Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Llena de Amor #59 Mon 11/1/10 The amazing shrinking Mari

Friday: Marianela starts trying to get lean and fit. Puff. Gasp.

She tells Eman that there’s just a week left until the beauty contest and she’d rather be pudgy and alive than thin and dead. Eman says it was her idea to get thin, he doesn’t care, she has her own inner light and beauty, so why go in a contest?

She repeats for the gazillionth time that they’re cousins and mustn’t be smooching. He tells her to run, and if he catches her, he gets to kiss her. Off she trots.

Emiliano wants to take Kristel to the hospital but both she and Mauricio panic at the suggestion. She tells her daddy that it’s just monthly cramps. Here comes Nereida with her witch’s brew, telling Kristel it’ll get rid of everything (hint, hint). Emiliano tells her to drink up, then. Kristel throws him an imploring look then says she will.

At the government office, Begoña is nervous about registering the baby, and Gladiola has brought the little tyke a gift, a medal of the Virgin to protect him. Outside, Lorenzo is telling Brandon to back off, it’s not a crime to have a child out of wedlock. Brandon says still it’s scummy what he’s doing to his wife, and to Ilitia too. Lorenzo says butt out or else. Threatening me? says Brandon. Lorenzo reminds Brandon that he attacked his daughter. They fan their tail feathers and puff up like a couple of tom turkeys and gobble gobble gobble threats at each other.

Ilitia catches herself dreaming of her night with Brandon. She tells herself not to think of his kisses, his powerful arms, his washboard abs. (Abdomen de lavadero, which I know you’ll need for your next conversation in Spanish. This is why we watch these things, after all, to get really useful vocabulary. Try this one out at the church potluck!)

Lorenzo points out that Begoña knew in advance that he was married, and yeah, okay maybe he made mistake, but he’s going to give the kid his name and support him, and nobody’s making him do it. Brandon better keep his mouth shut about it. Brandon says he will, but only because he promised Begoña, and Lorenzo better not step wrong because he’s watching.

Ilitia asks her mother if Brandon came to talk about her. Nothing about you, says Muñeca. Nice dress! Have a nice day! Off she heads. Ilitia suddenly wonders if Brandon’s interested in her mother.

Back home, Marianela is taking a tiny nibble of the chocolates, and asks Brandon if she looks thinner yet. He gushes goofy, love-sick compliments. She runs off to see if maybe she can zip up that pair of pants Netty gave her.

Bernardo smugly tells Fedra, who today is in an off-the shoulder animal print number, that the poison is slow but sure, but he’s worried that once it’s done Marianela in, Carlota will do something. Fedra tells him not to worry, she’ll take care of her when the moment comes.

They’re worried about where Gretel is, as she could blab about Fedra. Bernardo says he has a couple of guys looking, but it’s very expensive. Fedra says money has never been a problem for her. She starts digging in the cabinet that has the safe that we saw Kristel get stacks of bills from. The safe is empty! She was robbed!

Marianela can zip up the pants! She’s thrilled.

Excuse me, I’m going to go run around the block a few times and lose ten pounds.

Okay, I’m back. I look great! Delicia tells her she’s going to be prettier than any of the babes at the contest. She may not have a model’s figure, but everyone will see that beauty is within.

We hear Fedra yelling for everyone to come down to the living room, right now!

Oliver peers into his wallet, which probably is as empty as the miners’ cave, saying he has to run down for something to eat, because they’re going on a long journey. Gretel is nervous about being left alone, so he says he’ll hurry. He leaves and Gretel wonders if she should call Marianela to tell her father she’s okay. Somebody tries the handle of the hotel door.

Fedra wants to know who robbed her. Everyone is lined up except Emanuel, who has left for work. Emiliano says robbery is a pretty strong accusation. Fedra gives the lined-up servants the hairy eyeball, then asks Axel if he remembers she has a safe. Of course he doesn’t. Kristel says not her, she has all the money she wants for her manicures and everything. Fedra turns her searchlight gaze back on the servants.

Nereida says Delicia’s been looking nervous like she was up to something. Fedra decides it must be her. Marianela protests that Delicia’s innocent. Fedra then decides it must be Marianela and says she’s robbed her just like her mother did while sucking down all that hooch, only with Marianela it’s chocolates. Marianela steps forward and slaps her a good one. Emiliano steps between them, but throws Marianela a sympathetic look.

Axel is furious, and Kristal runs to grab Marianela, but Emiliano stops her and tells them that Marianela was just reacting to Fedra’s insults, and that Fedra’s been insulting her since the day she arrived. Fedra plays the victim, and asks if it isn’t strange that Marianela is defending a servant. Delicia’s guilty until proven innocent, she declares.

Marianela reminds her that somebody tried to break into her room and kill her last night.. maybe that’s who took the money? Fedra scoffs that that guy was a figment of Marianela’s imagination. Eyeing the servants, she tells them that whoever did it is going to regret it to their dying day.

Whew, it’s not Bernardo’s thugs, it’s the police at the hotel. They tell Gretel Oliver is wanted for kidnapping, and they’ve seen her photo and know who she is. She protests that she wasn’t kidnapped.

Gladiola has come home with the baby, since Begoña decided to celebrate with Lorenzo. She tells Netty everything went great. Consuelo and Doris clomp down the stairs, excitedly saying the beauty contest is in a week. (Did they just find out?) All four decide they’re going to pretty up Marianela and support her. Group fist bump!

Over lunch, Lorenzo is letting Begoña know that he’s very unhappy that she brought Brandon. Begoña says Gladiola and Brandon are her friends, and she didn’t know at first that he knew Brandon. She’s heard Ilitia and Brandon don’t get along, but she’s also heard that Ilitia is difficult. Lorenzo bristles at that, and says that he hates Brandon for making Ilitia’s life miserable.

In his office, Brandon is trying to get Caiman (that criminal from a few weeks back, remember?) to spill the beans about his group of baddies when Ilitia bursts in and demands to know what he was talking about with her mother.

Gretel is pleading with the two cops to take her instead, that she’s the one to blame, since she asked Oliver to take her from the house. We’re in love! Oliver comes in the open hotel room door, to-go bag in hand, all unsuspecting, and is grabbed by his fellow cops, who arrest him.

Brandon tells Ilitia she can’t just come into his office whenever she wants. She retorts that he can’t come into her house whenever he wants, trying to fix himself up with her mother. Brandon is amazed. Ilitia tells him not to even think that Muñeca would leave her rich and handsome father for him. My mother’s not interested in you. Caiman rolls his eyes, and looks like he’d like to get back to his life of crime a.s.a.p. rather than waste his time on this fluff.

You’re jealous! laughs Brandon. You wish! says Ilitia.

Brandon gets a call telling him they’ve got Oliver. Brandon rushes out, dragging Caiman by the arm.

Lorenzo tells Begoña that he’s given the child his name and he’ll support him until he dies, but he wants something from her in return. She promises not to tell Muñeca. He says he also wants her to move out of Netty’s, out of the country, in fact.

Girl talk: Back in Marianela’s bedroom, Delicia congratulates her on that great slap, but wonders what would happen if Fedra finds out she’s in love with Eman. Now, I hope I understood this next bit correctly: Marianela blathers about forbidden love that is stronger than she is, and Delicia says what if you just go for it? Maybe you’re just afraid, have you ever been with a man?

Guy talk: At work, Andre is telling Emanuel how great the shooting was for the ad, how Jackie is sooooo hot and so hot for Eman. Why isn’t Eman still interested? Eman says it was a hot and heavy fling, but nothing important. Andre thinks Eman ought to take her out, pour a couple of drinks down her and float into a blissful evening. Eman laughs and says Andre’s never been really in love. Andre’s afraid he’ll start up again with that inner beauty stuff – why not fall for exterior beauty? Not like Eman’s cousin… Eman tells him to hold it right there. Andre wonders if Eman could make love to Marianela.

Girl talk: Marianela says of course I’ve never been with a man! I was in a boarding school, and then I came here. She tells Delicia how she’s always dreamed of that first time, so romantic, with the man she’d be with the rest of her life. Delicia sighs happily. Marienela admires Delicia’s figure and doesn’t think any man would be interested her own chubby self. She wants to slim down just to attract Eman. Delicia tells her to make her dreams a reality.

Guy talk: Eman says he used to think like Andre, but now he realizes he can fall for a woman’s soul. Andre reminds him that a soul is contained inside a body, so does Eman maybe mean platonic love? Nope, says Eman. Andre is grossed out. He can’t believe it. Believe it, says Eman, waxing poetic about his love for Marianela. Whew! says Andre, rocking back in his chair.

