Caray, Caray!

Monica misses her mom - she can't tell her dad she likes the mechanic... We find out the mom isn't actually dead, she just left when Mo was little because she couldn't take the responsibility.

Rebe, teaching Pancho upper-class manners, wants him to taste the wine but he gargles it instead. She asks if he's ever been in love since his wife died - he says he promised Laura he'd die when she did. Rebe has called a meeting of the executives for the next day and tells Pancho to be dressed as elegantly as he is at this moment.

Chela reads Pancho's contract three times and is irate that all Pancho's decisions need to be ok'd by Rebeca - that will keep him tied to her. Candy is rather callous: "If you don't want Pancho to run off with her, you better start going to the gym the way she does." Oh, now I get it. They are wrapping Chela in frowsy clothes to imply she also has a dumpy body, which we know (from previous shows) is not true! So she can have a big reveal later!

Pancho dances in with his bags and hangers of new clothes. He shows Candy how great he looks (thanks to her phone consultation about colors) and says Rebe was blown away. Chela mopes. Though he protests that he's the same Pancho on the inside, he can't sleep and wanders around wondering if she's right, and he's putting on airs. He doesn't want to lose himself.

Vince tells Pina she has to apologize to the neighbors, they have to make friends with them in order to discover their weaknesses, regain what is rightfully theirs, and grind Pancho into pieces.

Lupita tells Chela she kind of likes Alex and wishes Tomas were not such a macho brute - and if she wants to change him, that means she probably doesn't love him and is sticking with him out of habit. Pancho enters, ready for work in his new clothes, and Chela gives him a flower to perfect the outfit.

Vince is practicing in the mirror again, trying to figure out how to apologize: "No, no, Mr Lopez. I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you! ... it was the heat of the moment ... it was your RASCALLY LOWDOWN HORNDOG HUMPING MY PRECIOUS ... no, no..."

He's interrupted by bimbo Sandra, who's been missing him... Arnolda informs him about the meeting of executives... he goes hand in hand with Arnolda down to the lobby to greet Pancho, who will not shake hands since they are at war! Vince apologizes: we shouldn't fight like dogs, I'm sorry, Pancho accepts his apology but still doesn't get his name right.

Pancho expects Rebe to love his outfit but she hates it, especially the flower from Chela whom she deems to be the epitome of bad taste. Pancho takes umbrage: "I've started to like you, but if you don't respect my family things are going to go very badly between us."

In the cafeteria Pepe flirts with Monica and wants to kiss her. I think he's pretty darn convincing, but she slaps him and insults him, and he walks away, evidently having had enough. She looks a little regretful.

On the way out the door to the old neighborhood, Chela is intercepted by Pina who does a rotten job of trying to make friends and invites her to be a guest on the radio show as a representation of authentic Mexican pueblo. Chela appears somewhat taken by the idea.

Pancho asks Rebe to sit in La Burra's driver's seat: he wants a chair just like it for his office. She protests: he already has an ergonomically correct chair. He is so enthusiastic leaping about in the cab that they almost kiss.

Pina's snobby friend is amazed Chela's been invited over for coffee, but Pina says they'll be able to mock her to their heart's content. The maid, Adoracion, who's been told to spy on the neighbors, says that may not go so well, and that in fact Chela probably won't come since she takes breakfast to the kids at the old place every morning. No matter, Pina tells the friend she's invited Chela to be on the radio show and the whole country will laugh at her vulgarity.

Candy comes to Avon to see Pancho wrapped in a purple sparkly spandex mini. She doesn't like what Pancho's wearing, he says "I wanted your advice but you left home early and didn't answer your phone;" she says he should hire her to be his image consultant. He does. She goes running home to choose him a better outfit (I actually thought this one was fine). This nepotism may cost him!

Monica, Alex, and Freddy lunch with a snobby girl. Alex defends Lupita: "She's the best, and deserves the best."

The packages Chela took to the casa popular turn out to be (Lupita says) from a foundation that she'd written to asking for help for the kids. However, it later appears that Alex, perhaps, sent these things, because he loves the work she does there. Lupita goes to the internet cafe and makes up with her friend Elena. She's there to write an email thanking the foundation for the stuff they sent.

Rebe brings papers to Pancho for signing (as usual he says he trusts her and doesn't read them). He's about to tell her about hiring Candy when Rebeca brings up her concern: how short Candy's skirts are (etc). Vince and Arnolda and Enzo are having a pre-meeting meeting to plot and connive - Vince sees Candy come strutting/bouncing out of the elevator and is so alterado he drops his phone (heh heh).

Labels: familia

...and Chema Needs a GPS to Find Memory Lane

Hey all! We haven't heard from Jules yet, so I'm putting up this discussion page before tonight's show.

There were lots of trips down Memory Lane last night. My theory about this is that: 1) We are at a major turning point in the story; 2) This TN is long and lots of new viewers probably came on after a lot of this action took place; and 3) This TN is SO long that even people who have watched it from the beginning have forgotten a lot of this stuff. In the midst of the memories, we did have some moves forward in the plot. Here they are from what I remember:

Nata-Jero-Berta-Augie-Fina-Renata decides to see Fina to give her a piece of her mind, and to get some kind of explanation for all the evil deeds against her, Gina, and the rest of the family. Jero doesn’t think it’s a great idea, since she will just get hurt as usual by MalaFina. But he supports her decision.
-In jail, Karma bites Fina in the butt for the horrid way she treated her servants. She is assigned to scrub and clean the heavily used toilets.
-Berta and Augie breakfast in bed and plan how they will make Nata’s life miserable (Berta), and separate her from Jero (Augie). Augie seems to have a plan, but he’s not spilling it to Berta.
-In their confrontation, Fina says a ton of stuff to try to make Nata feel bad about herself, and they go down UnHappy Memory Lane hitting on some of the lowlights of their relationship—mainly the times Fina has publicly abused and humiliated Nata. Ah, good times, good times…NOT!
-Fina first tells Nata that she loves her. Nata doesn’t buy it. Then she says that she and Berta got along better because Berta is more like her, while Nata has always been difficult and rebellious. She then says she hates Nata because it’s her fault Roberto dumped her.
-Nata decides she is terminating her relationship with her “mother” and the next and last time they will ever see each other is during Fina’s trial. Fina mocks her, saying that she does not believe that virtuous, loyal Nata would abandon her own mother. Nata begs to differ. She wipes away her last tears, and walks away from Fina’s ugly mocking face with her head held high.
-Jero is waiting outside the prison for Nata with a ready hug and a willing ear. She says she feels better for having confronted Fina.
-They run into Berta on their way out. Berta says she also has the desire to give Fina a piece of her mind.
-When Fina is brought to the visitors’ room, happy and eager to see her favorite (only) daughter, she receives a massive slap as a greeting.

