Caray, Caray!

Alex, who shouldn't be on Pancho's balcony but is, tells Lupita she shouldn't be so resentful of rich people. "I am a simple normal guy and you're the most beautiful girl of all."

Monica's dad to Pepe: "She'll be marrying Freddy, so stay away. We are of a much higher class of people than you and the verdulero (vegetable man). Monica is like an Austro-Hungarian princess, she has no business with the likes of you."

Candy goes back to the house of ill-repute and finds Vince has asked for her again. He shakes with delight and excitement just like my son's dog when it's time for a walk! She wants to get out of having to massage him but her boss throws her back into the ring.

Pepe, Ana, Lupita, and Temo don't want to go to their new schools but their dad wheedles them into compliance. In the parking lot at the university they meet up with (of course) Alex, Freddy, and Monica, who insult them.

Vince convinces Enzo he needs to suck up to Pancho "or you'll end up back where you started - poor, and with nothing. Just remember your house in San Diego and your yacht - and apologize." So much for Austro-Hungarian royalty.

Enzo makes his daughter promise to stay away from Pepe, since her connection with Freddy is so important; in return, he'll let her go back to work at Avon. "But I begged him to get your job back!" she protests. "You were so desperate!" He's appalled and makes her promise never to speak to Pepe again.

Vince and Pina fill some of the hours they don't spend together talking (and etcetera) spying on auntie's house, and there's a lot more to enjoy over there now. For instance, Vince sees Candy getting dressed ... and recognizes her legs! I'm pretty sure he's identified her as his beloved Catreaux! Pina catches him drooling over the telescope and cooing "esas piernas (legs)." He tells Pina to go count grapefruits with the maid.

Candy admits to Chela she's gone back to work at the house of ill-repute. "What happened last time [with some loser guy] will never happen again. But I signed a contract just as Pancho did!"

Enzo kind of apologizes to Pancho, painful as it is - he puts out a hand to shake, but Pancho just eyes him and leaves the hand unshaken (only closing his eyes and thinking of his yacht keeps Enzo in the room). Enzo chokes when Pancho tells him, "I'd already decided to give your job back - because of the friendship between your daughter and my son." "But I told her to stay away from him - she is getting married to Freddy." "In that case, why worry?"

So far this guy Arnoldo is just a waste of space. He puts his hands all over Enzo, who explains: "I love women" "You'd have more fun on my side," sniggers Arnoldo. But then Arnoldo feels up the bimbo secretary too.

Rebeca reports to Fer, who's in Germany awaiting an appointment with an oncologist: "Pancho is not easy to handle." "Be his domadora (bronco-buster)."

Rebeca tells Pancho not to trust Enzo, "he's the worst, and there are plenty of other people here you shouldn't trust. I believe in your intuition."

Enzo warns Vince: "Pancho may be vulgar but he's not stupid. I apologized but he knew not to believe me." They muse over the likelihood that once Pancho gets used to the perks of his new position, he won't want to leave the throne. Vince says he plans to squash Pancho like a cockroach at the first board meeting. "You might want to consider a different strategy - become his dear friend." Now Vince chokes.

Labels: familia

Recap by Urban Anthropologist
Please provide any missing details. Gracias.

Antes
JJ calls Saul down from his room. Ivan calls Merry Piece to meet with her. JJ lays down the law, and Merry Piece issues her outrageous demand.

Nuevo

Casa Curiel: Ivan refuses to marry Merry Piece and she says “No deal.” Lucia does exactly what we don't want her to do.

Lucia: Que pasa? What did she propose?
Ivan: She's demented. She wants us to get married and share him as though he were a thing. And live with her? No way!
Lucia: So what are we going to do?
Ivan: We're going to court.. That's what we're going to do.
Lucia: But you could end up in jail. And my parents, too.
Ivan: Listen. My father told me that there is no firm accusation. Your sister isn't interested in our son. She's only interested in money.
Lucia: No, Ivan. She's also interested in you.
Ivan: Interested? No; she just wants to torture us.
Lucia (crying): No. She wants to take you away from me because I'm guilty of getting between you two. This is about revenge.
Ivan: Yes, that's what Camilo told me, but don't worry. This was the first round and Maripaz said I had to think about it. But I have thought about it. She has been irresponsible to her family [need clarification here] and she better think about herself because she knows she ran a woman down with her car.
Lucia: But there is no proof. Only our word. [?] Besides at the last minute Mother might help her; we can't deny that.
Ivan: But your grandmother can testify?
Lucia: Yes, but I don't want it to come to that.
Ivan: Don't lose courage, love. In the final analysis as Camilo says we can have other children.
Lucia: But you love Alex.
Ivan: Yes, I love him very much. But I'm in love with you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
Lucia: But I feel like I'm getting in the way...
Ivan: Why are you saying this?.
Lucia: Because you came back to right so many wrongs and the only win was finding your son. I don't want to be an obstacle to your getting him back...
Ivan: We're going to see what Maripaz does and then we'll know what to do. (He embraces her as she cries more, but the look on his face says he expects a fight.) It's true that I love my son but I don't want to part from you.

MP's Room: Lucrazia and Merry Piece disagree. Could Lucrazia be coming to her senses?

Lucrazia: What did he answer?
Merry Piece: It looks like we're playing a game of cat and mouse and this was the first round. I'm not going to keep doing this.
Lucrazia: What will he give us and did you only ask for money?
Merry Piece: I changed my mind.
Lucrazia: And if we end up in court? Everything will come out for judgment. And you don't want to marry a man who loves another woman. Imagine the arguments, the insults...
Merry Piece: He was in love with me before!
Lucrazia: Before was before and now is now. And now he loves Lucia. And hates you.
Merry Piece (still smirking): In the beginning it might be as you say. But that can change. OK. Am I less woman than Lucia?
Lucrazia: Don't try to make this about that. A man can be in love with a broomstick. [escoba]. And for all that you want to win he won't change his mind.
Merry Piece: You want to [need clarification here]
Lucrazia: Maripaz, don't keep this up or I will knock your teeth out in front of the house! Besides, you're stupid. (Exasperated and obviously tired of this argument). Ask him for a house, a car, that he maintain you, but don't persist in this insanity that you want to marry him. Ivan doesn't love you. He Does Not Love You.
Merry Piece: Then he will have to resign himself to losing his son.

Lucrazia rolls her eyes, as we do.

Other Room: Carlota tries to talk Lucia out of this madness.

Carlota: Hija, calm down. Ivan is right. Maripaz sooner or later will back down.
Lucia: But, Abue, her hatred is much greater. I will renounce him.
Carlota: No! You are renouncing nothing! What's wrong with you? Ivan is the love of your life. And how can you be sure that if you give him up he will marry your sister?
Lucia: Ivan wants his son with him.
Carlota: Then he will have to find another way to have him.

Carlota, you rock.

Casa McGuire: Tony and Camilo talk about Arcelia; Tony wants to meet her. Camilo explains that she is a simple woman who is not accustomed to interacting with important people. He tells Tony the same stuff he told Judith last week. Ivan returns with the bad news. Camilo asks about Lucia, and Ivan explains that she feels guilty about everything. Tony reminds him that the engagement party is next week and the wedding will be two weeks later. He isn't to worry about this because JJ put the kibosh on Saul paying for Merry Piece's mouthpiece. JJ is willing to play ball with them because of his history with Lucrazia. Camilo explains that the two were once engaged but probably reconsidered marrying each other because he has the personality of a thousand devils and she's even worse.

He's only beginning to see the worst.

Commercial Break that leads with a promo for the Latin Grammys and MQB.

Casa Curiel, recamara de Carlota; night: Lucrazia and Carlota talk.

Lucrazia: What are we going to do, mother?
Carlota: I don't know.
Lucrazia: Please, tell me anything.
Carlota: What can I think about something so demented?
Lucrazia: Please, I'm talking seriously.
Carlota: I have no idea.
Lucrazia: If you convince Lucia to give Ivan up...
Carlota: Forget it. That's something I will never do. Because you know that Ivan and Lucia suffer like souls in hell. And don't doubt that things are bad for Maripaz because she has no case. [caso para nada]. Besides, it's the child who's getting the worst of this.
Lucrazia: And therefore...
Carlota: We're going to war.
Lucrazia: Mama, we're having a serious conversation.
Carlota: It's desperate. Maripaz wants to win and she's impulsive but she's not a fool. If she thinks about it and accepts money from Ivan so she can continue the partying life she loves...
Lucrazia: Ojala. (gets up) Because if Ivan and Maripaz go to court and it comes out that Ivan killed a ranch worker ten years ago, he will accuse me of ordering the hit. In that situation would you help them accuse me?
Carlota: Truly, that is a predicament. It would be better if you convinced your daughter to keep her mouth shut.
Lucrazia: You would put Ivan above me?
Carlota: Daughter, I love you.
Lucrazia: I love you, too, mother.
Carlota: Then you will talk to your daughter?

Carlota, can you really trust her? We don't think so.

Casa Lomieli: Lucia phones Gerry to ask about Alex. He tells her that he's not eating much and he pretended to be sick to avoid school, but the teacher didn't seem to buy it. That Carolina is supposed to be coming home the next day. He asks about Merry Piece and Lucia tells him that she is persisting with the custody suit. She tells him she will come over tomorrow.

