Caray, Caray!

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #4 at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 16 start at this link.

Everyone thank Carlos for today's picture. He chose one with more "bipartisan appeal."

Labels: Alborada

Labels: Teresa

Good evening folks, I am posting this on behalf of Audrey so all praise belongs to her, I am merely the messenger. Feel free to shoot me anyway! :) Enjoy!!!


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Some scenes repeat from last time where Jero thinks to himself about how difficult it is to have Renata close. Matías accidentally drops a big hint to Gonzo that he is not Roberta’s baby-daddy. “Did Roberta tell you the father was an infeliz?” If so, Gonzo is ready to kill him (the infeliz, that is).

Roberta appears to be having a fine time lounging about plugged into her computer and wearing her favorite pink sweats. Diego video-chats with Roberta - if that executive position isn’t available yet, he wants more money! Or else he’ll play Gonzo the recording! Oh, Roberta doesn’t like this and calls him “Estupido”. [Funny how Roberta calls someone “estupido” when they get the best of her - doesn’t work that way! LOL! Doesn’t that actually mean they’re more clever than she is?]

At the Hacienda La Bonita - dinner. Renata loves the meal and asks Manuela for cooking lessons for all these wonderful regional dishes since she doesn’t have much to do around there. Renata then excuses herself to go to bed sending meaningful looks at Jero. “I’ll catch you later” she tells him as she leaves.

Carlos drags Jero into an after dinner discussion. Carlos tells Jero that Alfonsina told Renata that his brother, Rafael, was the previous owner and that he named the hacienda “La Bonita” after a girlfriend. Carlos explains that Renata reacted as if it meant nothing at all to her. Jerko is perplexed yet again.

Matías checks in on the resting Roberta. “Oh poor old me! I’m expecting a baby by my sister’s husband - how do you think I feel?” she whines. Matías wants her parents to learn the truth of the baby’s father - and that it’s not his! Roberta swears she is going to tell her parents - but she has to find the right way. But oh how she wishes she had a boyfriend who could “help her out with her situation” like Gonzo did with their mother - hint, hint!

Honorio and Constanza are at dinner. [Orange juice at dinnertime?] They talk about Adriana. Honoria would like Adriana to stay with them for a while - at least try it. Wow - Constanza tells him that she loves him and agrees to give it a try! Honorio is very grateful.

Matías comes to visit Adriana. He’s still a couple of weeks away from moving into his own apartment. He’s come to tell her that he is worried - he thinks he got ahead of himself when he kissed her, and he is not ready for a new relationship yet. Adriana is willing to run the risk.

Renata is getting all dolled up in a slinky negligee set. [In bright orange? Well - it looks good on her.] She knocks on Jerko’s door. He won’t even turn around to look at her as she comes in. “I came to tell you good night” she says seductively as she slinks up behind him and starts caressing him. Ooops! Jerko is so tense - he won’t give in. I would say he has turned into a block of ice, but he is obviously really struggling with not giving in as Renata puts on some major seduction moves. But - ni modo - Jerko pulls Renata’s robe back up over her shoulders. She must be just as tired as he is - “Please go to your room to rest.” Then he walks out of his room, shutting the door right in her face! She just can’t believe it - wow!

Dr. Freaky gets home to Karina who has been waiting up till really late for his return. Guess who is wasted yet again? She scolds him for being drunk and not meeting the commitment he has to the community as a doctor. She complains about him being wasted all the time. He gets rough with her and decides this is a great time for Karina to comply with her wifely duties. [On the dining room table? What?!? This is NOT pleasant!]

OMG!, is Jerko hiding in his bathroom? Really?!? Because Renata is talking through the door to him: “Jeronimo, why do you want me to go to my room? Is this really what you want?” No answer at all - so Renata leaves, slamming the bedroom door. Then Jerko sneaks out of his bathroom - wow! - and looks at the closed bedroom door. He runs his fingers through his hair - in frustration? [I sure would like to know what the he** he is thinking. Writers? Can you explain this? What are you trying to portray here?]

Back in her room Renata remembers some of their early moments, especially when Jerko first tells her he loves her and the wonderful romantic evening with music and fire. She is crying, distraught. “What changed? Why are you acting like this? What did I do to you?” She ends up kneeling on the floor, crying.

Next morning at the Hacienda Renata is up early for a ride and Lazaro fetches her a horse - also called La Bonita! Carlos asks if there is anything wrong, but Renata denies any problems. Lazaro asks Carlos whether Renata is sad, or is it his imagination. Carlos says he doesn’t know.

Jerko comes into the kitchen looking have breakfast with his wife. Matilde is delighted to announce his wife already had breakfast and left. Jerko calls Laz and Carlos to find out that she went out riding - by herself! Carlos quizzes Jerko on it being rather obvious that that there is something going on between him and his wife. They are not acting like newlyweds and Renata seems sad and as if she feels alone. He hopes Jerko did not marry Renata for revenge, because if so Carlos would be really disappointed in him. Jerko gives Carlos that deadened face look we are all coming to hate as he watches him leave the room - not saying a word! Then he just paces, looking tense.

Renata is out riding. Oh - guess what! She runs right into Agustín who is also horse riding, imagine that! He asks after her obviously absent bridegroom. She loves the views around here, the vineyards. She hasn’t seen nothing yet, offers Aggie. Would she like to see how wine is made? Well - come to his hacienda, “Cruz de Amor”, he’d love to show her. “Why not?” she responds, and off they go. [I hope Jerko feels like someone is walking across his grave. You go Aggie! I’ve decided to name him Aggie since he is a serious agriculturalist and it’s a tip of the hat to an old rival alma mater]

Poor Karina is on a bed curled up looking hurt. Dr. Freaky comes and she screams at him to get out. He asks what the matter is, and why is she like that, still dressed, sleeping in this other room with no breakfast made for him. “Don’t you remember what happened last night?” He apparently doesn’t. She screams at him that he raped her last night, he defiled her. Dr. Freaky is freaked - it seems like he really doesn’t remember anything - but Karina thinks he’s pretending not to remember and says she’ll never forget it, nunca! [OK - so we have another Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing going on here!]

At Empresas Monterrubio, Honorio tells Adriana that Constanza would like to have her come stay with them for a while - at least try it out. Adriana can think about it, but Honorio would love to make up for lost time.

Renata is having a blast with Auggie, getting a tour of his hacienda [wish that were me! - I’m a serious wine buff]. Lots of gorgeous scenery. Hmmm - Alfonsina spots them strolling the vineyards together and watches. After the vineyards we get into the fermentation room with big shiny stainless steel tanks while Auggie explains the process. Wow - sounds like Auggie is giving a real winery tour. He explains that red and white wines are made by essentially the same process, except that white wine doesn’t have the grape skins.

Then they go to the aging room where the wine is aging in casks. He explains that the casks are made from American and French oak [yep - that’s what most West Coast wineries use] and the aging wine picks up flavors from the oak.

Renata is thinking that Jero doesn’t do this wine processing, right? Aggie explains that Jero just has his vineyards and sells his grape harvest, and Aggie himself has already bought Jero’s grape harvest for the next 3 years. Even though Aggie has his own vineyards, Jero’s brother was able to grow a type of grape that no one else in their region was able to cultivate, and Aggie thinks this will be his best investment, the grapes are of a great quality. Renata is surprised by this arrangement. “Did Jero not tell you this?” asks Aggie. Renata explains that she is sure he did, but she probably wasn’t paying attention to the details.

Then Aggie goes into the art of wine tasting. You have to observe the color, the transparency, the smell, and finally, the taste. Renata thinks the wine is awesome! She sees some drawings on the table and asks who does the label design. Auggie has to confess that another of his passions is drawing and design. Renata playfully confesses that she also loves design and drawing, and in fact she did the last logo for Empresas Monterrubios. “Well then you could help me,” says Aggie. Renata teases yes. Areli appears and introduces herself as Aggie’s novia. She gets a big hug for that. Renata is delighted to meet her.