Begoña, raising her voice, tells Lorenzo she’s not leaving the country. Other diners swivel their heads to look. Lorenzo tries to get her to be quieter, but she keeps railing on, saying she will leave his life as it is, but if she wants to, she could destroy it just like that. He says he’d send her somewhere good for her career – New York? Paris? He’ll pay! He wants her far away from his wife and daughter.

Great, a one-way ticket, says Begoña. He assures her that he can travel a lot for his job, and Christian will know he has a father. Begoña points out that Christian would know that right here. Lorenzo tells her that if she stays, he’ll pay support, but he’ll cut off any relationship with them, so if she wants him to be in his son’s life, the decision is hers.

Back at the hotel, Oliver is pleading with his fellow officers, who say that can’t go back to the Commissioner empty-handed. They say he has to come along, and they’ll take Gretel home. No! says Oliver, desperate. Gretel declares she won’t leave him. Brandon shows up and says Oliver just has to come along.

What a hoot! Supercop Brandon is driving criminal Caiman (front seat, seatbelt in place) and Oliver and Gretel (open truck bed, no seatbelts) in his OPEN Jeep or whatever that is. Oliver protests that it wasn’t a kidnapping and Caiman agrees. Brandon tells Caiman to button it. Gretel says her mother might actually kill her, and Oliver begs Brandon not to destroy their love.

Muñeca has shown up at the club, looks like, and Ilitia tells her she’s going to find out what Muñeca’s and Brandon’s conversation was about. Muñeca says she came to support her, but she sees she’s being the same little brat. Lorenzo walks in and Ilitia runs to her daddy and clings to him, then says she has to go change.

Lorenzo takes Muñeca’s hands and says he’s been thinking how they should take a nice trip – a second honeymoon. Lovely! says Muñeca. I’ve been so tense, what with the problems at the orphanage, Ilitia, all the rotten, stupid stuff you’ve been putting me through – you bet! I’m all for that trip – alone.

When Begoña gets home, Jackie is there visiting with Netty and Gladiola. Netty tells Begoña that it would be great if she could help Marianela with some models’ tricks. Jackie says it won’t be easy, because when she has all those extra pounds… Netty says she herself is going to teach her stage presence.

Begoña asks Jackie if she could find her a job in Italy, because she’s thinking of moving, Jackie says no problem, plus Lorenzo gives her the creeps, so she thinks Begoña should leave town.

In the back of the Jeep, Gretel and Oliver confer about whether they can get Brandon to let them escape. Oliver understands Brandon is just doing his job. Brandon and Caiman apparently can’t hear this conversation, which is odd, since we’re sitting on the hood and we can hear fine.

Brandon stops in a parking lot, helps the two out of the Jeep, takes the handcuffs off Oliver, hands them some money and tells them to go. He couldn’t leave Gretel to Fedra, and besides, Oliver is like a brother to him. The grateful pair take off. Caiman looks like “sheesh.”

Oh! Now we see that Caiman is handcuffed to the Jeep. Brandon tells him to keep his mouth shut.

Montage: Marianela running in the park. Eman running with the dog in the huge grounds, Muñeca leaving for her trip, while Lorenzo and Ilitia wave goodbye. It looks like Maximo’s monitors are being taken back, and we see him sitting up in bed smiling big at Paula who smiles back. Brandon and Eman argue at Netty’s, Bernardo is injecting chocolates. Marianela practices walking with a book on her head, while Ilitia and Kristal laugh. Gretel and Oliver are outside someplace that says Help Needed. They run in. Begoña helps Marianela with the book-on-the-head walking. Kristel examines her figure in the mirror and takes another tea from Nereida. Marianela works on the routine with the other contestants. Lorenzo kisses the baby, then Begoña, who shows him Italy brochures. Right at contest practice, Marianela has a chocolate from the box. Oliver and Gretel are happy doing some task, but it’s such a tight close-up that I can’t tell what they’re doing. Axel romps with Lorena. Netty’s group dresses up Marianela and exclaim over her, but she looks like a giant child, or a Christmas present. Anyway, she has a bow on her headband.

At Netty’s we find out it’s the big day of the contest. Everyone is waiting for Marianela to come downstairs. Brandon can’t wait – he hasn’t seen her in a week and wants to know what the big change is. In walks Eman in a suit. The two guys argue over who is going to take her.

Suddenly everyone’s eyes pop. Marianela! So beautiful! they gasp.

Avances, though I can’t tell if they’re for tomorrow or the whole month: It’s the day of the contest and maybe Marianela’s face looks thinner, but the hairdo is super dorky. Lose the headband, willya? Still, she’s radiant. Eman tells Ilitia that he’s totally in love with his cousin.

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Eva Luna #1 Mon 11/1/10 Life In The Big City Ain’t As Easy As Apple Pie

Capítulo 1


Pretty Eva and her daddy, Ismael, are migrant apple pickers in southern Cal and today is Eva’s birthday. The nice young foreman who’s checking their names off gives Eva a “special” smile as he helps her out of the back of the pick-up truck. The group of pickers surprises and celebrates with her first thing by singing “Mañanitas”. Ismael later gives her a crucifix he made her as a gift.

At the same time, Daniel Villanueva is speeding to work along one of the Los Angeles freeways. (Note: the credits say filmed in Miami but I guess palm trees are palm trees.) He’s breezin’ along in his hot, apple-red Ferari convertible, his blonde wavy tresses blowin’ in the wind, his face grinnin’ from ear to ear. (I suppose I’d be smiling like that myself if I could afford one of those…..) He walks inside the huge ad agency he works at and has his own little surprise celebration. Dan the Man has just been named Copywriter/Ad-man of the Year. A minute later in walks Leonardo Arismendi, stepson of the company’s owner, Don Julio Arismendi, and asks what’s up. A couple of the female hotties from Dano’s team explain they’re celebrating Dano’s award. Dan gallantly tells them it was a team effort and thanks them all. Leonardo politely congratulates Dano and then shoos the group back to work. He tells Dan that if he weren’t his almost-BIL he might be very envious of him, but one look into his eyes and Viewerville knows he really is anyway. Leo bites into a juicy red apple from one of the huge glass bowls that seem to be loaded and sitting out everywhere and he stares daggers into Dan the Man’s back as old Dano walks off to his office.

Next we see Marcela Arismendi’s limo pull up. It’s obvious she’s one hell of a b!tch witch on wheels cuz everyone starts walking around the agency like they’ve just been given an enema. She’s rolls on up to her office and the first thing she does is fire a secretary with a sick kid because she came in a couple minutes late twice.

Somewhere else in that small southern California town, Eva’s kid sister, Alicia, is thumbing through a book. A security guard who knows Ismael tells her he needs to speak to her father and to give him the message.

Back at the ad agency, Marcela tells her personal assistant (some guy with an ascot and a swish) that she wants him to write out a $40,000 peso check to some children’s home that same day. “Giving to charity always makes me feel more relaxed.” (Note: not only is the witch wearing Halloween colors, but what’s more, she always wears a black glove on one hand. Something tells me it’s not because she’s a Michael Jackson groupy, but we haven’t been told why yet.) She and Swish Guy are excited about the company’s 25th anniversary dinner celebration the company is having that night. The press will be there and it’s going to be a big blow-out.

In another part of the agency, Leo congratulates Dano on his successful apple ad campaign. Dano reminds him that it was a team effort and that the slogan came from some survey they took of a group of workers (apple pickers possibly?) Leo says something about the owner telling them that it was a girl who gave them the original idea, and one positive result was that Leo’s sister’s career got a jumpstart again from it.

Said sister and model, Victoria, calls from the beach to congratulate Dano on his success. She tells him they’ll have to have their own personal celebration that night after the dinner party. Afterwards, her beach buddy, Claudia (?) wonders if Dano will ever propose to Vicky since they’ve been dating five years and he’s never brought it up. Vicky says he took the death of his wife hard but, little by little, she’s managing to get him to forget the dead wife and to fall in love with her.

Back at the ad agency, Dano wants to find the girl responsible for the slogan and to pay her for it. Leo says she gave it to them for free so why spend the dough? Dano says no, they’ll do it the right way and have his sexretary find the girl so he can give her some sort of compensation.

Later in the day during a break, Eva tells her daddy that her big dream is to work one day in an ad agency and to live the good life. Daddy brings up the girls’ mother who supposedly abandoned them and ran off with another man when they were little. As far as Eva’s concerned her father brought them up and is the only one who deserves their love.

That afternoon, Alicia remembers to tell her Aunt Matilde about the security guard’s message for her dad. Matilde says she’ll handle it for her as Alicia is generally a bit scatterbrained.

Tilde gives Eva’s dad the message and begs him to leave the past in the past. Otherwise, he might risk losing his daughters forever she says. She’d die of unhappiness.

