

Emil asks Axel to leave him alone with Fedra. They are in Axel’s room – they have this huge house, and they have to kick him out of his own room to talk in private? Very selfish. Fedra starts cursing Mari some more, it’s all her fault. Then she insults Netty, Emil says that Netty was by his side the whole time at the hospital with Axel, and where was Fedra? Huh? HUH? Fedra says tell me the truth, is she your lover? Emil says no, because Netty deserves better than to just be someone’s lover. She has class, etc etc. Unfortunately, he says, I can’t say the same about you. Oh SNAP. Nice one. Fedra starts trying to beat him up, then gets all weepy and tries to play the victim. He says again that he is questioning everything where she is concerned, and maybe even her name is fake. She says she told him everything, he says no, she told him a story and he believed it. She says she never held a gun on him to fall in love with her or marry her, he says she’s right, that was his mistake and now he has to suffer the consequences. He says everything is going to be different now. He is going to uncover her past. This was a great scene, hopefully Emil follows through.

Low visits some guy in jail. Low says he’s tired of dealing with flunkies so he came here to talk right to the boss. The guy, named Garduno, says Low shouldn’t have moved the stuff out of his house. Low says he had to and it was a miracle the cops didn’t find it. He says he has done everything that Garduno has asked of him. Garduno says yes and he wants to help him, he wants his people happy. Remember when Low asked him to take care of the woman that appeared with his son? He had it taken care of until Low sent word to call it off. Low says he regrets doing that. He has changed his mind and he does want her gone after all.

Maximo can’t believe how different Eman is from his mother, how strange the world is. Maximo goes on to say that he never believed Fedra’s story about her parents dying and all that. She doesn’t act like the fine lady she pretends to be. Maximo says Fedra broke Emil up with Muneca, who he was engaged to at that time. Eman did not know this. Also, Maximo says, right after that, Fedra announced that she was pregnant, and Eman was born SEVEN MONTHS after Fedra first showed up. Ding ding ding there we have it, officially. Eman is not a Ruiz y de Teresa. The cousin loving is ON. Well now it’s NOT cousin loving but you know what I mean.

Mari tries to wake up Gretel. She calls for help. Axel comes in and immediately thinks Mari did something to her. He is really mean to Mari.

Eman doesn’t want to believe the news that Emil isn’t his father. He says Emil and Fedra were together before she came to the house, but Maximo says Emil found her on the beach, they were married less than a month later, and seven months after that Eman was born. Maximo is sorry for causing him this pain. Eman says that his mother couldn’t have done that. Where has he been? She would do anything. Eman continues to deny it. Maximo says fine, go ask her who your father is. She is the only one who knows, but you don’t have my blood, you aren’t a Ruiz y de Teresa!

Monday – Brandon and Ilitia hit the sheets and this time her parents aren’t around to break it up. More kissing with Eman and Mari, maybe he is seeing the upside to not being part of the family.

Labels: llena

Until yesterday, our Merry Marco had everything tightly controlled. There may have been some pressures, some of his plans were just about bursting at the seams, but everything was (barely) under control, much like one of Claudia’s blouses. But Chavez “opened the clasp”, so to speak, and now just about everything is out in the open. As such, we may not be too surprised that there are numerous things still “hanging”, and with so much “exposed”, Marco was sure to try to cover up a bit. Tonight we took a breather from yesterday’s delights, as new plans were hatched all over the place. We also had a possible new love connection, one character finally growing some cojones, and a touching moment for two of the characters who have been almost like pinballs in this crazy machine. We also had lots of things promised for “tomorrow”. Here’s what happened.

A lipstick-covered, half drunk Marco is arguing with a disheveled, fully drunk Chavez, having found out that loose lips sink ships, Chavez’s having been sufficiently loosened that both of them are about to go under.

In contrast, Ale and Rafa are brimming with confidence. Although they still have to solve the problems of Frank (Zetina is searching for him), Vicky, Marian and Daniel, they’re happy, because love will keep them together.

