Caray, Caray!

Viewerville was "treated" to two hours of TdA on Friday...a fact little of us knew. Thanks, Univisión.

I will begin with:

Part the First (In Which  The Program Begins Almost 10 Minutes Late and Very Little Happens)
Miami: Glamour and Beaches.
Vic is talking to LindaHO, who is telling Vic that Sr. Sandoval has much to do and can't be bothered. Vic calls Gui, at Televisa who promptly throws under the bus. He says he has know idea where he is or why a woman would be answering his phone. Pedro of the bad wig and steel balls grabs the phone from Gui and begins damage control. He sent Osvaldo and a small crew to film some scenes at the beach. They will be gone all week-end. And the girl? Well, she could have been part of the crew...a make-up girl or something (could Pedro have been the one he called and asked him to cover for him?) Don't worry, everything is fine. There is some dialogue I didn't catch, but Pedro says he can't figure out why Gui sometimes does things that "damage" (perjudicar) Osvaldo. Gui takes offense. "You know he's my best friend." Gui says. "Well," Pedro responds "sometimes it doesn't seem that way."

Back to Miami: Beaches and a nauseous Ji/Xi-mena
María is in her room, Max is in his. He calls María's room. She can't get over how great her room is. She's never seen such luxury (lujo.) It's so cool! (padrísimo.) They plan to meet downstairs in half an hour. They declare their love and hang up.

Cut to Ji/Xi-mena throwing up again. (Ew! sound effects! We get it, ok?) As she washes up she says she needs to get Max to marry her ASAP (cuánto antes.)

Toni and Vic are talkng. Toni tells her she has enough things to worry about here and doesn't need to worry about something else. (Hmmm, the subject must be LindaHO.) Pedro is a serious guy, Toni advises. He would lie about why Osvaldo is at the beach. What really bothered Vic was the way that the woman answered the phone. She was very confident ...with "muchos derechos." (literally "many rights"...the implication is that this girl had dibs on Osvaldo...like he was hers.) Toni, (who probably totally knows what Os is up to) reminds Vic that when they are in the middle of putting on a desfile, they don't even have time to eat. Surely it's the same when you're working on a telenovela? It must be terrible. She even throws in a "poor Osvaldo!" (yeeaahhh, "poor" Osvaldo.)

Osvaldo and LindHo's butt on the beach. Running, Jet-ski, sharing drinks, slobbery kisses. I would FF>> if I were you...save your eyes from the horrors of the Butt Crack.

In Miami, Vic is apologizing to Fer for not saying goodbye. She left so early and didn't want to wake Fer up. Fer promises to behave herself, just like if Vic was there (yeeaahhh, right.) Vic thanks her and says she'll trust her (Uh, Vic: Rule of parenting #1 Never fully trust your kid, no matter how good they are.) Vic asks if Fer knows anything about her dad. Fer tells her mother that Micaela (the maid I misjudged) said he left Mexico City. Vic says she'll talk to him later. Fer and Vic say good-bye and Fer rejoices in having the whole week-end to herself alone and can do whatever she wants. Micaela looks on and reminds Fer what she just promised her mother. Fer says that no one can prohibit her from doing whatever she feels like (ni tú ni nadie me va a prohibir que haga lo que me de la gana.) Fer asks where her dad is. Micaela tells her at the beach...and adds that her dad is a very good actor. Fer says what's that supposed to mean. Micaela just says that he always convinces everyone...that is (o sea) his public. (This is one of those instances that is makes complete sense in Spanish, but we lose a little in translation.) Fer throws Micaela out and tosses a few pillows at her for good measure. She sits down to enjoy her seriously  crunchy toast.

On to Veracruz and the clarinet (or maybe and oboe?) skankyho theme (I'll have to look at the credits to make sure they call it "skankyho." They probably aren't, but should.) More slobbery kisses. Rolling around in bed. FF>>

First commercial break.

As we return from commercial JuanHuh? is sitting in the living room watching TV. LindaHo's note is slipped under the door. He gets up and opens the door and there is Nati (wearing a bow tie? QTH?) He wonders what she's doing? What's up with the envelope? She explains that Linda asked her to deliver it. Linda is having to work in Veracruz to do the make-up for a Quinceañera. JuanHuh? wants to know why Linda didn't just tell him herself. Nati thinks quick and tells him that it was really late when Linda was contacted about the job and then she left really early. Nati leaves. JuanHuh? reads the letter (and looks a little miffed.) LindaHO's voice over explains that she had to abandon him to go work and make some money. She's sure she will be very bored working, but anyway (ni modo) necessity comes first.

Meanwhile, LindaHO and Os are basking in the afterglow of gross sex. LindaHo suggests a joint shower, delicious meal and shopping. The shower scene is next. Save yourselves! FF>>

Oh, the Parrish Crew. We haven't seen them in a while. They earned a lot of money today! They cheer they thank Lorena. (I guess she is their carpentry muse.) She says the thanks is for them because they accepted her and let her work there. Chipmunk guy (what is his name?) apologizes for being a twit (I didn't actually catch the word) and a kid says yeah, and a despeinado (unkempt...an obvious reference to his balding pate), too. The crowd makes friendly fun of his hair and JP looks on lovingly at his flock.

Fer is in her bedroom watching a flat screen TV (spoiled brat.) Micaela comes in and Fer is rude. Micaela tells her if you were my kid I'd set you straight. Fer gets snippy and says well I'm not your kid so get out. Micaela tells her she has visitors. It's your novio and his dad.  RTSB has an overnight bag...guess he'll be staying a while. Fer runs and jumps in his arms. Puke. Oh ick, she turns around and calls Padilla her suegro (father-in-law) and hugs him. Seriously, I want to slap this little spoiled twit of a girl.

At the church Lorena is sanding. Enter JP. Lorena thanks him for helping her to find her way again. JP says he thinks God put Lorena in his path to help illumine one of the darkest times of his life. Lorena doesn't understand. JP just says "that no one has the right to humiliate you" (humillarte) and a few other platitudes. Lorena says if all priests were like him, the world would be a lot better. JP blesses her.

Fer and familia scuzbucket are poolside. Cruz trims the hedges in the background. Micaela asks if anyone needs anything. Papa orders a whisky, the two crazy kids ask for a beer. Micaela tries to tell them that they can't have alcohol, but papa and kids act like twits and send her on her way. Cruz just shakes his head.

In Miami María is looking for Max in the lobby. Joaquín turns on the charm and presents her with a rose. I believe he asks her to dinner. Max swoops in and tells Joaquín that he and María Desamparada (chug *hic*) have other plans. Ji/Xi-mena has also conveniently arrived and says a bunch of stuff I don't catch...I'm sure it's catty. Vic comes in and asks Max and Maria where there going. Max kind of stumbles. Vic tells him they aren't going anywhere. She needs to see Maria and Ji/Xi in five minutes to rehearse.

Second commercial break (and still, nothing has really happened.)

Models modeling. Pip coaching. Vic and Toni taking notes. Joaquín mackin' on María. Max giving the stink-eye to Joaquín.

Max asks Vic about Os. She says he still hasn't answered his cell.

Os and LindaHO continue to shop. They kiss behind a hat. (Now they want to be modest?)

More desfile rehearsal (which I find so comical. Does one *really* need to  rehearse a catwalk...walk?) Joaquín stands and shouts "Bravo!" He thinks the desfile is going to be a big success. He would like to invite everyone to dinner, but he's pretty sure (dramatic pause) Max has other plans. "Yes" says Max "I have other plans...(dramatic pause) Joaquín." (ooo, I lerves me a good pissin' contest.) Vic tells Max his plans can wait and accepts Joaquín's invite.

Wow, another commercial break (and still we wait for something...anything...to happen.)

So we are back to Fer and RTSB at the pool. Papa is asleep and Fer and RTSB are a bit tipsy. Cruz looks on with disgust. Micaela is calling señor Fabian and she's urging him to come to the house to help with Fer (?) Papa Padilla wakes up and tells Cruz to go get him another whisky. Cruz says he's just the gardener. RTSB gets up and tries to start a fight with Cruz. Cruz dispatches him to the pool in quick order. Fer fusses at him. I have to say, Pablo Montero makes some very good "Clark Gable as Rhett Butler" facial expressions. I love it! Papa Padilla shows up with a gun and Fer actually laughs! (Twit.)