At the dinner party that night, Vicky and Dano take publicity pictures with the press. Vicky notices one of the babes there is undressing Dano with her eyes during the shoot. We get a hint of Vicky’s fangs and claws.

Eva asks Tia Tilde to read the tarot cards for a birthday present and tell her what fate has in store for her.

At the Arismendi manse, Marcela gives a dinner speech, but during it she seems distracted by a shadow near the door inside the house.

Tilde reads the tarot cards which say that Eva is pretty, intelligent, and that she has a way with words. Up comes a bad card and Tilde refuses to continue. Eva talks her into it though, and Tilde tells her that the card says she’ll suffer a tragedy through which she’ll meet the love of her life, and that is going to be Heaven and Hell. A couple minutes later, Eva’s dad passes out on the couch. Tilde revives him and they put him to bed. He sends the girls out of the room and they continue their private conversation from earlier that evening.

Meanwhile, back at the dinner party, Dan The Man gets applause for his award. Leo is not a happy camper. The single babes at the other table are all smiling at Dano and giggling amongst themselves. Marcela gets word that her hubby, Don Julio, needs to see her right away. She comes in, gripes about the guard dog and tells him the tabloids want to know the truth about his accident. She doesn’t want to tell them anything about that, she says, since things need to be kept “positive” for the good of the company. (Hmmm. Is that why he's stuck in the wheelchair?) It’s obvious with the snide remarks they keep launching at each other that there’s very little love lost between them. He hands her an envelope with divorce papers in it. (Nope, no love at all.)

Alicia and Eva think their dad’s been acting a bit weird lately. Eva mentions their talk at lunch about what she’d think if their mother ever came back.

In the bedroom, Ismael tells Tilde that she knows he’s dying and if the security guard has located the girls’ mother, Debora, then he needs to know about it right away.

Marcela is pissed off about the divorce and gripes at one of the servants, Rita, about Rita’s having waited too long to give her husband his medication.

Back outside on the patio, Vicky finally asks Dano who the giggling, staring babes at the party are. He tells her the one in the orange dress is Mariza, his new ad executive, and yes, she does work with him. Vicky reminds him about their little “after party” they had planned, but he begs off because he’s got a school event with his daughter, Laurita, early the next morning.

The next morning while Laurita and Dano have breakfast together, Claudia and Vicky are at the gym. Vicky is griping to Claudia about Dano going home early because of his daughter. Claudia advises her to win over the little girl because she will have lots of influence over Dan. Vic says that she knows it and plans to get rid of her as soon as they’re married by sending her off to boarding school in Switzerland.

At Eva’s, Ismael tells Tilde that the guard got the info he needed; there was a picture of Debora in a magazine and he managed to get her address through his contacts.

Marcela is still at the house and is grumbling about Julio having played his last card and that she’s going to have to speed up his “ending” for him. Rita comes out telling her that Don Julio doesn’t want to take his medicine and as far as she’s concerned the medicine is supposed to make him better, but it seems at times to give him strange convulsions and instead of making him better is seems to be killing him. Marcela accuses Rita of making a mistake with the medication, but the girl says she’s following the prescription’s directions exactly. She dismisses her and sighs. “Poor girl! What an atrocity! To think I like her so well.”

The young foreman at the apple farm has asked the owner to let Eva leave early to be with her father a bit, since he’s out ill, and he drives her back to her aunt’s place. (He seems to be one of the good guys, and he also seems to have a thing for Eva.)

Back in the city, Leo ignores a phone call from El Gallo, a hood and loan shark. Apparently, Leo is a compulsive gambler and he owes El Gallo big time bucks. Leo’s been avoiding him.

At the same time, Vicki goes into Dano’s office for quick chick chat-spat with his new ad exec, Mariza, over her her making goo-goo eyes at Dano. “—I want to know what the Hell you’ve got going with my boyfriend! Well, answer me!!” (Excuse me, but are we back in high-school or what? I mean, I was such a nerd in high-school, and this is so "in-crowd". I am having a hard time trying to relate.)

Dan and Laurita discuss her drawing of a happy family –one that includes a future mother. Laurita points out a woman in the house picture and says that is the mother she hopes to have again one day. Dano assures her she'll like Victoria but she says no, it's not her, it's somebody else, though she doesn't know who. (So I guess that knocks Victoria out of the running. Vixen Vicky just doesn't know it yet.) FF>>

When Eva gets home Ismael tells her that they’ll be moving to Los Angeles and they have to leave that night. She wants to know why that soon. Ismael will only tell her to trust him because he can’t tell her anything else yet.

Leo promises El Gallo to pay up just like he always has. Things have gotten a bit complicated and Leo says he needs a bit of time.

Back inside Dano’s office, Vicki tries shaking the crap out of Mariza. Mariza yells back that he’s just her boss! Vic demands to know if Mariza’s interested in having a relationship with her boyfriend or what. Mariza doesn’t back down. She just looks ...annoyed. “--Well, who wouldn’t be?” (So far so good. I like this kind of “bring it, babe” attitude.) Vicki tries turning the “owner’s daughter intimidation factor” up a notch. “--How dare you say that??!!” It's okay, cuz Mariza can deal. “—Well, it’s the truth and you know it, or otherwise you wouldn’t be in here complaining to me over a couple of looks. But I don’t blame you. I’d feel the same way if I were you.” Vicki has a fit and throws the container full of pens at her. (Wrong answer I guess.) “You don’t know what I’m capable of in order to keep some woman from getting in my way!” Just then Dano walks in and the two women are suddenly all smiles with each other. “Hey, I thought you two didn’t know each other.” (Puh-leese! --Are there really mega-bitches like this or do they only exist in some overpaid scripwriter's fertile imagination?)

Across the hall Leo tells his sexretary that he needs to make sure his mother signs a check for him that day. He is surprised that she still isn’t in to work yet.

As it turns out, Marcela is begging Julio to reconsider and apologizing for taking Leo’s side against Julio in the past. He reminds Marcela that Leo nearly bankrupted his company and instead of making him responsible for the debts she protected him. She wounded Julio pretty badly by doing that. She humbly agrees and says she regrets it totally.

Dano and Victoria are at lunch now. He tells her about Laurita’s drawings of her house and family; he manages to leave out the “mother” figure in it. Vic brings up their private celebration she has planned for him and says he should come by tonight since he couldn’t the night before. He grins and agrees.

Julio isn’t persuaded and yells at her that he wants the divorce papers signed yesterday! Marcela turns on the waterworks and begs him again to reconsider, but he’s wise to her and says no.

That night Eva, Alicia and their father take the bus into L.A. A smooth-talking young guy introduces himself as Tony and sits down beside Alicia.

At the Arismendi manse, Marcela is on the phone with somebody. She tells them she doesn’t care how much it costs; she just wants it done! Leo gets home. After a bit of small talk, Marcela and he agree that Dano’s award not only has put their company on the tip of everyone’s tongue, but now they can start charging higher prices for their services.

Meanwhile, Dano and Vicky are gettin’ nekked. She’s stripping and stops to ask him to tell her he loves her. He refuses. (Well, we know what kind of relationship Dano considers it.) This progresses (or regresses) from there. Big chandelier, big bed, champagne, skimpy black negligee, deep fake-bake tan and long, bleach-blond hair ….well, you get the idea.

At one of the bus stops Alicia takes out her wad of bills in her wallet and waves them around. Eva gripes at her to put them away. Tony secretly notices the stash of cash and a makes a mental note. The next morning when they wake up and are ready to pull into the bus station in L.A., Tony’s gone and so’s Alicia’s cash. Eva’s complains that it was Tony who took it.

They make their way to the boarding house of Tia Tilde’s friend. The only thing wrong with the room is that they have to share a bathroom upstairs at the end of the hall with some of the other boarders. Later in the day Eva goes out looking for work but can’t find a thing. Alicia meets up with one of the other boarders, a girl named Isabel. Later on she introduces her to Eva. Isabel offers to get her on as a masseuse where she works.

Dano’s sexretary calls him to let him know she contacted the owner of the apple farm and has gotten the name of the girl who came up with the slogan, but the girl left town and didn’t leave a forwarding address.

At the same time, Marcela gets back to the manse and Renata, the head housekeeper, tells her that Rita was raped and killed the night before on her walk home.

At the mall, Isabel instructs Eva on how to hawk for massage customers. She fails with a couple, then Dano comes by talking on his cell. She interrupts him and eventually sweet-talks him into the massage; She doesn’t really know what’s she’s doing, though, and she ends up hurting him and ticking him off. (Hell, having to watch this whole scene was painful for me!) Eva makes the mistake of insulting him in front of the owner of the concession and gets fired.

In another part of the city, Ismael checks the address he was given and ends up at a gated community. One of the workman there tells him to come back the next day because the Sra. will be interviewing a relative of his for a job at that time, then she’ll be going on a long trip after that and unavailable. Ismael agrees to return the next day.