Jerko is in a huff. Carlos hasn’t seen Renata. Jerko wants them to go look for her as she’s been gone too long. “And if she doesn’t want to return?” chides Carlos. Jerko says she doesn’t know the area, she could be lost (in spite of having a mare who knows how to return home). Carlos is glad Jero’s so worried - it means he does care about Renata after all.

Renata thinks the female figure outline on the label must be Areli. Areli thinks it must be some other beautiful lady. Well - obviously it’s you! says Renata - laying on the charm for everybody. Renata says she’d better return home as she has been gone a long time. Aggie goes with her to make sure she doesn’t get lost. Areli picks up the label and says “It’s you, Renata, the woman on this label is you”. [how she can figure that out from a side view female outline - I can’t imagine]

Back at the offices, Blanca declares to Adriana that she will give her all her support since she lost her mother. Adriana admits it’s been tough to concentrate at work and she would be grateful to have a friend like her.

Renata arrives back at the Hacienda. “Wow - you finally return!” says Jerko. He wants to know where she has been. Why was she so delayed? Time got away from her, and as she doesn’t have anything to do.... “At least you could have let us know. Something could have happened to you, or you could have gotten lost.” complains Jerko. “You care about what happens to me?” asks Renata. “Of course I care what happens to you!“ answers Jerko. “Well, that was what I thought before I married you, but since then it seem you don’t pay any attention to my needs or my feelings, therefore I supposed that you wouldn’t notice that I wasn’t here.” Renata pointedly replies. “Well you supposed wrong, When you’re going to go out, let me know, and don’t be gone so long. Agreed?” demands Jerko.

“Look,” says Renata, “I wouldn’t have any problem letting my husband know if he were someone who worried about me and paid attention to me. Agreed?” “Yes I was worried about you.” says Jerko, “I was just about to go out looking for you.” “You know what?” counters Renata “The things you say are very different from the things you do. If you really were my loving husband, you would be living with me, looking after our honeymoon, sharing a bed in this wonderful place. Then you would know where I was and what was happening with me!” and Renata excuses herself. Jerko just stands there frustrated. [OK - so Jerko, it’s not really working out like what you imagined, no? What were you thinking would happen anyway - you idiot!]

Matilde comes in the kitchen so excited because she saw Renata and Jero fighting. “Oh quit with the gossiping!” says Manuela, the cook, but Matilde wants know where Renata was gone for so long. Renata comes in the kitchen. “Good afternoon, is it time to eat yet! “ Manuela lists all the goodies for lunch. Wow, including a specialty of the area, lobster tacos! Renata again asks again for cooking lessons, charming Manuela.

[OK - me, me! I’m ready to hop right over there. I want my own Aggie wine tour and then cooking lessons with Manuela in regional cuisine in that lovely traditional looking kitchen. Did I mention I love Mexican food? - the real kind, that is (as opposed to Tex-mex)]




Renata is going to help out with lunch! Renata ignores Matilde’s snide comments (including a nasty one about cooking ruining one’s manicure). Matilde finally leaves and Renata asks Manuela why Matilde doesn’t like her. Manuela explains Matilde’s bad attitude. That she used to be the one running the house, so she feels strange - what else could it be? They get going with the cooking lessons.

A serious business meeting at Empresas Monterrubios. Fina bursts right in screaming her distress at everyone in the room. “Roberta has run away from home - and she left a note! She’d rather run away than reveal the father of her child! Her pregnancy is at risk! Please get her back!” This is the first Adriana has heard of Roberta’s pregnancy. Gonzo calls the immediate family to his office. Adriana suggests to Matías that Roberta likes to hang out at the country club. Maybe people there can help find her.

Back at the hacienda Matilde is arranging flowers when Jerko comes in. She makes a few disparaging remarks about his wife, finishing with does he want her to keep an eye on Renata? “Who knows where she was all morning!” Jerko scolds her for being disrespectful towards his wife.

Renata is learning how to cook the rice in the kitchen. Matilde comes in with the monogramed sheets she found in the trash. They were a brand new gift for the newlyweds. The initials are torn. The patron must be trying to say something with this! Wow - el patron must have gotten mad since Renata decided to stay with her friend instead of returning with Jero. Manuela says not to worry, Karina can fix the sheets and she shoos Matilde out of the kitchen. Renata asks if that is why Jerko is mad with her - is it because she put her friend first? The only thing Manuela can say is that el patron is a good person, if he is mad, it will pass, just be patient and things will work out. These things happen with newlyweds. “Are you sure?” asks Renata. Manuela tells her she can see she loves him and all the good efforts she is making as his wife. “I see love between both of you” Manuela assures Renata.

In his office Gonzo is reading the note with Fina, Honorio and Matías present. Roberta writes “Don’t go looking for me. I don’t what to tell you who the father is. Silence will do less damage than revealing the truth.” Gonzo swears he is going to go find her. Matías flatly states that he is not the father of Roberta’s child. Fina claims it was an act of love on Roberta’s part not to name Matías since Roberta knows Matías doesn’t love her [gag!]. Honorio wants to know why she doesn’t want to reveal the baby’s father. Matías wants to go to the club to find her. Fina wants to organize a group of friends find her.

Roberta calls Fina. She’s just arrived at Selene’s house. Fina calls her Selene on the phone and says that everyone here in Gonzo’s office is so distraught about Roberta, did she find out anything? Roberta is tickled pink that everyone is upset on her behalf - what faces are they making? Fina has Matías check Twitter for a note from Roberta. “Please! Don’t worry - I’m not alone - a little angel is with me.” [Oh please!]
Roberta, lounging in the back garden, is pleased as punch to be at Selene’s house where no one will find her. She can rest, do nothing, sunbathe. Selene makes a rude remark about wearing a bikini while pregnant, and tells Roberta she’s not going to stay shut in with her - she’s got a whole world to tend to.

Gonzo leaves Roberta a phone message asking her to return and that they will find a solution as a family. Gonzo will take Fina home [oh she’s in need of total support at such a stressful time! Those high voices in the background music when Fina is practicing her evil manipulations are really starting to get to me!] But Fina can’t leave the office without another dig at Matías about young men taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions. Poor Gonzo - he now feels that he needs to find Roberta as soon as possible since it will affect poor little Fina’s health. He leaves.

Alone together, Honorio asks Matías is he really not the father? If not, he needs to clarify this for everyone - including Adriana.

But poor Gonzo - he can’t even leave the building without getting a message from Dr. Money that he needs to talk to him urgently.

Back at the vineyards (finally!) Carlos is giving Jero grape cultivation lessons. He explains about grape growing depends on the microclimate and about transplanting strains of grapes. Alfonsina shows up holding up a couple of vine shoots Carlos explains how the vines grow. Jero thinks he could really get into this whole grape growing thing. Carlos tells Jero that Rafa was always dreaming big about the Hacienda. Alfonsina comes again to say there are some people that want to see Jero about working the grape harvest again. Jero tells Alfonsina to teach him all about the grape harvest.

Poor Gonzo is at Dr. Suinaga’s (i.e. Dr. Money’s) office getting the bad news. In spite of the treatment, the tumor has grown 10% in less than a month! What are the options? Can Gonzo take her somewhere for advanced treatment? Fina mustn't travel, she can’t fly, can’t experience altitude changes without severe consequences. Sorry, Gonzo, you’re wife’s a goner, the doctor tells him. [Me? - I’d be jumping for joy! But poor Gonzo - his hands are really full with the dirty tricks of his evil wife and her devil spawn]

Our station always stomps on the previews, so if people want to add them in the comments, please do so.

Vocabulary

Wine terminology:
las barricas - the casks
roble - oak
cosecha - harvest
reposar - to rest - important for a woman with a high risk pregnancy. For wine - to age.
vendimia - grape harvest
el sarmiento - vine shoot
las etiquetas - the labels

Other vocab:
infeliz - officially translates as wretch, but in TN contexts it usually means bastard
decepcionado - disappointed (This is one of those false cognates - remember!)
lograr - to achieve, to accomplish
tanto así de plano? - just like that? (this is best I can discern for this phrase Renata used)
Qué bárbaro! - How awesome! (Not to be confused with “Qué barbaridad” which means how awful)
No me digas! - Don’t tell me!
cuanto antes - as soon as possible
ultrajar - defile, outrage
recién hechos - freshly made
Se le vaya a estropear el manicure - You might ruin your manicure
delantal - apron
sábanas - sheets
desahuciado - hopeless, far gone
estar desahuciado. - to be a goner

Labels: Cuando

Come. Come inside the tent, my friends, and partake of the bizarre, the brilliant, the bathetic that is MejíaWorld. ¡Ultimas semanas! You’ll miss it when it’s gone!


