Caray, Caray!

*The Kingston Trio (anyone remember them?)


As always, if I missed something important or got a scene or detail wrong, please weigh in. Thank you. The finance stuff having to do with Roberta is still rather unclear to me.



Sadly, Chema died last night, and tonight the grieving Hons/Cons family arrives home and are surprised by the mewling of an infant. Hons is predictably irked and gets on Con’s case. Again. But wait, there is a note! Honorio angrily reads: “Please excuse me for imposing on you!! Please don’t be mad but I had an emergency!! I’ll be back in a few days!! I couldn’t think of anyone better than you to take care of Amaparito!! Thank you!!! Corinna!!!!” Hons pitches a fit and hurls the note down. Cons tells him to chill but he asks what was that woman thinking, leaving the baby there not knowing when they would return home? (Dude’s got a point.)  Cons tries to justify but Hons stands firm. How irresponsible!! Cons, firmly in denial, coos at the baby girl.

Berta is doing a laptop background search on Germy and wife. She reads that Gema is “one of the few women entrepreneurs and millionaires in the country. Heiress of a great empire, she married Germy despite his being 10 years her junior, turning both into hugely successful entrepreneurs.” Her face when she reads Germy is younger than Gema is priceless. She smirks and says she knew there was something fishy (un gato encerrado) going on with old Germy and he didn’t marry Gema for her pretty face. She bets he has no intention of divorcing...at least that’s what Germy thinks, bwahahahaha!

Over at La Bonita Lazaro and Kari are getting married by Padre Severino. I love how these two refuse to wait for anyone and anything. Our favorite romantic song plays in the background, everyone is all smiles, and Laz lets out a huge sigh of relief and of course his signature victory whoop of joy when Padre is done. Nata toasts to them, a beautiful example of perseverance, PATIENCE, and love. Nata grabs a bouquet of flowers out of a vase so Kari can toss it. Mati tells her cuñada, “Here I am!!” and ruh roh...Prissbutt catches the bouquet! A collective “drat” escapes the crowd but Nata, the perfect hostess, applauds the catch. Pay no attention to Pris, the crowd demands a beso and Kari and Laz comply with gusto. I’ll bet the temperature in the Valle de Guadalupe goes up a few degrees tonight, woohoo!! I’m getting warm just thinking about it.

Meanwhile Jero, white teeth gleaming in the dark, tries to keep warm by snuggling under his blankie and thinking of Renata.

Cut to another lonely soul alone with her thoughts. It’s Maritata of course, whining about the love she feels for Jero, so strong, so great. She thought Saul was the most important love of her life but compared to Jero it’s so tiny (meaning the love she feels, ahem). Oh why couldn’t she have met Jero earlier in her life, before Jero met HER, RENATA? Gah! Give it a rest girlie.

Let’s leave Doctora Dreary and get back to the party. Anibal and Alison flirt and talk about whom Ali might someday marry. Prince Charming (El Principe Azul) only exists in fairy tales so Ali just wants someone who will make her happy and make her laugh. They conclude by smearing each others' faces with cake; they almost forget they are not alone. Cute.

Laz and Kari thank Nata from the bottom of their hearts. Nata gets a bit over-excited and supposes they can’t wait to consummate the marriage, heh heh, then backpedals as Padre S feigns shock. Kari cracks up at Nata’s lusty glee and Laz says what Nata means to say is that they can’t wait to spend the rest of their lives together. He quickly excuses them from the conversation so they can sneak off to...spend the rest of their lives together of course.

Padre sees the two young folk and Renata explains they are Manuela’s nieta and Augie’s kid, this latter piece of data shocks PS.

Antonio approaches and comments on the bitterness that must have led up to such a happy ending for Laz and Kari. PS says at least Alvaro is safely in jail and can no longer harm anyone else. Renata stuffs her face with cookies and rolls her eyes at such an anvil-laden comment. Dang, those must be some yummy props because she can’t seem to get enough. I wonder what they are?

Nata tells Tony that tomorrow she’s going to Tijuana to visit NastyN to give him money to tell the truth and get Jero out of jail. She asks Tony will he accompany her?  She asks him to keep it confidential. Only she, Jero, Carlos and now he know. He tells her Regina instructed him to keep an eye out for her and Nata basks in this, saying she can understand Gonzo and Jero caring for her, but Regina...well her love and care is more than she got from her real mother.