Casa McGuire: Ivan – who obliges us by being shirtless – takes a painting down and projects his vacation movies of Lucia on the wall. He thinks about Lucia and how he won't leave her. The way he interacts with this image he should make it into virtual reality.

Casa Curiel: Lucia talks to Cleto about the night of the accident. She asks if there was blood on the car. He tells her there was but that Maripaz told him she had hit a dog. She asked if he believed that and he told her he was there to obey. We find out that he has worked for her family since he was a boy. [Yawn]

Lawyer Rubiales' Office: He tells Merry Piece that he was informed that matters were settled by their families. She's not buying it, realizing that Saul will no longer be paying the bills. She calls his father a coward. Rubiales asks whether she spoke with Ivan and she tells him that didn't work. He points out the McGuires' generosity, but Merry Piece tells him she didn't get what she wanted, which is custody of Alex. She still wants him to represent her, but upon saying “we'll talk about payment later” she strokes his hand and he seems to realize she's trying to pay him with different currency. I'm wondering at his ethics.

Casa Lomieli: Lucia arrives with Bruno to visit Alex. Based on her startled reaction Rosa must have a phobia about dogs. Lucia tells her that Bruno is there to visit Alex. When Rosa goes inside Lucia gives Bruno a pep talk.

Outside Rubiales's office: Merry Piece calls Saul to tell him what happened. He tells her his father yanked his allowance and canceled his credit cards again because of her and she's to take a hike. He hangs up and then goes into the bar. He asks if the bartender's seen El Gordo and is told that he disappeared. He leaves his phone numbers with the bartender in case El Gordo shows up, but the bartender laughs as he exits.

Bada boom.

Casa Lomieli: Rosa tells Alex that Lucia and Bruno are there to visit him. Ivan watches from a short distance as Alex comes out and starts playing with Bruno. Que milagro when Lucia asks if Alex wants to see Ivan he says si!

Rancho Galvan or Socorro: Camilo discusses stuff with the engineer.

Casa Lomieli: Alex and Bruno bond adorably as Lucia and Ivan come back.

Ivan: You know Bruno really wanted to come to see you?
Alex: How do you know? Dogs can't talk.
Ivan: True, but if you pay close attention, their eyes tell you. When I say “Alex, do you want to see him?” look at how he reacts. [?]

Lucia smiles at this adorable scene.

Commercial Break that leads with a promo for Protagonistas

Casa Curiel:

Merry Piece: Mama, it's sure that Ivan and I will end up in court. But I swear I won't say a single word that you ordered the ranch workers to beat up on him.
Lucrazia: I suppose something has changed.
Merry Piece: Yes, Saul was paying the lawyer's bill, but would you believe it? Saul's dad found out and stopped him. So I want to ask if you would pay the lawyer.
Lucrazia: And where do you suppose I'll get the money for that? Have you forgotten that I paid 5 million pesos for your stupidity?
Merry Piece: The lawyer needs to be paid. [Ed. Comment: I guess Rubiales wasn't that desperate for female companionship.]
Lucrazia: No way, Maripaz.
Merry Piece: But what about the money you're being paid for the house?
Lucrazia: It's not sold yet.
Merry Piece: If you don't help me you'll face the awful necessity that I will tell all. Think about it. (She starts to flounce off)
Lucrazia: Also about the woman you ran down?
Merry Piece: Ay, there is no proof.
Lucrazia: There is the guy we paid. (as MP exits) Ay, my mother kidding but she was right. I'm ready to kill her!

We'd give you a pass on that.

Casa Lomieli: Alex, Lucia, and Ivan look at the vacation pictures. Bruno sits in front of Alex and he's one happy perro. Ivan tells him he'll bring Bruno over whenever he wants to play with him and if he has to work he will have Benito bring him over.

Alex: Is it true that you are my real dad?
Ivan: Yes, Alex. It's true.
Alex: And why didn't we meet before?
Lucia: Your dad had to go to the United States to find work, like lots of other people. And ten years and a few months later he's back.
Alex: Ivan, I don't want to hurt you, but I don't want to live with you.
Ivan: You only have to hang with me when you want to. Only when you want to.
Lucia: You can spend a few days with your dad and then with your grandpa.
Alex: And my Aunt Carolina?
Lucia: Of course also with your Aunt Carolina.
Alex: But Maripaz says she's my mother. And I don't want her for a mother.
Ivan: Don't worry. What I'm going to do is during the rest of vacation time I'll have Benito bring Bruno so you can play with him.
Alex: Can Bruno come with us to the pool? [alberca]
Ivan: I don't think the pool is the place for dogs.
Alex: And you say dogs are intelligent?
Ivan: There are people who don't think so.
Alex: Those people are foolish.
Ivan: We know that very well.

Casa Curiel: Lucrazia talks to the realtor, who has a buyer. They want to come over to see the house to take photos and videos. Merry Piece demands money for the lawyer when Lucrazia gets paid.

Lucrazia: It looks like we're about to sell the house.
Merry Piece: Then you can give lend me the money for the lawyer.
Lucrazia: Ay, Maripaz,
Merry Piece: I will give it back to you, I swear. Ivan will pay maintenance for the child and I will give you back every cent you give me. I promise I won't say anything in court.
Lucrazia: OK, but I ask one thing of you. No one is to know I'm paying the lawyer, least of all your grandmother.
Merry Piece: Of course not, mother.

Carlota enters. We wonder how much she overheard.

Lucrazia: Mama, the realtor called and the buyer is coming to take pictures and videos. He's very interested.
Merry Piece: Hola, Abue. (grins, but it's phoney, as usual)
Carlota: You and I are not speaking. Lucrazia, who is the client?
Lucrazia: I don't know. It's someone another agency found. I hope to God he likes the place. Let's eat. (yelling) Gloria!
Merry Piece: And Lucia?
Carlota: Ivan came for her. I think I will eat outside.

Casa Lomieli, outside front door: Ivan, Lucia, and Bruno prepare to leave. All went well. Love talk, besos.

Restaurant: JJ discusses business with the other ranchers, saying that the McGuires are securing good prices for their crops. The issue of the arsonist is briefly raised; these guys still don't have a clue.

Casa Lomieli: Rosa prepares to serve lunch. Gerry comes home and Alex tells him about Ivan taking him to the pool for his swimming lessons and everything else that happened before. Happy kid, happy abuelo, and all is well, at least until the end of the episode.

Auto Body Shop: The mechanic shows David the finished job on the car and presents his bill.

Casa Galvan: Camilo and his mum discuss Carmen, who is apparently looking for work. He wonders whether he should engage Carmen in cleaning the house at Rancho Socorro, but Arcelia thinks this is a bad idea (We agree with her despite how amusing it would be to see Carmen lock horns with Lucrazia and Merry Piece when they get there). Camilo doesn't agree. Arcelia suggests that she help Carmen for two days and that Lechita would like being there. She asks about animals and Camilo tells her there are some old horses and some chickens. Arcelia tells him he will need to get a rooster. She would like living on a ranch. Camilo declares she is an angel.

Commercial Break

Cafe: Lucia and Ivan discuss the situation. They've taken a big positive step with Alex, thanks to Bruno. Repeat of earlier comments about Merry Piece, Ivan tells Lucia not to worry. More love talk. The anvil awaits.

Casa Curiel, outside: Camilo attempts to explain once more why Rancho Socorro needs the pesticides; Lucrazia still refuses to spend the money. He brings up the issue of the neglected house and getting Carmen to help clean it. She's OK with this because they will have to live in that house. She obviously doesn't like the idea of selling the townhouse from the look on her face. But she starts to smile when she comments about how she'll be able to keep an eye on him. At Camilo's second reminder that prevention is better than remedy about the pesticides (which must be deliberate because he's uncomfortable with what is certain to be the prelude to sexual harassment) she gets nasty again. Lucia arrives and exchanges greetings with him before going inside to tell Carlota how well the afternoon went, giving Bruno all the credit.

Casa Curiel, inside: Carlota informs Lucrazia that she has hired Gerry to take care of the repairs to the ranch house. Lucrazia – as usual – questions his competence, but neither Carlota nor Lucia will take that. He knows the house and will therefore do the best job. Lucrazia seems to think he'll do it for a pittance, but Carlota doesn't see things that way. She then asks Lucia how things went with Alex and Lucia starts talking about it.

Casa McGuire, office: David, Camilo, and Ivan discuss the situation. The mechanic told David that it would be almost impossible to find any evidence of blood on the car. Camilo asks whether Ivan knew that the Curiels were selling the house; Ivan knew about the blackmail so this has to be the consequence. David points out that this has to be because Merry Piece hit the woman and she died. Ivan says that the lawyers had agreed not to mention this, that a peaceful settlement is the most desirable, but he doesn't think this possible. David says to count on him for help. Camilo explains that Saul had been paying the lawyer and David asks why she hasn't gone to her own family. Camilo tells him that Lucrazia doesn't want to pay for pesticides for the ranch, so... Ivan concludes that the money from the sale of the house will now go to the lawyer.

Bada bing.

Commercial Break starting with a promo for tonight's Protagonistas

Bus: Antolin and Carolina ride back. She's still wearing the bandages. Why aren't they staying in D.F. since she will have to see the doctor again? Also, buses – in my experience – aren't as smooth a ride as anyone thinks. She's worried about Maripaz.

Casa McGuire: Ivan and Tony discuss business (there's a chance something will go wrong here; I can feel it), then family matters. Ivan apologizes for not being more help in the business deal, but Tony is OK with that, all things considered.