Ugh. More Os and LindaHO in Veracruz. Puke FF>>

Back at Casa Scandoval, Papa Padilla wants Cruz to get on his knees and apologize to RTSB. Cruz, of course, refuses to do so. Fabian (who is really guapo in my opinion) and the cops arrive. The police drag Papa away. Fab asks if Cruz and Fer are ok. She tells him to leave and snaps at him (literally snaps...like I do when my students are interrupting. Really it's quite rude now that I see Fer doing it...) Fabian lets Fer know that he's going to defend the house in her mother's absence (again, sounds melodramatic in English, but it totally works in Spanish.) Fer starts going off on Cruz and says everything is all his fault and says he's going to pay. Cruz seems unperturbed.

In Miami, the land of salsa, merengue and neon Ji/Xi-mena is trying to get into an ugly outfit and thoughtbubbling. Already it's too tight for her (further proof that the thing she's carrying is no human baby) and soon she won't be able to hide her pregnancy.There's only one way out and she's going to have to do it before they get back to Mexico. The only thing left for we the viewers to wonder is will it be drugs or alcohol that Max will be subjected to.

Max has arrived at María's room and he's channeling the fashion sense of Don Johnson and the 80's. He's determined to continue with their plans. María looks a little worried and says Vic is waiting for them. Max manages to convince her to come with him. He won't even let her get her purse.

In México D.F. Fer and RTSB are slinging back a few beers in the car (this doesn't look good.) Fer asks about Papa. RTSB hasn't forgotten having to sit in jail (remember that? After he and Fer trashed the CD store?) RTSB says dad can stay in jail and learn a lesson. Fer says why don't we try out this new car of yours. Oh this is not good.

Papa Padilla is in the jail cell....oh what a co-inky-dink, it's the same cell as Sr. Alacrán. Is this the beginning of a bee-yu-tee-ful friendship?

M&M on the beach. "Oh god I love you so much!" Max says (in English!) Maria says don't talk to me like that, talk to me in Spanish. Max asks if she's happy. Maria thinks "feliz" is not enough to describe how she feels. Thanks to the waves I miss some dialogue Max says some thing about this man....cargar...I promise you (whatever it was he promised, he'll probably be breaking it very soon.) More "te amo's" and even another "I love you so much" ensue. Max picks up María, slings her around yells "Te amo!" and we see a heart shaped depression in the sand covered with rose petals (of course.) There's plenty of candlelight. María loves it. Let the lovin' (and FF>>) commence.

RTSB is speeding down the highway. Fer is hangin' out the window. We *all* know where this is headed, so you might as well FF until they run into the ditch.

And I'm thinking that at this point the kayak would have been cued.

Here endeth part the first.

Part the Second (I can name that tune in 3 notes.)

Ok, Hubby is hoggin' the TV and I can't get to the recorded second hour. Here are the most salient points from memory (Well, there is some filler. There are really only 2 salient points.) Please note these aren't necessarily in order of the actual show:

• Fer and RTSB are not killed in the accident. Oscar is doing damage control.
• At home Oscar tells Fer she has everything a girl could want, why does she act like an idiot. Fer cries that her mother doesn't spend enough time with her.
• Vic et al wait for M&M to come to dinner. Vic and Ji/Xi-mena are actually wearing pretty nice clothes and somewhat matching colors. Fuchsia is a very flattering color on Vic.
• Ji/Xi steals a brown wig and destroys a dress Maria is supposed to wear in the show.
• Max wins his boat race. He and Maria are all smoochy and Ji/Xi-mena is catty. And Vic seems fine with it.
• When destroyed dress is discovered there is brief panic, but Maria is able to fix it.
• Maria is a hit on the catwalk
• Joaquin presents Pipino with the Golden Thread Award (Hilo de Oro) 
• Joaquin steals two kisses from Maria on the catwalk (really, they were innocent pecks on the cheek.)
• Later that evening Max is pouting, being jealous and gettin' drunk. When Maria comes to meet him, he gives her a hard time about Joaquin. Ji/Xi-mena has witnessed the whole scene.
• Later that night, Max stumbles into his room. Ji/Xi-sneaks in after him (wearing the brown wig she stole earlier.) To make double sure the deed is done, Ji/Xi-mena blindfolds him with his tie. We are reminded of STuD. This is salient point #1
• Now my memory is fuzzy. Maria Magdalena is still locked up at Burnie's. Eva and she have a conversation in which Maria Magdalena reveals some information that makes it clear that she is NOT the child of JP. This info is relayed to Burnie. Who immediately calls a lab and asks about a DNA (ADN) test. This salient point #2.
• Burnie collects hair from Maria Magdalena's brush and her own brush. She entrusts Fausto with carrying the samples to the lab.

Labels: triunfo

"¡Mienten, mienten, entiéndame, le juro que mienten (they're lying, lying, understand me, I swear, they are lying) !"

And thus we begin tonight's hour in DF with Bernardo lying to his old Capitán José Maria Sevilla about what he has been told of the mischief that the captain's trusted first mate and ex-bunkmate have been up to while he has been a guest of the state for the past twenty-some-odd years.

Meintras tanto, in Marianela's old room, Emanuel is dismayed to find Victoria reading and commenting on those letters he sent to his Gordita that went unopened and unread for all this time. She kicks his butt out, but, "I want my letters!... ¡Ábreme, open the door!"
Vicky confers with Mari, "You have to open the door, Marianela."
"¡Ábreme!"
"Ay, Dios mio, I can't."
"I want my letters!"
"As soon as I look at those eyes , I won't be able to hold on (aguantar), I'm going to tell him everything. And if I tell him the truth, if I tell Emanuel that I'm Marianela , that never, for not even a single day have I stopped loving him..." She reaches for the door handle.

But we know that none of that is going to happen, don't we? So let's watch as a panicked Ollie,fashionably clad in boxers, flip flops, and a hot pink dressing gown with a feathered collar, chases and temporarily captures a livid Gretel as she flees the ad agency, "Let me explain!"
"What? That Kristel set a trap and you tumbled into it?"
"Sí, that's it exactly."
Gretel is in no mood to forgive. This is his second offense. Remember Lorena? She struggles, "¡AUXLLO! HELP! HE WANTS TO RAPE ME!"
Security runs up as he releases her. She runs away. Color me disappointed... here I was thinking that the truth just might work.

True to his word, General Maximo is guarding the front door. He sits staunchly erect with a pistol in his lap. Delicia scurries up from behind and offers to fetch him coffee. He warns her not to distract him, he must remain alert. I guess even after all these years he is unaware of the salubrious pharmacologic effects of caffeine. Paula joins them and orders Dee to help Nereida with the groceries. She, meanwhile, has lost Benigno. She met a nice young man who even wanted to have his photo taken with her (Dandy!), and when she looked around... no Benigno. The general points his gun as a figure approaches the door.

"¡La perdí, General, I lost her..." It's Benigno. He spots Paula and doesn't miss a beat, "...la encontré, I found her! I found Paulita."

He hugs Paula, but the general interrupts their reunion telling them to sort this out later. He needs Benigno here to help him stand guard, "Go get your shotgun..."

Benigno salutes, the general retakes his seat, Paula and Delicia stand stiffly at attention and dutifully salute as well. The general orates, "The urraca del demonio (the magpie from Hell) bought her freedom and it's up to us to prevent that magpie from setting foot in this house."... Next!

Bernardo is still trying to convince his captain that things are not quite as bad as he has heard. José Maria reminds him that they operated under a strict code of ethics, robbing from the rich, giving to the poor, a little freelance redistribution of wealth. They confronted criminals but never stooped to their level. Bernardo tries to convince him that he did the best he could to watch over the captain's beloved Juana Felipe. "These are different times..."
The captain points out that there is no expiration date (caducidad) on morals and ethics. "How did you fall so low?"