Anibal bids adieu to Manuela and wants to take Ali aside for a private goodbye. “Don’t leave the room”, Manuela sternly admonishes. He takes Ali’s hand, tells her she’s very pretty and gives her a pink rose. They plan to meet up tomorrow. Ani reveals to Ali that he doesn’t feel comfortable with Augustin, especially with the way he acts toward Renata. Augie is the one who told her Jero is in jail and he knew perfectly well Jero didn’t want her to know. Ani’s mother warned him about Augie and Ani doesn’t know if he can trust him. Alison doesn’t really seem to care much about Anibal’s problems, she just wants him to stick around so she doesn’t get bored. (I paraphrased a bit at the end.)

Wedding night at last!! Laz carries Kari over the threshold to their love nest filled with flowers and candles. He huskily whispers that he thinks this will be an unforgettable night.  He kisses her forehead, her nose, her lips, calls her his wife, and starts to undress her. Kari can’t wipe the teary smile off her face and frankly, neither can I. “Te amo,” she silently mouths to him. Let’s give these two the privacy for which they have waited a lifetime. Sigh. Rewind.

Tony tells Nata he would do anything for her. She says the same thing and actually he has a favor to ask her. He has this idea to fingerprint all the kids in the parish in case they get lost or stolen. Nata thinks it’s a great, great idea and can identify completely. She agrees to let herself get fingerprinted as an example to the children. Who knew Antonio could be so clever? Frankly I’m astounded.

Anibal is back at Cruz sin Amor and goes into Augi’s office. Daddy Dearest asks the kid did no one ever teach him to knock? (What a rude jerk.) Ani says not much to report from the party, Laz and Kari got married and Renata threw a dinner party, she’s very generous and the workers like her a lot. Augi doesn’t get why Nata would do this for workers. After Ani leaves Augustin juts his jaw and asks “Renata how is it possible you prefer to be with these people rather than with me?” Maybe because you are a snobby, controlling, devious wet blanket? Oh, and a sadistic murderer too. Oh, and that windbreaker.

Next day Nata and Tony are at the Tijuana jail. Dr. DreadfulShouldBeDeadful drools on the money that Nata passes to him and says he’s not turning back (echarse atrás) now. Nata tells him he’d better not or she’ll take the money back. “Are you threatening me?” he asks. Nope, not a threat just a warning she says. Tony councils NastyN that this is a good opportunity for him to help his fellow man (projimo) by just telling the truth. Nasty doesn't quite compute this and asks about Karina. Nata tells him the truth, Laz and Kari got married last night and Padre S gave them his blessing. No puede ser!! Yes puede ser, says Nata, Kari deserves happiness. Tony tells NastyN to learn from his own experience. He did bad things and hurt a woman he loved, but he has now found peace in the Lord’s service. Maybe Nesme could do the same. Good luck with than one Tony.

Carlos visits Jero to cheer him up with the Laz/Kari wedding and party chisme. They discuss that Nata and Tony are at that moment working on Nesme to get him to tell the truth and declare Jero innocent.

Prissbutt is at the pharmacy buying something special, saying with it they’ll see if Mati’s curse is really over. She’ll get Mati out of the way and Prissbutt will end up marrying her Charlie.

Saul arrives with gifts for the babies, cute little clothes. Mari whimpers it’s the first gifts her babies have gotten. He asks if she’s thought about his proposal and she says it’s still all so sudden (tan repentino). He explains it’s part of his rehab, to ask forgiveness of those he’s hurt. Maritata says “Dude, it’s your process, not mine.” Good answer! Are there still brains in there? He says true, but now his dream is for them to rebuild what they had together. Tata’s not looking quite on board with this plan.

Gonzo, still on his honeymoon, gets a call from Matias. Gonzo sadly relates to his bride that Chema passed away practically right at the opening of his restaurant. Lots of tears and crying about dying too young. I’m trying to feel bad but honestly, the view is fabulous and I can’t take my eyes off the vista. Good choice in honeymoon locations.

Oh dear, I spoke to soon, because now my view is of Chema’s memorial. They are all wearing white, nice touch. Papa Ben scatters his son’s ashes around their special tree, the sad song plays, and Adri, Matias and Julieta cry and reminisce. I guess Hons and Cons are stuck taking care of the baby.