Casa Lomieli: Merry Piece shows up; Alex runs from the room. MP actually tries to blackmail her dad:

Gerry: Por favor, Maripaz, don't say “son.”
Merry Piece: Well, he'll have to get used to it. I came to talk to you. To make a deal, just you and me. I don't want you to tell that gossip Lucia because she will tell Ivan.
Gerry: What kind of a deal?
Merry Piece: I spoke with Ivan and we didn't come to any agreement. Therefore I will go ahead with my plan to get custody of the child. (Gerry rolls his eyes and sighs) I don't want you to be arrested, Papa. Because of that I will tell that when Alex was born I asked you to take him so my mother couldn't put him in an orphanage as she wanted. In this way you will avoid going to jail. Papa, for kidnapping a child you could be in jail for many years. When the judge asks I want you to say the same thing I do.
Gerry: Daughter, why don't you give up this absurd pretense and let Ivan be with Alex? He's his son.
Merry Piece: No. I insist. The lawyer says I have everything to gain. Therefore you and I will make another deal. Do you have an extra bedroom?
Gerry (apprehensive): Yes, why?
Merry Piece: Because I'm coming here to live with my son.
Gerry: What?
Merry Piece: That way Alex will be here as ever with you and his Tia Carolina and doesn't that sound great? Ivan will pay big money to maintain Alex. And with that I will use to start a business or to help with yours. What do you think, Papa?
Gerry: I don't know. I just don't know.
Merry Piece: Think about it, Dad. If you deny me it's all over. You will waste good years in jail and who will take care of your blind sister-in-law? Bye, dad. (kisses his cheek) Think about it.

She exits. Where's the Lysol Air Freshener?

Avances:
The catfight we've all been waiting for.

Vocabulary
alberca pool, reservoir
escoba broomstick
gallina hen
gallo rooster

Labels: Fuerza

Hey all. I’m happy to be your guest recapper tonight and will try to give you some dialogue, since the fabulous Marta usually spoils us by detailing the conversations.

We come back to our main couple who continue the shocking trend of being absolutely open and honest with each other. Gasp! Jero has just told Nata that not only is Dr. AboutToCauseSomeMajorGrief NOT dead, but Augie was the one who tried to do them all a favor by ordering the prison hit.
J: “Someone” gave the order to kill Nesme in prison.
R: Qué?! Who?
J: No, no. It’s better that I don’t tell you because you’re just going to get angry.
R: Tell me already!
J: Fine. It was Dunant. Agustín Dunant.
R: (totally impactada) What?! You’re saying that Augie is a murderer Jero.
J: He doesn’t do the killing. He sends people to do the killing. But it’s the same thing.
R: No. Wait. You can’t go believing 100% in the words of a delinquent like Nesme. And I’m sure he’s the one who told you Augie put the hit on him. Well then! Come on!
J: But he doesn’t have a reason to lie.
R: Come on Jero! He did it so that you would do exactly what you’re doing now—protecting him.

Jero explains that Nesme and Augie were accomplices and that’s why Augie tried to get rid of him. He explains further about the vine cutting from the La Bonita mother vine that Augie stole with Nesme’s help. Nata has almost as much trouble wrapping her head around why Augie would want to steal such a thing as we did, when he has plenty of his own lovely grapes (because he wants the super duper Rafa grape and doesn’t want to have to do business with Jero to get it), much less why he would kill someone over a mere plant! Jero assures her that Augie is capable of something so horrible, and much more. This is not computing with Nata since the person he is describing is some sort of demon, and Augie has only ever behaved like an angel with her. That’s the kind of two-faced monster he is, says Jero. He makes Nata promise not to reveal to Augie that Nesme is still all too alive. Although she’s still not quite believing all of this, Nata assures him she would never betray his confidence that way. Jero just wants Augie out of their lives for good. To make sure neither of them walks away angry and they’re still good, Nata and Jero hug it out and he tells her he loves her. She still looks dubious. He looks worried.

The next morning, Matilde shows the mother-in-law from Mierda…oops, Mérida, the house she and Carlos will move into once married. She turns her nose up at it since it does NOT reflect in any way the god-like personality of her son, nor the wife of said god. Trying out her role of the “good nuera”, Mati asks just what is this new personality she must take on to be worthy of the blonde curly-haired god named Carlos Estrada? Mama Mierda (MM)…oops, Mérida, looks Mati up and down and tells her they must first start to transform Mati herself to be worthy, before they can transform the house. They head out to shop.

Carlos is telling Jero of the miracle of his mama’s appearance and acceptance of Mati. Happy (likely short-lived) slaps on the back. Then Jero tells Carlos about Nesme’s crazy idea that Jero was going to help get him his “get out of jail free” card. In fact, Jero is going to see the prison director, who is in town, and make sure that’s where Nesme is headed back. Carlos lets Jero know that Kari now knows the truth. Jero will speak to her. He’ll explain what happened, and that it wasn’t Lazaro’s fault. “They don’t deserve this!” (No se merecen esto!)

Gonzo and Gina arrive at Hon and Con’s house to tell them Gina has filed charges against Pepa/Fina. They hope that by the time they come back from honeymoon, the Pepafina monster will be in jail. Hon and Con change the conversation to a happier subject. They’re having a dinner that night to celebrate Adri officially becoming his daughter. It’s a surprise for Adri. Gina knows how much it must mean to Hon. She would also like Roberta to officially take her name and her late husband’s, if Gonzo doesn’t mind. Gonzo does not mind at all. The men happily head off to the office with Gina in tow.

Nata and Jero visit Alfi and the adorable baby Luz Maria. (I still haven’t quite forgiven Alfi for the crack yesterday about a baby uniting two people 4-EVAH to Nata.) Kari looks on sadly. Jero and Nata ask to speak to her about Dr.NotDeadEnough.

Laz is complaining to Carlos that because he told her the truth, Kari’s now mad at the whole world, and not just at him. Carlos says to give her time. But Laz doesn’t think he has time to spare. He’s desperate.

Jero tries to get out of the dog house with Kari, while Renata looks on, by explaining how he got pulled into this whole thing.
K: Oh, I understand Don Jerónimo. But who understands ME?
R: Kari, I understand that you’re angry. And that you have a lot of rage because everyone made decisions for you. But what’s done is done, and now you have two options.
K: What options?
R: Become bitter and do nothing, or take advantage of all of this.
K: And what good could any of this be?
R: Look. Everyone else decided for you, right? Well, now you decide. What do you want to do with your life? You are free. Legally, you’re a widow. What do you want to do with your life? You can do what you want with it Kari. You are no longer the wife of Alvaro Nesme, and you will NEVER be again, even though he’s alive. (Is a light bulb starting to go on over Kari’s head?!)

Adri and Matias arrive home smooching as Connie and the maid set the table for the special surprise dinner for Adri. They are amazed by how much more healthy Connie seems. Connie refuses to spill the reason for the dinner. Matias hints that he and Adri have a surprise for them too, as Adri tries to hide her HUGE engagement ring. They won’t spill the soup either about their surprise.

At the Center, Chema gets a call from Hit&Run Sister, aka Julieta. He actually remembers who she is! She’s checking to see how he is because at the end of partying last night, he didn’t seem to know who she was anymore. (She’s being a WAY better friend than his other friends, and she’s known him for less than a day.) Chema’s surprised he was that drunk. He invites her out to a coffee. His imaginary girlfriend won’t mind.

As they walk through town near the church, Jero notes something odd about Nata. She’s being quiet and seems pensive. The ringing church bells seem to have reminded her of the annulment of their religious marriage that she requested. She’s been thinking that since things are good between them, they are together, and they’ve realized the things that separated them were the fault of the intrigues of others, then there’s no point in going through with the religious annulment.
J: (smiling) Are you being serious?
R: Of course I’m serious. I’m not sure what’s happening with it, but I’m going to cancel it.
J: Thank you so much my love! (kisses her hand) This makes me so happy. I want to be with you the rest of my life. Till death us do part.
R: We’re going to continue to be married, before God AND man. (dramatically sweeps her arm out)
J: (looking at her like she’s a bit loony) There’s a part that I don’t understand.
R: What don’t you understand?
J: Then we’d have to have another civil wedding.
R: (flirtatiously) You don’t say! Well then, let’s get married again!
J: But in La Bonita. Not in the city.
R: I think that’s a great idea. But I don’t feel like I’ve gotten a proposal. I want a real proposal. Something that makes me feel that you love me…
J: You don’t know what kind of (amazing) marriage proposal I’m going to make you. With little freckles (pequitas) and all.
All this flirting leads to kisses, giggles and te amos. They separate so that Jero can go talk to the prison director and Nata can head home to La Bonita.

Mati and MM return to the little house with a ton of shopping bags. MM pulls out one of the very un-Mati-like outfits and says she will transform Mati into one of the Spanish socialites Carlos supposedly was into when he lived there. (Then why didn’t he stay and marry someone there? Hmm?) Mati wonders if Carlos will actually like her in those form fitting clothes, and has little faith in her abilities to walk in the sky high stilettos MM picked out. MM will teach her. MM claims she’s not a buttinsky suegra. She’s just looking out for the well-being of her children. Mati still looks pretty game and excited to give this a try.