Adri-Matias-Chema-Selene-Julieta-Chema doesn’t show to his appointment to get his test results (I think he forgot). Selene and Adri do, but the doctor won’t give them the results since they aren’t family. Selene blurts out that Adri is his girlfriend, so the doc tells her that Chema has a brain tumor! More tests will be needed to determine the severity. Adri vows to track down his family. Chema is estranged from his father.
-Selene apologizes to Adri for the lie. Adri says it’s ok since Chema thinks she’s his girlfriend too. LOL!
-Chema hears about the shooting at the Center. He rushes to the hospital to support Gina and his “girlfriend” Adri.
-Julieta visits Matias at the hospital, under the pretext of bringing his stepmom chocolates. As they are talking, Chema arrives and Julieta realizes they all know each other. Then Adri arrives and Chema enthusiastically greets his “girlfriend” with hugs and kisses. Matias looks on in resigned frustration. Adri tries to communicate “I’ll explain later” to Matias with her eyes. Julieta looks really confused.

Enseñada-Padre-Tio has had a major relapse. It seems he has pneumonia. Doc Marina calls La Bonita up to get help taking her tio to the hospital in the nearest large town. Laz to the rescue!
-Matilde and Carlos realize that this will be another delay in their wedding plans. Everyone wishes the Padre to get well.
-Zeke breaks the news to Alfie that Doc Nesme is alive and on the loose. He wants her to be prepared if he shows up, so he's going to give her something to protect herself and the kids.

Gina-Toni-Gonzo-Toni begs Gina for forgiveness and she gives it. It really doesn’t matter to her anymore since what’s done is done and Fina is now behind bars.
-Toni is going to the cops to tell them what he knows anyway. He doesn’t have faith that even prison will stop Fina from continuing to do harm.
-In addition to Nata and Fina taking a trip down Memory Lane, we had Gina making the same trip remembering her courtship with Gonzo.

The Man of 1,000 Names
-The Man of 1,000 Names, but unfortunately 1 Face, meets up with an old doctor friend in Tijuana. Hey! It's Fina's crooked doctor who helped her fake a brain tumor. Seems Doc Nesme used to be so ethical (snort!) that he refused to take part in shady business with Doc Tumor. Now Nesme needs some fast cash, so he's willing to do anything.

Labels: Cuando

"The kids don't know anything," Chela tells Candy. "Just imagine if they found out what happened to you that time."

Later, Candy is stretching out on the lawn. She sees Vince's car approaching and stretches even more, wondering what he'd think if he knew she was Catgirl. He's so distracted staring at her that he crashes his car. (Awww, if only he knew some good auto mechanics.) Candy is pleased with herself.

For some reason, Gonzo didn't pick up the kids at school. Pancho tells him that's the most important thing.
Alex offers Pepe, Lupita, and Ana a ride home from school, but is rebuffed.

Lupita gets to the Casa Popular later than the kiddies would like. Some of them are old enough to know better, but they complain anyway. Who knew the little twerps would be such sticklers for punctuality? One of them says that her mom said that now that Lupita's peeps are millionaires, they don't love their old pals as much as they did before. Lupita runs away crying. Chela tries to cheer her up, then she changes the subject to what happened with Tomás. Chela isn't at all happy that they're back together, but Lupita explains that he begged on his knees.

Pancho is kind of miffed that they would make him president if they didn't like him the way he was. No no that's not true, yadda yadda yadda, it's just a question of image, blah blah blah, you're a swell guy and it's for your own good and your family's. And by the way, at her house tonight not only will she teach him to dress himself, but also how to eat.

With excellent timing, Alex shows up at the Casa Popular. Lupita tells him it's not a good idea for him to be there. He notes that she's been crying. She doesn't want any trouble. He thinks she deserves much better than Tomás. "You don't even know him!" "True, but he's made you suffer." He just wants one chance, one date with her. She says no. Meanwhile, Tomás and Pepe are driving around and see Alex with Lupita. Pepe doesn't let him out of the car.

Pancho compares himself to Pygmalion. Rebeca is impressed that he's familiar with the story. He'll change on the outside, but not on the inside. Then she teaches him to sign onto the computer. I think he says he's going to use La Burra's license plate number as his password. Their faces are close together, and their hands touch over the mouse, and there's mushy music, and Pancho gets a funny look in his eyes. Then they separate in a hurry. He looks disappointed. They review Vicente's miscellaneous expenses, which include not only his golf club membership, but the cost of "la Avispa" ("the Wasp"... he can't even remember Abeja's name!) as well. Pancho is bien horrified at the waste of money. They'll have to learn how to spend their own money and not Fernanda's.

Elena wants to know all about Lupita's life as a millionaire. Lup has only complaints. Elena is envious and asks about Alex, just in time for Tomás to show up. Before Lupita even has a chance to answer the question, Tomás calls her a liar. Elena even says she got in Alex's car! Tomás says the money's gone to her head. That's the last thing she needs to hear.

Ana has a sore throat because she's not used to sleeping in dry, air-conditioned air. She's afraid she won't be able to sing. (Plot point? I'm not sure. Oh no, then who will do the Pancho Lopez song?) At least she's okay in time for band practice.

Chucha is impressed with Chela's mole. Chela is hoping Pancho will reallllly like it. Pancho comes home with his new haircut. Chela makes a big deal about the family eating together like old times in the 'hood. Pancho remembers the last time they had a meal like that, it was when Fernanda had her first mole taco. The kids admit that they're not having a good time at school. Lupita tries to deny it, but Pepe says she has it worst of all. Pancho tries to get them to do a toast, but Chela is afraid they'll break their drinking glasses.

Meanwhile, Rebeca is setting the table for Pancho's table manners lesson when Vicente shows up uninvited. He flirts with her aggressively, backs her up against a wall, and doesn't seem to want to take no for an answer. She says his acoso and hostigamiento (both words for harrassment, I'm not sure what the difference is) was the reason she had to quit the company before. But she won't be so dumb this time, she won't quit just to get away from him. Vince scoffs that Pancho will be able to protect her. She says it's simpler than that. If he harrasses her like he did before, she'll have him thrown in jail! And she throws him out of her house. He steals a kiss from her first.

Candela admits to Pancho that she's working at Paraíso again and can't get out of her contract. He asks if she's forgotten what happened. Nope. Nico and Chacho show up and tease Pancho about his new 'do and going to Rebe's house tonight to learn dinner table etiquette. Nico notes that Chela is jealous. Pancho doesn't get it. Chela sulks in the kitchen. Candy warns her that Rebeca is going to steal him away.

Tomás is at the mansion too, to torture Lupita some more. She throws his words in his face, says she was never in Alex's car, it has nothing to do with money. He's still jealous. She's not sure if she's still in love with him any more, because he doesn't respect or trust her. "I'm not done talking," he says. "I am," Lupita replies, and runs away crying. Pepe and Chela yell at him. He really picked the wrong night to piss Chela off. She breaks down crying because she had a big family night planned and then Pancho's gone off with Rebeca. Tomás says she's jealous. She slaps him and runs away crying!

Fernanda calls Rebeca. It's 4AM in Germany, but cancer patients don't need any rest! Rebe tells him about Pancho wanting to cut the expense accounts. Fer is pleased. They'll put up a fight, but she thinks Pancho can handle it.

Chela weeps over her sister's picture. (It looks like she put on a couple of fresh coats of mascara first.) She can't help feeling that it's a sin to be in love with her brother in law.