Brandon has found a suitable generic bodyguard to accompany Ilitia in Acapulco but she wants the name brand, namely, Brandon. He points out that he is an important police inspector who has serious work to do.
"What are you trying to say? That it's not serious work protecting the life and integrity of a top international model like me?"
Brandon realizes that her family is going through a tough time what with her dad wanting a divorce and all. She tells him that is because of the goings-on between him and Muñeca. He demands that she respect her mother, the only one guilty is that rabo verde (dirty-old-man) daddy of hers who has taken up with a girl the same age as Ilitia. And we all know who that is, though strangely, Ilitia does not... yet. She calls him a liar (mentiroso). Then in an un-Ilitia-like manner, she yields handing him officer Godines' expenses and papers for the trip (viaticos) and telling him that he'll get his salary when it's over. She leaves him wondering, "Who's going to kiss you Ilitia... you're always able to buy what you want. When will you learn that happiness has no price?"

Dang, I forgot all about Vicky. She's still trying to decide whether to let Manny back in and reveal the truth. She is still talking to Marianela. She decides that with the ratings as good as they are, it would be a shame for the show to end this easily and this soon, and besides maybe with Fedra getting out of jail it would be best all around... well, I know there are some of you eager to know what she actually said so:
"Ay Dios mio (honey, I think Dios lost interest several episodes back) how could it even occur to me to tell the truth? I can't do that yet, much less if Fedra leaves jail. If they set her free and she returns, I have to keep up the ruse."
Manny's impatient and announces if she doesn't let him in he will kick down the door. She fast forwards her mumbling vowing that she has a promise to keep and must continue on as Victoria de la Garza.

Tired of waiting, he kicks open the door. He wants the letters. She has hidden them where he'll never find them. Oh, really? In that little room? Bet we could find them. She tells him that she wants Marianela to read them. And now she feels badly, "After reading those letters from Emanuel, I feel that you and I never should have made love." Well boo frickin' hoo. She tells him she thought that he didn't care for Mari but after reading his letters she sees that his love for her was real. He says I told you so. She says that Mari hated him so much, She should never have meddled in their love. Poor Manny, he says,"Love, what love? I was the only idiot in love in that relationship. It's not your fault, no es tu culpa."
"Claro que sí, of course it is, I should have believed you before..."
And there you have it ladies... and any gentlemen who might still be hanging around... there will be no pigs flying tonight.

Let's move on to something more interesting... Bernardo is trying to convince José Marie that he and Juana Felipe just did what they had to do to survive what with José´Marie being dead and all. This sends the captain on a trip through his memory banks,

"It all began as we unloaded (descargar) the whisky onto the yacht of Aristóteles Curiel"

Flashback!

Yacht. Young Bernardo.
Young José Marie.
Older other guy.
Boxes of whisky.
Money. Not enough money.

Cap'n Joe isn't happy. "This is the best and most expensive (caro) whisky in the world and this is not even a third of what we agreed on. Is this a joke (burla) or what?" Gun.
Juana Felipe." What's going on?"
Old guy likes. "Is this beauty (belleza) included in the deal (paquete)?"
Oops... ummm... Nopis.

Cristian is enjoying a day in the park with his proud papá. They are awaiting a preview of a potential new mamá. This must be one confused kid by now, but he seems to go with the flow. It's Kristel! Actually this all goes pretty well. She smiles and takes him in her arms.

He's happy to be there. He is, after all, Lorenzo-lite. If I didn't know Lorenzo and didn't know Kristel, this would work for me. However... next!

Max sits guard. A standing Benigno naps. The general orders him to inspect his weapon. Uh oh. Forgot the cartridges . They're in the shed. "Hurry!"

In the shed a Lirio de Plata (or should I say THE Lirio de Plata? It's Manny this time) is gearing up. He's mumbling to himself about how now he's hopelessly (perdidimente) in love with Vicky. "To work (chambear)."

As he is uncovering the Batcycle he is joined by a startled Benigno who implores, "Don't kill me."

El Capitán laments, "It was her fault, Bernardo, if Juana Felipe had not boarded the Curiel's yacht that day everything would have been different."
Let's take a moment for a grammar lesson. José Maria has just used an if clause utilizing the past perfect subjunctive and conditional perfect tenses:
"Si esa día Juana Felipa no hubiera abordado el yate de los Curiel, todo habría sido distinto."
See, that didn't hurt a bit, did it?
"The Greek didn't want to pay, but to top it off, he wanted my woman."
Bernardo remembers that they had to leave empty-handed. That's why later he went to the Greeks cabin and found his woman there. "Sleeping. Durmiendo."

Flashback!

Pretty woman sleeps.
Bernardo creeps.
Lots of cash in a cabinet.
Now lots of cash in bag.
Bernardo slips up.
Pretty woman wakes up.
¿Y Ud? ¿ Qué hace aquí? ¡Yeek!"
"¡Callate! Shutup!"
¡Crac! Neck breaks. Pretty woman dead.
"Drat! Hate when that happens." (He didn't actually say it, but I'm sure he thought it.)

I think that was the first and last we'll see of the real Fedra Curiel.

Now Benigno is on his knees pleading. ELdP pulls him to his feet... Benigno is grateful... wait it's the old make 'im think you're grateful trick... he spins eLdP around and grasps him around the waist and... eLdP escapes the death grip. Benigno resorts to some nifty... if clumsy... ninja stick work... It works! ELdP has had enough. He removes the mask. "Emanuel! " He briefly berates him, prompting Manny to wonder if his old friend is going to denounce (delatar) him. How could he possibly denounce him? He yields to the pride he feels for his pupil who is doing so much good for the community. Huggies!

"You killed that woman and I paid for it with almost thirty years in prison for her death and I am innocent!"
Bernardo tries to soften that revelation by avowing that it was an accident. Oh, well, if that's the case... Unfortunately for Bernardo, JM is not in an understanding frame of mind. Fortunately for Bernardo, they are separated by steel bars. More for our benefit than Bernardo's (who after all was present that night) Cap'n Sevilla completes the sorry tale of that fateful day:

Flashback!

That night the Greek, Aristóteles Curiel, his heart filled with grief and a thirst for vengeance, boards the Lirio de Plata, splashes around a combustible, and strikes a match. Capitán José Maria shouts for Bernardo and Juana Felipe to jump ship. He wrestles the Greek to the deck even as it's consumed in flames then


¡BOOM!

So does Fedra return to la Casa de RydT? Not right away. First she needs to consult with her vidente (soothsayer), Angela, who apparently accepts walkins. Being clairvoyant, she no doubt was expecting her.
Fedra gets right to the point, "How did you know that the man with the scar was going to return from the dead? Everything that you told me is happening (sucediendo). Todo, everything, todo."
Well, duh! Didn't you read the sign on the door? Haven't you heard of truth in advertising? There are strict laws regulating this business in Mexico.
"Reina y guerrera (Queen and warrior)," Angela consults the cards.
"¿Eh? Maybe you didn't hear me. I want to know what is going to happen to me. Por favorcito."
"Sit down. Your destiny is inexorable and it will be impossible to escape what awaits you."
"¿Cómo? No, no, no one is going to destroy (destruir) me. Surely not. Tell me that no one will strip (quitar) me of all I've gotten, por favor. I've worked very hard, you have no idea what I've had to suffer for."
"Prepárese, be prepared because the war is coming Fedra Curie... a war to the death."

Yikes!

Bernardo tells his captain that he followed orders. He saved JF and constructed (construir) a life for her as Fedra Curiel. JM asks if it was to sell her to the highest bidder, Emiliano Ruiz y de Teresa.
"¡No, no, no la vendí, I didn't sell her!"

Bernardo tells him that Emi fell hopelessly in love, the captain was dead, and for them, hope and honor died as well, so the only ethic remaining was survival so they did what they had to do to survive. JM thinks they sure were quick to forget him. Bernardo tells him they kept his memory alive... why heck... there's even a guy carrying on el Capitán's good works who is called... el Lirio de Plata.