Jero meets with the prison director, who is huge! The director wants an update on Nesme’s health (shouldn’t he know?). They’ve got his new identity and prison transfer all ready to go.

Unfortunately, Nesme isn’t on board with this go back to jail plan, and is lying in wait behind the door of his hospital room. He attacks the attending doctor that had been so nice to him, and steals his jacket, shoes, and keys! He then makes a run for it through the gates and lunges under a parked SUV. (I never knew the guy was so athletic.) He makes a run for it, vaulting over the car barrier, when the coast is clear. A nurse finds the good doctor on the floor, thankfully alive.

Jero and the Director continue to talk about the case when the Director gets a call. Nesme has escaped! They’re beginning a manhunt.

Happy Nata returns to La Bonita and compliments Manuela on how nice she keeps the hacienda. Manuela thinks the change in the house is due to Nata’s return. She always knew Jero and Nata’s love with triumph over everything. Nata admits Manuela has always been on Team Nata-Jero and offers her a bite of her cookie as thanks. LOL! They are interrupted by a call from Jero. He doesn’t waste time telling Nata to immediately get Laz and then get Kari to La Bonita, ASAP! Nata also wastes no time trying to get the details. She runs out to do exactly what Jero ordered, knowing it must be serious.

Berta slinks into Gina’s home office, in her skin tight jeans, wanting to know where Gina’s been. Around and at the center, where she’s leaving things in Inez’s hands while she’s on her honeymoon. Gina tells Berta about the dinner for Adri and invites her. “Thanks. We’ll see.” Gina hands Berta her “real” birth certificate. She wants Berta to go back to being Regina Gamba Soberon. “What do you think?” Berta looks less than thrilled. She tries to stall by saying it would be too problematic to change her name. But she does ask if it will affect her being able to get her inheritance if she remains Roberta. (Gina should see the writing on the wall about where Berta’s priorities lie.) When Gina suggests she might want to share the inheritance with her sister, Berta is quick to say NO…She doesn’t think Nata will need it. She’s going to get the house from Gonzo and she has a rich husband. It looks like some light bulbs are finally going on over Gina’s head, so Berta distracts her by saying she just might take back her real name after all. This gets a tepid smile out of Gina.

Isidro hands Inez the official registration for her cancer foundation, Nadie se Rinde. She is extremely happy and they hug. They are sure Andresito (who is off filming his other tn) will be happiest of all!

Chema’s chopping veggies when Adri arrives. “Hello my love!” She avoids his kiss, and tells him for the nth time that she has broken up with him. He has NO idea what she’s talking about. I feel like we’re in the middle of the movie Groundhog’s Day as Adri once again tells Chema she love Matias, and he once again good naturedly accepts it (albeit with a totally confused look on his face). His eyes fill with tears, AGAIN. (Aww! Poor guy.) Adri wonders if he really doesn’t remember, or doesn’t WANT to remember. He doesn’t understand why she is telling him that they have had this conversation before. She tells him he has to see a doctor because this isn’t normal. He agrees.

At Empresas Monterrubio, the MR men (plus Hon) are happy things went so well at the conference, and are going so well for the business. Hon wants to know how things went between his daughter and Matias. Matias is all smiles, but cagey about the surprise in store for them that night. Adri calls him and tells him of her worries about Chema.

Nata begs Kari to trust her and come with her and Laz to La Bonita. She comes, but only because Nata asked.

Down by the waterfront, Nesme outruns the cops and hops on a small boat.

Jero and Carlos have some tea to calm their nerves as they talk about the scorpion (alacran) that is Nesme. Jero blames himself, but Carlos thinks he probably would have done the same thing had he been in Jero’s shoes. Kari, Nata and Laz arrive and Jero breaks the news of Nesme’s escape to everyone. He wants Kari to stay in La Bonita under their protection until he’s found. Jero is pretty sure that Nesme will try to kidnap Kari. Even Manuela has to curse at this news. “All he wants is to destroy Kari’s life.” Kari is panicky. “I don’t want to see him again!” Laz is going to watch over Kari day and night to make sure that doesn’t happen.

The police continue their search of the docks. Nesme crouches down in the boat, unties it, starts it up, and escapes before the cops can shoot.

The conference at La Bonita continues. It seems Kari will now be the one imprisoned, in La Bonita, until Nesme is found. Nata tries to comfort Kari, but the call Jero gets about Nesme escaping in the boat breaks everyone’s calm. Kari hopes he’ll go and never come back. Jero tells her not to count on that. Laz heads to Alfi-Zeke’s to get Kari’s things, and Nata and Manuela take Kari to settle into her new bedroom. Laz tells Jero he will never forget what he is doing for the woman he loves.

Augie, who has not changed clothes, or taken off his windbreaker, in days, continues his slide into madness. But Zeke is the one who’s really crazy since he goes to Cruz de Amor to check on him. He assures Zeke he’s not the kind of weakling like Rafa who would kill himself over a woman. Zeke asks if Nata is the cause of Augie’s funk (the emotional one; not the one that must be emanating from his body by now). Augie denies it, so Zeke wisely drops the subject and leaves. Augie pours himself another drink and dedicates it to Nata. “For you Renata. Because if you think your life will be at the side of Linares, you are very mistaken. If you think I’m defeated, it’s not so. Your place is with me. YOUR PLACE IS WITH ME!!!!!! WITH ME!” (Ah yes, the chest thumping Gorillauggie scene we have been waiting for all week!)

Jero reports to the Bonita Gang that the boat has been found, but not Nesme. Mati is hopeful this means Nesme is gone for good. Nata informs them all that she and Jero have to leave in the morning to attend Gonzo and Gina’s wedding, but they’re coming right back after the wedding and they should contact them if anything at all happens. Manuela assures them they will hold down the fort and guard Kari with their lives.

Berta’s in her bedroom admiring the necklace she stole from Nata. She begs off attending the Adri dinner since she’s tired and wants to rest up for the wedding the next day. Gina buys this.
G: As you wish daughter. Let me know immediately if you need anything.
B: It makes me so happy that you worry about me. I’m so excited about your wedding tomorrow. I never imagined attending the wedding of my parents. (makes gagging face behind Gina’s gullible back)
G: Yes. It’s strange, right. But what’s important is that we’ll officially be a family.
B: Finally, there will be peace.
G: Has Fina tried to contact you?
B: No! I was very clear with her in the hospital. She knows that she’s dead to me.
G: Please. If she tries to communicate with you, tell me immediately. Even if I’m on my honeymoon.
B: Of course mommy. I think what I feel for her, must be very similar to the feelings she provokes in you. She prevented us from forming the relationship we have—mother and daughter.
G: (totally buying this b.s.) Well, from now on, that is how we will live, like mother and daughter. You don’t know how happy I am, and how grateful I am to the Virgin to be able to embrace you.
Berta puts on her most special plastic smile in response to this heartfelt speech.

Kari prays for clarity.

At the special surprise dinner, Gonzo’s worried about leaving Berta alone while he and Gina go away, but Hon is on the case and will be in contact with the investigators. Adri and Matias arrive and the announcements begin. Hon starts first and presents Adri with her new official birth certificate. She is now Adriana Sanchez Beltran. She is his and Constanza’s daughter. Adri gets teary and hugs her papa. She is happy to be their daughter.

Kari comes in to the living room to talk to the rest of the La Bonita Gang.
K: With everything that has happened, I realized that I have not taken my life into my own hands. That’s why you all took it upon yourselves to decide for me.
Laz: Karina. You don’t have to say anything.
K: Let me speak Lazaro, please. According to the law, I’m a widow. I know that I was married in the Church. But I also know that God doesn’t approve of abuse or violence. God is a being of love and mercy (misericordia). As of today, I’m going to give myself permission to separate myself from anyone who has treated me with unkindness (brusquedad) or violence. Be who it may, even if it’s my husband. And as of today, I rid myself of all the fears the people who raised and educated me instilled in me. And today, I assume my rights, and will put limits on others, without feeling guilty. Today, I take responsibility to live MY life as I desire. And so I ask you Lazaro, do you still want to marry me?

Oh my God!!!!! This has to be the happiest cara impactada I have ever seen at the end of a tn scene. Laz is speechless. I am standing on my chair cheering for Kari!

Avances: It’s the wedding day! But dressed like a nun, Fina approaches the happy couple in front of the church and shoots!

Labels: Cuando

• Mrs. "I'm so alone" Pina has a special guest on her show: Mariano Osorio, musician and radio personality. His theme: everything is better in the family. ??
  
• Lupita is a wet blanket all night, she doesn't want to leave the kids of the barrio and is afraid.
  
  Candy, on the other hand, is quite ready to never mend clothes again. She reassures Lupita: Pancho will be making so much money, they can feed everybody in the barrio - and still buy leopard-skin skirts!
  
  Lupita tells the kids she'll be there every day (Elena will take over otherwise). Tomás shows up to ask her forgivenness but she doesn't want anything to do with him.
  
• Pepe takes three buses to go see Monica because she asked him to. She wants him to plead with Pancho to un-fire Enzo (her dad). He says ok, but "we are cuadernos - cuates - amigos" now (I guess cuadernos hang out on the street corner together - like homies).
  
  Pepe does ask his dad to reconsider: "Dad, you said you wouldn't change and look, you're already acting like an emperor. You'll ruin his life - and he has a daughter, did you think of that?"
  