Pepe tells Tomás there's no reason to doubt Lupita. "A thief always thinks everyone is like him." He says Lupita is the one family member who has NOT changed. If he's not nice to her, he'll lose her.

Freddy drops Mo off at home after a date. As soon as she's all by herself, she thinks about Pepe.

Rebeca puts all of Pancho's new clothes on the sofa, still in their bags, and tells him it's a test to see if he can put together a good outfit by himself. She'll wait in another room. He tries on a lot of things but doesn't like the way any of them look together. He calls Candela, who's in the hot tub, to help him match his clothes over the phone.

Pina looks like a space monster, with her hair in rollers and some kind of gooey mask. Vince says that despite having declared war on the greengrocer's family, he's not going to turn their dog in. He has to make friends with them, no matter how much it hurts. Pina wants to call the dog-catcher on Popeye instead. Abejita runs away crying!

After some time, Rebe asks if Pancho is ready. He's in a perfectly matched outfit.

Next time:
Although I've found these avances to be very misleading, it does appear that Rebeca likes Pancho's outfit.

Labels: familia

Sara of bulleted list fame in for Gloria tonight.

Disclaimer: I am not going to do justice to this episode. I was blinded by rage, then tears. Plus, unlike TdA type --almost every word said is crucial. Very little FF>> and I can't take notes very quickly. I hope you all will forgive and fill-in as needed. 

*ahem*

El Refrito

• Maripaz refuses the more than generous offer from Ivan and lets his lawyer know that Ivan knows very well what she really wants. She is going to ask the judge to keep Ivan away from Alex. Her lawyer looks a little green around the gills as she leaves. Yeah, asshat, that's YOUR client.
• Carly visits Porfirio the Prideful Judge and gives him what for. Oh, and by the way Sr. Juez (Soy El Recto) Iván is Teodoro's only ture heir.
• Tony and Ivan's lawyer says "Crazy beech is crazy."

Labels: Fuerza

Rest of the Title: and SisterUgly Snuggles with Mr. ManOfa1000EvilPlots While We Learn That Reptiles Really Do Cry

Amigos, I am leaving for 9 days in Mexico on Thursday so I need someone to write a guest recap or at least post a discussion place holder next Monday (October 31). Is anyone interested and available? Thanks in advance.

Review: The La Bonita crew gathers hoping for the best for Regina and Gonzolo and feeling awful for Dona Renata. At TOHIMC, Matias cries behind the glass at his motionless Papa reliving the moments of their reunion after too many years apart because of Fina and now maybe they will be separated forever for her evil crimes. You have to fight for your life, Papa. Matias worries about Renata who needs her Papa so, EVEN Roberta is effected says Matias, as surprised as we are. Don’t leave me, Papa. I don’t mind that he cries so long, Gonzolo is worth it.

Fina makes her debut in the prison yard with cat calls from the gang who prepare her initiation.

Antonio talks with his superior at the seminary to confess that he needs to denounce Fina and didn‘t before he joined up for the pastoral life so he has many sins to repent. The Padre gives him permission to leave so he can take care of his guilt.

At the edge of the separated yard, Fina is lured by Blanca through the bars to join her in revenge, they have so much in common, the hatred of the Monterubbios and the vengeance to see them all destroyed. Blanca blames the idiot Daniel for landing her in jail. Fina laughs oh so you’re the one who committed fraud against the Monterubbios. Blanca says, I am in this insane asylum because they say I am crazy but I’ll show them. Fina turns up her nose at this point, it’s a bit like the first day at a new junior high school, if you are trying to fit in and establish your superiority. She doesn’t need anyone’s help.

Good old nunca se rinde, Inez encourages Regina, she will soon be as good as new. But, Regina is having problems carrying on with Gonzolo so sick. She can’t figure out and neither can Inez how this monster Fina tried to kill both Gonzolo and her, and poor Renata, how can she bear being the child of this monster. Regina begs for the truth about Gonzolo’s condition. Inez tells her truthfully that they are hoping for the best but no one knows yet.

Selene brings Chema home. He doesn’t understand what is happening to him. She assures him that the doctor will let him know when the test results are back. She sweetly says they are friends and he can count on her for anything he needs. She seems to have repented her former clingy and witchy ways. Alone when she leaves, Chema continues to not know what is happening to him.

The special handsome agent says that charges are moving along for keeping Fina in jail. Roberta interrupts, what is to happen to Fina? With concern in her voice, but then assures the uneasy family that she only wants her to never get out. They will know more after she is arraigned, but he points out that although Regina seems to be getting better, Fina’s charges could be a lot more serious if Gonzo does not make it. Even Roberta takes this news badly as Matias observed earlier.

Renata and Jero go to sob in front of the window to Gonzolo’s room. Papito, dear Papa, you have to survive, you have to be strong, sobs Renata still lovely in her wedding garb. You promised to be with me forever. I can’t do without you. You protected us and loved us as though we were you real daughters. You have to hold on. She smiles suddenly remembering the first time they met. The young Pepa/Fina introduces the cold as a fish Roberta and then gets a big smile and hug from the vivacious, young Regina, Jr. /Renata. Don’t leave me! You always called me your princess. She again remembers all the time he told her he wants her to feel like a princess, like when she was planning her modest wedding and he wanted her to pull out all the stops and get the most beautiful dress so she could be the most beautiful bride ever. He also says he tried not to prefer anyone over the other but always she was his favorite and his pet or spoiled one (consentido/a). Later, in her tears when her marriage first failed with Jero, he was there saying that with him, she would always be in her home and especially at home in his heart. NO matter what her mother said, he would always be there with love for her. Don’t leave me, she sobs. Jero is so supportive these days.

Not so supportive of anyone, our Dr. Nasty had accosted a young woman on the street, distracted by her cell phone conversation. He grabs her purse, pushes her in the flower planter and takes her wallet, discards her purse and runs off. Gee, he’s hungry!

Lazaro and Kari plan their wedding date again. He is happy if it is tomorrow. Nooooo, she wants to wait for Jero and Renata to get back and Gonzo to improve. He says they shouldn’t wait but go ahead with their plans. He squeels piggy like and sets her on a stool, then he kneels and repeats once again would you like to marry me? He still has the ring and puts it back on her finger, saying he wants her to be Senora Lopez. They seem to be the token happy pair tonight.

Marina again in more modest clothing that she wore the day Jero turned her away enters her office. She is remembering the loving scene with Jero there when she tended to his wounds from the fight with Augie. Saying all men are like little children. She sniffs, here I lived some of the most beautiful moments of my life. Baby you need to know that you are the fruit of my love for him. Of my biggest illusion. I love you father so. She hugs her baby belly and cries .

Dr. 1000Names does a little shopping that looks almost like shoplifting just before the shop closes saying he has money to pay. It’s almost hard to see him so down on is luck-NOT. Isn’t this town supposed to be really small, why doesn’t anyone seem to recognize him?

Jero and Matias discuss the irony that Renata is so destroyed by having to be the daughter of the bad mother and they both are amazed that Roberta is the daughter of the good one. Matias points out that it has only made Renata strong and brave (valiente). Just then Augie slips into the seat in the waiting room and sits close to Renata who looks in no mood to have to deal with him. He was too worried about her and her family to stay away, so HERE’s AUGIE. Only two people are going to be happy about his being here and he is number one.