Dr. StillWearingTheBadToupee gives his statement. He says he tried to operate on Rafael but he’d lost a lot of blood. Augustin Dunant told him to dispense with the autopsy to avoid having to deal with problems. He admits having drunk with Augustin earlier in the night. Then he admits to stealing the vine cutting and he explains why. Time passes. The Comandante is calm but his sergeant is having conniptions in the background. I think NastyN says only he and Dunant stole the cutting, Ezequiel had nothing to do with it. NastyN goes on to say Augustin put a hit out on him. The Comandante asks a bunch of questions about NastyN pretending to be dead. What was the prison director’s relationship, how much did they pay him, why did he do it? We don’t hear the answers.

Augustin is on the phone playing with his balls. The crystal ones on his desk that is. He yells at some guy at the jail that he’d better complicate matters so Jero doesn’t get out of there any time soon. The jail lackey says the only way is for some doctor (the prison doc?) not to change his statement but he thinks it’s too late. Augie hisses he’d better figure out a way because in addition to the charges they’ll accuse him of falsifying a statement which is a federal crime. He hisses that he doesn’t care who he has to bribe or how far he has to go, Jero is not getting out of jail!

Nata prays to the Virgencita that Jero gets out of jail soon. Take that Augustin.

Augi molests his Renacer En Ti poster and gleefully tells Jero he’s not going to win this time. He’ll leave no stone unturned and most assuredly this story is going to end with Renata and Augustin together. Too bad Jero won’t be around to see it.

Coni calls Ines at the center to say she’s not feeling well and can’t come to work. Liar. Ines whines she needs help what with Regina gone and all. Amparito cries and blows Coni's cover. Coni says it’s the TV but Ines doesn’t believe her for a minute.

Over at Empresas Monterubbio Hons is whinging to Matias about his little house guest. Worst of all, nobody at the center knows about Coni’s dealings with Corina and the baby. Because of her personal involvement she’s breaking the rules of the Regina Center. Oh man, that wall behind Matias is making me dizzy. Matias says he sure hopes this woman comes home and takes her baby before Gonza and Regina get back.

The three crazy people in white (yes I do think the doc is crazier than BSCBlanca and Malafina) pay Corina for a job well done. She assures them Coni loves the baby like her own and cranky old Hons doesn’t like sharing his wife. Corina, somehow managing to speak through the huge wad of gum in her mouth, promises to disguise herself, cut her hair the way she wants to, and go far away. Blanca and Fina cackle that there’s nothing better than vengeance. It’s marvelous, no? Yo witches, I'm thinking that the sizzling hot amor between Laz and Kari might be better than vengeance. Those cookies at the party?  Probably better than vengeance. A bottle of La Bonita wine? Yep, better than vengeance. But I digress.

Roberta calls the bank I guess, tells them she is Gonzo’s daughter working at EM, and her daddy who is on his honeymoon has requested she call and have her signature registered so she can be a proxy for him. I think that’s what she said, all this finance stuff confuses me. 

At LaB Nata is inexplicably going through some photos in Jero’s office. I think they have to do with Regina. How odd, she finds a birth certificate but before she opens it Manuela enters to tell her the truck is ready. Manuela says she’ll straighten up so Renata can run off and help Antonio. Manuela reads the certificate, it is for Roberta Gamba Alvarez.

Jero’s still behind bars and now he’s driving himself crazy asking an invisible Roberta how she could supplant Renata with with proof of DNA? He should have known what she was capable of after accusing Renata of being with Rafael. He doesn’t think Roberta is intelligent enough to pull off a complex DNA switcheroo.

Back at LaB the Prissbutt doctors Mi Charlie’s thermos with her Love Potion Numero Nueve, smirking that it’s for his own good and hers too.

Roberta is somewhere, the bank maybe? And I’m still not sure exactly what’s going on, but Berta hands the nice girl a check and assures her it’s the same bank (as EM?). Nice girl says no problem then, the deposit remains firm and Roberta can have her money whenever she wants it. I’m kind of getting the idea that somehow the company will cover any checks she needs to write from the account. Anyway, Roberta grins and thought bubbles that was easier than she thought.