Reprise: While Victoria is waiting in the sacristy for Juan Pablo, she gets the fateful call: María has been kidnapped! She must do exactly as she is told or she’ll never see her daughter again.


The Padres – Juan Pablo and Jerónimo – are strolling through the park, Jero doing his best to encourage and console JP. His life trials have made him a more effective and sensitive pastor, he tells him. Small comfort, says JP, if he can’t save his own mother’s soul. He fears she will never repent and the fires of hell await her. Jero is sure that God has heard JP’s prayers and will enlighten him ; he’ll find a way...

They laughed when she sat down to pray...
The other prisoners mock Bernarda when she walks by, collar and nose turned up. One woman takes her aside and warns her to watch out; the prisoner Siniestra is planning to get even (desquitar) with Bernie for making a fool of her. But Bernie’s not afraid of anyone.

The trick is on Vic...
Victoria hurries to keep her rendezvous with the kidnappers, never thinking to ask for help or call the police, natch. She sees a black pick-up truck and then... oh no! It’s María Desamparada and they are forcing her inside. Vic rushes to her defense. She pushes María’s captor aside and leans in to pull her daughter out. The thug then gives Vic a deft push and in she tumbles, like the witch falling into the oven in Hansel and Gretel. And now we see that the girl is a decoy. The María Desamparada impostor steps out and the truck drives away with Vic inside, the second victim.


I don’t do windows...
Bernarda is disdainful when ordered to mop the floors. She’s a lady, not a vulgar criminal like the others. Translation: she’s prepared to pay for what she wants. The gnarled little guard pricks up an ear: Why didn’t you say so before? What would you like? Bernie’s reply:
Quiero que esa haga mi trabajo
(I want that woman to do my work.)
And she indicates her latest enemy, Siniestra. The guard, now happy to oblige, orders Sinestra to do la Señora’s cleaning chores (fajina) – unless she wants to miss out on conjugal visiting day.

Max has two mommies...
Sitting at his desk at the Nueva Casa Victoria, Max broods over catching Dr. Voice and Vic smooching. He’s on his way out of the office to look for his father when Osvaldo himself walks in looking for Max. Os needs to talk to him about his mother. Victoria... begins Max. No, Os corrects him. He means Max’s biological mother, Leonela. She got drunk and made a spectacle of herself at Televisa and she’s probably lost her job.

That dress is radioactive – Danger of fallout!
Leonela, still wearing the purple dress bomb, weaves through a liquor store and thought-bubbles to herself that she’s a coward and doesn’t deserve anyone’s love. She picks up a bottle.

Fer rolls into Millie’s place looking for María. Millie sees she’s upset and invites her to stay with her until Cruz gets back. She can help look after little Juan Pablo. Millie’s a little concerned that María isn’t back yet but Fer tells her not to worry – she probably had to stay late at the Casa de Modas.

Something has to be done about Leonela, agree Max and Os. Os has done all he can. What now? Max knows exactly what to do, he says, but right now he just needs to find her. He is almost out the door when Osvaldo stops him to ask if Vic is in her office. Max’s answering expression gives him away and Osvaldo knows something is wrong. Max needs little encouragement to spill the frijoles: He saw Vic and Dr. Ríos smooching.

Towering tacones and all...
Leo makes her way carefully down a steep stairway and staggers over to a park bench. I’m the great Leonela Montenegro! A great actress! she announces to no one in particular. Then she kicks off her shoes and steps up on the bench. Holding the liquor bottle high in one hand she declaims: No one understands me but I am the great Leonela Montenegro!

Two scuzzballs have been watching and now they applaud her. Bravo! We understand you! One of them puts an arm around her. Let go, howls Leo. And she slams him hard, knocking him to the ground. The other scuzz grabs her and she screams for help. Two cops come running. The scuzzballs say she’s a crazy drunk who tried to assault (agredir) them. The cops – ignoring the fact that it was a woman’s screams for help that brought them there in the first place -- get ready to haul Leo into the police station for public use of alcohol.

He saw him hit on Vic at CRIT...
Os isn’t too surprised by Max’s revelation. Vic and Dr. Voice looked pretty cozy at CRIT. Well. If Victoria has found someone to love, he’ll have to accept it. They’re divorced, after all.

Max can’t understand his father’s attitude. Doesn’t he love Victoria anymore? Of course he does, says Os. That’s why he’d sacrifice his own happiness if she found hers with the Voice. But right now they need to focus on finding Leo.

A good walk spoiled.
Jero and Juan Pablo are interrupted in their moral ruminations by the spectacle of Drunk as a Skunk Leonela struggling with the cops. Padre Jero reminds the officers that public drinking isn’t a crime (un delito); it’s just a misdemeanor (falta administrativa). And JP tells them he knows the lady and he’ll take care of the problem. But she has to come in and pay a fine, insist the cops. Jero tries again, this time using the big guns: Allow us to help the lady, he says. And pointing skyward he adds: Heaven will reward you. Here one cop takes off his cap and his partner says: Well only because you are padrecitos.

PJP takes the bottle, Jero takes the purse and along with Leonela, they set off for the parish.

Nati and Juanjo. Oh no.
Yup. They’re back. And Nati is pregnant! Fer touches her own flat belly and tries to look happy about the news while the others – Napo, Chente, Alma and Millie jump up to congratulate the feh-cund couple.

Luci walks down the street, looking a little wistful, cardboard box under her arm. When Fabián calls out her name and runs to catch up to her, she gives him back his keys and thanks him for helping her when she needed it. He tries to convince her to come back to the apartment to talk things over. He’s so... confused. But Luci has had it with words. Love lives in the heart, she tells him, not the mind. You feel it or you don’t. Forgive me, says Fabián. On one condition, answers Luci: That you forget that this foolish woman was ever hopelessly in love with you.

More tsuris for Max...
Juan Pablo has called Max to tell him about Leonela and now the three are back at her suite at Casa Vieja. Leonela has a blanket draped over the purple dress. (It covers her shoulders and frames her impressive cleavage.) She makes for the door and when her protectors hold her back she tells them she feels ashamed and she doesn’t want anyone to see her like this. She just wants to disappear.

Then suddenly she starts to shake uncontrollably and pulls the blanket tightly around her. JP and Max are alarmed. Max steps out to call Dr. Voice. But before he can do so, he gets a call on his cell. An anonymous voice – we can see one of the kidnappers talking on a public phone while Gui stands silently by, arms folded – tells Max: We have your mother and your woman. If you want to see them again, you’ll have to come up with $10 million pesos – and soon!

Fer nurses her hurt feelings...
She tells Millie and Nati she’s not going to have the second operation – the one she hoped would permit her to get pregnant. Even little Juan Pablo looks open-mouthed impactado at this announcement. Then Millie guesses that she and Cruz are quarreling. Fer explains why she’s unhappy with him:
Lo vi besándose con su productora musical.
(I saw him kissing his music producer.)
Millie is indignant. Cruz is gonna get it!

Cruz’s comeuppance will have to wait because right now he is making a training film on sexual harassment in the workplace:
(You have a better explanation for this scene?) Cruz, the picture of domestic innocence, a market bag in each hand, is on his way back home when he hears someone calling his name. It’s his producer, Diana, and she runs up to him. She comes on strong and ignores him when he tells her very clearly that he’s not interested; he’s a married man. Tú me gustas (you turn me on), she tells him. And I always get what I want!