I thank you Augustin, says Renata. Jero stands up in assertive fashion not saying much but why are you here. Augie says he is here inspite of Jero’s being with Renata now, he is a friend of the Monterrubios. Renata basically tells him thanks but we don’t need more people here in this waiting room. Matias seconds the motion, we are all here just waiting together. Augies seems surprised at he shut out.

Roberta comes in for a moment to look at the sleeping Regina but it is a Roberta moment: she bemoans, why doesn’t anyone love MEMEME (oops, my fingers did that). She hates that she has to share the world with Renata and remembers telling Fina, she is glad that she isn’t her (Renata’s real) mother but she hates sharing any blood with her like having the same father. Roberta goes out feeling more sorry for herself than when she walked in. Besides, with the sleeping Inez and the sleeping Regina, no one notices her sacrifice of coming into the room. Inez and Regina sleep peacefully through the whole tender 40 second sequence. She feels so alone, Boo. Hoo. She runs into Augie in the hall way who is being shunned too so they grin and sneak out together. She is so glad to see him, so he says with his devilish grin, follow me.

Matias and Adriana talk in the cafeteria about Chema’s condition which worries Adriana still just as sister of hit and split (thanks Lila, I owe you for this one). Matias rises to offer her a seat. She notices how cozy Adriana and Matias are but sits anyway.

Inez awakes and so does Regina just as Renata and Jero come in. No one knows where Roberta is. Renata thought she was coming in here. Regina and Inez didn’t see her, so may be not. They all shrug. Renata offers to stay to take care of Regina so Inez can get home to Panchito and she says, maybe I can occupy the place of Roberta for a little bit since she isn’t here. Regina heartily assures her she has her own full place in her heart.

S of H & S sees the bling ring and the couple hand holding and lovey. Adriana with full confidence of her place retires to take care of something and let the friends talk. Sis tells Matias she is sad because she had feelings for him but it is a blessing that he is with the person he loves who loves him. Yes, he agrees what a blessing. AMEN. Now let’s see if she wants to run a foul of Selene for another try at Chema.

Carlos finally sits his stuffy mother down to tell her he doesn’t want any more lessons for Matilde. Matilde is fresh and wonderful and just the woman he fell in love with, so she should quit trying to remake her. Mama insists that Matilde is loving this and learning so quickly, she will be a half decent person in no time with her excellent teaching. But, Basta. Carlos says Matilde is just being polite and humoring her and has no desire to become the society stiff that her mother-in-law to be is. If Momma would just try to see Matilde for the wonderful person she really is she would see why he loves her so. They hug in seeming reconciliation. Maybe Mama is seeing some kind of light, maybe not, we shall see. At least she makes peace with her loving son.

Dr. 1000 drinks about 3 double shots of tequila, the cheap stuff he demands, really quickly in a bar. I don’t like this little line of impending doom one bit but there you have it, our man of a 1000 names is free and heading out to spread the good news.

Maybe the next morning, Renata is folding a blanket, speaking with Regina and suddenly Antonio walks in, (quick flight from Madrid, right, or is he still in Mexico? Oh who cares?) Renata excuses herself to go for coffee so they can talk alone. Regina says, tell me Antonio. You and I have much to talk abouts.

At the prison of the south again, Fina brings her tray of food to a table and the GANG of three show up throwing a banana peel on top of her meal, telling her to move. She says calmly, I was told I cold sit where I like. You don’t seem to understand the rules and codes here. She better do what La Gansa (the goose) says. And who is that? asks the cool as ice Fina. The ringleader says, I am La Gansa. What we say goes and they throw her food to the floor. A sleepy looking guard looks slightly interested, but La Gansa says, we were just greeting the new person.

Back at Regina’s bedside, Antonio says he was so sad and ashamed when he left. Regina says, when Fina told me that you were her ally to betray Gonzolo and me, she couldn’t believe he would do anything. He is still the milktoast we sent off some episodes ago, when he says he and Fina wanted the same thing, to split her up from Gonzolo so he thought it was a good idea to join with the strong Fina.

Jero and Inez and Isidro come back and greet Renata in the waiting room. Jero asks, how is our Papa. Much the same, she sighs. I was just going to see him. Jero rises to go with her. Inez says she will care for Regina and Renata can go see papa and then should go home to rest to keep her strength up.

Antonio says he went along with fiendish Fina but then he found out she was trying to kill Gonzo and Regina the night of the masked ball he got her out of there. Regina realizes this is the second time Fina has tried to kill them both (actually the third for Regina) And then he tells of the scene with Doña Cata seeing them at the foot of the stairs, Fina points the gun at Cata, Antonio struggles with Fina while Cata clutches her heart then rolls down the stairs unconscious. They both leave the lifeless body and flee. He adds, that day, I stopped the death of Gonzolo but not of Doña Cata.

Inez and Isidro talk about the irony that Renata is more willing to care for Regina than the supposed real daughter Roberta . They both agree that Renata seems so much like Regina and Roberta seems so much like the evil Fina. Hmmmm.

Regina cries that her mother died of a heart attack and realizes Antonio did nothing to help her. Antonio with mealy mouth begs for her forgiveness, she cries and thinks it over. He’s lucky it wasn’t me lying there.

Renata is crying in front of the window to Gonzolo’s room with Jero and says she must go see her mother. She needs many explanations. He fears for her going there for the hurt Fina can inflict even with words. But Renata insists that she has to talk to her mother to tell her exactly what she has done here.

Next time: Lots of agony and truth. Fina looks spitefully at the loving Renata, Adriana hears bad news from Chema’s doctor. Life and death decisions are coming we are told and Roberta has popped back into Augie’s bed with plots a plenty to ruin the happiness of her sister and Jero. My sympathies Jules, bring a shovel and plenty of handkerchiefs again.

Labels: Cuando

MP’s lawyer calls her and tells her that if she’s to convince the judge that she actually gives a damn about her son, then she actually has to know something beyond his name. (Does she even know that?) MP stares at the person she most loves in the world, herself in double (in the mirror and at her photo plastered to the mirror), and says she understands.

Shirtless Ivan sighting! And he’s in a towel! Woohoo! He and Lucia chat about the tough day ahead meeting with the judge. Lucia intends to talk to Caro again.

In the fields of Ranch Socorro, the workers are in a panic. The plague/infestation (la plaga) of screw worms (gusano barrenador) has hit their crops. Camilo is ticked because it’s all Lucrezia’s fault for not heeding his warning and buying the organic insecticide. He introduces his mom and sister to his cute right-hand man Ezekiel. He’s obviously smitten with Carmen. Poor sap. Carmen and Celia have come to clean the ranch house in preparation for the Curiels’ arrival in a few weeks.

MP steps into the local jeweler’s to sell the jewels she stole from Carlota. Unfortunately for her, this is a small town. The jeweler recognizes the giant pearl necklace he sold to Teodoro for Carlota many years ago. He’s incredulous that Carlota would want to sell it. MP lies that Carly gave it to her as a wedding present and now that she’s divorced, she wants to sell it. And no, she doesn’t have the bill of sale/ownership (factura). Without it, the value will go down, but MP doesn’t care. She brings out another stunning piece to sell. (I really hope this guy gets on the phone with Carly immediately.)