Nighttime at the Jimenez hostel, where the ladies get the bedroom, Father-in-law gets the couch, and Ramiro usually gets the shaft. Suegro is asnooze, and our ladies in waiting are waiting in the dark, armed with rolling pins, for the arrival of their whipping boy. Jimenez enters, half drunk, turns on the lights, to be met by his horrendous harem of hostility, his wife threatening with the pin, accusing him of being out with Arcadia again. And how could he cheat with someone like Arcadia? What does she have that I (Elvira) don’t? She shrieks for Jimenez to get out of the house, and just show up every two weeks (quince días) with money. Ramiro first moans that he almost lost his job, but when suegro makes another of his stupid remarks, Jimenez explodes! I’ve HAD it! Elvira tells him not to yell, but he GRABS the rolling pin and yells that it’s HIS HOUSE, and they all had better SHUT UP! You’ll respect me, he roars. I still pay the bills, and I’ve never been unfaithful, never! He threatens the three with the rolling pin, and they cower on the couch like little mice.

It’s over, he adds, from now on, you’ll respect me, or GET OUT!!!! He even throws a few things at them, and tells them he’s now going to the bedroom to sleep. As he leaves, Suegro bounds up, declaring THAT’s a real man! Wish I could have said that. I’m going to sleep in the bedroom, too, and you two cockatoos are stuck in the living room! He staggers after Jimenez, leaving our nightgown-clad nellies speechless.

Chavez tells Marco that at least he finally blew off Carmela, the human vacuum cleaner, right? Nope, laments Marco, I actually let her have her way with me, and it was horrible. Then everything’s lost, says Chavez. Marco disagrees, he’ll still get all the money from the sale of the hacienda, and flee to Brazil, woo-hoo! Not so fast, replies Chavez, that low-life Shrimp Man double crossed us, and sold it! Marco’s enraged, threatens to sue the guy, put him in prison, he’ll make cocktail of that damned shrimp! But Marco then realizes that Chavez has very likely betrayed him, and sold the hacienda out from under him. Chavez claims to be Markie’s only friend, but Marco is so mad he falls over the sofa.

Chavez complains that he always wanted to be Marco’s friend, but got treated like an employee, a slave, a wet newspaper on the corner. “And that’s not right, because I see you as a brother”. Marco protests, I don’t have any brothers, certainly not as ugly as you. But then he gets wistful, saying he actually does have brothers, but he hasn’t seen them in a long time. “It’s true, I miss my family, Vicente”. “You called me Vicente?” Chavez gets teary, and our two slimy slobs melt into a bit of a man-hug, they’re down, but they’re not out (yet).

Rafita arrives home, greets his Mom and Sis, telling them this has been a great day, only to be startled by Vicky from behind, “Pajarito!!” She’s hopping mad that he didn’t answer his phone all day. Rafa hides behind Leonor and Julieta,


begging Vicky to wait until tomorrow, and they’ll talk. Vicky isn’t too happy about this, calling Rafa unfaithful and a liar, but she agrees to wait, and tells them goodnight. As soon as she leaves, Rafa gets a big smile and tells his Mom they know where to find that swindler from the radio, and she’ll be free! He then notices Juli’s long face, and finds out that both Cesar and Jaime proposed to her. No way! You’re too young! And your career! But this decision will have to wait until tomorrow, too.

Now it’s tomorrow. We’re at Siglo, and Arcadia gives Beltran a list of candidates for a whole new crew of salespeople. She has to keep the current ones until after the convention, but after that, they’re out, and it’s his job to pick replacements. He wonders about HIS job, and she waffles a bit, then says she’ll probably keep him, since she doesn’t want him to have a heart attack with his checkbook. A few money, money, moneys, and she exits, leaving Beltran a bit shaken at this development.

Jaime’s wearing a suit, standing before three serious guys with white hair. Turns out he’s passed the bar, he’s officially a lawyer! He jumps for joy (and stumbles, of course), thanks his new “colleagues” and turns to his family, which consists of his granny and his cousin. He unfolds his diploma, says he’ll dedicate it to granny, who weeps with pride. Curls is proud, too, having never gotten out of high school. Jaime misses Rafa, Julieta and Leonor, wishes they were here. Curls tells him to go rub (restriégales) the diploma in their noses. Jaime’s not mad, they always supported him, at least until Vicky messed things up. Not deterred, Curls wants to celebrate, and picks up both Granny and Jaime, let’s party!