Marcela tells the housekeeper to let Rita’s family know that she’ll cover the funeral expenses for them.

Ismael finds a church and asks the priest to give him confession.

Eva is leaving the mall and notices Dano as he’s talking to some clients. He looks up and sees her at the same time. He seems a bit embarrassed about the dust-up they just had. Can’t tell if Eva’s angry or just bummed.

That night, Renata tells Leo the news about Rita.

Ismael gets home and tells Eva that she’s to go with him the next day and she’ll find out then why they’ve come to L.A.

Claudia, Leo, Vicky and Dano spend a day on Leo’s boat. Leo oohs and ahhs over Dano's Ferari and asks to drive it sometime.. Dan tells Leo he shouldn’t gamble like he does or one of these days it'll bite him on the ass. Later on Dan tells them all about his rotten masseuse experience and says yeah, she was sort of pretty, but klutzy and didn't know a thing about giving massages.
==================================
Marcela tells Renata to put an ad in the paper for someone to replace Rita ASAP. She gets a call right after from somebody who is complaining about the police being hot on his trail. She tells him she’s paid him enough so he better not lead them to her. Renata tells her the police are there to speak to her.

Alicia finishes taking her shower in the communal bathroom and forgets to lock the door. (Oh, yeah, She's supposed to be scatterbrained.) Who opens the door on her accidentally then --of all people-- but Tony!

At the same time, Eva and Ismael are only a block or so away from the house he’s taking her to. He tells her to remember that he will always love her and her sister no matter what. He starts to cross the street without thinking to look, and an apple red Ferari races up and knocks him through the air. Splat! Poor ol' Ismael’s dead before he hits the ground. The car stops for a second or two then races away. Eva is left screaming for help.

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La Verdad Oculta EP35 11/01/2010 - Cold-blooded reptiles are resistant to spy cameras, but young idiots aren't

* After the "I'm not your sister" speech Asunción asks Juan José why he brought Elsa there, and he doesn't believe that JJ's only goal is to protect her from her idiot brother. Wink, wink. His new hobby of matchmaking gets on JJ' nerves.

* Mario tells Abelardo what he learned from Alejandra about JJ and this Juan Ocampo. While it's understandable that a man who spent so many years in prison and has no money sells his house to a rich customer, but there's something strange about them. Mario would like to know who's Juan Ocampo and where's JJ now. He doesn't want his niece to become a victim of some kind of vengeance plan. Abe promises to investigate after these men.

Alejandra comes into the study to talk about the reconstruction, and Mario asks her to find him a client who would buy one of his hotels. She says she'll tell his idea to Mauricio Medina, who knows many businessmen who are involved in tourism.

* JJ the Frustrated and Elsa the Gloomy are still mad at each other. They have another fight over Alejandra and Medina, then JJ gets fed up with her sad face and bitchy responses and gives her the money she owes to her slimebag boss. No, she doesn't have to give it back, she spent that money on helping him. After he leaves Elsa runs into the bathroom to cry.



* In the architectural office JJ gives 2,5 millions of pesos to Alejandra and Mina... In cash. The girls freak out, and he even teases Ale if she wants to count the banknotes. Ale gets a phone call from Medina and she tells him about Mario's hotel. Unfortunately Medina can't help her, but JJ seems to be very interested and eventually he knows a very distinguished man who would surely love to buy a hotel. I bet that rich gentleman has a wig and a niece called Caramelo.



* In the Genovés villa the trap is set for Adolfo, but naturally it doesn't work. No matter how passionately Mario accuses him with the murder of Marta, the cunning old rascal keeps calm and laughs at him, and when he gets tired of Mario's frenzy he leaves. Roberto shows up in the hall just in time to see Adolfo leaving and to eavesdrop the desperation of Mario.



David arrives home and the the boys go to the study to talk about the nasty marriage plan. In front of the cameras. Gosh, David, you're already in deep trouble. Roberto keeps playing the Iago of Mexico City and pushes the buttons of the jealous and insecure David. He can't attend the wedding because he has something else to do, but don't worry, everything will be fine, a friend of him called Juan Olvera will play the marriage registrar.



* In the rape factory Elsa gives Salomón back his money. Slimebag Sr. is surprised but tries to seduce Elsa again, however, she's much braver now that she's not beholden to him and tells him to frak off.



* In the headquarters Mario rewatches the tapes...

* Gaby tells Julieta that she and David will get married tomorrow in of his hotels. She's sad because she can't tell about the wedding to their father.

* ... and yes, Mario finds out the evil plan of Roberto and his precious little son. He shows the tape to Abelardo and orders him to look for that Juan Olvera as soon as possible.



* Roberto visits his friend and they discuss the details of the sham wedding.



* Marcos and Susana talk about their future plans and his long desired identity change.

* Mario visits Gabriela and directly asks her about the wedding. Does her father know about that? No. And does she love David? Yes, she does. And what about Carlos? Carlos? There's nothing between them. She tells him she went to the seaside villa with Moustache to look for her sister. Mario says he believes her and assures her he is very happy that his son has found such a wonderful woman like her. After Mario leaves Gaby relievedly tells Julieta that he's happy for the wedding!



* RobertIago visits David in his Sagitario office to tell him that everything is prepared for the wedding, but David's got cold feet, or maybe his conscience has woken up. Anyway, he tells Carlos he doesn't want to continue, he can't hurt Gaby that much. However, after learning more juicy details about the relationship of Carlos and Gaby he quickly changes his mind. *Viewerville: Someone shot them, please.*



* Abelardo finds Olvera and shouts his head off.

* In the Genovés villa Alejandra tells Mario that Sr. Ocampo may know a man who would buy his hotel, and Mario asks her to arrange a meeting with him.

* In the restaurant Gaby and Juli talk about Mario. She doesn't know him much but she likes him. This is their last night in Sagitario, they came to quit. I mean, really. But Juli has changed her mind, she wants to stay. Gaby looks for Carlos in the camera room but only finds Dolphie and tells the surprised Dracula that she wants to quit. And why? Because she'll get married.

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Monday, November 01, 2010

La Fea Más Bella #69-70 11/1/10 No, no te vayas. (No, don't go.)

Capitulo 69.
Read Julie’s original recap which covers Cap’s 65 to 69 and also her corrections. Then come back here to discuss it.

1. Marcia and Lety believe Fernando hasn’t arrived yet. Marta tells Lety that he must’ve had a really wild night with his amante. Lety burns with jealousy because of whoever he saw after her. Fernando enters his office in a great mood. Lety and Marcia give him them same treatment because they’re suffering the same. But Marcia gives it to Fern in triplicate.

2. Saimon refuses to talk to Paula because of last night.

3. Fernando calls his gardener to confirm that he left his house early, and alone. He gives the stinkeye to Lety for doubting him, but not to Marcia. Saimon confirms that Fernando arrived early. Lety realizes he went home alone after her. Marcia’s face says, “You’re guilty as sin,” and Lety’s face says, “You’re innocent!” Then Fernando demonstrates that Saimon is not speaking under duress. Marcia gets madder yet, and Lety laughs at the payaso.

4. Marcia finds Lety’s poem, the proof she’s wanted. Fernando says Delmira Agustini sounds like a telenovela name. Marcia thinks it sounds like the names of his other honeys.

5. Lety tells Fernando that she put the poem on his desk. She breaks up with him because she caused him problems with Marcia, and she can’t bear to destroy their relationship. Lety says Marcia loves him and doesn’t want to lose him. Alone, Lety says that he deserves someone better. Someone beautiful and high class.

6. Fernando tells Omar that Lety broke up with him, and that he made he cry when he yelled at her about the poem on his desk. Omar tells him to win her back, or she could fall into Tom’s arms. Fernando wants to find some Plan B and forget about the romance. Marcia asks Luigi to find out who Delmira Agustini is.


Capitulo 70.
Read Julie’s original recap which covers Cap’s 70 to 74. Then come back here to discuss it.

1. In Lety’s fantasy, Marcia asks why Lety’s taking her man. Lety says she gave him back because he’s engaged. She says he needs a lot of affection. Marcia promises to treat him well and thanks Lety for her sacrifice. Marcia asks “woken-up” Lety if she’s been crying, and if her novio broke up with her.

2. Lety calls Tom’s cell and the honey answers. Tom meets the honey to recover his phone, and she tries to rope him in. Erasmo finds out that he’ll never get his severance pay. Julieta brings out some old photos to take his mind off it.

3. Angry Lety asks Tom why some woman had his phone. He waffles. She says they’ll talk about it tonight. See the transcript. Omar convinces Fernando that Lety was angry because she was jealous of Tom’s amiga, she’s playing with both men, and Tom has better odds. He says the only way to secure her is to sleep with her.