• Vince is adapting to new circumstances - he's wearing a sloppy track suit with a t-shirt hanging out instead of his customary natty tie, and he is trying out eastern religions. "In Tibet they say nothing is important, everything passes. Let us enjoy nature, Abejita."
  
  His calm is rattled by the very noisy arrival of Poncho's truck, full of family. They pile out and refer to Beverly Hills (hillbillies being implied). Pancho runs over to say hi to Vince and cheerfully invite him over for some cold ones and comida tipica but Vince thinks that's too greasy even for his dog and might give her taxoplasmosis. Pancho: "You named your dog for an insect??" Popeye and Abejita make eyes at each other, as predicted.
  
  Vince goes to tell his wife about their new proletarian neighbors. Pina opines silently: "When Fer dies, we'll be out in the street and my secret will be worth nothing."
  
• Mo's dad forbids her to see or talk about el mecánico ese. He also says she can't work at Avon any more.
  
• I'm sure you don't need me to describe Pancho's family romping through the mansion, jumping on beds, criticizing the art (Joan Miro) and nearly breaking a Ming Vase. They ask the servants to use tu with them. Chela enjoys the kitchen and she and the cook plan to get along splendidly (this is not what would happen in real life).
  
  The yard is huge. Ana is very happy and tells Lupita to take off her rotten egg face. Candy's delighted to see leopard skins everywhere and is even more delighted to hear she can take the cheslong (chaise longue) into her room. "I am an authentic diva now!"
  
• Rebeca comes to see how the move is going. Pancho says the house is so big he needs a GPS. She has more clauses to talk about! Pancho complains: "You didn't tell me the nephew would be our neighbor. And Fer told me she had nobody! That was another of her lies!" "He's a hypocrite, just out for her money."
  
  She tells him Pepe, Lupita and Ana are already signed up for (pre-paid) university and that Temo will be going to private school (ditto). All this paternalistic benevolence rankles Pancho but he admits he slept through the fine print so he has nobody but himself to blame.
  
  Rebeca is afraid Pancho is going to try to fire Vince too. But, instead: "Am I in charge, or am I a puppet?" He says since he's in charge he will now use his power to: make Vince president!
  
  Rebeca quickly quells this rebellion, pointing out that he promised to be president, and that it's time for him to start doing what he promised: running the company.
  
• Pepe comes up to the Avon receptionist and asks for Monica's office. Her dad shows up and takes him up - Monica isn't there.
  
• Alex calls Lupita (who's looking to move into the guest room because it's not as huge as the other bedrooms) and she hangs up on him, but it turns out he's on her balcony and he nags her to be his friend.

Tomorrow: Vince discovers that his beloved masseuse Catreaux ("those legs!") lives next door!

Labels: familia

We think Gloria might be having some migraine issues, so I'm posting this discussion page for last night's episode.

Last night's major events involved a chess match, with Alex as the pawn. At the end, MP gave Ivan a tough choice between two evils.

Either, 1) Ivan makes accusations and MP makes accusations which will land him, her, Lucrezia and Gerry all in jail, which will leave Alex in an orphanage (since his parents and grandparents will be in jail); or 2) Ivan gives up Lucia, marries MP, and they raise Alex together.

Tonight Ivan agonizes over his choice between Lucia or Alex.

Now, discuss amongst yourselves!

Labels: Fuerza

Labels: Cuando

Scenes are consolidated for narrative convenience.

So. Pancho Lopez makes his first decision as president of Avon Mexico: he fires Enzo "El Tranceti" Rinaldi. Both Enzo and Rebeca object strenuously. Pancho says he has every right to fire his declared enemy. Enzo protests that he's a decent man. Pancho questions whether it's decent to make tons of money off of poor people and then throw them out of their homes. He mentions that the repo men broke his wife's picture frame. Either Enzo goes, or he goes. Rebeca says he can't leave, because he signed a contract.

Arnold gropes Vince's secretary, Sandra, in the guise of helping her with her blouse. They wonder what the deal is with Pancho. Arnold surprises Sandra with a supposedly harmless kiss.

Fernanda says goodbye to her two devoted household servants, Goyita and Chucha. (She's going to Germany for some kind of experimental genetic therapy cancer treatment.) She tells them to follow her instructions to the letter.

Lupita (finally) tells Chela about the breakup. She wonders if it's her fault Tomás cheated on her because she wouldn't put out. Chela assures her that if a guy doesn't respect her wish to save herself for marriage, it's his loss. Lupita also recounts that Elena called her a hypocrite (mosca muerta, dead fly) because of the mixup with Alex... even though Elena is the one who made the date!

Tomás tells Pepe he's sorry he cheated on Lupita. Pepe tells Tomás about seeing Mónica at the event. He says something like he felt like she was kissing him without kissing him and she likes him. He thinks she'll dump Freddy for him very soon.

Ana joins Chela and Lupita, and then Chacho shows up, warning that some movers have arrived... on Fernanda's orders. One of the movers brandishes a contract. "The tiny letters [fine print]!" Chacho cries. The movers want to relocate the family and their things to Fer's mansion. Candy distracts them with banter and a quiescently frozen treat while Chela and Lupita try to call Pancho. Pancho's snotty secretary won't put them through because Pancho is still in his meeting with Enzo.

Pepe calls Mónica in hopes that she can find Pancho for him. (Lupita disapproves of Pepe's interest in Enzo's daughter.) "What do you want, mechani-naco?" Mo asks. Enzo stomps in, fresh from his firing. Mo hangs up in a hurry, but Enzo wants to know how Pepe got her number. She says she wouldn't have had to call him for help with her car if he (Enzo) or Freddy had answered their phones. (And she is still calling him "José.") Anyway, she doesn't understand why getting fired should be the end of the world. Surely he can make a living someplace else. Enzo delicately tries to explain that his position with the company gave him access to some unique opportunities that he wouldn't be able to get anyplace else. (I'm not sure exactly what this is all about - he and Vince have alluded to it before, I don't think it's technically illegal, more like they've been leveraging their positions in a way that most employers wouldn't tolerate.) In fact, when Mo was little, maybe she doesn't remember, but her parents had next to nothing. It was thanks to Vince and Fernanda that they were able to live the way they did and pay for Mo's education.

Freddy tells Alex all about last night's event, including the dog peeing on his dad's shoe. Alex sighs over Lupita, saying she is hyper-pretty and he's totally stuck on her. (I don't think they realize yet that Alex's Lupita is Pancho's Lupita.)

Pancho's secretary tells him about the call from Chela. He and Rebeca rush over in La Burra. Rebeca explains that it's in the contract that they must live in Fernanda's house. They'll have the two maids and Gonzales, the chauffeur. "The tiny letters!" Pancho sighs. Chela gets lippy with Rebeca; Rebeca says it's Pancho's name on the contract, not Chela's. Pancho admits that he sorta dozed off when Rebeca was reading the contract to him. Pancho agrees to the move, but insists on keeping La Burra. But he wants to talk to the family first.

Enzo confers with Vince and Abejita. (It looks like Vince is gripping the dog very tightly, but it also looks like the dog is pretty happy.) Vince is sure he'll be fired next. They'll both be ruined. Enzo wants a plan to get rid of Pancho.

Sandra tries to massage Vince. Vince has a G-rated fantasy about the Catwoman, but Sandra's technique is unsatisfactory and he tells her she should take a class. Then Arnold comes in with a couple of guys and a massage table and some chlorophyll elixir. He kicks everyone out, kneels at Vince's feet, and takes off Vince's tie. Later, as Arnold kneads Vince's shoulders, Sandra approaches the door with a glass of whiskey and hears: "Oh, what marvelous hands you have." "That's not too forceful? "No, it's wonderful. More!" "More?" "Yes, push! Hard!"

Mo tries to call Pepe back and get him to convince Pancho to undo Enzo's firing. Pepe doesn't answer. "You like him," Karina teases.

Pina feels sorry for herself at home. Adoración tries to cheer her up with lame jokes. The phone rings, and Pina doesn't want to take the call. But in the next scene, she's happily booking the caller to be a guest on her show. She tells Adoración that the show is the only fulfilling thing in her life.

Pancho tells his family that their home is wherever they can be together. They all pledge their support, but Chela and Lupita sulk while the rest of the family excitedly discuss their new home, which is pictured in one of Candy's magazines. Lupita grumps. Chela tells Lupita to suck it up and give it a chance. Pancho adds that it's better than letting the place get turned into a strip mall. Lupita says okay, but if she doesn't like Fer's house, she's going back to the old place.

Word of the day: verdulero = greengrocer/vegetable merchant

Next time:
Worlds collide!

Labels: familia

We hear a repeat of baby care directives. Zeke goes off to get Luz Maria’s big brother Panchito. Alfonsina and Kari comfort MarinaTata about her daddylessbaby. Jeronimo was never for me, he loves Renata and he will love her forever. Said Lover comes into his bedroom and tells Renata how beautiful she is in her flannel pj’s (wow, is love blind, he must be imagining ripping them off) They discuss why Augie spilled the news of Jero’s approaching babydaddyness. She still can’t believe Augie had bad intentions in telling her but he was nobly worried. Jero assures her that Augie’s only intention is to separate them. She wisely decides to end the endless with a hug and kisses. Boy-o no one else could make flannel look that sexy. Jero goes off for a quick shower. MarinaTata finally admits that she knows Jero’s heart never belonged to her, an extension of MT’s junior high mentality with a ray of the light of personal epiphany.