Lucia returns to Casa Lomeli for round two with the Blind Bomber, Carolina. Alex greets her. He’s eager to go to his swim lessons, but is worried Caro won’t let him. Lucia says she’ll take care of it. She asks Rosa to keep Alex occupied while she talks with Caro.

Camilo calls Carly about the infestation. “Santo Dios!” She tells him to come immediately to get the money to buy the insecticide. Unfortunately, this part of the harvest is lost.

Lucia tells Caro that she’s taking Alex out, whether she likes it or not. Caro tells her this won’t last long, since MP will have custody soon. Lucia can’t believe what Caro is saying; she’s actually favoring MP! Caro stupidly says it’s because MP will come live with them, and they’ll continue to care for Alex. Lucia tries to pop her delusional bubble and tells her she doesn’t know MP and will regret it. Caro continues. Thanks to MP Gerry won’t go to jail. Lucia points out that the price is that Alex will be living in hell. Caro thinks this is exaggeration.

Ivan’s lawyer advises him to keep his cool during the custody hearing. (Fat chance! Ivan can barely keep his cool now.) Seems that no one, except those directly affected (Ivan and MP), will be allowed to testify. (That sounds pretty stupid to me. How about character witnesses? What about Alex himself?!) The lawyer reminds Ivan once again that mothers get priority. Tony thinks that even JJ or David would testify to the kind of person MP is. Nope. Given that MP was married to David, they are not considered impartial witnesses. Ivan feels that his hands are tied (marado). The only out the lawyer sees is if Ivan testifies about the attempt on his life ordered by Lucrezia, which drove him to the States.

MP and Carolina bargain. MP wants Caro to give her the info on Alex in case the judge asks. Caro first wants MP’s promise that she’ll move into the house with them (when she gets custody of Alex). MP rolls her eyes, and then promises. She even fakes a bit of concern when she sees Caro’s bandaged eyes are obviously hurting her. Caro starts feeding MP info about Alex’s personality, friends, school, likes, dislikes, etc.

In Casa Curiel, Carlota and Camilo are talking business as she writes a check. They break the news to Lucrezia that their lands have been hit with the pest/worm that he warned her about and advised her to purchase insecticide to avoid. It’s hit the corn in the north fields. Lucrezia seems to think that just because they’ve been lucky enough to never be infested in the past, that it’s somehow magical protection against any current or future infestations. Camilo leaves to find the organic insecticide that the McGuires require. Ever needing to get the last word in, Lucrezia yells at him to just buy the regular non-organic (and cheaper) stuff if he can’t find the organic kind. Carly tells her to butt out since she has no more say, thanks to her irresponsibility. The only reason she didn’t give Camilo money for the insecticide in the first place was out of pride and arrogance (soberbia y arogante), and because she thinks she knows better than anybody else. Lucrazy really can’t deny it. Once outside the Curiel gates, Camilo calls David to get the word out about the infestation to the rest of the ranchers, starting with JJ.

Esther answers David’s calls. His business is too urgent to chat. JJ reluctantly takes the call, and is mighty concerned when he hears the news. The Curiel north fields are near his land, after all. He calls the idiot Saul, who’s hanging with friends. JJ orders Saul to buy all the insecticide available. David, Ivan and Tony discuss the likely shortage of the organic insecticide in the area if everyone is going to be using it in earnest. They think they should order some online.

Saul runs into Camilo in Don Pancho’s store; Camilo has just asked for 10 gallons of the stuff. Saul tries to trump Camilo’s order, reminding Don Pancho that his daddy is the president of the Ag Association. He calls Camilo a Mr. Nobody (Don Nadie). Camilo doesn’t have the time or desire to argue with Saul about it, so he punches him in the gut instead. Don Pancho fills his order in record time.

Ivan and Lucia catch up on the day’s events regarding the custody case and the crisis at the ranch. Lucia is worried that this will prevent her family from paying the McGuires back on time. Ivan is not worried about it. Once they’re married, her family’s debts become his debts and he’ll take care of it. Lucia is not in agreement with this. IF she marries him, she doesn’t want it to be for gain/ulterior motives (interés). Ivan wants to know why she’s saying “if”, since he thought their getting married was a done deal. Lucia tries to get out of it by brushing it off as just a manner of speaking, but Ivan says they’re getting married, whatever the cost. She agrees with a total lack of enthusiasm.

JJ’s calling Saul an idiot since he wasn’t able to get his hands on the insecticide as instructed. Saul is saved from further verbal abuse when Tony calls JJ to inform him that more insecticide is on the way tomorrow.

Outside the judge’s chambers, Lucia hugs Ivan in support, and MP looks like the cat that ate the canary. The lawyers emerge and Ivan’s lawyer breaks the bad news that the judge won’t let Lucia or Carlota testify on Ivan’s behalf. MP is even more pleased. MP and Ivan are called into the chambers. Lucia looks so worried that Tony tells her it’s not the end of the world. She thinks, for Ivan, perhaps it will be.

Inside the chambers, Ivan’s lawyer makes the case that MP isn’t mother material, based on the kind of life she’s lived. Her lawyer makes the case that she was a free young woman (meaning this was normal), but she is now walking on the straight and narrow. She says she’s willing to move to her father’s house so that the child won’t suffer any trauma.

In Casa Curiel, Lucrezia has ants in her pants and is driving Carly crazy. Lucrazy is of course worried that the truth of her sending men to beat/kill Ivan may still come out. She accuses Carly of wanting to see her go to jail. Carly’s more concerned about what will happen to Alex. Lucrazy doesn’t give a damn about Alex! (Her own grandchild.) She only cares about herself. Carly tells her to sit down and shut up!

Ivan once again explains to the judge his desperate and confused emotional state when he left for the U.S. He does not mention the threat of jail due to his attack, but he does mention MP’s desire for an abortion and refusal to marry him. MP hotly denies it. Ivan asserts it. It’s he said vs. she said. Ivan starts getting agitated in the face of MP’s bold faced lies, and lets slip about being hospitalized when she left town with her family due to a beat-down he got on orders of… He catches himself, but the judge wants to know who ordered a beating on him. He says it was just someone he had a disagreement with. Now the judge is suspicious since this contradicts Ivan’s earlier statement that strangers beat him up to rob him. Ivan tries to explain that he’s just trying not to implicate people who have no involvement in this matter. He also claims to be nervous since the future of his son is at play here. Oh, the judge agrees, and it looks like he thinks that future is not with Ivan. MP gives the slightest of smiles.

Lucia paces outside the chambers and worries about how long it’s taking. David calls Tony to inform him the insecticide has arrived.