She touches his chest and bends down -- for a moment I wonder if I am watching a different kind of channel – but then she’s back up and biting into an apple that she took from his shopping bag and saying:
Los hombres prohibidos son los más sabrosos.
(Forbidden men are the most delicious.)
Cruz sighs disgustedly and continues on his way home, oblivious to the troubles awaiting him there.

Fer continues to pour her heart out to Nati and Millie. She felt so bad when she saw Cruz and Diana. Then she realized she was standing in the way of his success. That’s why she doesn’t want the operation. But there’s another reason, too. She hates – hates! – Dr. Ríos!

Back at the Casa Vieja, sweet William is like... acting
Max comes back inside and, his face now a mask of anguish, tells Juan Pablo:
María y mi madre están secuestradas.
(María and my mother were kidnapped.)

Leonela is confused. I’m your mother, she protests. I’m your mother and I’m right here. She grabs at Max’s arm and sobs.

JP says they have to verify the story.

Max calls Os and tells him to come at once – it’s an emergency. Then he calls Dr. Voice and asks him to come to Leo’s suite right away – she’s in very bad shape.

And she is. But when she starts crying for a drink, something in Max snaps. No more alcohol, he screams. All you do is drink and drink! You’re destroying yourself! She looks bewildered and just cowers and sobs. Max sits down next to her and puts an arm around her. But he can’t control his desperation. ¿Por qué? ¿Por qué? his voice increasingly ragged. Why?

Televisa rat wranglers gear up for their big scenes
The thugs drag a blindfolded and gagged Vic through the warehouse where María is being held. They tie her to a square pillar. María is bound to the other side. Their hands are tied so they can reach one another. Their hands touch and come together. The thug takes off Vic’s blindfold and gag and leaves mother and daughter alone together.

Victoria hasn’t seen her but she knows it’s María on the other side of the pillar. She knows she is touching her daughter’s hands. Then something scurries close to them. María recoils in horror and tells Vic there are rats in the place and she’s so afraid of them. Vic reassures her. Now that her mother is there, nothing bad will happen. She’ll take care of her. María is silent but thinks: I’m with my mother and nothing is going to happen to me.

This you call merciful?
Max asks again, his voice cracking: Why? Why is God doing this? He paces frantically and dismisses Juan Pablo’s assurances that God is merciful. Now Dr. Voice rushes in, black bag in hand and takes in the scene. He tells Max to calm down and starts to examine Leo. Max tells him how Leo went on a drunk and then got really sick. (Se puso muy mal.)

And then Max drops the bomb: María and Victoria have been kidnapped.

Dr. Voice looks up, shocked, and asks if they called the police. I'm going to, says Max. But right now Leonela needs attention. And he’s going to the vecindad to make sure the story is true.

Bernie gets spooned. And not in a good way.
The prisoners mock Siniestra. Bernie stands idly by, hands steepled. The furious Siniestra confronts her. Bernie tells her smugly that money can buy anything (con dinero, baila el perro) so she can just carry on with her cleaning and leave her in peace. I’ll leave you in peace, says Siniestra, but first I have a little gift for you. She pulls out a prison-made knife – a sharpened spoon. Te voy a matar, infeliz! (I’m going to kill you, sucker!) Bernie struggles but Siniestra manages to drive the weapon home. Bernarda’s face contorts with pain and she sinks to the floor. She holds a bloody hand over a wound in her chest.

This is why no one calls the police...
CSI – DF has completed its investigation. They checked Bernie’s fireplace for fingerprints and the only ones found were Fausto Candela’s. This means he -- and not Bernarda de Iturbide – murdered Tomasa Hernández. Morons.

Back in Rat City...
María rejects all of Victoria’s overtures although most of the time, she lets her hold on to her hand. Vic explains how she tried to come to María’s rescue, got tricked and ended up captive. She wants to tell María their whole story – maybe that will affect how she feels. María is uninterested. In fact, she’d prefer if Vic didn’t talk at all. If she can’t talk, then she’ll sing, says Vic. María’s reaction: Sing? That’s absurd! Sing what?

We hear the tinkling notes of “Rockabye Baby”. And Vic replies:
La canción de cuna con la que yo te dormía. Quizá la recuerdes, quizá no, pero en este momento me va a dar mucho paz.
(It’s a lullaby -- I used to sing you to sleep with it. Maybe you remember it, maybe not, but right now it will give me a great deal of peace.)

She begins a heart-breaking recitativo --
Cuántas estrellitas en el cielo están
(How many little stars there are in heaven)
Son cual perlas finas que te da mi amor
(They are the fine pearls my love gives to you)
Mira como brillan
(Look how they shine)
Cuan hermosas son
(How beautiful they are)
Son cual perlas finas que te da mi amor.
(They are the fine pearls my love gives to you.)

María joins very softly, almost inaudibly and a tear rolls down her cheek. The camera pulls back and we see the two women back to back separated by the pillar, their hands tied to the same cord; a fat rat sits in the foreground. Then María’s face tightens and she forms a fist with the hand Vic was holding and tries to pull it away.

Back to the two-legged rats in prison...
Bernie sits on the floor and swears that Siniestra will pay for what she did – she’ll burn in hell! The other prisoners mob Siniestra – the hated cellblock bully -- and attack her. The now bloodied spoon drops to the floor. And when the mob backs away, we see Siniestra is dead. Gnarly guard comes running...

A red electronic eye blinks in the rat-infested warehouse.
María denies remembering the song. [Here Mr. Maven elbows me: What the...? She totally remembers the song!]

Cut the sentimental blather (cursilería), lady, and try to figure out who could have kidnapped us, she says. Vic doesn’t know but she blesses whoever it was for giving her a chance to be with María. Even if she can’t see her, at least she can touch her hand.
[Seriously, ladies. You don’t know who’s to blame? You don’t see the cloven hoof prints all over this? Okay, I get it. You’re both right-brain, creative types. Or morons.]

Not here Not there Not Anywhere
You can’t forgive me... even in circumstances like these? asks Vic. And María replies stonily (although her words have an oddly Seussical lilt):
Ni aquí ni en algún lado.
(Not here nor anywhere.)
And she pulls her hand away.

This time Bernie really didn’t do it...
but the circumstances point to her guilt. The gnarled little guard orders the others to take her to the infirmary and then the Hell Cell. It’s not my fault, protests Bernie, who seems to have escaped almost unscathed by her spooning.

Close-up of a disgusting bug -- in case you were tired of rats...
Don’t call me ‘daughter’ says María. And Vic answers: Deny it all you want, but you carry my blood – and so does your son. And so will all your descendants.

Over María’s protests, Vic tells her about the night she was born; how she gave birth outside, behind a tree in a garden; she reminds her of the indescribable pain of childbirth – she’s a mother now and can understand; she describes how she cut the umbilical cord by biting it (whoa! Very. Disturbing. Detail.) and then put the newborn María on her chest and caressed her little head; she was so fragile; they were so vulnerable (desprotegida).

--Here again we see the red blinking electronic eye.

Victoria continues: She raised her eyes to heaven to thank the Virgin for protecting them; that’s why she named her María – in gratitude to the Virgin.

María interrupts her again: I don’t want you to talk any more. Would you please just shut up? (Cállese por favor)

[Now that is harsh. Maybe we should call you María Desalmada.]

But Victoria goes on with the story: They spent the whole night there -- she lay on the grass, her baby at her breast. Her little girl. Her little María, whose eyes were bigger and more luminous than all the stars. She became a mother with only nature to protect her – a miracle! María was a miracle. A miracle that later she was blind to.

Again María tells her to stop talking about her memories. At this point I’m ready to smack María upside the head but Vic takes her daughter’s downright churlishness with good grace. She intends to keep telling her how much she loves her, how grateful she feels being close to her daughter even under these conditions.

Bernarda is about to be left stewing in the Hell Cell when another guard comes running up with a judge’s order: Bernarda de Iturbide va a quedar en libertad. (Bernarda is going to be released.) Cue the Gregorian chant. Bernarda looks upward, does a quick brow sweep. Her face is bathed in light.

Cruz is back.
Milagros – still holding baby Juan Pablo -- and Nati get up to leave so the couple can have some privacy but Fer stops them. What she has to say isn’t a secret:
Cruz, quiero que nos separemos.
(Cruz, I want us to separate.)
Millie and Nati shake their heads.