Matilde harps at Carlos that he didn‘t trust her enough to tell her of the livingdead down at the jail, aka Dr. Nesme just isn’t dead enough for anyone’s liking. Why didn’t you trust me ? Why didn’t you sometimes I don’t want to take such risks. She says so I am always going to be treated as a wife who is a nosy busybody (metiche) and gossip (chismosa). She goes out yelling all these things that if Carlos weren’t afraid to admit, he would agree with.

On a happier note . Luz’s big brother comes in with great happiness and tenderness. He comments on how tiny she is and how beautiful like his mother. He promises to take care of her and protect her not just now when she is little but for her whole life. He thanks both his parents for giving him a beautiful sister. It is so cool (que padre), even Kari smiles.

Adriana and Matias come back to the boat and get a bowl of fruit from the boatman. They speak of their love and he wants to announce publicly their engagement. He wants to marry her. He presents her with a beer top or grass ring to make it official. She swoons happily at the romantic gesture. They would love to stay there forever but they need to finish their business obligations then go home to tell all the parents of their engagement.

Alfonsina tells Marina that she had the same problem with a surprise pregnancy when she didn’t know if her baby was her husband’s or.. Kari finishes her sentence or MINE. Alfonsina adds, it leaves a scar (cicatriz) forever.

With Gonzo in his off ice, the commandante points out the obvious, this case has not been wrapped up because Fina has a LOT OF MONEY and she can buy many accomplices. Gonzo declares that desperation may not make a good counselor but he is desperate to get Fina off the streets there is so much danger to his family. The commandante recommends a special agent to get to Fina. A really great looking and very special looking agent walks in the room to help corner the elusive, flighty Fina. It’s about time, the entire D.F. police force can’t crack this problem so maybe good looks will help snare her.

Sweet Roberta calls MadMomma Fina to tell her all the changes Gonzo is making to Fina’s divorce settlement. He is leaving the house to Regina since she is her only daughter and she won’t be able to make changes from jail. Roberta insists that if she doesn’t come out ahead in this then her deal is off with Fina. Fina tells her not to worry that won’t fix anything but she has plans to stop Gonzalo before he can make anyone else a beneficiary. (Is it my imagination or are the wigs getting lots wiggier as Fina becomes more desperate?)

Renata and Jero have breakfast together. She urges him to go have the talk with Marina but she doesn’t want to wait alone at La Bonita while he takes care of this so she suggests going into the pueblo to shop around then go see Alfonsina’s baby. She worries that he will change in his attitude toward Marina if she won’t let him take part in the baby’s life if he stays with Renata. He urges her not to worry and to leave everything in his hands. It will all work out and they will enjoy a family together with much love.

Marina is tending to the still ailing uncle-Padre when she gets nauseous. His concern causes her to tell him she can’t hide things from him so she spills that she is expecting a child by Jero. He is outraged that she is going to have a baby with someone who was only her lover. She assures him that her baby will never feel shame for his circumstances. He begins to dial Jero to get more involved than anyone wants him to be but she convinces him to hang up, then she leaves in a huff telling him not to interfere. He has no right to make demands of the father of her child. He pounds his pillows in unaccustomed rage.

Padre gets back on the phone and gets Renata at Jero’s number. He says is your h… --er is Jero there? He must call him back at the earliest moment and come to the parish house to see me no matter the hour.

Carlos and Mati are talking about trust. He promises to tell her everything from now on and it is up to her whether she tells or doesn’t tell. She’s quite impressed that he is giving her such power. They kiss.

Marina is surprised in her office by Jero in his best suit. She claims the baby is only hers.

Carlos’ parents are discussing the delayed wedding Mom is worried that they caused the wedding to be called off so she thinks she needs to go talk with Carlos. Papa says great, do you want me to come with you. No, Fancy Mom wants to go herself to talk with him and thinks it best not to give him any warning that she is coming.

Jero says the responsibility for this baby is on both of them and he doesn’t now why she would hide the news from him. Did she think he wouldn’t want to know? He assures her that he wants to have a role in the baby’s life. She says she didn’t want to tell him because they don’t have a relationship. But we did have one, he points out. He wants to take part. She doesn’t want her life tied to him. He observes that they will have ties forever because of this baby. She doesn’t want to impinge his relationshp with Renata or ruin his happiness.

She swears that she didn’t plan this (we hope) and he again repeats that she is mom he is dad for this baby. He wants no lies between them and says they were always honest with each other. And he promises to help take care of a child in all aspects. She says you’re incredible, you aren’t even questioning if I am telling the truth. He assures her that he knows she has always told him the truth. What do you propose? He says that we take part as mom and pop in raising this child.

Lazaro and Carlos argue one more time that Matilde knows, Kari is going to know any minute now that Dr. HaHaYouAreNotAWidow is not Dr. DustToDustAshesToAshes, but Lazaro still thinks she can’t stand knowing the truth. However, his resolve is more of a dissolve, no one else is backing his pointless gesture of protecting her from the truth.

We see a quiet Kari looking like she has a bundle but it is pillowcases with L and K lovingly embroidered on them. She mutters to herself that she was such a fool in her hopes. Alfonsina sleeps. Baby sleeps. Kari is sad. We are sad.

Renata is riding a brown horse over to Cruz sin Amor’s vineyard. She pulls up near Augustin, who says he is in a twist that she is persisting in staying with Jero. She insists that they are starting anew with out lies or tricks. He can’t believe it and especially after his spilling about the baby outrage. She says yes, she is with Jero in spite of the baby. He starts to jut the jaw and she quiets his spewing.

Marina is freaking freely in tears, I don’t want your money. Jero stays in kind and helpful mode, this isn’t my intention, He only wants to discuss the future of their child. She is glad to have a baby of his but didn’t intend to have a baby without him. She didn’t want to raise a child with a father who has another woman, or has a single mother or has a house that isn’t a home. Jero wants the best for the baby. You can count on me unconditionally for OUR baby. It will be a baby with a mother and a father. It will be a baby raised in love. He continues to repeat OUR baby. Marina cries even harder.

Renata tells Augie she knows he and Jero don’t get along , even can’t stand each other and yet she tried to tell him that she has enormous affection and gratitude for him and his treatment of her but she loves only Jero and will protect her marriage and her relationship and her happiness with Jero. As she mounts the horse she rode in on, she says oh can I ask a favor, will you have someone take care of having Gitana sent over to me. (There is the mystery given light about the beautiful Gitana) He nods but mutters that she will never tell him goodby, never! She rides away, leaving him with his angry sociopathic thoughts. I ride into commercial break with lots of worries about Gitana becoming a tool of his diabolical plans. Yikes.

Matias and Adriana come into the mainland hotel room and kiss talking about the business trip that turned into a mini honeymoon but he tells her that when they wed they will have a really long honeymoon. She gets the message from her Papa. In the next scene Hon and Con are wondering why they haven’t heard from her, well Hon is worrying. Adriana calls Hon who reports that they were worried. He wonders how she and Matias are doing since things seemed tense between then. Oh they are fine says Adriana. Matias gave a great talk that assured the clients they are doing well and she is sure they will be getting the clients back. We want to have a big talk (conferencia) with everyone when we get back. Hon gets off and can’t think what is going on and why Adriana is talking in plurals but Consta’s smile is enough to clue him into what is happening. He worries a bit about Chema, He hopes that none of you (his women ) will see Chema any more. She takes his hand and love rules the land for a moment.

Matias returns from the shower and Adri has him listen to Chema’s message on her cell phone which assures her of his love and wondering where she is. She repeats to the doubting Matias that something really weird is happening to Chema and she wants his help to get to the bottom of it. I assure you I ended everything with him but he is talking like we are in a relationship. This isn’t normal, it isn’t normal, she repeats. (alas poor Chema, I knew him Horatio. A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy…)

Doom music rolls as Regina and Inez arrive to visit Consta. They begin to talk about Regina’s wedding and Inez is convinced that nothing will be okay until Fina is caught. Regina talks about Antonio’s betrayal and tells the girls that he admitted that he was Fina’s accomplice and present when Fina scared her mom into her heart attack. Antonio felt responsible for Mom’s death. Slide to a church in Spain where Antonio prays for forgiveness for his sins in a church, kneeling in his priestly clothes in a line of priestly looking guys like so many crows on a high wire.

Gonzo and Hon visit bank manager, Luciana about their returning stability as a company and she has sometbing delicate to tell him. A few days before the news carried her flight from justice, she says your ex-wife Fina came to deposit a huge sum in her own name and account, it was the same amount, even in the same bag that Regina had carried out of Jero’s money. Gonzo praises Luciana, you did very well (to tell us) Gonzo says that this will help get the commandante on her trail and Hon thinks they should be able to freeze the account because it was extorted illegally. But the Luciana says the formal charges have to come from the complaint by the person she took the money from. Nothing else will enable the bank to freeze funds in an account.

Fina shops and talks about a wedding a few days. The sales woman is all a twitter at this big spender selecting so many things. They talk of how her husband must love her. Yes, she says I must find something special to wear they are going to a wedding soon. (Let’s hope that handsome comandante can distract her, she is dropping menacing hints by the bucket load.)