Avances: Marina gushes that Jero is free! Then she gets to see him run to Renata, hahaha!! Saul is all goggle-eyed when our lusty heroine Nata dips Jero and lays a big one on him. Augustin’s not happy.


echarse atrás = to back out, to turn back
El Principe Azul = Prince Charming (Lit. the blue prince)
Hay un gato encerrado - there is something fishy (lit. there is a locked-up cat)
no es una amenaza, es una advertencia
projimo = fellow man, neighbor
ramo = bouquet
repentino = sudden

Labels: Cuando

Carolina comes to visit Antolín in jail. She happily announces to him that there's no pain and she did see some fuzzy shapes, so in a few weeks when she gets the bandages off, she'll be able to see. She wants to see him out of jail and free.

The annoying lawyer who can't possibly need those glasses to see since he spends all his time cleaning them, makes sure Saul and Carmen know what they're going to tell the judge.

Antolín is upset about Carmen going to the lawyers. Ivan talks him down and says it will all be ok, he just needs to say that Toni offered to pay for Carolina's surgery and that they talked about it three weeks ago.

Carmen tells the judge that Saul's story to her was that he suspected his dad of carrying on with Lucrezia and he wanted to catch them. When the judge asks her about running into Saul and Gordo out on the road the week before, she says Saul was coming to pick her up. She explains that they went out years ago and have a kid together, so Saul's been trying to patch things up with her. She says on the day the gave her a ride home, they talked about the kid, about Lucrezia's movements. "And did they know your brother had a gun?" Carmen tells him the three of them were friends, especially Gordo.

David comes to see JJ. He seems pissed that JJ is at home. JJ tells David he's the one who should be feeling bad after the stupidity Saul's been engaged in. He says that Saul is up to his neck in Gerry's death.

The judge now interviews Saul, who is distracted by the court reporter transcribing everything he says. Saul claims that his dad made him get back together with Carmen because he found out about the kid. Since his dad took the car away after his accident, he had to get a ride from Gordo, and he figures that's where Gordo got the idea. The judge asks if they weren't both friends with Antolín. Saul claims he and Antolín were acquaintances, but Gordo was a really good friend, until the day Antolín gave him a good beating. "Gordo said he wanted to get even." Saul claims not to know the reason for Antolín and Gordo's falling out. "Did you know Antolín had a gun?" Saul says he didn't. He knows what neighborhood Antolín lives in, but he's never been in his house. He has been in Gordo's house a few times, to have some beers and stuff. He wasn't with Gordo on that day, though, and he's got witnesses. "And if you knew that on Mondays, Mrs. Curiel went out to run errands, why didn't you follow her on that Monday to find out if she was seeing your father?" Saul says he was going to, but when he asked Gordo to take him, Gordo said he had something else to do. Saul says he tried calling him after that day, but Gordo never answered the phone. The lawyer fills in that the cops are already looking for Gordo and for the vehicles involved in the attempted kidnapping, but so far they haven't found either.

JJ is upset that David is there to get his mother's money back. As far as he's concerned, Esther should consider herself lucky that he's going to let her have half of the ranch. David informs him that Esther is entitled to half of everything that JJ earned during their marriage. JJ says no way! He's the one who wheeled and dealed to "earn" that money, not Esther who was puttering around the house, doing her charity work. JJ refuses to negotiate and says with the rent from her half of the ranch, she should be able to live "like a queen" and he's not going to give her a penny more than that. David says he's going to fight for what's due to his mother and he hopes that things with Saul turn out ok. He starts to leave, but JJ has to get his final digs in. "Oh, I know what you're after! You want to end up with your mother's part of the property! Over my dead body! Don't you leave me talking to myself, you ***, come back here!" Since they muted him out, I'm not sure what he said…two syllables, looked like "puto" maybe, which would be a male prostitute, which doesn't quite make sense, so anyone else's guess is as good as mine. Damnit, don't they realize we're trying to get an education here? JJ starts feeling sick from all the drinking and the screaming.

The lawyer comes out of the judge's office and tells Ivan and Carolina that Carmen and Saul gave their testimony, but that doesn't mean Antolin is getting out just yet. It depends on the judge's "analysis". Probably he'll make his decision tomorrow, because that's the end of the time limit that the lawyer requested to gather additional evidence. The lawyer reminds him that the matter of the gun still isn't resolved. The judge isn't inclined to look kindly on Antolín for having possession of a firearm without the proper permit. Camilo asks how things look for Carmen and the lawyer says "good" in his usual "OMG you people bore the hell out of me" tone.