4. Luigi informs Marcia that Delmira Agustini is a long-dead Uruguayan libertine poet. Marcia concludes that Fern’s amante must be someone in Conceptos with access to his office. Ali speculates that he left with her last night, dropped her somewhere, made an appearance at IS, then went back to spend the rest of the night with her.

5. Lola and Sara wonder how Marta is putting on weight when she doesn’t eat anything. Sara is sure something’s up. Juana predicts to Omar that after the storm, everything will turn out well.

6. Lety finds Fernando drinking his lunch and she really hurts for him.

7. Marcia asks Celso, “Who did Fernando salir with last night?” Celso protests that he doesn’t listen to cuartel gossip and he doesn’t spy on his boss after hours. Marcia explains: not who dated, but who he left Conceptos with. Celso answers, “Oh, that. It was Lety. Does that make you feel better?” Marcia is sure Lety knows who the amante is.

8. Lety is ready to leave for the day. Fernando says “La necesito,” and she doesn’t react at all. He doesn’t want to break up, and he wants to take her home. She refuses. You can tell he’s not accustomed to “No.” Luigi walks in and says, “Did I interrupt something?” Lety takes the chance to escape. Omar advises Fernando to know his enemy.


Spanish Lesson
O: It was a rara conversation, you can’t deny.
F: You’re saying Lety was jealous?
O: Yes, what else can you conclude after recrimination for the matter of Tomas’s amiga? You don’t think they’ll meet tonight to discuss work?
F: You insist that Lety’s playing us both? That she’s deceiving me?
O: I’d never say that, and risk destroying your ego. It’s just, you haven’t solidified the relationship yet. She’s not all that in love with you.
F: Then what should I do to solidify it? I’ve taken her out every night, Mauricio Garcés the Impotent. I’ve lost count of the kisses. (Omar looks worried) What else can I do?
O: Haven’t you figured that out?
F: (Struck with horror.) No, no, no, no. Forget it! I’m not going to sleep with Leticia Padilla Solis. JAMAS! Even if I had the slightest intention, she doesn’t want anything to do with me.
O: She has her doubts. Maybe she’s in love with you, but you’re getting married, your novia is an executive here, and she guards you 24 hours per day. You’re her boss, rich, she’s poor..
F: Poor?
O: Well, she was poor and you were rich. But still there are too many obstacles between you. Whereas Tom is single, he’s rich, nothing in the way. Face it. Lety is considering a future with Tom and forgetting about you. You have to do something.
F: What?
O: First you have to get her back.
F: I took out a fea más fea. I was seen with her. I danced with her. I kissed her. What am I supposed to do, beg on my knees?
O: Fine. Then get used to the new ending. The president delivers his company to his assistant. And leaves her in Tom’s arms.
F: I don’t want to deceive her. I feel terrible for that. Besides, Marcia watches my every move. I’m playing with fire.
O: The story of love is a battle. Look-it. First, there’s your ego which is the company. And tonight, there is a man waiting, for whom Lety has shown jealousy. And she broke up with you. THAT is playing with fire. Think carefully. I’ve put the bug in your ear.

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Sunday, October 31, 2010

Llena de Amor #58 Fri 10/29/10

Hello all - between Halloween with two kids and my wife being sick, this recap is going to be "the things I remember after watching the show". I wasn't able to take the time to sit down and recap as I watched in detail. If I forget anything please add it in the comments. I may list things out of order too but I'll try and get everything in there.

Brandon and the Comisario realize that a few different things relate to each other - Begona selling out Low, then Muneca saying they were in trouble. We have learned before that Begona took back her accusations after Low said he would give the baby his name. A couple flashbacks today remind us of this.

Brandon goes to see Muneca about it, she was busy explaining to Ilitia that she would like Ilitia to watch Little Apple for a couple days. When Brandon talks to Muneca about Low, Ilitia listens and Little Apple calls her a chismosa. Funny.

Later on, Brandon and his mother go to be witnesses at the registration of Christian, Brandon has now found out that Low is the father. When they see each other in the legal office, Brandon says "hey, small world!" I bet he uses this to get Low to stop getting between him and Ilitia.

Fedra is horrible to Mari, Axel defends her and just acts stupid. Some guy (has to be Spiderus) tries to kill Mari in the night, she maces him and of course when Emil searched the house there is no sign of him and security knows nothing. Those security guys should have been fired twice by now. Eman stays in Mari's room to keep an eye on her, there is much talking and flirting and etc etc. Eventually they start kissing, then we get the fantasy sequence previewed Thursday with Eman taking his shirt off. The rest of the fantasy is Mari trying to get her shirt off but she's all fat and gross (body double from behind, a real fat lady) and Eman changes his mind about her. In real time then Mari pushes him off, afraid that this would actually happen. Eventually she tells Eman that she is trying to lose weight for the beauty pageant, he decides to be her trainer. The next morning he wakes her up early and they go work out, of course there is a time when she falls on him and he can't breath.

Kristel sneaks into some room and takes money out of a safe, almost getting busted by Spiderus. Spiderus smells her perfume and gets all creepy and starts talking out loud about how it smells like HIS Fedra. Kristel gives the money to Nereida, who looks hotter each time I see her, to buy her silence.

Low is meeting some dudes in the strip club (before going to the legal office) and Orangey shows up and wants to get in on all this big illegal business stuff. He pressures Low to help get him in.

Netty's lawyer shows up and says that all the evidence that Fedra forged the documents is gone, the finding by the original judge will stand and Fedra will keep everything.

Emil has had enough of Fedra and leaves their bedroom to sleep somewhere else.

Fedra eventually goes to meet Low and take a bath. When Low takes off his robe to get in the water, she looks at him and says "is the water cold?" If anyone didn't get it, that's a shrinkage joke. You all know about shrinkage right? It was covered in depth in an episode of Seinfeld.

Kristel and Orangey are jogging, Kristel suddenly feels paid and thinks it's the baby. Emil just happens to be driving by and stops and of course says "take her to the house". Does anyone decide that a hospital or ambulance would be the right thing, ever?

Monday - apparently Mari has defied medical science and has lost a lot of weight. We see her working out a lot and then everyone's reaction to seeing her later on. Is this the end of the fat suit? Is this the beginning of pretending that someone can get the awesome body this actress actually has from being so fat in just a month? Find out tomorrow.

Edit - totally forgot about Gretel and Oliver. They are hiding out in a hotel, Oliver says they'll run wherever and hide if she'll go with him, she says yes, anything, they hit the sheets. Later or the next day, the cops pound on their door but it turns out to be something unrelated to them, a thief at the hotel or something. Because the cops are forever pounding on your hotel room door, right? Anyway it freaks Gretel out and her resolve to go wherever however with Oliver quickly fades.

Please let me know if I missed anything! Thanks and happy Halloween.

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Saturday, October 30, 2010

Hasta Que el Dinero nos Separe Gran Final II Friday 10/29/10 Our Chickens Come Home to Roost

Thanks to Hombre for agreeing to recap the first half of our two hour finale in such grand style. It's been an honor and a thrill to share Fridays with such a clever multi-talented renaissance man, and to be on a team of recappers made up of such clever individuals, Judy, Melinama, Agent 57, Pata, Vivi, Floresdeazul, and Amy who were willing to gift us with their time, wit, and wisdom to entertain, amuse, and enlighten us each day. Each recapper has a distinctive style and perspective making each day a unique adventure. Thanks guys. And a huge thanks to all of you who drop in to read what we have to say and share your thoughts with us. You make all our efforts worthwhile.

Well, it looks like a lot of the loose ends are pretty well tied up, so lets enjoy this last look at the warm, wacky, wonderful world of Dinero and the characters we've enjoyed so much together over these past months.

What a blowout of a wedding. The reception is no less spectacular. Having been announced by his father, Rafa, decked out in his charro outfit takes the stage and seems rather tentative at first making a few awkward dance moves. He begins to sing Yo no Fui and immediately the audience is in his thrall. Leonor, looking ravishing with her hair up catches the spirit.


Finishing his number he joins Ale and the other newlyweds. He explains that his dad arranged for him to sing and brought his outfit and shows everyone the picture his dad had saved.

The MC asks the guests to stand and applaud as the couples take a turn on the dance floor stage beginning with Rosario and Quintana. They are followed by Julieta and Jaime, Susana and Nelson, Claudia and Urdiales, Milagros and Todoyo (Daniel), Carmela and Trapito, and finally Alejandra and Rafael. Needless to say all the brides are strikingly beautiful in their flowing white gowns. The men are handsome in their light gray tuxes. Rafa is dashingly decked out in his black charro getup and no doubt we'll be hearing another song or two from him very soon. Mientras tanto, he and Ale make a lovely couple as they gaze lovingly into each others eyes pausing to indulge in a chaste kiss drawing applause from the guests.