Inside the chambers, MP is giving an award worthy performance and Ivan continues to lose it. He points out that if she was so concerned about her son, she would have actually, you know, visited him from time to time. She cries and claims she just didn’t want to give away the fact that she was his mother, as she surely would have, being so emotionally attached to the little guy and all. Ivan calls bullsh!t. If she really cared so much about him, she would know SOMETHING about him. His likes and dislikes. MP is ready for this pop quiz and rattles off the stuff Caro told her. The judge is TOTALLY buying this. Ivan makes himself look worse by the second by going off on her and saying she must have gotten the info from her dad or Caro. He can bring a whole line of witnesses in here that would attest to the kind of lifestyle she was living. MP says that Ivan abused her and claims he seduced her with false promises when he came back. (That revenge scheme is not looking so good now, is it Ivan?) Then he dumped her and took up with her sister because he’s a bad person. (And you know she can get plenty of town gossips to testify to all that.) Ivan stupidly admits that he led her on, but says he didn’t make her any promises of marriage. And he only did to get the truth about his son, since she told him his son was dead a first. She denies it. She claims no one but she and her dad knew Alex’s true identity, and she didn’t tell Ivan in order to protect Alex and her father from being hurt by Ivan’s new found power and wealth. Ivan shouts that this isn’t true, and the judge shouts him down for it. (Can we end this torture now, please, because we know where this is going? Ugh!)

Carlota and Lucrezia talk about the move, which will happen in a month. Lucrezia goes off to the ranch to check on the infestation. Carly calls Gerry’s house and gets Caro. She wants Gerry to work on the renovations of the ranch house.

MP emerges from the judge’s chambers and smiles her creepy satisfied smile at Lucia and Tony. Ivan looks totally defeated. Lucia gives him a tearful hug. The lawyer breaks the news to Tony that the judge ruled in MP’s favor because Ivan couldn’t keep his cool, and wouldn’t rat out Lucrezia. Tony hugs Ivan and tells him he’s sorry. Lucia wants to testify, but as the girlfriend of Ivan, the judge would expect her to speak in his favor. Other family members aren’t looked on as reliable witnesses either. (WTF?! Isn’t this a family court case? Should family members’ opinions be taken into account? What about Alex? He’s not a baby! Why hasn’t the judge asked to speak with him?!) They head to Casa McGuire to get official documentation of Ivan’s financial status so that MP can get her play money (aka, child support). “We lost. We lost.” Ivan says sadly.

At the ranch, Lucrezia tries to put the blame on Ezekiel for not catching the infestation before it spread. (Someone needs to tell the workers that she doesn’t really have any power anymore.) She spots Celia emerging from the ranch house with a bag of garbage and wonders who she is. Instead of greeting the mother of her ranch partner, Lucrezia just demands to know when the cleaning of the house will be done. Celia nicely explains it will take a bit of time since the house was in such bad shape from being abandoned so long, and there’s been some damage due to humidity. Celia introduces Carmen, who politely answers Lucrezia’s rude questions about them being able to work in the house on a regular basis. Celia can’t, since she has her own house to take care of. Carmen’s available, but Lucrezia doesn’t want her to bring Lechita around.

David arrives looking for Camilo, since the insecticide has arrived. Lucrezia questions him rudely too and makes him explain why Camilo has first dibs on the insecticide, while his own father, the president of the Ag Association, has to wait. David explains that the ranchers who actually signed a contract with the McGuires logically get first consideration. She calls him a traitor and a coward, but he walks off leaving her in the middle of her rant. Celia explains that David is just doing his job. Lucrezia tells her to mind her business and that she won’t be needing their services after all. Celia, who was only doing her son a favor anyway, happily leaves Lucrazy with her garbage. Lucrazy remembers that Antolin is a member of the Galvan family and decides to play nice and apologize for her behavior. She asks Celia to stay and then leaves to find Camilo. Carmen thinks Lucrazy is, well, crazy.

Ivan and Lucia look like they’re at a funeral. Carly’s waiting for Tony in his office, so he goes in to see her while Ivan and Lucia hug. Tony tells Carly the news, and they hug too.

Lucrazy for some reason thinks she has a right to scold David and Camilo for not getting insecticide to JJ first, even though he did NOT sign a contract with the McGuires. She insults David again and says that’s why MP divorced him. Camilo sets her straight about the kind of person her daughter is, while actually avoiding directly calling her a whore. But he does point out that his brother Antolin knows plenty of things about her (like a hit and run murder). He gets back to talking about work matters. JJ will have access to the insecticide when the next shipment comes in. Camilo has every right to make this decision as the general manager of Empresas McGuire. (Why are they even wasting their breath arguing with this crazy woman?) And the only reason why the Curiel lands will be spared is thanks to Carly and not Lucrazy. Camilo walks off before he can hear more of Lucrazy’s insults. She threatens to call David’s daddy to tell on him. He tells her to go ahead and do it. He leaves too.

Lucrazy calls JJ and tattles on Camilo and David. (Get a life already woman!) JJ thinks Camilo is putting on airs just because he’s dating his daughter. Lucrazy is once again scandalized by the thought of a society girl dating the son of a servant! JJ doesn’t have time for this right now. He’s ticked that Tony is screwing him (jugando chueco/playing crooked).

Lucia and Carly hug and cry about the custody situation. Carly thinks about speaking to the judge since he was good friends with Teodoro. Lucia encourages her to do it and tries to cheer Ivan on. Ivan looks shell shocked.

JJ calls Tony to whine about not getting first dibs on the insecticide. Tony explains that more is coming tomorrow. JJ thinks it might be too late, and that the most important/largest ranches should have consideration. Tony thinks the little guys need just as much consideration. Tony tells him he’s got important family stuff to attend to, since the judge ruled in MP’s favor. JJ points out that they should have listened to him and paid off the judge. “That’s not our style.”

Ivan’s lawyer is impressed with the money Ivan is pulling in, and the fact that he will inherit all of Tony’s assets and businesses. He thinks they can use money to try to make a deal with MP one last time. Tony’s game.

A while later in a restaurant, Ivan’s lawyer meets with MP and her lawyer. She’s so happy to hear Ivan is rolling in the dough, that she orders another double whiskey. Her lawyer gives her the side eye. She starts to make her demands: big house, servants, pool, Jacuzzi, fine furniture, etc. Ivan’s lawyer doesn’t think that the child will need a Jacuzzi, but MP says SHE will. He lawyer tries to explain that what they’re bargaining for are things for the well-being of the child. She says she also has rights since Ivan ruined her life. Ivan’s lawyer points out that she’s already getting money from her ex-husband. Her lawyer tries to draw her focus back to her child and the things he’ll need like schooling, clothes, and food. MP sucks on her drink and doesn’t seem to be listening. She continues her demands. She wants two chauffeured cars—one for her and one for the kid. Her lawyer tries to rein her in, but Ivan’s lawyer says she can have all she wants, and more, IF she gives up custody of Alex. She says, “NEVER! Ivan knows what I really want.” She wants the judge to keep Ivan away from Alex.

Carly goes to see the judge, who greets her kindly. He thinks she’s coming to thank him for helping MP out. She tells him he made a mistake since MP is the least qualified to take care of Alex. The judge points to Ivan’s bad attitude, but Carly lays it out for him. MP is unfeeling, bad, and a drunk! The judge is open-mouthed impactado.

Ivan’s lawyer reports the failure to negotiate with MP. What she wants is to marry Ivan. The lawyer says she’s totally nuts.