JJ's maid comes home from the market and nearly trips over him in the dining room.

Mr. 5ft and I very uncharitably advise the maid not to call just yet. I mean, after all, JJ will be very upset if he wakes up in the hospital and he didn't really need to be there. Best take a moment to be absolutely sure he's not ok.

The maid calls David, in tears, telling him she didn't know if he was dead or passed out, and all she could think to do was call the doctor whose number was written in his address book, but while the doctor was checking him out, the ambulance got there and they took him to the hospital. "Which hospital?" David screams at her…wait, is there more than one in Alamos? In any case, the maid doesn't know.

Lucrezia is calling JJ, but he's not answering his cell. Carlota jokes that Lucrezia is calling to take him up on his marriage proposal. Lucrezia Borgia MeanDragon has a nice ring to it. They're going to need a moat and a dungeon. Lucrezia scoffs at her mother and says she has to maintain good relations with JJ and she needs to ask his opinion on a certain matter. She ends up talking to the maid, who tells her that her prospective suitor is in the hospital.

David collects Judith and tells the secretary to let Toni know.

The secretary lets Toni know and he asks which hospital.

The Mondragon kids are all at the hospital. Saul brushes off JJ's insulin shock and subsequent coma. Saul gripes that if he doesn't die, he'll be a burden. He uses the word "bulto" package, baggage. David tells him lots of people get out of comas and get better. "It looks like you're enjoying this." Saul says if he dies, they'll have money and he'll be able to get his operation, so, duh, of course he's happy. Toni comes in and asks how JJ is. Saul tells him he's in a coma.

Ivan calls Lucia, who's playing with the baby and talking to Carlota. Ivan says he feels sorry for JJ, but he's like to see her. He suggests she come over and says Carolina needs her. Lucia doesn't want to leave Perlita alone, but Ivan would like to see her too. He offers to pick them up and drop them off. Lucia fills Carlota in and Carlota tells her to go. And if she wants to "tapar el ojo al macho" (cover the macho's eye; do it on the sly; make the situation look innocent) Carlota will go with them and spend some time with Toni. Lucia agrees to come over. She hangs up the phone and jokes with Perlita that they're going to see her daddy…but after she changes her super-stinky diaper.

The doctor comes out and tells the Mondragon kids and Toni that it's too soon to give a prognosis. Right now, he's in Intensive Care. He had a severe drop of glucose, probably from getting upset. "This is one of the risks of his illness." The doctor says that since he got medical treatment in time, he probably avoided any brain damage. He hopes JJ will come out of the coma in good shape. Saul asks if there's any risk of JJ dying. The doctor admits there's always a risk, but they can't get ahead of themselves.

Carlota tells Cleto to tell Lucrezia they've just gone out for a bit. Maripaz drives up just then, upsetting Carlota. She tries to suck up to Lucia, saying the baby looks cute, "She takes after me!" to which Carlota replies "brincos dieras!" (you'd jump at the chance; you wish!). Maripaz heard that JJ is in the hospital in a coma, so she came to tell Lucrezia. "And where are you two going?" They say they're going wherever the heck they want. Maripaz wants to wait for her mom. "I'll stay in the car if you don't want me to go in the house." Carlota tells her she can go in the house, but if she steals anything, this time Carlota will turn her in to the cops.

Lucrezia is upset that the doctor won't give a prognosis. David feels guilty about their argument. Saul says JJ fights all the time. David tells them they were fighting about the division of assets and Saul jokes that JJ must have set his eye on someone else, to agree to a divorce. Lucrezia jumps in and says now is not the time to be talking about that. She asks if Esther knows. Saul says she won't come, and it's better for Esther if she dies. When Lucrezia tells them not to fight because their father is on the verge of death, Saul crosses his fingers behind his back. Ah, but he does take after his daddy.

Ivan and Alex are happy to see Carlota and Lucia and Perlita. They all go to show the baby to Carolina.

Maripaz goes into Lucia's room and rubs the bottom of her shoe on the comforter. She opens her laptop and finds Lucia's presentation and deletes it, happily chirping "oops!" She hopes Lucia flunks her exam and everything goes wrong for her.

Ivan and Lucia ditch the kids to talk about "them." Ivan will wait as long as it takes. Or so he says, but now he's being as jealous a dick as Camilo was…"He came over to see Perlita, or to see you? Doesn't he understand you don't want him anymore?" Lucia is worried about Camilo accusing her of infidelity and taking Perlita away.