Vic remembers
You were such a well-behaved little girl, so calm. You loved your doll and you played with her for hours. And María remembers: Fer gave that doll back to me... my little sister Fer.

Cruz’s heart is broken
He is stung by Fer’s words. And after everything he has done for her -- she never appreciated his love! He has been holding her hands tightly but he drops them abruptly and runs out. Now Millie turns to Fer and tells her: Cruz is right. He does really love you and you don’t appreciate his love. You’re not being fair to him!

We don’t get to hear Fer’s answer because just then there is a knock at the door. Millie is happy to see it’s Max. She hands over little Juan Pablo and tells him his sister needs her ears pulled back. Then she notices the look on his face...

The ear-pulling will have to wait.
Max gives them the terrible news: Victoria and María have been kidnapped!

Kayakless credits roll. Lástima.

Labels: triunfo

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's new Recap #3 at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 15 start at this link.

Thank you, Carlos, for today's fun picture!

Labels: Alborada

Readers: This is a very abbreviated recap of Thursday and Friday.

HACIENDA DOMINGO – GUADUAS

Cata has dreams of Juliano, but when she wakes, Domingo is beside her in unending confusion and conflict. Gertrudis keeps trying to get her to drink the fertility tea and to do her duty. When she realizes that Pola is leaving for sure, Cata tries to get Vivianito to live in the house with her, but even he prefers to live with the slaves in the barn.

Meanwhile, Domingo goes to see the mayor about getting rid of the complaint brought against him by Juliano and Pola. After some discussion, the mayor convinces him to free a slave to make amends. Domingo will allow the firstborn of Juliano and Nicolasa to be born free.

Domingo meets with Juliano and tells him that if he withdraws the complaint, he will allow his first child to be born free. Nicolas, as we know, is taking ruda (rue) to bring on a miscarriage. The slaves are looking for remedies to save Nicolasa. It is as this point that Domingo notices Cata’s interest in Juliano and wonders aloud why this slave is so important to her.

Pola tells Cata that she doesn’t know how she puts up with that beast Domingo. Pola takes a parting shot at Domingo by calling him a coward who hits indefensible women.

MANSION IN POPAYAN

Alejo can’t sleep. He wakes Leandro, whom he assumes has more experience that he has with women, and asks Leandro if this can be. Maybe, says Leandro. The thought of Pola is driving him crazy, and he just can’t fathom what is happening to himself.

Iggy continues her crying jag and now claims that she is pregnant, but no one must know. She later tells Francisco that she feels terrible, but Francisco assures her that it is all for a good cause. Fran tells that to Alejo who is shocked, but who, of course will keep the Secret. Francisco is desperate because the dowry is to be delivered this afternoon.

Alejo is very suspicious of Ignacia’s accusation and tries to pin Acacia down as to how much time she left then alone. Alejo sees Ig talking to Fran.

After Fran loses the gold (see below) he returns to the manse and starts drinking. He tells his wife what happened and says that he is celebrating the marriage of my miserable son. He is now mad as he**.

GOVERNOR’S PALACE IN POPAYAN

Well muses the gov, it looks like Francisco owes a big debt. The gov knows that Fran is about to receive the dowry and think that maybe he can pay up now.

The receiving of the dowry proceeds. The governor announces that Ignacia and Alejo will be married, and he reads out the dowry – gold, jewelry, clothing, furniture, etc. Francisco receives a bag of gold. There is no turning back now, and Francisco and Gaspar sign the marriage contract.

The governor- when everyone has departed -later tells Francisco that he has real problems and orders the guard to relieve him of the bag of gold.

SANTA MARTA

The priest is caught with too many groceries and the soldiers follow him home. They grab Tonito, but Nariño comes out of the shadows and tells them to set Tonito free. They are headed to Cartagena thinks Nariño. He pleads for his son. Then they are told that they are going to the Castillo de San José in Boca Chica where he will be kept in solitary confinement. Tonito loses it and calls the man an assassin whereupon he is told that they will never leave there alive.

THE REVOLUTIONARIES

Don Jorge reads a document that is a demand for equal rights. He still thinks that they will prevail before the King of Spain (royalists). The others do not agree with him. For some reason Baraya wants to find a way to persuade the vireina to support them. He can threaten to expose her dalliances to her husband.

POLA ON THE TRAIL

Pola decides to stop at the monastery to see her brother, and a good man whom she had accompanied, shows her the way. The long and short of this visit is that her brother is reminded that he cannot be a priest if he is of mixed blood. Although he talks to Pola, he denies that he is her brother.

When Pola arrives in Santa Fé, she has to resort to begging to survive. She tries the house of Doña María Matea, but the maid tells her the doña is not in and later lies to the doña about it, too. She ends up sleeping in the street. She goes to the cemetery where her parents are buried. She tells her father that he was the only person who saw good in her. She promises to fight his fight and she swears to do what he could not do.

MANSION

Alejo tells Francisco that he doesn’t believe what you have done. You are not my father. He lies and says that María Ignacia told me everything. María is an idiot says Francisco.

No, says Alejo finally, she didn’t tell me anything – I knew it had to be your idea.

Labels: LaPola

HACIENDA NARIÑO

Don Jorge, in a feeble attempt to win Magda back, tells her that he wants to help her and to help his daughters. They are not your daughters she tells him. Jorge tells her that this is our moment. Nariño will never return. A slap to his silly face. She can’t stand him now. You got me pregnant at the same time you impregnated María Tadeo. My husband is an honorable man. Magda is sorry for what she did.

Antonio will return to get rid of you. She now thinks like Don Antonnio who wants equality for all. I am not afraid of him says Don Jorge. Well, you better be, says Magda.

Magda is left on the hacienda to work the land. She is now talking like Nariño about fighting the Spanish. Her sister warns her to be careful about what she says.

Baraya arrives and tells Magda that Antonio has escaped and warns her that soldiers might come looking for him.


ON THE TRAIL TO JAIL

Don Antonio wants Tonito to return to the hacienda to help his mother, but Tonito tells his father that she will be OK. You need my help, and an officer makes them stop talking. Tonito expresses his absolute loyalty to his father.

They are in a little boat going down a river. Nariño mentions that girl in Guaduas and how different she is. Then he tells Tonito that they cannot go to Cartagena and be put in jail. They have to try to escape.

When they stop for the night and the guards are asleep, Tonito cuts his father’s handcuffs. Nariño tells Baltasar that if we are found, they will kill us. Nariño writes a message on something and he and Tonito leave in the boat.

When the guards awake and realize the prisoners are gone the officer in charge (Angel) says he knew the boy was trouble. Baltasar tells him to read the message. I am not going to jail and I leave your good company – the company of angels.

SANTA MARTA

Nariño and Tonito arrive at Santa Marta and seek help from a priest who once was one of his teachers.

The priest goes out for provisions and unfortunately is detained by soldiers. Their freedom is short lived. Nariño realizes that to be returned to prison or to be sent to the prison where he is going is like being put in the mouth of a wolf (meterse en la boca del lobo).

AT THE MANSION

The doctor tells Alejo that he is getting better and that the infection is under control. Alejo wants to go to Quito. The doctor tells his family that he needs rest, and his mother wants to postpone the wedding. Francisco has a fit.

Doña thinks it is a miracle Alejo is alive. Francisco remarks as to why he was the only soldier wounded. Alejo relives the shooting. I was going through the bodies looking for survivors, etc. María Ignacia, forever desperate, gets him to say that he will marry her. Why wouldn’t I want to marry you, says Alejo.

His mother tries to get him to eat since the wedding is two weeks away. Alejo asks Francisco if he is in agreement with a massacre. Francisco warns him to be careful about what he says. Those people weren’t with the French. They tell Alejo the news – the troops from Santa Fe are meeting in Popayan and then they are going to march on Quito. Alejo says the Quiteños are going to think it is the king who is going against them when it is the Viceroy.