Judge Porfirio thinks Carly is just exaggerating things. She assures him she is not, and wanted to testify during the proceedings. He gives her his lame excuse about not having family members testify in these cases. They are usually on one side or the other. (What’s the problem if one side is just plain old wrong?) He’s had over 30 years of experience, and he has NEVER been mistaken. (Get over yourself judge.) Carly lays into him and calls him arrogant, but she thought he was an honest (recto) man. He emphatically says he is. Carly doesn’t doubt it, but he’s letting his pride and arrogance get in the way of admitting he made a mistake. He’s used to family members coming to him trying to get him to favor one side or the other, he says. What would happen to his reputation if people found out he made a ruling to favor her? “Who the HELL cares about your reputation!” (LOL!) The judge's mouth is so wide open, I think a few flies made a home in it. “The happiness of a child is at stake here.”

Carly wants the judge to be man enough to fix his mistake. And she’s not just being motivated by family ties, but by good judgment. She knows her granddaughter MP. She knows she’s a promiscuous bad seed. Only her other granddaughter Lucia is worthy. All the rest of the Curiels, including her daughter and herself, have skeletons in their closets (cola que nos pise/a tail that follow us). Judge Porfirio thinks that she’s just favoring the granddaughter who’s engaged to Ivan over the other. Carly wonders if he thinks she’s stupid, or what? But he once again points to emotions influencing people’s judgment. As a judge, he’s got to stay completely impartial. “This time you’ve made a mistake Porfirio. You’ve ruined the life of a child and his father. And of Lucia too, since she adores that child.” She brings up honoring Teodoro’s memory and then drops the bomb on the judge. Ivan is Teodoro’s true and only grandchild! He’s really impactado this time.

Avances: Antolin is hopping mad in Casa Mondragon. He tells JJ, in front of Judith, that Saul knocked up his sister and he wants justice! MP rudely interrupts Alex’s swim lesson to assert her parental rights over Ivan. Ivan and Lucia take off with Alex, much to MP’s displeasure.

Labels: Fuerza

• Pancho tries to find out what went on between Veence and Rebeca - he tells Rebe she deserves better than a married man. She doesn't appreciate the advice.
  
• Pina and Veence are utterly hysterical over their "daughter" - their pampered Pomeranian revealed her inner nature, she slipped out to enjoy a dalliance with the naco next door, Temo's mutt.
  
  Pina and Chela insult each other's dogs for being promiscuous. (Popeye says, "That enojon (really mad guy) is my suegro (father-in-law)?" Word of the day, gentuza = "riff-raff." Pancho and Vince declare war!
  
  Vince and Pina tell the vet Popeye raped Abeja, but the vet says, looks to me like it was mutual. They can't tell for a few days if she's pregnant but the vet's guess is "yes." Screams of misery from Vince and Pina - it's a National Tragedy!
  
• Pepe and Tomás drool over Fernanda's cars and are happy they can finally go for a spin in a luxury car without sneaking it out of somebody's garage. Pepe almost hits Monica's car! After Monica calls him naco a few times, Pepe references El Perruris
  

  Nacolandia is where nacos originate. Of course, Nacolandia is not exactly a real place like Disneylandia (Disneyland). Nacolandia is a made up place by famous Mexican comedian Luis de Alba.
  
  De Alba created a character called, El Pirruris, who is supposedly the son of a wealthy and influential Mexican. Pirruris talks and acts like the children of the upper-class of Mexico (Fresas). On his show, El Pirruris shares his expertise in nacologia, the study of nacos. Nacos according to the Wikipedia, are "people with illusions of grandeur, airs of importance, bad taste and colorful slang". (Urban Dictionary

  Despite seeing Monica kissing Freddy (who looks about 35 years old to me), despite her telling him again and again she wouldn't want him if he were the last guy on the planet, Pepe is confident: "This doll will fall." Freddy sees Pepe wheedling Monica. Pepe sees Freddy and Monica smooching in the fancy car. He is still not discouraged!
  
• Pancho yells at Candy as she's leaving late at night (to go to her yoga class she says). He wants to forbid her leaving, but she's a grownup and will do as she pleases.
  
  Chela tells him to let her go and says: don't argue in front of the kids. Later, when Candy shows Chela her nice new leather corset, Chela asks: "What if the kids knew what you do!?" Candy wants Chela to come to Paraiso and see the way Vince drools over her.
  
• Pancho tries hard to josh Chela out of her jealous fit, telling her how much the family needs her and how much he cares about her. Then he cheers her up by asking for a foot massage and then asking her to sing. He thinks she should sing for a living.
  
• Temo has one of those fake stomach-aches, he doesn't want to go to school, all Pancho's kids tell him they get treated like dogs at school, or like extra-terrestrials, or as if they're from "some lower category."
  
• Rebe says Pancho can't wear tennis shoes to work any more. She takes him shopping, it's a flirty "Pretty Women" outing, he gets nice clothes and a haircut. He muses over the number of kids who could be fed with the money that just got spent on his clothes.
  
  For some reason, Rebeca won't let him take the clothes home. She says she will take them to her place and that he must come to her place that evening! He is surprised.

Tomorrow: Vince will show up at Rebeca's apartment and see Pancho standing in his striped boxer shorts in the middle of the living room.

Labels: familia

Rebeca tells Pancho that some of Avon's products are made in China, and they're looking into increasing this. (ALERT! ALERT! PLOT POINT ESTABLISHED!) She explains that they'll conduct this business in English, not Chinese. Pancho demonstrates the English vocabulary he's mastered: "between, between, and drink a sit." I only know what he's saying thanks to the captions, but it's a joke: in Spanish, entre, entre, y tome asiento means "come in, come in, and take a seat," but entre also means "between," tome also means "drink," and asiento also means "sit." (Now do you see why we don't translate all of the jokes? That was exhausting!)

After school, Lupita turns down Alex's offer of a ride home. (Pepe, who is standing next to her, is not invited.) Lupita goes to the Casa Popular. The little kids swarm excitedly around her, leaving their other babysitter, Elena, in the dust. Apparently the plan is for Chela to come over every morning to make them breakfast, and Lupita to come by each day after school. Tomás wants to talk, but she tells him to get lost.

Chacho, Nico, Elena, and Tomas come to the mansion for dinner. Chela gives Tomás the cold shoulder. Nico immediately begins flirting with the younger maid, Gregoria (Goy[it]a). Then the other maid, Jesusa (Chuch[it]a).

Yes, each has three names. In fact, most of these characters have multiple names. Pancho is Francisco, Chela is Graciela, Pepe is José, etc. If you add Pancho's nicknames for everyone, it gets even more complicated. Celeste, the main receptionist at Avon, has accumulated numerous astronomy-themed monikers thanks to Pancho.

In the kitchen, Chucha tells Goya that she really, really likes Nico. I like him too, but maybe that's because he reminds me of a certain fast-food mascot. Must be his hair. Anyway, it looks as though Goya likes him too, but before they can fight about it, Tomás interrupts to introduce himself as Lupita's novio and ask where her room is so he can surprise her. Lupita is thinking about Alex in her room when Tomás walks right in. She is indignant. Then he kisses her, and she slaps him and says she's not one of those girls like Betty that he can use and throw away.