Angela continues, "Between you and the man from your past there is, there is a, a blood tie (lazo de sangre) that is unbreakable (indisoluble)."
"A son," Fedra replies after taking a moment to goose the little hamster. "Why can't you speak plainly (sencillamente) to people? Yes, my son is the only thing that remains from what we had,"
"That son does not agree with what you do." Angela holds up a card as proof, "He holds in his hands the sword of justice. Él, he will be your most implacable judge and will ultimately convict you."
Fedra is subdued, "¿Cómo, how can you believe (creer) that? He's my son, how can he.... He has to understand that all that I've done has been for him. I did it so he would not be condemned to grow up (crecer) in the misery that I grew up in... truthfully, because it's what parents do who want the best for their ..."
Angela (dang she's good!) interrupts and continues, "Veo, I see. ah, I see a crossroad (encrucijada) where the roads join, between that of the recent arrival and that of your son."
"Oiga (listen), and the crossroad is it for good or for...?"
"It's not clear and you contribute a lot to what will be so. Change your evil ways. There is still time to repent, change your life, to repair all the damage that you've done, (maybe pigs can fly after all) because if not, this man back from the dead will be dead once more."
Fedra sniffs, "¿Qué bueno, no.?"
Angela adds, "But this time, taking you with him."
"¿Ah?" The card Fedra is holding has caught flame from the candle.
That is your destiny. The fire will consume you turning you to ashes (cenizas).

Well, she certainly got her money's worth from that session.
That'll be thirty bucks... tips accepted.

The general is on guard as Netty enters, almost wetting her pants as he confronts he with his pistol.

He apologizes, he didn't mean to frighten her. He's guarding the door to prevent a certain reptile from entering. Netty has come to inform everyone that said reptile has been released. Marianela is glad to see her, "Ay Tia, thanks for coming." Netty tries to cover for Vicky calling her tia, but it's really OK, the only person left who doesn't know the truth is Emanuel.

Max informs them that Fedra must choose between leaving the house forever and... death. Marianela is not sure that she can keep up the fight but Netty gives her a pep talk.

Next to almost wet her pants is Gretel. Actually, I think she does. She begs forgiveness. Mari asks what for? Gretel explains that she burned the proof against Fedra, "Perdóneme."

She explains that she knows the truth, that Tio Max and Criada Paula are her parents and that she burned the papers to save them. Oh, well that's alright then. We have a tearful reunion. "Abrázeme," she gently demands, "Papá, give me a hug."
He never thought he'd get the chance to call her hija or hear her address him as papá.
She tells him that she need his help in finding an recovering Paula, her mamá who is in danger.
Nopis! "No hija, Paula is here in the house... ¡Paula, Paula!"
And heeeere's Paula.
More tearful reunion. Awwww... next!

Daddee's home! Lorenzo strolls in dragging his luggage behind him. His lawyer thought it be best that he stay there in the house with Muñeca until the divorce is final. Muñeca does not concur and orders him to take his sorry butt... and his luggage and get the Hell out. He has a better idea. If she doesn't wish to be there with him, why doesn't she just pack up her goats (chivas) and get out herself?
"¿Mi niño, where is Cristian?"
"Ah, Cristian, he is in a safe place, well attended, and know what? you'll never be able to find him."

He thinks that it'll be best if they get too fond of each other since once it's over, she'll never see Cristian again. She protests, but he reminds her that she has been the one who has been unfair. We all know that the world revolves around Lorenzo and his happiness is of utmost concern.

Ilitia has overheard his assertions of entitlement. How wonderful it is that her parents are divorcing to be with their lovers. She already knows whom Muñeca has chosen and now wants to know the identity of his amante. "Go ahead, tell her," Muñeca urges.

Paula doesn't understand. Gretel explains. She was shown photos proving that Paula is in danger. The truth finally stumbles into Marianela's weakened brain (drat those tainted chocolates), "So that's why you burned those papers! Gretel, that was a big mistake. You should have checked with me first. We could have come up with a solution." You know?... I have my doubts. Netty defends Gretel,"She was terrified. We all know the reach (alcances) od Fedra's evil." Thank you, Netty. Max sums it up nicely,

"Maldita seas, Fedra Curiel for manipulating my daughter like this."

"I only wanted to save Paula. I wanted to save my mamá." Gretel burbles through snot bubbles.
Paula is quick, "¿Tu mamå?" Awwww. Tearful conversation...huggies!...Next!

Suddenly it's all about Ilitia. She's on the verge of losing her husband and her thoughtless parents are divorcing so they can be with there respective lovers. Lorenzo quickly reminds her that no... it's really all about him. He deserves happiness with the woman he loves. This reminds Ilitia, "Just who might that be?" Once more Muñeca encourages him to tell her then offers to do it herself. Stunned by the prospect, Lo ups the ante by threatening to go all in, "I can bring forth your real mother, so that you and all the world and the press can find out (enterar) who I'm talking about. And believe you me, hija, you will not like for a moment finding out."
Muñeca calls that sick, but I think I speak for all of us here at Caray Caray looking on...Bring it on! He goes on to tell Muñeca that he will do it in such a way that she will be sorry for the rest of her life.
"If you bring this woman to destroy my daughter, I swear, I'll kill you!"
"Uy look, I'm trembling (temblando) in fear."
She pushes him. He resists as they are joined by a dark, powerful presence,
"Get out of here immediately if you don't want me to throw you out of this house myself."

It's... say it with me... el Lirio de Plata!

Nereida pouts. Delicia tells her that Bernardo is not worth the tears. He's just using her and she is nuts to be in love with him.
Nereida snaps back, "El comal le dijo a olla (the kettle tells the pot). Do you really think young Axel will marry you?"

Dee's smile says that she does but Nereida warns that once he gets her into his bed, he'll lose interest and dump her. Just in time Axel arrives with a big white box. It's Dee's wedding gown. He spent all his savings and spent two days shopping. She's thrilled.

ELdP scolds Lorenzo as Ilitia digs out her cell phone and makes a call. Gee... whom could she be calling? Lo decides that eLdP must be his wife's amante. Lo throws a punch which misses, eLdP spins him around and marches him out as Lo shouts, "Wait, no. no!" Ilitia looks up from her phone and mutters "Let's see who throws out whom, Batman Región Cuatro."

AS Netty and Marinela look on the protracted mother/daughter love fest between Paula and Gretel, Mari whimpers about not being able to hug her parents. Netty reminds her that she still has her tias and gives her a big hug. Mari then whines about how she has bolluxed things up between her and Eman making one mistake after another.

Netty suggests the truth.

Mari complains that it's too late, he's in love with Victoria and when he finds out they are the same person, he will hate her for deceiving him.

Netty suggests the truth,

"After all that Emauel has done..."

¿"Y qué, what has Emanuel done? Dime (tell me), Tia?"
As Netty sputters, Max is alert. He raises the pistol. Emiliano blunders in. I doubt that he's aware enough of what's going on to even think of wetting himself. He announces that Fedra is free.

He spots Gretel. He wonders why Paula is crying. He wants his gretelhug. Everyone looks awkward.

Delicia is still thrilled with the dress. Axel is glad. They kiss.

French horns sound their love in the background. We're all happy until Nereida snatches the garment.

Things are winding down for the evening. Gretel rushes into the arms of he ex-daddy who beams cluelessly. Max glowers.
Gretel announces that she's home to stay (say what? What about Manolo? We loved that little fellow.) Victoria boasts that she promised Marianela that she would save and unite the family, and by golly, little by little, She's doing just that. This happy scene is disrupted by Nereida who plows into Emi, dress in hand. He tells her that Dee is Axel's novia and that she is obligated to serve her. Ouch! Axel orders her to return the dress to Dee.
Now it's Delicia's turn to gloat even as as Nereida growls, "Just wait'll Fedra gets home."

ELdP returns shaking his hand. "Don't worry señora Muñeca, el señor Porta López is gone and I don't think he'll find it worthwhile to disrespect you anymore or to bother you."
Ilitia grouses and scolds.

Even as Muñeca thanks him we see a smug look cross Ilitia's as she seems to recognize someone just outside and we hear a familiar voice,


"¡Lirio de Plata, we're the police! You're surrounded!"

Carlos

Labels: llena

…And Everyone Wants to Jump Ship
Escaped prisoner Carlos has made his way to a beach restaurant on his ATV. It’s closed, but he manages to bribe the clean-up guy with his sparkly watch in order to use the phone. Long distance must be really expensive in Mexico because the watch only earns him one call. He calls Yolanda, who’s pacing a hole through the floor. He only manages to urge her to call JJ and Leo, and inform her that the girls are being held in the beach house, which is near the town of San Martin, before the restaurant owner cuts off the call. He’s worried about those astronomical long distance fees, and examines the payment watch carefully to judge if it’s valuable enough to pay for the previous and any future calls.