The master of ceremonies then announces the newly wed couple Ale and Rafa and Rafa emerges wearing his broad sombrero, descends the steps leading on to the runway and to the delight of the crowd joins a waiting Ale and begins to sing... what else?... Amarte Antigua.


Janet and Pancho, caught up in the moment cuddle and coo,


Her Royal Highness beams proudly and Marian, smashing as ever, looks on with adoring wistfulness, yet without a hint of jealousy. As we do, she knows that this is right.


.... Next!

We are treated to more Rafa as he sings the the show's title song, Hasta el Dinero nos Separe. I must say, this certainly makes the recapping easier. I used to pout and whine that I never seemed to get any of the musical numbers to lighten my recap load. Tonight I get them spades. Good thing... tomorrow is our 40th wedding anniversary and the lovely Linda insists that I spend it with her.

Marian is clearly Rafa's second biggest fan. Janet and Pancho sing along and steal a kiss. Ale wipes a tear.

The guests want cake, "¡Pastel! ¡Pastel! ¡Pastel!" The happy couples each take turns cutting into the huge seven tiered cake.


"¡Beso! ¡Beso! ¡Beso!" Rafa leads everyone in a cheer, "A la bim bom ba, los novios, los novios ¡Rah! ¡Rah! ¡Rah!" The General steals a kiss after a little salute to capitalism.

Wow, Rafa is gong to sing another song. This time he does a credible impression of Pedro Fernandez as he sings el Cantante Everyone is having a great time.

And now a special treat is announced. Oh my! A treat indeed! Claudia dressed(?), well, almost, in canary yellow .


Who knew? She sings. She dances. Wow! Excuse me for a few moments. I'm going to have to rewind and watch this again. (To see if I can figure out what song she is performing, of course)

Phew! That was breathtaking.

The brides line up along the runway and each tosses her bouquet into the crowd.

Cute. Amador catches Ale's bouquet.

Gee! The fun just never ends. Now a Surprise Number is announced and I'm not lying (or is that laying, Dr. Judy?), it's Germán, Nelson, Trapito, and Jiménez, dressed iridescent blouses, gold (Germán), blue (Dandy), purple (Jimenéz), and red (Trapito). They are also wearing black bell-bottomed pants. Each sings as the crowd goes wild.


I think Susanita may have had a few drinks. As they take their bow, all but Trapito, tumble from the stage. Great fun.

Next!

More Rafa. Once again cleverly disguised as Pedro Fernandez and wrapped in a black capa. This time he sings el Aventurero. More great fun. Not a lot to recap so I'll just sit back, sip my margarita and enjoy. When he finishes, he's ambushed by Ale who gives him a let's get on with the dang honeymoon kiss. Unfortunately, his lips are sealed.

Tiempo despues:

Ale and Rafa have a contrite, very nervous and rather jumpy Chávez cornered in the conference room of Auto Siglo.


Just how is he going to repay what he he has robbed? "Robbed? No, I borrowed." Ale and Rafa want him to report to the hacienda , "mañana mismo," to begin working off his debt. Ale assures him that she will be keeping a close eye on him. Why am I thinking this is effectively returning him to his own private little briar patch? To bolster my suspicion, he asks that he be allowed to take with him his two most trusted assistants. Ale and Rafa agree and our beloved buzzard beats a hasty exit. "You won't be sorry... Con permiso." Ale, Rafa, and we have grave doubts that this is such a good idea.

Why am I not surprised to see our crafty cunning old coot join up with the same lovely lusty ladies whom we last saw disguised as harem girls escaping the hacienda in the company of Todoyo's rather suspicious looking Arab cousin, Ali Babuchas?


Grabbing each around the waist he exhorts, "Let's go live at the hacienda! We are going to have some unforgettable nights! "

Jiménez is finally engaged in his preferred profession that he was trained for.. He is seated at his drafting table looking natty and confident in his blazer and tie. He is on the phone with his now adoring wife telling her, "Don't worry Gordita, buy the walker for your dad and see if your mom can also useit." Honey drips from her words, "Gracias Gordito, adiós," as she is given thumbs ups from his beaming suegros. As he hangs up he is confronted by a gorgeous babe (his new assistant?) standing in wait. As is his custom, he fervidly fiddles with his tie, stammers his trademark, "¡Oh Dios mio!," and then approaches her and favors her with a fatherly kiss (OK, I may have misinterpreted that.


Did that sex therapist perhaps overachieve with our nervous little gnome?). ¡Oh Dios mio!

Huddled at the central table in the Oasis, our favorite watering hole are Quintana, Chávez, and Quintana's pal, Rendon with the emaciated enebriate hovering over Chávez' shoulder. Rendon is here to confess that he was the brains behind the headless apparition at the hacienda. He is an expert in special effects including holograms. They have a good laugh and it looks as though all is forgiven. As they toast, who should appear in all his spooky splendor? None other than the haunted hacienda's headless horseman in the not-flesh. Guess there are no travel restrictions on this particular phantom. They react appropriately.

Over at Groupo Celeste, M&M (no not the candy, I believe that either of these two would melt in the right hands), Marian and Muskrat (what a pair of legs) are conferring and consoling. Marian concedes that while she may have lost Rafa to Ale and Daniel (no great loss by my reckoning) to Milagros, she still is able to do lots of good, help lots of people... Monserat agrees and is so proud to have such a successful well-adjusted friend (heck, I'm almost buying into this claptrap). Saved by Chepa who has brought in the latest edition of Caras,


hot off the press. Marion is the cover-girl... ummm... better make that cover-person since she has been named Executive of the Year. That's wonderful, but I'll bet she'd trade that for Rafa in a Mexican moment.

Looks like Sandra has finally given Marino that one thing he has so desired but until now has managed to elude him. He enters her hospital room, no flowers, no candy, just a simple demand, "Where's my daughter?"


Turns out that Sandra has a little surprise for him, but he wants nothing of surprises, he just wants to see his daughter. Nopis... no daughter... sons! "¡Qué?" Sipis. "With yours , mine, and now ours, you have fifteen sons." Uh oh, triplet boys. Congratulations, Daddy!

Now this is gratifying. It appears that Chávez plan is not quite going as he had hoped. He's clad in a plaid shirt, blue jeans, coarse straw hat and rubber boots. He's milking a lovely Holstein beauty. His associates are similarly dressed but with much more appealing and revealing tailoring. They busy themselves mucking out the barn.


This is not quite what any of them had pictured. The ladies complain, the place reeks of cattle and is filled with flies, and worst of all, "We're not allowed to use the pool." The ranch foreman shows up and demands that they quit kvetching and get back to work. Chávez objects to the way he is addressed. "Not Chavez! That's Licenciado Vicente Chávez to you!" "You're peón Chávez to me!" The vice foreman brings his associate a cool beverage, calling Chávez and his comely assistants igualados (cheeky inferiors) and demanding more respect for the Patroncito.Heck, this isn't what these girls signed up for. They're outta here. "¡Adiós!" Chávea whines once more that he is el Licenciato Chávez. "And I'm el Licenciado Jesús Ibarbogoiitia!" He furtively asks for a whiskey and is told that he might get some pulque (a crude cheap fermented beverage made from the agave) but if he doesn't do his work he'll only get agua miel (unfermented sap of the agave). In frustration, he pulls his hat down with such force that his head bursts through the crown, "Next thing you know, he'll be wanting me to service the bull!" Yikes! I actually feel a little sorry for Chávez, however, not all that sorry. He always finds a way to game the system.

The more things change, the more they look the same. In the conference room of the Nuevo Auto Siglo, we see an all new crew, yet it all seems eerily familiar. The supervisor of sales, Alejandra Barros, demonstrates a management style very much like that of the old Alejandra. She introduces Licenciado Fernando Bernal (formerly Rumpole of the Bailey and more recently Padre Bosco of MEPS) who sounds a lot like Beltrán.


He wants them to surpass the sales of their competitor Clo Autos run by that fox of sales, Edgar Marino. Edgardo Regino (el Coyote, we once affectionately knew him as Odious Oscar of Gancho) promises to out-Marino Marino, Isidoro Hernández (el Nene) will try to fill Bebe's shoes, The verbose Hernán Linares (el Maestro) in a similar bow tie will assume the role of Ramírez very nicely, "Hellooo!" The pretentious Laura Hernández del Villor steps in as a new Rosaura, authoritative Manuela Olivares (la Sagenta ,... of Gancho ) signs on to fill the General's spot, sultry Lola Sansores (la Seductora) will try to measure up to Claudia, and Roxana Ferrón Gracía (looking very Susanaish) enters to give a message to Ale-lite that she has received letters for the owners... surprise, surprise... Alejandra del Castillo and Rafael Medina. The conversation and bickering is the same that we have heard countless times... very déjå vu.