Kari and Manuela talk near a garden, Manuela is going to tell her something but Lazaro shows up and says we have much to talks about. She snidely says what would we have to talk about? Manuela says go talk with him, I will see you later in the kitchen. Kari reluctantly goes with Lazaro, well, what do you want to talk about? I lied to you. I’m going to tell you a truth that I only kept secret to protect you. What is it . About you husband. What? He is dead and buried. No, he isn’t dead, Alvaro is ALIVE! Our last image is Kari in Shock!

Previews: Regina is resisting turning Fina in for the money fearing reprisals on her dear little daughter, Jero gets to hit Augie again, Dr. dirt gets to rise again, Fina plans her surprise, maybe for the wedding. Roberta continues to peer behind doors being the rat without a future.

Labels: Cuando

Alternate Title: MP Gambles That Anto Will Keep Her Secret; Lucia Gambles That Ivan Will Choose Her Over Alex; and Everyone Gambles That MP Actually Gives a Damn About Anyone Else—They Will All Lose

Lucia has just thrown down the gauntlet and threatened Maripaz that if she tries to fight for her parental rights (patria prostestal), which may land their dad in jail, she will go to the police and tell them MP ran over (atropear) and killed a woman! Lucrezia does not like that one bit, but MP is undaunted. David has taken the car and is having it fixed, and the camera phone and the pictures have been destroyed. As far as she’s concerned, there’s no evidence to accuse her with. Lucia learns about the blackmail plot for the first time, but Lucrazya denies it and says Carlota’s bonkers. Carly slaps her a good one, which just leads Lucrazya to say this confirms Carly needs to be put in the nuthouse (manicomio). She leaves the room with her demon seed, while Lucia comforts her grandma. Carly assures Lucia that what she said about the blackmail is true. Lucia believes her.

In her bedroom, the demon seed thanks her mama for backing her up. This earns her a bigger slap than the one Carly just gave Lucrezia. (Maybe this is the way the Curiel women show their love?) Lucrezia tells MP that she’s just returning (devolver) the slap (cachetada) her mom gave her because of MP. She demands that MP come to some financial agreement with Ivan, and that she forget about any legal battle that would cause scandal. “Sí mama.” (Haven’t we seen MP renege on things she’s agreed to do before?)

At Casa Lomeli (sin Curiel), the Lomeli men are on the couch chatting. Alex is telling Gerry all about dolphins. Antolin calls to update Gerry on Carolina’s condition. They’ll stay a few days in a hotel in D.F. so that Caro can rest up, and then they’ll take the bus back, since Caro can’t fly. Alex begs to speak with Caro. He wants to see her. He’s happy to know that in a few weeks she’ll be able to see his face for the first time. Once she’s off the phone, Caro thanks Anto for all he’s done for her. No thanks are necessary since she’s his princess. He kisses her hand, tells her to rest, and tells her he loves her before leaving.

At the lawyer’s office, Ivan and Camilo get the lowdown on the possible outcomes of a custody battle. The lawyer confirms that yes, Gerry could go to jail. But they could get him out on bail (bajo confianza). And even though MP is a drunken whore, that fact that she’s moved back in with her family would show the judge that she wants to change her life for her son, and mothers have more rights to children than fathers. Camilo calls b.s. on MP’s supposed change. All MP wants is money. Ivan doesn’t give a damn about the scandal, or that Gerry might go to jail. He wants his son! Ivan’s lawyer thinks it’s best for him to first meet with MP’s lawyer to see what she wants. Ivan calls Lucia to have her find out who MP’s lawyer is. Lucia is disconcerted that Ivan was so cold to her on the phone (seco=dry). She tells Carly she has a bad feeling (mal presentimiento) about it all.

In Casa Galvan, Carmen reports to Celia that Lechita’s fever is down. Celia wants an update on Carmen’s unsuccessful job search. She points out this is the reason Carmen should have taken her studies more seriously and gone further in school. Anyway, her brothers are ensuring that she and her daughter have a roof over their heads and food on their plates. Carmen still says she wants a job so that she can have money and a sense of self worth (I’m not sure if gold digging and blackmailing qualify). Celia tells her to go back to school and get some more skills, like computer classes (computación). Carmen is not so keen on the whole working and studying thing.

Camilo busts in before the two Galvan women can get into a real argument about it. He wants to know who Carmen wagged her tongue (soltar la lengua) to about Alex being MP’s and Ivan’s son. He’s about to smack her lying face a good one when Celia jumps between them. Camilo explains what’s going on and Celia starts laying into Carmen too. Carmen doesn’t give a damn what’s happening to Alex and Ivan because of her big mouth. She finally admits that she told Saul.

At Casa Curiel, Lucia is trying to get information out of MP. What does she really want from this? Money? Who’s her lawyer? Who’s paying for the lawyer? Their mother? Why does she want to hurt the people who care for her? MP’s not spilling any info. Lucia can’t believe her unfeeling selfishness. MP doesn’t think that Lucia is so pure and innocent (blanca paloma) since she STOLE Ivan from her. Lucia tries for the millionth time to explain to MP that Ivan wasn’t MP’s and she didn’t steal him. Failing to make MP see reason on this topic, Lucia tries another tactic. Doesn’t MP care about Alex, a child that she will be hurting with all of this? And if MP thinks she can try the same trick she did last time, blackmailing Lucia to dump Ivan, then she’s wrong. MP plays the “maternal feelings” card. Lucia’s not buying it. She gets in MP’s face and lays out a picture of the future—she and Ivan will get married, have lots of babies, and be happy ever after, while MP will be stuck all alone with Alex. MP thinks that Ivan loves Alex too much to give him up. Lucia thinks his love for her is bigger. (I wouldn’t be so sure of that Lucia.) She walks out of the room, leaving MP in deep thought (if that’s possible for her). Once on her own, Lucia looks a little less certain of who Ivan would choose.

Ivan gets off the phone with his lawyer who has found out the name of MP’s lawyer. Seems the guy is an expert in family law. Tony’s not worried. They have enough money to get a fab team of lawyers too. Ivan thinks this whole thing will be hard on Alex and wants to avoid him going through a scandalous custody battle. Tony suggests they instead pay MP whatever she wants. Ivan says they’ve worked too hard to earn their money to just give it to some greedy woman. Lucia calls him and wants them to meet to talk about everything happening. Ivan decides to head over to her house right now.

Just as Lucia hangs up, Gerry comes in. He’s willing to go to jail to keep Alex out of MP’s clutches. Lucia is sure they’ll find a way to make sure neither of those things happens. Further inside the house, Carly scolds Lucrezia about the things she said to her about imagining the blackmail threat. She’ll call the bank tomorrow to confirm Lucrezia withdrew 5 million pesos. Lucrezia then tells another lie to cover up the last lie. She says she withdrew the money from their family account to put it in her own account. Since Carly’s always taking Lucia’s side (what is she, 5 years old?), she thinks at any moment Carly might throw her out on the streets with nothing. Carly says she would NEVER do something like that. Lucrezia is her daughter. Lucrezia says she can’t be certain and has to take precautions. (She’s even crying during this farce, so we know where MP gets it from.) Carly doesn’t believe a word of this tale. She knows the money was to pay the blackmailer, and that Lucrezia just made up this story to take away Lucia’s only weapon to make MP drop her custody battle—the threat of jail. Lucrezia admits it, but can’t believe that Carly would let her own granddaughter go to jail. (Hell yes she should!) Carly says she doesn’t want that, but she wants Lucrezia to pressure MP to put an end to her plans. Lucrezia calls Carly heartless for allowing the possibility of MP going to jail. She’s her granddaughter too, like Lucia! Carly’s done arguing and leaves Lucrazya standing there.

Out in the living room, Ivan, Lucia and Gerry discuss the situation. Ivan is explaining to Gerry that if MP states that Gerry took the infant at her request, then that would invalidate any kidnapping charges. There would only be a little trouble because of the false birth certificate, but nothing jail time worthy. (They do realize that all this hinges on MP going along with this plan, right?) Carly comes in and joins the conversation. Gerry continues to be naïve and tells them MP would allow Alex to keep living with him and Caro. (See my last interjection.) Ivan’s not having it. He wants HIS son to live with HIM. Lucia reminds Ivan about the importance of not hurting Alex. Ivan agrees, but sooner or later Alex has to know the truth. He’s not backing down and Lucia seems worried. Ivan thinks the Curiels have done him enough harm and that this is just one injury too much. Carly agrees. Ivan hopes that Lucia can see things from his point of view. She doesn’t look so sure.

In MP’s bedroom, Lucrezia is trying to convince MP to drop the custody suit and just get whatever money she wants out of Ivan. Lucrezia doesn’t think MP can bank on Carly not turning her in to the cops. She reminds MP that the news of the hit and run victim was published in the papers, and if Carly and Lucia tell Ivan, who tells the police, it won’t be so hard for them to connect the dots. MP swears that Anto is trustworthy and wouldn’t betray her. She doesn’t look so sure though.

Ivan and Lucia see Gerry off. Ivan once again tells Lucia he does not want to give up on getting his son. Lucia admits part of her supports Ivan, and part of her supports her family. Ivan understands. But he wants Lucia to understand that the ONLY blood family he has on Earth is Alex. (He’s got a point.) He tells her he loves her and doesn’t want to live without her. He wants her to understand him and he wants them to get married and have children. Lucia says she’s with him and they start making out.