Doña Arcadia is addressing the troops. If you don’t win the title at the convention, heads will roll (van a rodar cabezas). Marino doesn’t think there’s anything to worry about. They’re like Titans of selling, they’ll win it all. You’d better, says Arcadia, and asks Jimenez to come to her office.

Urdiales is telling Rafa and Ale that he submitted their estimate to his board of directors, and it’s almost sure to be accepted, but they won’t know until tomorrow. They shake on it. After he goes, Rafa and Ale both yell “gol!” They’ll still go to the convention, and they sneak a little kiss.

Frank the Freak is cutting pictures of women out of magazines (don’t we all do that in our spare time?),

when there’s a knock on the door. It’s Zetina (I guess he DID know where to find Frank), who says he came on behalf of Marco and Chavez, who need to see him. Frank just needs a minute to get his things. Zetina thinks to himself, could it be that for ONCE things went right for me?

Nope. Two scenes later, Zetina calls Rafa to tell him that Frank’s given him the slip. Dang.

Our two brothers in slime (Marco and Chavez) are out like lights, when Marco’s cell rings. It’s Vicky with a wake up call, in full scream mode (she’d make a great alarm clock), telling Marco they have to meet. Something has to be done, once and for all. Marco hangs up on her, and she REALLY goes crazy! Marco tells Chavez it’s too bad Vicky’s hung up on the idiot Medina, because she’s HOT!

We see the big hands, we see the sleek laptop, we see the boring test pattern on the secondary monitor, and we know we’re witnessing a powerful man.

He instructs his secretary to have an envelope delivered to Leonor Nuñez, with no explanation. This is, of course, what Marian was working on. The man (whose face we don’t see) says “the moment has arrived we’ve all been waiting for”. Not quite. Tomorrow, maybe?

Rosaura and Claudia, wearing similar outfits of high waisted dark skirts topped by low cut frilly white tops,


are gossiping as usual. Rosie thinks that rich guy (Urdiales) is giving Claudia the eye. Claudia’s hormones activate, and she “walks” over to him, coyly displaying all her charms. Urdiales doesn’t exactly want a car, he wants a “personalized accessory”. Right. And he’d like to discuss it over lunch. She beckons Mr. Big over to her cubicle first, as we see Carmela enter to pick up her car.

She hears the greeter girls (sorry, I forgot their names) talking breathlessly. Girl 1 starts. “He lasted all night, he gave, he gave, he gave, and never got tired”. He looks fat, but he’s a total athlete, he went up, down, up, down (Carmela’s ears are perking up). Were you satisfied, asks Girl 2? Totally, I couldn’t take it, I said I was so tired I’d have to go to sleep, but he said, don’t worry, I’ll finish myself! What he did in one night would have taken another a week! If only all men were like that.


Uhh, excuse me, asks Carmela. Who are you talking about? Oh, that chubby guy Trapito. Could he do the same job for me? Just ask, but he only works at night. Perfect! replies Carmela, striding off to make a date. Gee, that’s strange, says Girl 2. She wants HER apartment painted, too?

Frank shows up at Marco’s, grabs some whiskey, and Marco has a new plan.

Carmela makes a date with Trapito for the “same job he did for that young lady”. Trapito wonders if he should bring “his things” or use hers. She’ll lend him hers, but he has to keep going all night. He assures her he’s “a machine”. She thinks to herself, finally, a REAL MAN.

Ale calls Marco, urges him to withdraw the lawsuit against Leonor. She’s going to a convention for a few days, but he’d better do as she says, or she promises, he and Chavez will go to jail.

Okay, what Urdiales really wanted was a personal advisor or consultant. He said asesoría, which I thought was an accessory. Well, Claudia fits both descriptions, so we’ll let it go. Generala and Rosaura urge her to go for it with the big guy, he looks rich, not like the losers (muertos de hambre) she’s been going with. Speaking of which, Marco calls, and gets the time and place of the convention. Claudia’s tired of his spy requests, with never any bonus for her. He says they won’t be seeing much of each other anymore. After he hangs up, she thinks it’s too bad, because he did turn her on. She envies Ale, who has two guys crazy about her, when Claudia doesn’t even have one (there really was no reason for this picture, except that I really think Claudia is pretty :))


Rafa wants them to go to the convention in the Pantera, it’s an extension of himself (una prolongación de mi mismo). Ale agrees. Rafa’s happy friends enter. They’re afraid to talk in front of Ale, but says she knows everything, the hacienda was free of the lien for months, and Marco had an arrangement with Carmela to keep it quiet. So, says Dandy, do you believe us now? Well…..yes, but I’m not too impressed with your method (procedimientos) of seducing a woman to get information. The boys look duly chastised.