The salad is ready. Nico continues to flirt with the staff. Pancho hollers for the kids to come down for dinner. Chacho asks how it's going with Rebeca. He's a bit crude about it. Chela grumps. Candy shows up to say goodbye; she's supposedly going out with friends. The rest of the family shows up and they eat. Tomás chews moodily at Lupita.

While the greengrocer's family enjoys a wholesome salad, Vince and Enzo consume alcohol and tobacco at Vince's house. Enzo is urging Vince to "practice." Vince doesn't want to do it. He doesn't act and he doesn't like actors. (They are obviously referring to Enzo's not-yet-fully-revealed strategy for Vince to make friends with Pancho.) Enzo mentions how excited Vince was about Catgirl. Vince shushes him. "Are there microphones here too?" Enzo asks (he and Vince think their offices are bugged). "Worse - Pina!"

After dinner, Tomás asks to talk to Lupita in the garden. Ana puts Temo to bed. The rest of them discuss the hazards of Pancho's new neighbors/coworkers. Pancho says Rebeca told him to be careful. (Chela sulks again at R's name.) Pancho isn't used to distrusting people. Chacho advises him to refuse anything Vince offers him: food, coffee, etc. Pancho tells them not to worry so much about him. He doesn't want to live in such a fearful and calculating way. Chacho says he'll have to be defensive.

Tomás tells Lupita he's going crazy, and he's really sorry. He begs on his knees. She tells him to stop being so dramatic. He seems sincere and I even feel sorry for him, until he claims that the thing with Betty was the first and last time. (Liar, we saw him with her at least once before.) She admits that she misses him. He kisses her.

Enzo still wants Vince to "practice." Enzo offers to be Pancho. He does an uncannily accurate impression. "You're disgusting," Vince complains. Fake-Pancho invites Vince over for dinner. Enzo makes Vince repeat his greeting several times and gives him tips on how to make small talk. (All of this advice adds up to exactly the way any civil person might greet and make small talk with any other person.) Next, Enzo says Vince must invite Pancho over for a cookout. Vince is mortified and asks how his wife could possibly eat with that "tribe." (He slams his drink down on the bar so hard that it splashes all the way up to his face. Somehow, the glass doesn't break. Impressive!)

Confusingly, Candy hasn't left yet. Chela begs her not to go back to the massage parlor, Paraíso. Candy says she spoke to her boss, but now that Catgirl is in such great demand, there's even less chance she'll get out of her contract. Chela says she's sick of contracts. And she's afraid. Candy assures her, "Nothing will happen. I'm not the same." "Of course not - that thing that happened was horrible!" Candy says it won't happen to her. Chela also warns that Pancho won't be happy if he finds out. "And if he knew about Irabién..." Candy adds.

Lupita accepts a bracelet from Tomás and forgives him, but says she's going to test him. She'll only let him conquer her one step at a time. No kissing! (How many steps between bracelet and first base?)

Next morning, Chela is already making breakfast and Pancho has already gone to the market when Chucha and Goya get to the kitchen. They say they're supposed to get up before everyone else. They're nervous about Chela's wish to change the curtains, because Fernanda picked them out.

Pancho and Gonzalo return from the market with big sacks of carrots and onions. Gonzo wants to quit because Pancho always drives the truck. (Excuse me, La Burra.) He doesn't think he's needed. Pancho says he still needs Gonzo to take the kids to school. Gonzo un-quits.

Vince is watching CandyTV on the monitor. "Isn't she lovely, Abeja?" Abeja runs away, whining, and doesn't come back when he calls her. Pina does, though, and she's mad. Like he didn't learn his lesson with Rebeca, now he's going around with the greengrocer's sister. Vicente denies that he's fooling around with anyone.

Back in Pancho's kitchen, they comment on the noise from Ana's band, which is playing the Pancho Lopez song over and over and over and over. Chela objects to their playing so loudly at 6 in the morning. Ana asks if they'd like her to do Lady Gaga songs instead.

Chela tells Pancho she wants to read the Avon contract.

Candy screams for Goya. She wishes they had a bell. Chucha explains that they have an intercom in every room so that someone in one room can be heard in any or every room. (PLOT POINT ESTABLISHED!)

Candy wants Gonzo to drive her to a boutique after he takes the kids to school. Temo is upset because he can't find Popeye. Chela promises he'll be fine.

Popeye hasn't gone far. He's doing some tricks to impress Abeja. It's working. Chela finds him. Pina collects her own dog. Chela tries to be friendly with her, but Pina bites her head off, says Abeja is delicate and dainty and pedigreed and mustn't mix with the fleabitten likes of Popeye and his masters! Chela objects, but Pina holds her nose and stalks off. "You don't have fleas!" Chela tells Popeye. "Or do you?"

Pancho is watering the landscaping. Vince puts all of his new skills to use to invite Pancho and his lovely family over for a cookout. Pancho remembers Chacho's advice not to accept anything from Vince and says he'd really like to, but he's having a terrible problem with gas. Vince says okay, then, when you're feeling better.

Pina scolds Adoración for letting the dog loose. Who knows what would have happened if she'd arrived just a moment later. She probably has fleas now, too. Sure she has a right to flirt with someone, but with a dog of her own "level." Pina puts Ado up to gossiping with the neighbors' maids to find out what Pancho's peeps are up to.

In the lunchroom at school, Mónica confesses to Freddy that she had coffee with José to get him to help get her father's job back. She doesn't want Freddy to be angry. On the contrary, he thinks she was heroic. They are rubbing noses. At another table, Ana babbles about her band until she realizes that Pepe is paying no attention. He's looking at Mo. Ana thinks Freddy is guapo.

Alex wants to walk Lupita to class. Tomás calls, waiting for her to come back from school. "I love you mucho too, Tomás," she says. Alex is disappointed. "So what Elena said wasn't just a story, you went back to him." He leaves.

In the Avon lobby, Pancho catches Celeste reading a gossip magazine. Hahahaha! Vince and Rebeca arrive. Vince and Pancho have yet another conversation about Vince's name. I have a briefcase just like Vince's. Pancho asks Rebeca for a stock market report. The market is low and unstable. Pancho and Vince debate which of them should get on the elevator first. They chatter pointlessly on the ride up. Then they debate which of them should get out first.

Gonzo drops Lupita off at the Casa Popular. Chela is tired. It's such a long way, going back and forth between the house and the CP. (It must be sooooo exhausting to ride in a limousine.) Grump, grump. And Lupita liked her old school better. Grump grump. Tomás gives Lupita a giant lollipop, but he doesn't get a kiss. She loves him, but he'll have to earn every kiss now.

Vince gropes Rebeca's face and bids her a dramatic goodbye before going into his office. "He likes you, doesn't he?" Pancho asks. Rebeca says there's nothing between them, but he thinks he's touched a nerve. He says she deserves better than a married man. "Sorry if I offended you," he adds.

Next time:
The pressure rises. Rebeca visits; Chela grumps. Vince declares war on Pancho.

Labels: familia

Labels: Fuerza