Alejo wants to go to the governor and stop them. Francisco – the Viceroy is in agreement. Don Gaspar, says Alejo, you are an influential man. The governor will listen to you. You can avoid another tragedy. After discussion between Francisco, Alejo and Gaspar, Gaspar admits that he agrees with Alejo and he says that he is going to ask for a meeting with the governor.

Francisco says the governor is trying to defend Spain. The governor has power over everything – even Don Gaspar’s gold mines. Don’t worry – I will marry María Ignacia. Francisco tells him that he is running a risk by running around with that Indian. Francisco wants to stop Gaspar.

Alejo’s mom remarks that he has hardly said a word to her since he returned from Spain. Alejo is still annoyed at her because of how they hid news of Pola from him. She tells him that he doesn’t understand the position of a married woman who lives at the whim of her husband. Well, he says, do you want me to be as miserable as you are. Then he ask her forgiveness, but adds that this will never stop hurting me.

Gaspar tells everyone that they are going against Quito. Alejo says that is absurd. There will be blood on our hands. Francisco says that we are sending a message. Alejo wants to join his troop, but is unable to get out of bed.

Alejo makes his way to the lounge because they have to get ready for the wedding. He and Ignacia share a moment together. He asks her what is the matter. Have you forgotten the mestiza? He has not. Have you seen her? Yes. Are you still in love with that mestiza? Alejo says that he cannot help that his thoughts always go back to her. If you do not want to marry me, I will understand.

Ignacia says do you think I am not disgused by your loving this mestiza. You cannot look at a woman like that because you are going to have a señora at your side. I am going to take care of your every need. Alejo says I don’t want to make you unhappy. She will be the unhappy one says Ignacia.

There is some talks about Francisco returning to Honda – but in the end he accepts Gaspar’s offer to stay in the mansion. Alejo announces that he will not live in Popayan. I am a soldier. I might have to go to Spain. Then Francisco pipes in with after Quito, everything will be like nothing happened.

Francisco tells Leandro that your brother is going to kill me and he tells Leandro about the letters. Leandro tells Fran that Pola was living with the campesinos and slaves and that Alejo is going to find her because he thinks she might need his help, but that he was going to comply with the engagement. (With??) Fran wants to know if Alejo and the indian ever shared a bed. Alejo doesn’t know about the letter from Guaduas denouncing him. Pola told Leandro that Alejo would return for her. Well, says, Fran, she is playing dirty, and we will do the same pagar con la misma moneda).

Fran and Ignacia (with a little friendly persuasion) hatch a plan to trick Alejo into thinking that he dishonored her. But, she admits that if she does this, Alejo will know she is lying.

At dinner all the talk is about wedding plans and Alejo could care less. He wants to report to his battalion and get away for a couple of days.

Later Alejo is packing and Leandro asks him what he thinks he is doing. He is going to look for Pola, to help her. He says he has a right to just one last trip and that Leandro can kill him if he wants.

Doña Eusebia found Ignacia crying. Iggy says she committed a sin and that her father will not pardon her. Gaspar overhears this conversation. I lost my honor. Alejo robbed my honor. Gaspar enters in a rage.

Gaspar catches Alejo as he tries to leave and calls him a miserable … The women are crying and of course Alejo is bewildered. Alejo denies it and says that Iggy is not telling the truth. Gaspar goes so far as to offer him a gun for a duel. Alejo knows better. You don’t remember, says Iggy, because you were asleep? He says “moribundo” – what?

Gaspar believes his daughter and Acacia remembers a few minutes when Alejo and Iggy were alone. Alejo remembers his dreaming of Pola and saying that if I can’t be with you, I prefer to die. If I did this, says Alejo, it was not by my free will. Gaspar wants him to pay with death.

Calm down, Gaspar, says Francisco, they are getting married next week. No one has to know. Anyway, for the time being Francisco and Iggy get by with their little trap, and the wedding plans proceed.

POPAYAN

Military officers and a nobleman debate the right course to take. The governor wants to send the troops to Quito. The nobleman wants to negotiate. It appears that both the governor and the Viceroy are playing both sides against the middle.

The governor wants to crush the rebellion in the name of Spain.

The governor receives a letter from the archbishop. He reads about the complaint against Alejo on behalf of a girl from Guadas. Well, he says to himself, it looks like Sabarain isn’t all that honorable after all.

Gaspar has gone to see the governor and finds that a nobleman by the name of Gaspar is being taken away by soldiers. We are not against the king, he says. Governor Tacón is on Napoleon’s side.

Gaspar goes in to speak to the governor, but Francisco catches up with him and interrupts. Francisco congratulates the governor on his victory, but, Gaspar adds that it will be a big mistake to march into Quito.

How can it be an error to defend our own lives? Gaspar – but they are on our side, and he leaves.

The governor asks Francisco to stay. Francisco agrees with the governor that the Quiteños are not on their side. The governor then gives Francisco the letter to read. What? She is not honorable. She is a mestiza. The governor tells the guards to leave. She has two letters: 1. A declaration of love and 1. A proposal of marriage. No, it is prohibited. The governor wants to know if she’s pregnant – no. And, Francisco says you aren’t going to pay any attention to this letter. That depends, says the governor. Many people hee think I am on the side of the French. I am not for Napoleon. I am on my own side. You and I as Spaniards have to succeed in Quito. I need the support of influential people like Gaspar. I need his unconditional support. I will forget I ever received this letter. Francisco, of course, assures him that he can count on him.

The governor is thinking of doing a new bando to the people of Popayan – he wants Francisco to read it.

Later, Francisco obliges the governor and Francisco speaks aloud from a balcony with the governor.. The Quiteños are Napoleon’s accomplices. Now – let’s go to Quito and recover the property for Spain. Anyone against this is a traitor. Long live Governor Tacón. Gaspar, who is in the crowd looks bewildered.

Still later Francisco tells Gaspar not to listen to my son. I don’t think the way my son thinks. We must recover Quito, then everything will return to normal.

SANTA FÉ

The Viceroy is worried about a confrontation. More than 500 Quiteños were killed. The people might go against us. The Vicereina is getting bored and wants to get out of the four walls she is in.

Sámano tells him the little group is not planning a botanical expedition and that they are planning an intrigue. Nariño is especially dangerous and we will get him. We note that the vireina is a flirt. Apparently she is having an affair with José Antonio who has bought her a villa. She is spotted by Baraya and some women as she stands outside the villa”Amar es mi Delicia” with her lover.

HACIENDA DOMINGO - GUADUAS

Juliano can’t find Nicolasa who is in the woods drinking from a gourd and singing. Pola tells Bernarda that she has to leave. Bernarda doesn’t want Nicolas to find out that she is helping Cata with a fertility remedy.

Domingo tells Pola that he wants her to help out with their new guests, the soldiers. She is happy about that, but then she finds out that they are not going south, but to Cartagena with prisoners.

Cata watches Juliano, who in this moment responds and looks back at her. She pretends to look away. Juliano remembers Nicolasa’s words that something strange is happening with Cata and him.

Pola brings sleeping mats to the prisoners, but an officer tells her that they have to sleep on the ground. When she protests that in this posada everyone is equal he gives in and lets her leave the mats. She doesn’t think they look like bandits. She asks the man why he is a prisoner, and he tells her that he doesn’t know why. She remembers him, and she remembers a speech he made attended by her father who asked a question about taxes.

She tells Tonito that thanks to your father I lost my family. My father moved our family to Santa Fe and followed Don Antonio, and they all got smallpox. Your father is terco (stubborn), she says. I am going with him because he is my father, wouldn’t you do the same? I agree with my father. We will all be better off and free.

Later, Pola pulls an old box out of a sack. She sees her mother’s shawl and her father’s hat. Then she remembers Don Antonio telling her that a man was sent to prison in Africa for translating the document that she has also just found. The document is the rights of man from France. She remembers her father telling her that it isn’t right that those who were born here didn’t have the same rights as the Europeans. She remembers her family being humilliated in church. She remembers how Juan Samáno treated her like she was nothing and of little value.

Nariño makes a point of telling the alférez that he will never be a commander because the higher positions are reserved for Spaniards.