Yolanda wakes JJ up from a deep sleep and passes on the message, but she can’t say whether Ale is well. When she mentions calling Leo, JJ isn’t sure and encourages her to hang up in case Carlos calls back. JJ immediately calls…David. (You didn’t think he was actually going to call Leo, did you?) Nope, he has no idea how Gabi and Juli are. When he shares the name of the town with David, David asks if he knows how many towns in Mexico are named San Martin! They need to find out what state the town is in; they can at least track down the San Martins on the coast.

Carlos makes a collect call to Yolanda, with the restaurant owner breathing down his neck. This time he is able to tell her where San Martin is located- Tierra Colorada- and urges her once again to inform Leo.

Back at JJ’s, he’s berating the folks at AFI to put him in touch with Leo or Ramon, immediately!!! Neither one of them can be found. Limon, in the largest polka dots I have ever seen, gets the scoop from JJ about escaped Carlos and the girls still held at the beach house. Unfortunately, Leo and his men are off in Tabasco with no cell phone signal, following the map clue JJ and David passed on earlier.

Morning finally breaks and Adolfo is greeted by Bandana Goon, instead of Alejo (the guy he expected to kill Bandana Goon). Adolfo’s eye twitch betrays that he’s not pleased, but Bandana Goon plays it cool as another goon goes searching for Alejo.

At JJ’s, he’s freshly showered and casually dressed, but he’s in no mood to eat the bread and coffee Limon has laid out for him. He finally gets a call from Ramon, who will gladly take down the info and give it to Leo when he arrives. This response is not urgent enough for JJ, so he hangs up WITHOUT leaving any info for the cops. He calls David…who is, uhm…wait, let me rewind this important scene. ..Where was I? Well, David hasn’t quite gotten dressed yet and is pacing the bedroom in his tighty whiteys getting, uhm…briefed by JJ.

I’m too distracted to really pay attention to what they’re saying. But I think JJ is annoyed at the police. He throws the phone down in frustration after hanging up, takes a swig of his coffee, and immediately spits it out. Seems that Limon made it extra bitter (amargo) to wake him up. It worked.

At the beach house, Adolfo is sucking on his binky and fretting about non-dead goons, missing goons, and his crappy situation in general.

The goon searching for Alejo reports that not only can he not find him, but Carlos is also missing. He takes Adolfo to Carlos’s room, with Bandana Goon following closely behind. Adolfo finds Carlos’s wallet, with all the cash missing. Adolfo is sure he paid off Alejo to help him escape. (Well played Bandana Goon.) Outside, Edgar and Valentin are getting friendly with Pedro and explaining who the girls are, when Adolfo comes running up. Pedro reports that he last saw Alejo last night near Carlos’s room. He said he had business to take care of (un asunto) and if they asked for him, say he never saw him. And how far is the nearest town? About 60 kilometers and it would be difficult to walk there along the beach. It would take about two days. “We have time!” Adolfo seems to be lost in his own crazy train of thought but then he tells Pedro to order the yacht to be stocked with a week of provisions and bring it immediately. He then orders Edgar and Valentin to bring the girls to the “cuarto de peñasco” (large rock/boulder/crag) Edgar plays innocent and asks for Carlos. Adolfo starts more crazy talk and orders them to bring the guns (armas). The goons look like they’re humoring their old, crazy uncle.

In their current prison room, the girls immediately huddle when Edgar and Valentin barge in with guns drawn to move them. Dante seems to have reached his limit with this madness and argues with Adolfo about moving the girls. The two mafiosos soon lock antlers… well, shiny guns, and it’s a face off.

Dante wants the girls kept safe and sound because they are their passports to freedom. Adolfo seems to get it, and lowers his gun, but he still has the girls moved. They are locked in Carlos’ previous glass incased prison.

Adolfo communicates with his yacht captain via radio. Unfortunately, the yacht can’t make it there in under five hours since they have to check the equipment. Adolfo doesn’t give a damn about the equipment. Dante wants to know where the heck they’re going, but Adolfo thinks his only concern should be staying out of prison. “And the women? What are we going to do with them?” “Don’t pressure me Dante!” “You’re not going to kill them are you?!” Dante tries to talk sense into Adolfo, but Adolfo is WAY past the point of reasoning. He’s getting rid of his problems, and if the girls or Dante become problems, then he’ll get rid of them with his shiny gun. He points it in Dante’s face for emphasis. Dante seems to get it. Bandana Goon is playing all his cards and has been sticking close to Adolfo and Dante all this time. When Dante leaves, he asks if Adolfo has problems and asks about Dante. Adolfo’s not planning on Dante joining them on the yacht. He’ll be left behind. Of course, NOT alive. “Leave me alone!!”

The girls are trying to find a way to escape, but acknowledge it won’t be easy with all the armed men surrounding the house. Juli finds a lone glass bottle, and Gabi thinks they have to at least give it a try. Ale doesn’t look as sure, but she takes possession of the bottle and stealthily approaches when Bandana Goon comes in with their food. She smashes the bottle hard over his head, but only succeeds in making him drop the food tray and get a bit dizzy. He immediately pulls his gun as they beg him not to shoot. Not to worry. He’s going to help them out of here, in good time. He leaves them and lies to one of the other goons that he just dropped the tray of food.

Back in DF, both David and JJ are looking fine in their causal t-shirts and jeans. JJ is gung ho for them to go it alone, like Bruce Willis, and storm the beach house without the cops. David thinks this would just expose the girls and themselves to more danger. Anyway, they need more info from Carlos. Leo shows up and JJ immediately starts griping at him like a jealous wife. “Where were you? Where have you been? What, you can’t answer your cell phone?” (Uhm...JJ, you know where he was and what he was doing. He was chasing YOUR clue!) Leo is not having it. “Look, I’m not going to tolerate the way you’re speaking to me! I understand your anguish, but I’m in the same situation! Calm down.” JJ backs down, and David passes on what they learned from Carlos the night before. Leo’s heading back to his office to plan the operation. JJ doesn’t seem to understand the meaning or importance of planning a rescue operation. Just then Carlos calls again, and gives more info about the state of the girls, how many men are at the house (he thinks around 10), and exactly where the house is. They’ll pick him up on the way so that he can direct them to the house. JJ and David insinuate themselves in the rescue operation, even though they’re civilians. There’s no way they’re staying behind. Road trip!

At Casa Genoves, Secret Agents Chucho Chicles and Caramelo are looking for trouble in Mario’s room. When the phone rings, Chicles takes the opportunity to eavesdrop on the conversation from the bedroom phone, despite Cara’s protests. David tells Abelardo all about the rescue operation. At first he lies about participating in the operation, but then tells him the truth. He asks him not to tell the others that they will be part of the rescue operation. Abelardo agrees, but asks him to be careful. Chucho Chicles is very pleased to be in on such a big secret.

In his apartment, Ulises has his boxes packed and is asking Elsa about love. Her new healthy attitude is that love will come when it’s supposed to—when she feels whole and sure of herself. She asks Ulises where he’s headed. He’s going far away, with company—someone who he’s not yet sure he can trust, but he doesn’t have a lot of options, and he has nothing to lose. It will be an adventure. He wants to give it a go. Elsa gives him a heartfelt hug and tells him he deserves happiness because he is such a beautiful human being. She wishes him well. They both cry a little and laugh that one day they will laugh together about this phase in their lives.

Dora is clutching her rosary beads and praying silently. She asks Abelardo if he has any updates from David, so he tells her and Santiago the PG version that David told him. Unfortunately, Chicles seems to have forgotten what the word secret means. He rats out David and JJ for being part of the rescue mission, and Cara rats him out for listening in on the call. Dora panics and Santiago worries.

On the patio, Bertha and Limon fret as well. Limon shares the news about the boys’ role in the rescue mission. Bertha actually worries about someone else! She worries how Dora is taking the news. Bertha decides it’s time for her to do something to help the situation too. She’s going to see Yolanda Rey.