The meeting ends with Linares requesting a singing of the anthem.


Afterwards, we are introduced to Johnny Alpino (el Catrin) I'll bet he can't roll his eyes like Nelson) and Casimiro Gutiérrez (Tio Meño of Tontas) to twitch and fret. "¡Oh Dios mio!" Cute... Next!

We were wondering what happened to Karen. Well, she's back in town and she and her friend are cruising along in her nifty white convertible. The friend is hungry as Karen remembers that Jeni asked her to pick up some meat. they pull into the only butcher shop in DF. The two enter Don Gastóns shop where we see that business is brisk as we see the entire de la Parra family busily serving the public. Pancho is rendered tongue-tied by Karen and her attractive friend as Karen requests baby back ribs and chorizos. There seems to be a bit of confusion as Felipe shouts for the Aguayón. This must not be a complimentary nickname (I'm not sure, but I think it means dishrag) as Vicki takes offense at her husband being referred to as Aguayón. She takes charge, barking orders and we see that there's another familiar face working there now. The Aguayón seems to almost be hiding his face behind the slab of meat he is toting but we quickly recognize that it is ... Marco! ... and as he sees the customer is Karen he redoubles his effort to disappear behind the meat thrown over his shoulder.


Oops, now Karen recognizes him as well,"¿Marco?" "Hola, Karen." Vicki has shifted her obsessive jealousy to Marco, whom she refers to as her Ratoncito (little mouse). Ah, Vicki ,Vicki, Vicki... don't ever change.Everyone laughs except Vicki and Marco.

Well now the expanded family has arrived at the family home. Jorge , accompanied by Rubi is delighted to be home.


Rosario and Quintana likewise seem to be happy and so are Ale and Rafa who share another chaste kiss (sorry , ladies). Azucena came early and spiffed the place up. Rafa has arraged a surprise. A huge banner welcomes them, "¡Bienvenidos a su Casa, Familia Alvavez del Castillo!" proclaims a huge banner surrounded by streamers and balloons . They stroll into the back garden as a mariachi band strikes up and they are greeted by a large crowd gathered to share in the festive homecoming. He tells Ale how glad he is that fate and the accident has brought them together. She agrees. They kiss. What can I say? They are going to have to enroll in a remedial kissing course.

Oh well, it helps that Ale asks, "Sing to me."

He does... Dime mi Amor

"Dedicada a todos aquellos que creen en el amor antes que en el dinero."

(Dedicated to all those who believe in love before money.)

Carlos

Lagniappe:

For Judy and anyone else who missed the finale. These are links to the Gran Final on Youtube. I hope they haven't been blocked yet. It covers the last half of Thursday's episode and the two hour episode on Friday:

1. 10:00
2. 10:00
3. 10:00
4. 10:00
5. 10:00
6. 10:00
7. 10:00
8. 10:00
9. 1000
10. 10:00
11. 9:21

Carlos

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Dinero Friday October 29th – Gran Final, Part One – Seven Beautiful Brides for Seven Lucky Guys


And now, after 230 episodes, after accidents on the highway, accidents of love, after devious dirty dealings, after losing it all, after fighting back, little by little, step by step, after lies, tears, schemes and many, many little (somewhat chaste) kisses, we’ve finally arrived at the great day. All our questions will be answered. All the loose ends will be tied up. Could the writers really make a Gran Final so satisfying, so delicious, that we’d forgive them for extending this show longer than just about any other? ¡Por supuesto que sí!

Vicky enters, clad in cast and choker, inquiring why Rafael is making fun of her. But you’re making fun of Ale, by imitating (remendando) her, says Rafa, noticing Vicky’s attire. He then realizes that this is no joke, Vicky was really hurt, and she tells how it happened. She and Marco were following Ale and Rafa, and saw them kissing. Furious, Vicky’s inner devil


suggested they do something to hurt the lovers, such as “borrow” Rafa’s precious car. After Rafa tells the drunk attendant to watch out for the car, he (the attendant) passes out. Our little tricksters scurry over to the car, conveniently unlocked, Marco bends down as if to “hotwire” it, and they’re off. Over the cliff they go (this time we see them flailing away as the car flips) and the captions say mucho ruido (lots of noise). Yes, mucho.

Vicky broke her leg and messed up her neck, so she’ll have to use a cane (férula) and a surgical collar (collarín) for a while. And Marco broke three ribs (poor baby). But what about the Pantera? asks Rafa. Vicky, for once contrite, says they’ll try to fix it, or her father will try to replace it. Rafa’s initially mad, and Marco begs like a baby not to go to jail. Rafa hems and haws a bit, but then agrees. He goes into a long speech about destiny, they didn’t plan this, nobody wanted to hurt Vicky and Marco, but you can’t stop love. He tells Vicky she’s noble and loving, although at times, she did hurt people, such as Jaime. But in the end, Rafa and Ale forgive Vicky and Marco, wish them the best, and the two of them leave.

This leaves Vicky and Marco together. Vicky has finally accepted that her Pajarito is no longer hers. Same with Marco, who feels terrible. But Vicky says they can help each other, and their hands touch in mutual support. Vicky manages a sweet smile as she thanks Marco for rescuing her from the accident, and acting like a gentleman. Marco is grateful, and wonders how Vicky’s father reacted. She didn’t tell him all the details yet, but he always helps her. Hmm, by the way, asks Marco, what does your Dad do for a living? Well, he owns various butcher shops, but he only personally waits on people in the largest one. Dollar signs start to form in Marco’s brain. He calls Vicky attractive and nice. Vicky’s thankful, and thinks Marco’s nice, too, although when he got hurt, he did look and act a bit like a little mouse (ratoncito). Well, this little mouse takes the bait, asks her out, and it looks as if they’ll be drying each other’s mouse-ke-tears.

Some time later (tiempo después), Jorge and Rubi are back from Switzerland, and Jorge’s rich! The password was right, and he’s going to be able to recover everything! Ale and Rosario are ecstatic. They fill him in on their two weddings which are being planned, and he assures them that not only will they be able to afford the weddings, he’s going to buy back the hacienda and his house. He and Rubi also exchange words of affection, and now, it’s time to eat! Jorge remembers Azucena’s name perfectly, and orders up some down home Mexican chow. Yumm!

At an outdoor café, Doña Arcadia orders Chato to take the doggies for some recreation, maybe to the swings (colúmpios). Jiménez and Daniel are also at the table. Todo yo Daniel wants to open a construction company (constructora), and wants Jiménez to be his partner and architect. He even wants him to run everything, and just send Dan the earnings. Ramiro is bowled over by this, is super grateful, and promises Danny he’ll do a good job. Daniel just has two conditions: One, lose the tie. Two, do you happen to have the phone number of a gal named Milagros?

Dandy and Susana are locked in an unending kiss, as Ale enters, wearing her highest heels ever, along with a sleek black strapless dress, looking on top of the world. Susana tells Ale she and Nelson are going to get married with a church wedding now, so why not have a double wedding? Ale's hip to this, and when Dandy wonders about the expense, Ale summons the two into her office to explain how that’s no longer a prob.

Cut to a fancy law office, as a now super hot looking Julieta (my, has she changed) enters, asking the receptionist, is licensiado Jaime Rincón available? He is. He looks very dashing in his dark suit and blue tie, as she tells him she broke up with Cesar. He bumps into the desk, fumbles a bit, but she tells him, look dumbo, there’s only ever been one man for me. You. She lays a scorching kiss on him, and I think we may have to up our wedding count.

Vicky’s shiny legs are sitting in a bar, accompanied by the rest of her, and a doting Marco. The cast is gone, as is the collar, and Marco is back to his dapper self. They declare their mutual affection, he’s her ratoncito, she’s his ratoncita,

and they kiss (way better than Rafa and Ale EVER did). Wow!

Time to tie up our other big (although recent) loose end, as Rafa, Sr. shows up at the Medina-Nuñez abode, looking professional in his suit and white shirt, holding his head (and his hair) high (I guess the hair is teased up so far, because of the “tall” order he’s going to have to convince them). He goes into a long speech, asking forgiveness from Rafa and Leonor. He throws in the fact that he’s worked 14 hours a day, and has made lots of money, a whole lot, muchísimo dinero, more than they can imagine. (Did I mention that he’s made a lot of money?) Rafa’s not impressed, does he want to buy their love? No, of course not. He then gives them the stuff about how he always loved them, they were better off without him, Leonor raised them to be successful and happy. Rafa, Sr. tries tears. He tries reason. He sets the all time record for longest forgiveness plea. But Rafa, Jr. won’t forgive. No way. Until Rafa, Sr. turns to leave, and JUST before he gets to the door, little Rafa breaks down, I don’t want you to leave, Dad. Despite everything, I still love you. They hug. Julieta joins the circle. And a few moments later, Leonor accepts Rafa, Sr.’s extended hand, as the four actors hold their teary faces for what seems like an eternity through the sappy music, trying desperately not to break into guffaws (look, I cried for a second, but then it got SILLY), a perfect telenovela moment.