Pola asks Nariño to explain the rights of man to her. She tells him her father’s name. Nariño explains to her that all men are equal and that in France the people killed the king, which is shocking to her.

Nariño: All men are born with equal rights – the slaves, the mestizos, everyone. She asks if they can marry people like me – yes, he says, when we break the yoke of Spain.

Nariño tells Pola that she is a very different type of woman. She tells him that she taught the slaves how to read and that they learned very fast. Why is it bad. It is bad, he says, for the owners. It will be harder to dominate them. She tells him how Juliano lost his finger. She has asked for his freedom. She also tells Nariño how she learned to read.

Nariño tells Pola to look for José María Carbonel. The soldieries interrupt them but, he adds that you can count on me to be in Santa Fé soon.

You are Spanish, says Pola. My father was Spanish, says Nariño. The Spaniards from Europe don’t treat us as equals. If we want to be free, we have to take the risk. This is our land. Blood will be spilled. Spain will call us traitors. Every day more and more people like you are changing their minds. Pola now realizes that her father wasn’t wrong. I did something terrible, she says. She flashes back to her father’s deathbed. I refused to forgive him. Nariño tells her that a good father knows that his children love him. Now you understand your father’s side. We have to fight for this land. We have to get the Spaniards out of here.

You are a beautiful woman, says Nariño, and a beautiful woman is a most lethal weapon in a war. I am a prisoner. I went to save my family and the Viceroy accused me of treason. Now I count on the support of my family. I am going to support you, too, says Pola. You are easy to convince says Nariño. I don’t have any place to live. I have nothing to lose. My father was ready to give his life for you. Why not me?

Later Pola talks to Bernarda after the soldiers and Nariño have left. I will be able to do something my father couldn’t – but I better not tell you.

Pola sings as she works. She tries to help Juliano and asks him if he wouldn’t like to fight injustice. He just doesn’t want any problems.

Juliano goes to Nicolasa – do you still love me? Why are you so distant? Are you pregnant? No. My children will be free.

Leandro arrives in Guadas. He goes into a cantina and can’t understand how such a miserable place has so many clients. A woman approaches him and asks if he is looking for a girl. He is only looking for one called Pola and learns she lives with the slaves.

When Leandro enters the barn he sees Pola sitting with Juliano and doesn’t miss the opportunity to criticize her for being with campesinos and slaves. She snipes back and he threatens to withhold information about his brother. After teasing her about Alejo being dead, Leandro tells her he was only wounded. And, he says, he going to get married to a very distinguished woman of Popayan.

Later Leandro meets Pola. She says we cannot be together because you your stupid society. But, even the “dirty blood” have rights. You can only be a concubine. Pola slaps Leandro. I am a decent woman. He wants the medal. She refuses – she still has hope. Leave my brother in peace. Are you afraid of me? He feels the same as I do.

Pola found out about the letter of denouncement and asks Gertrudis why she did it. Basically, Gertrudis is looking for a way to save herself, Cata and indirectly Pola by thinking Alejo will be bound to pay something to get rid of Pola.

Pola announces that the laws aren’t for a person like her and that she is leaving. The mayor asks her what does she think a mestiza like herself is going to do. She tells him she is going to Santa Fé to get rid of chapetones like you. The mayor accuses her of treason and threatens to take her prisoner – but, she tells him that he should think about the people of Guaduas, not her.

Nicolasa gets weaker and weaker as each day passes. Bernarda wants to call a doctor, but Nic won’t have it.

Pola writes a letter to Alejo telling him that she did not denounce him – that it was Gertrudis and Cata. She also tells Juliano that she is leaving as there is nothing here for her. She is going to Santa Fé and tells him one day skin color won’t matter.

THE REVOLUTIONARIES

Baraya, Torres, etc – yes, 500 died. Jorge says it is a message. And what they did to Nariño is a message too – to show us they can do it to us, too. They have to be very careful because Sámano is watching. Speaking of the devil – he wants to know what they are doing. He knows they are planning something and talking about Nariño. They think he is the leader – Jorge says he is not going to return. Sámano wants power, too. Sámano wants to be viceroy and put them in their place.

Our little group of revs supposedly are planning some kind of botanical outing. Don Jorge is handling a plant and announces that he has found a new venomous species. The others chime in that it must be Sámano.

Enter Baraya with news that Nariño has escaped. Jorge’s jaw drops. But, they don’t think it is a good idea to organize a revolution with a fugitive as a leader.

Later – Jorge is at his home when he receives a message and his wife comes out to taunt him that Nariño escaped. But, he brags that news from Spain is good and that they practically have the crown’s blessing to go ahead and form a junta. Now you can be king, she says, isn’t that what you always wanted?

Labels: LaPola

Hola, queridos! I was a a baseball game until the wee hours of the morning, so this one is a day late. The title came from a quote I read years ago that always stuck with me. It's definitely true in this case. Jero is poisoning his own relationship with Renata out of a revenge that will only hurt him in the end. Anyway, on with the show!

We begin with Jero unceremoniously dictating that Lazaro should take Renata's luggage to the guest bedroom. Everyone stares at Jero in disbelief. Nata asks for a minute alone with Jero and the guys oblige.

R: What's wrong with you? First, I have to choose between consoling my best friend at her mother's funeral or coming with you to the hacienda because you have too many things to do. Now you're saying we are not even going to sleep in the same bedroom?!
J: I wanted to respect your space.
R: Why did you send your groundskeeper to pick me up at the airport instead of coming to get me yourself?
J: I couldn't make it.
R: What could be more important than picking up your wife who has only been married to you for two days?!
J: What's the problem? You're here now.
R: There is a problem! On top of all that, you put me in the guest bedroom like I'm a stranger. I am your wife, Jeronimo! This is our honeymoon, I love you and I want us to be together always.
J: We will be. But I like to sleep alone. I am used to it.

Renata doesn't understand Jero at all. Why didn't he tell her about this beforehand? Jero has no excuse. It's just the way things are now. Bleh.

Agustin and Dr. Nesme walk through the fields and chat about the arrival of Jero's wife. Augie is most interested in meeting her.

Honorio hands over some paperwork to Matias. He wants Adriana to go over it before they finish because Hon wants Adri to feel more important within the company. Matias tells his Tio that he and Adriana have a thing for each other. Honorio has no problem with it, though he does tell Mat that he needs to move on from Renata. Mat still loves Nata but promises not to play games with Adri.

Gonzo visits Constanza to talk to her about Adriana. No matter what decision Coni makes, Gonzo will support her. "Just think it through, first. Honorio is a great guy; don't leave him and then regret it later."

Daniel, rather unprofessionally, pours his heart out to Blanca about the huge crush he has on Adriana. Too bad she has a thing for Honorio. Blanca tells him to cool it. Honorio could be Adri's father; there's nothing to worry about there. Adri must be feeling lonely at the moment, which would make this the perfect opportunity for Danny to get close to her. Blanca will happily give Danny Boy lessons on office-seductrism if he really wants to charm Adri.

Adriana steps into Matias's office. She had to come to work because she is so alone in the house without her madre. Mat gives her a hug. Too bad a sweet moment in this episode doesn't last long. Mat suddenly gets snappy and sends Adri to work with Blanca and Daniel.

Jero introduces Renata to all the employees at the hacienda. Everyone receives her very well, except Matilde, who gives Nata the stink eye and leaves the introduction early. Nata asks Manuela to make whatever she would like for dinner; once they get to know each other better, Nata would love to cook with her. Nata thinks the entire staff is fabulous but she could tell that Mati was in a funk. "Mati has a moody disposition; she'll come around soon." Carlos says.

Nata is thrilled when Carlos offers to show her the vineyard and the grape fields. Jero declines to go with them. Nata, visibly hurt, goes off to the guest room to change. Carlos accosts Jero for being such a prig. "You're not only neglecting your wife, you're being very rude."

Jero's thoughts brew once he is alone. "To have her here is going to be very difficult. The hacienda you thought was for her, Rafael. The place where she would be happy by your side. I swear that she will never be happy here or in any other place." Vete al diablo, Jeronimo. You are the most odious galan I have ever seen.