In the office, the three elders (Dora, Santiago and Abelardo) have a mini version of the same debate we’ve been having the last few weeks. How do you solve a problem like Bertha? Santiago thinks a bunch of the bad stuff going down is her fault. Abelardo brings up the fact that Carlos loves her. Dora thinks everyone should b e given an opportunity; she just may change. Santiago’s not buying it. She’s an ambitious girl, without scruples, who’s capable of anything. Abelardo indulges in some gossip about Carlos ditching Mina for Bertha. Another victim of Bertha! (LOL! I didn’t realize what a gossip Abelardo is. ) Now he’s giving the juicy info about Adolfo finding his young wife and son in flagrante delicto. It must be love, decides Dora. If Carlos has decided that Bertha is his happiness, then Dora supports them! Santiago is all like, whatever!! “I still have my doubts.”

Captain Ahab is on his radio pressuring the yacht captain to arrive, post haste. It will still likely be another four hours. “Keep me informed! Over and out.” (cambio y fuera) Outside, Valentin reports to Edgar and Dante that he’s found a boat (lancha). Bandana goon confirms that it works, it’s what Adolfo uses to get out to the yacht, but Adolfo is the one who has the key. Anyway, it’s not fit to go very far without capsizing; you need to have another boat to meet you out in the water. Dante wants more info about Adolfo’s yacht. He’s determined to find a way to use that boat, and Bandana Goon is going to help him find it.

At her condo, Yolanda is looking fab as usual, as she frets over Carlos and the girls. If she doesn’t hear anything soon, she’s heading over to Casa Genoves. When the doorbell rings, she wonders if it could be Carlos. But it’s a newly humble Bertha. Yolanda introduces her to Juanita as Mario’s niece, and more importantly, Carlos’s girlfriend. Bertha shares the news about the planned rescue, but she’s really come to apologize for the rude way she treated Yolanda, although Yolanda was just trying to warn her. Yolanda encourages her to tutear her, and says it’s all water under the bridge. She knows Bertha loves money. Who wouldn’t want to have money? And Yolanda loves money too. Thanks to Adolfo, she’s lived a comfortable life. She didn’t realize until too late the high price she was paying for these luxuries. Bertha tells Yolanda that although she is Adolfo’s wife, she no longer wants his money. She only wants Carlos. She loves him with her whole soul. Yolanda believes her, but wants to know, and is relieved to find out, that she did not have relations with Adolfo. Bertha is sure that what Adolfo wanted was just company. Bertha then asks Yolanda about the conversation she overheard between Yolanda and Adolfo when he said they were spawns of the Devil. Yolanda looks impactada, but she does not reveal the secret. “Human beings are complex. We all have secrets that are hidden truths, that we don’t want to reveal, or that we shouldn’t. Some of these secrets are permanently etched marks, and are many times painful.” Bertha’s pea brain tries to work out this heavy piece of philosophy. She decides to ask a direct question. “What happened to the two of you?” “We were victims of perversity. And it’s too dark of a secret. It only pertains to the two of us. Adolfo and me. They day that this secret is discovered, will be because he and I decided it. Because it’s what we share, it’s what unites us, and it’s what’s kept us united--until the last day of our lives.” (Ok. Did that build your curiosity to a fevered pitch?)

Ah!! Creepy doll! Whew! It’s just Cara working out her fears about the kidnapping by talking it out with her doll. Chicles comes in and only heightens her fears by acting out the gun fight he imagines is happening with the rescue. Limon and Santiago try to distract the kids by convincing them to play a game. Cara’s not in the mood. Cara is worried about her aunties, and especially Ale who she is expecting to become her mom. She doesn’t want the kidnappers to hit her, like they did Tia Yolanda. Chicles thinks there’s nothing to worry about, since JJ and David will be going in with guns blazing. He doesn’t know why they didn’t take him! Santiago tries to teach Chicles that violence is not a good thing. (Is this sinking in to our mini goon’s head? Nope. I didn’t think so either.) All we need is love…and art, and music. Chicles is skeptical. What about monsters, mummies and killers? You know, all the good things in life. Limon tries another approach to get the all you need is love message into Chicles’ brain—a good whack upside the head. Santiago urges Limon to be patient, as Chicles is a child and doesn’t understand the gravity of the situation. Cara lets them know that she fully understands the situation, although she’s little. She’s sad because Ale was going to be her mother, and she wants her to return, because she wants a mommy. Limon comforts her with a hug, and Santiago tries to comfort them all, including himself, with positive words. They are all going to come back, and his grandchild will be born safe and sound.

In the forest surrounding the beach house, Leo, the AFI squad, and the Three Musketeers, approach. The 3Ms are not keen on being left behind when the action starts. Carlos makes the case that he knows the easiest ways to get into the house. Leo confers with Ramon about the next steps. The 3Ms make their own stupid plan. David and JJ brought guns-- JJ’s is hidden in his back pants waist; David’s is hidden in his sock. They’re going to be a part of this, “cueste lo que cueste.” (whatever the cost/come what may) Leo returns to let them know they can go with Ramon. JJ wants (more) heat, so Leo gets them each a gun, to only be used in self defense. Suddenly, a manic booming voice penetrates the forest. “Stop! If you come any closer, we’ll kill the women!!” Leo uses his own megaphone to respond to Adolfo. “Avila. Give up. There’s no escape.” Adolfo isn’t giving in to any demands. In fact, he’s got his own demands. He wants Carlos, delivered to him in five minutes, unarmed. If not, then he’ll kill one of the women. They all pause, completely impactados by this crazy request. Then JJ out-crazies Adolfo! He takes off running, gun drawn, directly for the beach house and Adolfo’s private army of goons.

Labels: verdad

Tonight, we step back in time to 1966, where a tragic murder has occurred. The Count of Beltran Peña, Don Alfonso de Jesus Ruiz Machado y Ortigoza…known as Fonsi (and I was totally going to make that joke, but they did it for me) is dead. He is played by the one, the only, His Royal Hotness William Levy, The Count of Come-Hither, the Baron of Biceps, the Sultan of Sultry Smiles, the Duke of Debonair himself. His death has shocked high society around the world. We get some black and white footage including a stained sheet over a body. We get pictures of his poor widow, Anette (played by Belinda) daughter of Mexican designer Ana Van Diryk (who attacks the camera). The reporters don't believe it was an accident, as Mrs. Van Diryk claims.

Credits.

Belinda and Issabela Camil are Anette y Ana, nobles (nobles).

Det. Capellan says to someone over the phone that for her, it's an unsolved case. She goes out into the new computer area and meets up with Aranda and Gerardo. She tells Gerardo the "procurador" (lawyer…in the US, the Attorney General) wants to close the case, but she hasn't changed her mind. Gerardo says in the case of "Yvonne" that's how things went. "But why close the case?" Gerardo says the girl fell in the "pozo" (well) and the body was down there with no evidence of violence or evidence she had been pushed. Capellan says it's an unsolved case just as much as many other unsolved cases in the archives. She reminds him about the Van Diryk case. She puts up a photo of Ana Gallardo de Van Diryk in all her sixties glory. "She paid the price for a crime we all know she didn't commit. It all happened in a mansion on Pedregal in DF on the last night of '65 and the morning of the first day of '66."

And we're kickin' it '60's style! Ana works with a model and a tailor to put the finishing touches on one of her designs. Anette calls down, asking what time "they" are getting here. At 5, says Ana. Anette comes down a spiral staircase and smiles at her mom. Ana turns around and gasps at Anette's dress in appreciation.

In the present, Aranda comments that Anette didn't smile much and her husband looks older than her. "15 years" says Gerardo. "They called them 'Salt and Sugar.'" He left Spain early for Cuba to run the family business. "They say he left to avoid his father's mistreatment."

Back in '65, "Fonsi" is asked by a kid on a pool raft if that's all they're going to hunt, "patos" (ducks)? Fonsi says you've gotta start somewhere. A butler appears to refill his glass with more champagne and switch out the champagne bottle in his ice bucket. Fonsi tells the kid that if his mom agrees, he'll take him to hunt (something something) in May.

More mumbling from Ana and Anette. This shindig is a charity party to raise money for poor kids for gifts on Dia de los Reyes (3 kings day, when kids in Latin America get gifts instead of Christmas). Ana has trotted Anette out so that her guests can say they were in the room with a real live Countess.