Todo yo Daniel sidles into Marian’s office, full of plans to recover Ale, and get Rafa for Marian. Let’s join forces. Marian is dubious, why? Because I’m totally in love with you, Marian. Oh really? If you’re so in love with me, why do you want to conquer Alejandra? Good point, but Dan forges right ahead with not wanting to be outdone by that car salesman. How can three sexy women be gaga over that slob, when I, so full of love, don’t even have one? Marian explains why. You act like a child, Daniel, and love is not a game. He’s not deterred, still insists that he can seduce Ale, leaving Rafa free for her. And his plan? Go to the convention. (Okay, we had the famous barbecue, next up, the famous convention. Should be something).

In an outdoor café, Claudia is talking cars, but Urdiales admits he’s already bought them. Then, why are we here? asks Claudia. Can’t you guess? he hints. Well, maybe, but (she actually tries to COVER her boobs here), I don’t go out with married men! How about divorced ones? She lights up, uncovers the boobs, give them a little boost, and asks if he has children. Not yet, but I’m not discounting the possibility. Do you have any candidates to help with that? she purrs. Could be, as they look in each others’ eyes, some fine wine is poured, and Claudia may have finally hit the jackpot, as she languidly waves her ringless, sensuous fingers.

Leonor is watching a telenovela when there’s a loud knock. This time, it’s not Vicky, it’s Jaime. He proudly presents his diploma to Leonor.

They smile, she gives him a congratulatory hug, and he tells her he owes all this to two women. My Granny, and you, Leonor. She gets misty as he thanks her for all the support she gave him. He adds that he’s not thanking her to get Julieta back, he knows that’s his sole responsibility. He had to come, to give her this diploma, to thank her, from the bottom of his heart, because she’s always, always been the mother that he never had. He loves her very much. She cries tears of joy.


Rafa gets a call from Urdiales, the sale is confirmed! So they can go to the convention without worrying about that. Ale and Rafa do “gol!”, they high five, they say they’re invincible, and they kiss. The only thing, says Rafa, is that Urdiales has to go to a meeting in Cuernavaca in two days for the final signing, by the Director of Acquisitions, and Rafa and Ale will have to go there, too. So (I think) Rafa and Ale will go to the convention “tomorrow”, and the next day to Cuernavaca. Let’s hope the Pantera doesn’t break down (or as Private 057 predicted, Rafa doesn’t get kidnapped). Ale’s not worried, if the Pantera breaks down, she’ll help push. Money, money, money, says Ale in glee. For the wedding. But, says Rafa, we’re not going to spend TOO much on the wedding are we? Do we have to have all that champagne? Of course not, handsome, she gushes, I don’t need any expensive wedding, just to be with you for the rest of our lives. But promise me you’ll sing. And I’ll be totally yours. They kiss again.

Vicky calls Marco, angry. So are we going to meet? No, replies cool Marco, I’ve already decided what to do, and I’m not telling you. But I’m going to a convention for a few days. He hangs up. Vicky EXPLODES with rage. If things don’t go her way, WATCH OUT!!!!!!



And Monday? It’s “tomorrow”, and (although they could be teasing us), it looks as if Private 057 is right!!!!!


Vocabulario:

Quince días – two weeks, literally 15 days, but the first and last are counted, unlike the way we calculate it
Restregar – scrub or rub. Restriégales en las narices means rub it in their noses, or in their face
Van a rodar cabezas – heads will roll, you can also say rodarán cabezas
Asesoría personal – a personal advisor, or consultant (not a personal accessory, as I originally thought!) Actually a consultant is un asesor, but asesoría is like a consultancy
Una prolongación de mi mismo – an extension of myself
Procedimientos – procedures, or methods of doing something

Labels: dinero