Manuela and Lazaro warn Matilde to cut out the theatrics. The new Patrona could have her fired for behaving so childishly. Mati is sure Jero wouldn't fire her. He is her boss, not Renata. Nata and Jero are a couple but Mati can tell there's trouble in paradise. Plus, Mati has a feeling she has seen Nata somewhere before. Manuela tells her to stop being such a spoilsport by ruining Jero's honeymoon.

Gonzo and Regi's love theme plays as Gonzo opens an invitation to the upcoming gala at Regi's center. He makes a call to confirm that the Monterrubios will certainly be in attendance.

Renata unpacks her suitcase in the guest room. She holds up a silky orange nighty and tosses it in a pile. It seems like she will have no use for it, as far as Jero is concerned. Meanwhile Fina presents Roberta with a bunch of new maternity clothes. Robi complains about getting fat but Fina tells her to shut it. She is excited to be an abuela and tells Robi that babies are perfect for pressuring men.

Regina and Constanza have a heart-to-heart about Adriana. If Regi were in Coni's shoes, she would offer Adriana the chance to live in her home. It would be a gesture of love; if for no other reason than that Coni loves Honorio. He would be so grateful if Coni accepted Adriana into the family. Coni is still conflicted, even though everyone has given her the same advise. Regi takes that as a sign. If they all agree, then it must be for a reason. Regi tells Coni to take advantage of the opportunity to have a daughter in her life.

Honorio asks Adriana if she really wants to be back at work so soon. "It keeps me busy." Adri says. Honorio can't ignore the elephant in the room and wants to have a serious talk.

A dour Coni arrives for work at the centro. She tells Chema about Regi's advice. Chema respects Regi but disagrees. These things take time and having Adri move in might be a little hasty. Coni is happy to have someone understand how she feels but doesn't look as though she's made a decision yet.

Adriana cries as she explains to Honorio that she has always liked him as a boss and appreciates all that he has done for her. But she still can't think of him as a father. It doesn't matter to Honorio. He just wants to be able to help her, protect her, and share his life with her. Honorio wants to give Adri all that he never had the opportunity to in the past. Adri sobs that she misses her mother so much. No one can ever take her place but she does want to be close to her padre. Adriana places a hand on his face as they both cry.

Selene and Robi gossip as they play cards in Robi's room. Selene is still set on snagging Chema, even though he only has eyes for Constanza. Robi's antenna goes up. "What would Tio Honorio say if he knew that Coni had another man? How fun would it be to watch the ideal couple start to break up." Selene doesn't care about that. It would only hurt her quest for Chema if Coni were divorced from Honorio. Robi says forget it, her Tios would never split anyway. They move on to more important topics like how much Robi hates Nata. FFWD...

Dr. Nesme meets with Jero. He wants to buy the doctor's land but it isn't the doctor's to sell anymore. Augie comes out of the shadows to reveal that he is Jero's new partner.

Carlos walks Renata around the fields. She is positively in love with the place. They munch on grapes and Carlos introduces Nata to Alfonsina. Nata asks Alfi how the hacienda got it's name and Alfi has no qualms about telling the truth. "The former owner Rafael named it La Bonita after his girlfriend." Nata asks what La Bonita's real name was but Alfi tells her that no one knows.

Augie will only sell the land when he feels like it. Right now, it isn't for sale. Jero seethes as Augie waltzes out victorious. Conveniently, Renata and Carlos arrive from a horseback ride just in time for Nata to run into Augie. They hug and Nata explains that the hacienda is her new house; she married Jero!

Dr. Show-Me-The-Money compliments Fina on her swindling Gonzo. He totally bought the tumor story. Fina says now is the time for phase two. She cuts him a check so he will tell Gonzo that her cancer has gotten worse and she is meant for the grave. Viewerville can only hope.

Augie recovers from the shock long enough to share a laugh with Nata. She explains to Carlos that she met Augie because Gonzo's company exports Augie's wine. Augie introduces Dr. Nesme, who is probably leaving to soak himself in a bottle of tequila. Carlos excuses himself to speak with Jero. Augie tells Nata that Jero and his employees hate him for business reasons. He had heard about Nata getting married and can't believe he lost his chance. Nata asks what he meant by that and Augie clarifies he "missed the chance to attend the wedding". Uh-huh, sure. Augie invites Nata to visit him at his hacienda any time.

Jero has reached a boiling point after Augie's business deal. Carlos has news that will only make Jero even more angry. Augie and Nata are amigos; they're outside talking this very second.

Renata tells Augie that she fell in love with Jero the moment she saw him. The second Nata tells Augie she will stay friends with him despite his disagreements with Jero, el Jerko himself storms into the yard. He calls Augie an enemy of La Bonita and tells him to get out. Jero gruffly tells Nata that he does not want her near Augie. Renata scoffs at Jero for telling her who she can be friends with.

Jerko follows Nata into the house where their argument can be overheard by practically everyone. Nata does not like it when anyone tells her what she should do or how she should feel. The Augie she knows is an educated gentleman. Jerko says Augie is only playing games with her to irritate him. Nata calls Jero out. "And what exactly is it that you're doing? We've been married two days and I have seen a whole new Jero that I do not like." Jerko drops the attitude and pulls Nata into a hug.

Mati revels in the fight between Nata and Jero. For some silly reason, she takes Jero's side. "The woman should always take her husband's side." Somehow I doubt Mati practices what she preaches.

Dr. Lecherous T. Pervert gropes Alfonsina and forces a few kisses on her. Alfi tells him to get lost. He heads straight for the bar and vows to make Alfi his. Ezequiel chats with Karina at the market. Zeke has no idea how Kari handles the doctor's temper. Kari defends her marriage; she hopes she can get pregnant soon and then things will get better. Zeke and I both agree that a baby won't solve any of their problems.

Jero huffs and puffs in his office while Renata showers. She can't get their wedding night out of her head. "Where is that man I fell in love with?"

Regina looks longingly at the newest picture of her daughter, thinking her usual thoughts. Ines tells Regi to reserve 4 places at the gala for the Monterrubios. Regi thinks it would be too painful for her to have Gonzo present but there's nothing they can do about it now. Regi hopes she can keep her compromiso with Antonio.

Jero and Nata meet near a grape-stomping pit. I would have to guess it's the famous one from the entrada. Renata thinks the vineyard is beautiful. Jero admits that he is happy to have Renata there. He asks how Adriana is doing. Nata fills him in on how difficult it has been for her amiga but the good news is Adri found out that Honorio is her father. Nata can't believe the surprises life has had in store. Jero comments that their love was certainly a surprise. They went through a lot to find each other. Jero and Nata kiss in front of a breath-taking landscape.

Spare-girl-Arely bounds into Augie's office. She asks what he's going to do with the lands now that he's taken them from Jero. Augie says she will find out in time. Arely questions Augie about Jero's new wife and Augie's good mood fades. He calls it a shame that Renata, such an intelligent and beautiful woman, should have married Jero. Arely is offended that Augie seems to think Nata's only flaw is that she's with Jero.

Adriana tries to get Matias to talk about what has him so down in the dumps. He agrees to meet with her later to chat.

Renata tells Jero about Matias striking up a relationship with Adriana. She approves since she loves the both of them so much. Jero hopes that Nata doesn't regret having stayed with him. "Prove it to me that I did make the right decision." Nata says. She admits that her family did not support her but what matters most is that the two of them are happy. Jero stops listening and starts inner-monologuing. "You are so beautiful. How difficult it is to have you close."

Gonzo asks Matias to help him find out who is the father of Robi's baby. Mat lets slip that Robi told him the jerk's identity. Gonzo presses Mat to spill it.

Avances: Renata tries to seduce Jero but ends up sobbing on the floor. Do you really want to know anything else?

Vocab:
arrepentir - to regret (Gonzo to Constanza, and Jero to Nata)
mal humorado/a - moody, bad-tempered.
grosero - rude, nasty, unpleasant. (Jero. That is all.)
aguafiestas - spoilsport, killjoy. (Manuela to Matilde)

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