Two rich bitches on the couch say that Ana's taste is becoming more refined, but what they've been really excited to see is that hottie the Count. Anette must be in heaven to be married to that hunka hunka burning love! Rich bitch #1 says "it's La Señora Condessa to you..and you need to take lots of pictures with her. Don't think I came here just to buy these ugly dresses!" Another rich bitch, this one named Janine, who is Anette's aunt, comes over to sit by them. Bitch #1 (who is Bitch #2's mother) asks Janine if the Count doesn't happen to have a friend with a title for her daughter. Anette buzzes by and clasps her aunt's arm briefly before moving on. Bitch #2 says again that it must be heaven being married to THAT!

Fonsi is still by the pool, drinking champagne and reading. Anette goes over to join him and hassle him about how much he's drinking. She smiles as she tells him everyone's watching him booze it up. Fonsi says he's hanging out with her brother, but he doesn't know exactly where the kid is. He's kind of a lonely kid, doesn't she think? Anette agrees that he needs his dad. He asks if Ana's thinking of getting married again. Anette gets upset and Fonsi says being in mourning doesn't exactly suit her mother and there's a lot of interested men. The little brother, Aldito, finally comes back from wherever and Anette takes him into the room where the party's going on. Fonsi laughs.

A woman in a mint green dress comes over to the mother-daughter duo and asks if mom's going to hand a check over now or if she's going to send it tomorrow. "Sorry to be so much trouble, but Ana's having me act as secretary tonight!" Mom says hold on, the daughter's going to buy more dresses. Poor girl. Alma starts to leave, but the Mom wants her to stay and gossip about how long the Count and Countess are going to be in town. She wants to invite them to dinner. Alma whispers that she can't promise anything because the Count is a little…strange.

Ana, Anette, and Janine notice the Count making eyes at the daughter (what the hell are these people's names and why can't I ever find out up front?). Ana gets the tailor to signal to the models to quit walking around.

As the models are getting undressed, the Count surprises them with his Levyness. He toasts the half-naked girls and sits down. "Girls. I came to congratulate you for all your hard work. The poor kids will be very grateful. My wife and my mother in law will be even more grateful. And I, well, I'm very pleased. But go on." He leaves the room and the girls all gather and giggle.

Mom and daughter are leaving and they question Alma again about saying the Count is "strange." They think it's just jealous gossip and Anette is living a dream. Alma says from what she understands, Anette is living a nightmare. Wow. That was pretty direct.

Capellan continues her narration. "It was THE New Year's Eve party at Ana Van Diryk's. She spread her wings like a peacock to receive the crème de la crème, proudly showing off her daughter and son-in-law the Count and Countess Beltran Peña." (pavo real = peacock, literally "royal turkey")

Ana goes over to Fonsi and asks him to help her make it a memorable party. She begs him to behave himself and tells him he's a star. He notices his hot young wife, in a gorgeous silver and seafoam gown that leaves a good part of her torso and one leg bare, coming down the stairs. He appreciatively says she's the star. The guests gawk as he takes Anette's arm and leads her to the middle of the floor so they can dance. "You never stop surprising me, my love. Did you know you take my breath away?" She thanks him for his pretty words that sound so false. "It's the truth. Every day you're more beautiful. You're a wonderful countess." She says she was trained to be. He asks why he says such nice things to her while she makes him feel like she's just meeting an obligation. The young girl from earlier goes over to Alma and says "Hey, I thought you said earlier that Anette is living a nightmare?" Alma tells her to shut up. Now it starts to get ugly. Anette asks if she's failed him in any way, which he admits she hasn't. She wants to stop dancing before she leaves him on the floor alone, but he tightens his grip and tells her not to dare. "Alfonso, please, people are watching." Alma tells the girl that if Anette is living a nightmare, it's worth the trouble. The dance ends and Fonsi applauds his wife. Ana walks off with her and other couples start dancing to the next tune. Fonsi flirts with some other girls at the party. He gathers a little crowd of them around him.

Ana asks Anette what that was about. "The guests may not have noticed, but I did." Anette says if the guests didn't notice then it's fine. "Isn't that the important thing? To stay away from talk and scandal?" Ana says Alfonso was upset and it showed. Anette asks what more she's supposed to do besides what she's doing. "We'll have to talk sometime." Ana says they are talking. "No, you're giving me instructions. I need my mom. I need to tell her how I feel." Janine comes over and congratulates them on the party then quietly says that people are looking at them and they can tell things are not ok. Ana gives Anette a kiss on the cheek, presumably to keep up appearances, then walks away.

Fonsi is watching two girls from the party make out. He smokes a cigar and they strip for him (blurred, of course).

Anette is looking at pictures of him in his hunting gear, of the two of them on their wedding day… Janine comes into whatever room she's in and asks if she's ok. "No. I'm not. It's been a long time since I've been well and the truth is that I don't know if I ever have been. But it's nothing." Janine says she'll always be there for her. "I love you. I really do." Anette tells her not to cry. Janine says she's got to get back out there because her mom's getting upset that the Count and Countess aren't at the party. Anette asks if Alfonso's not out there. Janine thought he was upstairs or off smoking a cigar.

Capellan tells the crew that the Count was partying like it was 1999…or rather, like he knew they were the last few hours of his life. She says they were the last few hours of Anette's life as an exquisite flower.

Anette walks in on the party and looks upset and disgusted, but not surprised. The girls gather their clothes, but walk out of the room mostly undressed. "In my house, Fonsi? In my bedroom?" "Let's see, Countess…who am I?" "You're an animal." "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that." She screams at him that he's an animal. "Did you hear me that time?" "Tomorrow you're going to the estate." "Why there? Why don't you send me somewhere farther away?" He says he doesn't feel like it. Maybe on the estate she'll run into the ghost of his father who will fuck up her life (there was muting, so I assume the f-bomb was dropped in some capacity). "The same way I fuck up yours?" (again, guessing). He snaps his fingers and tells her to go away. When she doesn't listen he snarls at her to get out, then grabs her face and asks who she is. He mumbles a bunch of other stuff in a threatening tone that I can't quite make out, grabs her either around the waist or by the ass as hard as he can, then backs away. She tells him to enjoy his cigar. "Janine sure knows you well," Anette says, before leaving the room. "She's the one who told me." He tells her what she saw was just a diversion. "What happened with your aunt, that parasite, was craziness. Didn't she explain how things were? Let me explain it to you. Your aunt begged me. She seduced me. She practically took me to bed. Seducing me, because let me tell you something, your aunt is a wild animal. But, of course, she didn't tell you that." Anette says "No. She didn't tell me that. She just said she was sure you'd gone off to smoke a cigar. That was all." She leaves. He kicks a pillow off the ottoman.

Anette goes back to the party, trying to keep her tears from falling. Janine comes over and excitedly says "Guess who came?!" Anette tells her she knows about the affair. "I adore you. And I wish I didn't, because I'd like to kill you. I'd like to kill you both."

Capellan: "They were waiting for the clock to strike twelve. A year full of good things for all of them"

Everyone toasts the new year and balloons drop from the ceiling. Ana tells Anette she's proud of her and the year will be full of nothing but good things for her. Fonsi hugs Ana and wishes her a new year. "Don't let your daughter throw away such good fortune." He goes over to Anette and says she should at least try to look happy. When she tries to walk away, he grabs her back and takes the mic. He wishes everyone a happy new year. "My wife, the Countess, and I would like to give you a really big present. My love, why don't you sing our song?" The crowd starts to ask for the Countess to sing. She takes the mic and starts singing. "There's not a moment of the day that I can get you away from me. The world looks different when you're not with me. There's no beautiful melody that you're not part of. And I don't want to hear it, if you don't hear it. It's that you've become a part of my soul. Nothing consoles me anymore if you're not there too. Beyond your lips, the sun, and the stars, I'm with you in the distance, my love. I'm…" she breaks off, tearfully, but the audience applauds. As she's been singing, Fonsi has snuck out of the room, gone upstairs and forcefully shagged her aunt in the office. Janine is left huddled on the desk, crying.