Inside Carly updates Lucrezia on the conversation with Gerry and Ivan, and Lucrezia updates Carly on her conversation with MP. No one knows what MP will do. Lucrezia wants Carly to get Lucia to convince Ivan to give MP whatever she wants. (Is that clear?) Carly reminds her that Ivan does not consider them friends, and all the reasons why. She even mentions the tidbit about Gerry impregnating Alicia. This is news to Lucrezia. “But he loves Lucia, right?” Yeah, but likely not more than he loves his son, Carly says.

Ivan is having the same love Lucia-love Alex conversation with Tony. How can he leave his child in that woman’s (MP’s) hands? But he doesn’t want to put Gerry in jail either. He raised his son well and gave him a home and love. Tony says Ivan HAS to speak with MP! Ivan agrees. Tony tells Ivan about JJ making reconciliatory moves. Ivan can’t be bothered with JJ’s foolishness right now. Tony chats with Bruno about how complicated everything’s become. He’s still trying to figure out what the Curiels spent so much money on. He decides to visit Carly in the morning.

The next morning in Casa Galvan, Camilo is talking to Celia and calling Carmen inconsiderate and stupid for telling Saul about Alex. The fact that she told him something so important means there’s intimacy between them. It further proves his theory that Saul is Carmen’s baby-daddy. Celia tells Camilo that she doesn’t want any problems/fights since the Mondragon family is powerful. Camilo doesn’t give a rat’s patoot. It’s about time that people of that class learn they can’t just mess with women of their class with no consequences. He makes no promises to leave Saul alone, and even threatens to tell Antolin. Celia begs him not to, but Camilo will NOT put his hand in the fire for Saul Mondragon. If Anto kills him, so be it. He deserves it! Anyway, he wouldn’t be the first person (cristiano) Anto has killed. Celia can’t believe her stupidity in admitting the truth to Camilo.

In Mexico City, Antolin brings Caro a gift to her hotel room—Romeo and Juliet in Braille. He tells her that he loves her and she’ll always be in his heart. She returns the sentiment. He starts to kiss her passionately (oops, I wrote “me” instead of “her” at first…Freudian slip). But before they fall all the way back on the pillows, she puts on the breaks by offering to read to him. He stares at her in adoration as she reads. (Sigh!)
The mechanic tells David that it looks like his car ran over someone, not a dog.

In the internet café, Lucia gets help downloading the vacation pictures.

Camilo admits to Ivan that the culprit who spilled the beans was Carmen, and that he now knows about Saul being Lechita’s daddy. They talk about Lucia and her allegiance to her family. Camilo doesn’t see what’s so hard to understand, since Ivan’s obsessed with Alex simply because he carries his blood. Ivan is also worried about how Lucia will take it if he takes MP to court and airs all the Curiel family dirty laundry. Camilo tells him he has to choose. Lucia or Alex. Ivan’s scared to lose Lucia.

The lawyer calls Ivan and tells him that if he’s going to take his case, Ivan has to tell him everything. He’s not happy with what MP’s lawyer told him about Ivan fleeing the country to escape murder charges. Once Ivan’s off the phone, Camilo says he’ll fess up to the killing. Ivan thinks they may be able to get out of it since he doesn’t think any charges were ever brought. But this makes it clear to him that MP is willing to do anything to win.

MP slinks up to Casa Lomeli as Lucia, Alex and the maid look over the vacation pictures. “Hello family!” Alex doesn’t even remember who she is. LOL! Lucia explains. MP says she came to see Alex. When he asks why, she comes right out and says, “Because I’m your mother.” (That’s got to be a worse shock than when Luke Skywalker learned who his daddy was.) “Yeah kid. I’m your mother, Ivan is your dad, and Gerry is your grandfather.” Alex is impactado.

Lucia hustles MP out the door. Alex tries to understand it all. His mother died when he was little and Gerry is his dad, right? Is he the child that Ivan lost? Lucia calls up Gerry. She tells him what’s up and to come home immediately. Lucia explains to Alex what happened years ago, in the gentlest way possible. Ivan and MP were novios as youngsters. MP got pregnant and Ivan had to go to the States. Because people spoke badly of a girl who got pregnant without being married, Gerry took responsibility for the baby. Alex refuses to believe. His dad is his dad and this is a lie! “Yo no quiero! Yo no quiero!”

Gerry calls Ivan who runs out to see Alex. Camilo tells David what’s going on. David already knows the part of the story about Alex’s real identity, but he’s baffled as to why MP is going after custody. Camilo lays it out—“Because she wants money, and because she’s a bitch.” (Yep, he said it). Camilo continues the tale about the dead worker and MP’s accusations. Well, David’s got some juicy gossip about her too—the car that most likely hit someone, not a dog. The boys put their thinking caps on. Camilo asks for newspapers from the last two weeks to see if there have been any hit and runs.

In Casa Lomeli, Lucia is beside herself as Ivan tries to comfort her. Gerry goes to Alex’s room to speak to him. Gerry tells him this isn’t the end of the world. He’s a strong intelligent kid and he will survive this. Ivan is good and Lucia adores him. Ivan will be a good father. “But I love YOU!” Alex falls into Gerry’s arms bawling. Gerry tries to put a happy face on the situation. They’ll continue to see each other. He’ll sometimes be with Ivan and Lucia, and sometimes with Gerry and Caro. Alex wonders if he’ll have to spend time with MP, because he does not like her and she scares him. (Me cae gorda. Me asusta.)

In the living room, Ivan tries to raise Lucia’s spirits. “We will survive this!” He can’t believe his stupidity at getting involved with MP in the first place. He tells her about the beat-down he received on her mother’s orders which resulted in the death of the ranch worker. It’s MP’s secret weapon in the custody battle. Lucia decides to give Ivan his own secret weapon. She tells him about the woman a drunk MP ran down and killed some days ago. Ivan is beyond impactado.

Avances: Saul tells MP’s lawyer to bring murder charges against Ivan. MP says she wants the kid, the money, and OTHER things. Ivan and MP face off.

Labels: Fuerza

It's lucky for me this show's plot is crawling along since I'm supposedly recapping three nights a week. Any volunteers?

The real reasons to watch: the people are adorable (even the villains) and the language is loads of fun.

• We start with a brief but delicious rehash of Vince's humiliation during the soiree at which he was NOT named next president of Avon Mexico. After all his swaggering and yelling (and getting his foot peed on by Popeye, good doggie!) he is escorted out by bouncers, Enzo skulking out behind (behind a pot of flowers). He mutters about revenge.
  
• Tomas discovers Monica is Enzo's daughter. Freddy finds out Monica knew from Pepe that his dad would be named president. Pancho finds out Enzo works for Fernanda and that she engineered the embargo. Vince finds out Rebeca knew everything and whines: "You were part of this circus! You did it to spite me!" He grabs her just as Pina enters.
  
• Pancho tells Fer she was diabolical and conniving! Now he sees her whole plot: "I'm poor, not stupid."
  
  She said she deceived him for his own good. "How can you assume you know what's best for us?" Then Fer not only coaxes Pancho to forgive her, she begs! "I need to leave a legacy of goodness, I want to be good to you and your family."
  
  He says he'll forgive her and assume the presidency on one condition - that she promises to get well. He says he'll remain president only so long as she is in Germany for treatment. "I don't believe in contracts, I believe in people. Look me in the eye and promise you'll be cured." As a mom of a son who's survived cancer to this point, I am very uncomfortable with this whole idea. Illness is not under the control of patients, and to make them think so is to increase their woe when things don't go well.
  
• Veence arrives in a lobby full of buxom lasses dressed as nurses, housemaids, elves, schoolgirls, etc., so it must be a whorehouse! No, turns out it's "Club el Paraiso" (Paradise Club), gentlemen's massages, no touching allowed. He tells the madame he needs someone to help him forget his humiliation. She ignores Natasha the elf and offers him - Catwoman (Catreaux)!
  
  Well, guess what, Catreaux is Pancho's sister Candela and after she walks on Vince's back he gets up and starts chasing her around the table. She recognizes him as he's being escorted out by (more) bouncers. Natasha the elf saw all.
  
• Chela feeds a lot of people over the course of the evening. Pancho says money and power won't change him - others disagree. "You'll have loads of women. You'll never know who is really your friend." Candy is quite ready to be a princess! Pancho insists on all their support - especially directing himself to the still-resentful Chela, who reluctantly agrees.
  
• Rebeca asks Fer how long the 'President Pancho' charade will go on. Fer says, "until I'm cured!" "But he can't do it!" "He'll learn." Pina comes in to yell at her mother-in-law (the same stuff) and says "You've made the worst decision of your life. Making that garbage president! You'll lose everything!"
  
• Pina tries to get Vince's attention and complain about the lack of sympathy shown by Fernanda, but Vince is wearing his black silken eye mask and ignores her. He dreams about the adorable kitten-lady in black leather and studs, and also about following behind Pancho carrying Pancho's flotsam while being yelled at.
  
• It's Pancho's first day of school! Uh, work at Avon. He drives up and immediately yells at the parking guy; he says he can leave his delivery truck at the curb if he wants, he can even drive it into the lobby if he wants, because he's president!
  
  He's somewhat deflated, even scared, as he enters the lobby (dressed like a vegetable vendor). Soon he revives and is ready, he tells Rebeca (who is wearing a hideous skirt), to make his first decision as president. He calls Enzo into his office ...
  
  ... and fires him!

Tomorrow: there is DANGER to the casa popular!

Labels: familia