Tubby Trapito has proven to be every inch (or pound) the man crafty Carmela craved. They’re in a fish restaurant, where Carmelita orders everything on the menu for her hefty hunk. All SHE needs is a tall drink, she’s dehydrated (too much exercise, maybe?) She goes over to him, hugs him from behind, kisses him, squeezes his cheeks (not THOSE cheeks), he’s like a great big treat for her, and she’s going to take care of every bit of him. He wonders if he’s just an object of pleasure for her. Her response, if you don’t marry me, I’ll KILL you! He breathlessly agrees, at which point Carmela takes a ring OFF her finger, gives it to Trappy, orders him to put it back ON her finger, and she accepts! She WILL marry him! They’re all over each other (and the table), as the waitress and patrons look on approvingly.

Jorge and Rubi are dining in a restaurant with Leonor and Rafa, Sr. They discuss the double wedding. As father of the bride, Jorge will pay for the wedding. As father of the groom, Rafa, Sr. will handle the reception. And it’s going to be a multiple wedding, with lots of surprises (I can’t wait).

Shopping time, as the novias are buying dresses! Carmela’s making sure her assets are covered, Milagros is looking stunning (I guess Daniel got her number!), Claudia’s admiring herself in the full length mirror (as do I), Susana looks lovely in her strapless gown, Julieta picks out her gown with her Mom, and Ale and Rosario pick out their gowns together. We have seven brides!

And now, it’s the great day of the wedding of Alejandra Álvarez del Castillo and Rafael Medina Núñez….and others! Seven sleek white stretch limousines wind their way past Mexico City’s famous monument, white bouquets adorning their hoods and brides-side doors. Even the news media are covering the event, as they whisk us to the Hacienda La Alejandra, all decked out for the ceremony. Our reporter is Lorena Enríquez (Paula on Gancho, Doris in Llena de Amor), who tells us there’s a problem. The novias haven’t arrived, and the priest is threatening to cancel! The guys have their typical unique reactions to this, from Daniel’s smugness, to Don Gaston’s outrage, to Jiménez pointing out that the guys aren’t even married yet, and their wives are already taking over!

So where are the ladies? A huge protest demonstration (una manifestacíon -I think they’re demonstrating for the rights of fish) is blocking the highway. The brides get out of the limos, and start giving their opinions. Claudia thinks La Generala would like this. Lined up in a row, we have seven “No puede ser”s, as each gal leans her head onto the one next to her. Is our wondrous wedding wrecked?

After the commercial, the ladies have all gotten into one limo to discuss strategy (and provide better close-ups). Ale takes charge, let’s calmly figure out what to do. Claudia extracts her cellphone from her bodice, a present from Humberto, the best money can buy, but there’s no signal! As a matter of fact, they all have cells (modern gals here). But no dice. Carmela would try to convince the demonstrators to leave using her attributes (she glances at her ample bosom), but it might not work. Susana chides them for being negative. Let’s put together our positive energy. Everybody say, OMMMMMMM.

They all chant for a few seconds, but that’s not working. Cellphones again. Doesn’t work. Rosario says have faith, and the praying starts. That doesn’t seem to work either, and we have seven women weeping.

Back at the hacienda, the priest is just about to leave, when a mighty rumble shakes the air. The brides have solved the problem, as the smoke clears, and seven mighty motorcycles, driven by some friendly bikers, give the blushing brides a thunderous entrance. The crowd cheers, and the priest says he’ll do the honors, but it’ll have to be a quick wedding. Ramirez (no bride for him) is entrusted with organizing the brides, who goes with whom. He helps each off her Harley, puts veils in place, and we’re all set.

The hacienda has been transformed. In the great inner terrace, there’s a red carpet, a huge white modern cross, flowers, guest and decorations. But it seems that in his haste, Ramirez made a few booboos. Rafa is with Claudia, Quintana with Milagros, Ale with Daniel, Nelson with Julieta, etc. as the priest begins. We’re gathered here to celebrate the weddings of these beautiful couples. If there’s anyone here who has any objection, speak now or forever hold your peace. To his surprise, EVERYONE starts screaming, waving their hands. They all have the wrong partners! A little keystone cop music later, Ramirez has made the necessary adjustments, and we’re good to go.

The priest talks of love, of family, and reminds them never to let money separate them (Ale and Rafa smile at each other). All rise, and seven gallant guys place silvery rings on the right hands of seven lovely lasses, telling them this is a sign of love and loyalty, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen. The ladies place their rings on the gentlemens’ hands, and pledge the same. The men drop coins (called las arras) into the hands of their wives,


as a beautiful young singer slowly walks the red carpet, singing the Ave Maria with elegance and emotion.


Rafa, Sr. softly tells Leonor that they are back together in God’s eyes, and he’ll never abandon her again. They kiss sweetly. Tears are streaming down many faces, as we see expressions of joy and love on all our beloved characters.

Don Gaston is a bit sad that Vicky couldn’t be there, but knowing her, that would not have been right. We see the couples with white flowered garlands binding them together, Nelson and Susana looking especially fine, she with a headband over her radiantly flowing locks, he sharp and immaculate in his finely pressed suit, blazing white tie and red flower on his lapel.


Ale looks to the heavens, filled with thankfulness, as she and Rafa gently join their hands, and the audience applauds respectfully.

The priest then asks each couple if they accept each other as their lawfully wedded husband or wife, and one by one, they happily say I do (or acepto, I accept). There are so many great pictures here, I’d really need an album, but let’s just say everyone looks handsome, beautiful and happy. The priest declares them married, and they may kiss their brides. Kiss after kiss shows the immense love that everyone in that room feels (as do we at home).


There’s a shower of fireworks behind the great cross, a huge ovation, more kisses, and even more majestic fireworks overhead, as the wedding march plays triumphantly. Seven newly united couples exit arm in arm, as confetti rains down like snow.

Zetina is there to take a picture. Rafa’s not so sure about Zetina’s camera skills, but not to worry. Zetina may not understand modern cameras, but he brought his grandfather’s old style camera, and he has no problem with that (although he does say pajarito, pajarito, or watch the birdie, prompting a chorus of No’s). By this time, the limos have made it through, and everyone piles in, off to the grand reception.

The host announces this is the most luxurious spot in Mexico, called El Splendid. The limos pull up on another red carpet,

the couples make a grand entrance, as each in turn is announced, almost like a Hollywood premiere. We learn Milagros’s last name is Baltierra, and Trapito’s real name is Juan Tobar (who knew?). There’s cheering, more confetti, more kissing, and the party’s about to begin.

Rafa, Sr. takes his son aside, gives him a picture of Rafa, aged seven, dressed up in a singing costume, a broad smile on his gap-toothed face.

Rafa, Sr. kept this picture all these years, knew how much Rafa liked singing, and he has a surprise for him. What could it be?

Before we find out, Alejandra is introduced as the driving force behind having seven weddings combined, and in front of a projection of blue sky and fluffy white clouds, she takes the mike, curls piled glamorously on her head, long white train extending behind her incredible white gown, and tells the audience that you might think dreams come true only in telenovelas, but if you want it enough, they can also come true in your life.

She’s grateful her father is here to share her joy. Weddings are about happiness, about joy, but also about friendship, and that’s why she invited all the couples to get married in one grand celebration of friendship and love. She talks of faith. She thanks her father, her new father in law, and a wonderful woman, Doña Leonor, who raised a wonderful son, her Rafita. She thanks her mother, looking down from heaven, and she thanks God. And of course Rafita, Rafita, I love you! The crowd cheers, A la bimbombo, a la bimbomba, Alejandra, Alejandra, ra, ra, rah!

Rafa, Sr. and Jorge give short, heartfelt speeches, and then Rafa, Sr. announces tonight’s special surprise. Ladies and Gentlemen, for your enjoyment, here is Rafael Medina Núñez!

And on that note, I bid farewell to all of you, my great friends, who have shared this wonderful, touching and humorous show, and pass the baton to Carlos, who’s going to bring us the climactic conclusion to Hasta Que El Dinero Nos Separe.

Vocabulario:

Remendando – imitating or aping
Férula – a cane or rod, another word for a cane is a bastón
Collarín – surgical collar
Colúmpios – swings, such as in a park or playground
Constructora – a construction company
Una Manifestación – a demonstration
Acepto – I accept, the way of saying I do in Mexico

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