"I know, mom. I know I haven't greeted a lot of people and now I'm going to go do my duty." Ana pulls her back. "I wanted to tell you you sang very well. Talk to me. What's happening." Anette says just two hours ago she said she wanted to talk to her mom and it was made pretty clear that she was to repress her feelings and not cry. "I'm just trying to help you, protect you, keep you from making mistakes, keep you from risking your position." Anette says she knows her mom has done it all for her own good, that she owes her everything, that her mom has given up her life for her. "I know I owe you more than I can ever repay. So that asshole Alfonso can pay you." Ana tells her to behave. "You're not thinking of separating?" Anette says she has thought about leaving him. Ana starts to give her the party line about not risking her position, etc, but it's clear Anette, as upset as she is, knows her mom will give her hell if she actually does try to leave him. The asshole in question comes dancing up spastically (have we ever seen William Levy do anything but a slow shuffle? Is he faking us out with the bad dancing?). Anette asks him if he realizes how he looks. He smacks the side of his head and says he looks like a Count, hello! "You know what? Little Miss Bitter Countess? I don't have to share your bitterness. You can leave if you want to." Anette says she's only bitter about one thing, Mr. Count. She avoids a kiss from him. He keeps bopping around as her mother looks like she's having a headache.

Anette runs into Janine, who asks if they can talk. "Of course. We've always been able to talk. I don't see why today should be any different." Janine says "Don't be cruel. I know you." "Well, apparently I don't know you." Janine keeps calling her "nena" (baby girl) and Anette asks her to stop. "I'm the Countess Beltran Peña, got it?" She walks away as Janine asks "Then what should I call you?" "Your highness, Countess, or worst case, Ma'am." Janine thinks she's playing around. "I'm not. I know about Alfonso's affairs with all kinds of women. From the beginning, I've had to shut my eyes, my ears, and my soul. But you, Janine? You?" Janine doesn't know what to say. She asks for forgiveness. Alfonso dances by with two girls propping him up and calls over "Hi, Tía!" Anette grins falsely at her aunt and says "My husband. See why I'm a Countess? And you're just a fruit." I don't entirely know what she meant by that, but she acts like she's handing her aunt a glass of grapes and then drops it at her feet and walks off.

Anette goes upstairs and seethes. She grabs a bottle of pills and pours out at least a handful.

Young Bitch from earlier finally introduces herself to Fonsi as Inna (took her long enough). She flirts with him, saying he's got something right there, touching his lips. He licks the side of her face. Ha! She's grossed out.

Gerardo says the autopsy was never made public, but it showed high blood alcohol levels. Also an excess of cocaine. And he'd probably smoked some pot that morning. And some type of opiate, possibly morphine. In those conditions, he'd be capable of anything. Well, doc, possibly not walking upright, I'd say.

Alfonso grabs some woman at the party and kisses her, then goes over to join the band. Hoo boy. He offers to show the pianist how it's done. He sits down and has himself a snort of coke while the guests look uncomfortable. Predictable, he bangs randomly on the piano. Ana drags Alma off while he keeps being an ass and demanding that the guests enjoy themselves.

There are a lot of pills on the carpet by the bed, but I'm guessing Anette took the rest.

Fonsi wakes up at the piano bench. He calls the guests empty headed and tells them to get out. Janine asks him to calm down. He grabs her like he's going to kiss her with the cigar in his mouth.

Anette is in bed when he stumbles in, telling her to get up because the party's still on and she's the entertainment. She tells him to go to shit. "Sure, I'll go wherever, after I've used you." She tells him to go party somewhere else. He backhands her, calling her stupid, and says some more nasty shit. She shoves him off her and off the bed, but then realizes she's made him too angry. He shoves her off the other side of the bed and leaves it at that for now.

Ana bids her guests goodbye. Fonsi says she and her filthy family belong to him and this is all her fault. She's standing on the far side of the bed with a lamp, minus lampshade, as a weapon. He says her mother offered her up as a prize jewel, so she'd better just learn to live with it. She cowers in the corner, still holding her lampshade.

Fonsi wakes up in a chair by the pool. The butler brings him a drink, but he pushes it away and breaks the glass. The butler runs off. Fonsi struggles to get out of the chair. He finds the coke in his pocket and has a little taste. Aldito comes in asking if they can see which one of them can stay underwater longer, but Fonsi's not in the mood. Aldito tries to get the coke container away from him and it spills. Fonsi freaks and smacks him, sending him into the glass on the floor. His face is bleeding and he starts screaming for his mom. The butler carries him over to Ana and Anette. Ana takes him to care for him and Anette goes running down the stairs.

Capellan, bizarrely in the midst of this bizarre episode, has the crew assembled in the observation room to the interrogation room. "Let's imagine we had the two of them in here."

Capellan interrogates Ana. Yeah, seriously. "What happened?" "It was an accident. The party was over. I like to swim in the mornings, especially on the first day of the year. Fonsi and I were talking about the party."

Flashback: Ana gives Fonsi a hard time and says he may have had fun, but the rest of them didn't. He smarmily asks what he can do to make up for it. Ana says she's sending some little gifts to some of the guests, with his card. He laughs and reminds her that he invited her to go shooting with him. Ana says she doesn't like guns. "Do you know why? Because you won't let me show you how to shoot. We'll do it today." Ana says it's a deal. She'll let him teach her how to shoot and he'll write something pretty on the cards that are going with the gifts. He scoffs. She says if he tells her where the gun is she'll go get it right now. He grins and says it's in "the wood box."

Fantasy interrogation: "Why do I think you acted to protect your daughter?" "Bella is innocent."

Ana goes into the office, gets the gun out of the box on the desk and holds it by two fingers. She goes back to the pool, where Fonsi is sipping flat champagne, I presume. He tells her that's not how you hold a gun. "Give it to me."

Fantasy interrogation: "It was all an unfortunate accident?" Ana agrees. "When I handed him the gun, it went off accidentally. I killed Fonsi."

Ana clumsily shoots Fonsi three times, the bloody butterfly flies away, and his corpse falls into the pool.

Fantasy interrogation: Capellan now has Anette on the other side of the table and asks her what happened. "My husband just died and I honestly don't have the head for this right now." Capellan says she was harboring a lot of resentment toward her husband.

Flashback to the four nastiest incidents: Fonsi screwing two chicks from the party; Fonsi screwing her aunt; Fonsi smacking her around; the butler carrying her brother with his bloody face.

Fantasy interrogation: Anette says no, it was just an accident. "Your mother put an end to that suffering." "My mother is incapable of hurting anyone, much less Fonsi. She's not a murderer. We just had a bad moment."

Flashback: Anette takes the gun out of the box and heads for the pool room. She marches right in, hesitates as he asks what she's doing with the gun and if she's going to kill him.

F.I.: "If I don't have Alfonso around to humiliate me anymore, then why do I feel like this? When am I going to forget, ma'am? When?"

Flashback: Anette shoots Fonsi, the bloody butterfly flies away, and he drops into the pool. Ana takes the gun out of her hand and they stare at each other. Ana says "It was an accident."

"Ana Gallardo viuda de Van Diryk fue sentenciada a 8 años de prisión por homicidio culposo agravado. Murió tan solo un año después de haber abandonado la prisión victima de un cáncer que se le diagnosticó durante su reclusión y del cual rehusó atenderse. Annete Van Diryk viuda de Ruiz Machado y Ortigoza, Condesa de Beltrán Peña, se retiró a la finca de Montecorto en Andalucía España, de donde jamás volvió a salir y en la que murió la noche de Navidad de 1995 a la edad de 50 años. Se dice que vivió y murió presa de sus muchos fantasmas."

Ana Gallardo, widow of Van Diryk, was sentenced to 8 years in prison for aggravated manslaughter (which we have decided means "you were pissed at him and you didn't mean to kill him, but you did"). She died only a year after leaving the prison, the victim of a cancer that was diagnosed during her incarceration and which she refused to treat. Anette Van Diryk, widow of Ruiz Machado y Ortigoza, Countess Beltran Peña, retired to the estate of Montecorto in Andalusia, Spain, from where she never left and in which she died Christmas night 1995 at the age of 50. They say she lived and died a prisoner of her many ghosts.

Next week: who knows. My DVR crapped out halfway and we had to watch it online.

Labels: asesinas

¡Bienvenidos a marzo! I have not seen the last two episodes of Herederos so I will only comment on Reina.

Labels: herederos, reina-sur, telemundo