Camilo goes over to El Socorro and notices Maripaz's car. He goes into the house anyway. Dipshit. He runs into Maripaz, who informs him that everyone is out of the house. He starts to leave, but she stops him, saying they're alone. She wants to "talk" but Camilo tries to refuse. She proposes they become lovers. "No one has to know. It'll be our secret." Maripaz, haven't you seen this show? There are no secrets. "Come on, we both need it! What's wrong with finding consolation in each other's arms?" Predictably, he gives in.

Antolín is getting transferred to prison.

The ladies come home. Cleto tells Lucia he doesn't know when Maripaz left. She asks him to send Gloria upstairs to help her with Perlita.

Toni lets Ivan know that JJ is still in a coma and Antolín has been transferred to prison. They agree not to tell Carolina until the bandages are off.

Lucrezia fills Carlota in on the goings-on at the hospital. She mocks Esther for being upset when she arrived…"they're about to get divorced!" She says if JJ doesn't get better, she's sure as heck not going to saddle herself with him!

Maripaz and Camilo are in bed somewhere and he's ignoring Ivan's calls.

Toni counsels patience and consulting the lawyers. Apparently, being transferred to prison still doesn't mean that Antolín is guilty, so there's a chance for more evidence to clear him.

Antolín arrives at prison and meets his cellmates. Predictable hazing ensues. He tries to play nice, but ends up kicking the other guy's asses and warning them not to mess with him.

Maripaz wants to see Camilo again, but he knows if anyone finds out about them, it will make the divorce easier on Lucia. "I'll call you" he says and Maripaz smarms that he'll be back.

Lucia finds her files missing.

Camilo goes home just long enough to hear from Arcelia that Ivan's been trying to reach him to give him news about Antolín. He runs right back out the door.

Antolín sleeps while the guy in the cell across the hall watches his cellmates attempt to assault him again. And fail miserably, again.

Lucia tells her mom and grandma that Maripaz erased her files. And, ok, perfectly justified for her to be upset, but seriously, she's a grown woman. She should understand by now that going crying to Mommy and Grammy isn't going to fix anything. Password protection, frequent backups, changing her address and never letting Maripaz know where she lives…all of those things would have helped, but it's too late for any of that. Lucrezia asks why she's accusing Maripaz. Are you frickin kidding me?! That's about what Carlota says, only she's more polite than I am. Lucrezia doesn't think Maripaz would go so far. She accuses Lucia and Carlota of constantly demonizing her. Carlota says she sure as hell IS a demon, and tomorrow she's getting taken out of Carlota's will. And Lucia doesn't feel sorry for her about it, either.

Lucrezia calls Maripaz, who tries to pretend she's not drunk. Maripaz plays dumb about Lucia's file. "What would I have to gain from that?" Lucrezia tells her she's about to get disinherited. Maripaz says she doesn't care, cause she's just found a guy with the best bod…and he gives it to her the way she likes it "sexo rudo" (rough sex). Maripaz hangs up. Duuuuuude! You do not say shit like that to your mom! What the hell is wrong with you?! Lucrezia is shocked to be hung up on and repeats "sexo rudo" like she doesn't comprehend either word, much less what the two of them could have to do with each other.

Toni, Ivan, and Camilo meet in Toni's office. They fill him in and Camilo blames them. Camilo questions Ivan's "affection" for Antolín and tells him there's something he needs to know. "He's the one who knifed the guy that beat you up. When he saw he wasn't going to be able to pin it on you, he told you I had done it, knowing you'd do anything for me. Even leave for the US without protest. He didn't even care what was going to happen to you over there. He just wanted to save his own hide. And you were so naïve you believed the whole thing." Toni just bites his lips and shakes his head. Ivan tells Camilo that either way, Antolín saved his life. "You explain it to him, dad." Ivan leaves and Toni says that they really need to talk about his brother. Camilo agrees.

Ivan calls Lucia and she tells him that Maripaz erased her entire thesis. "Because she hates me!" Ivan tells her to retrieve the files from her hard disk. He learned a few things about computers and he offers to come over and help her. I'm going to laugh so hard if all he does is show her where the recycle bin is located.

Camilo now gets to yell at Toni about Antolín being in prison. He asks what the hell other proof are they going to be able to gather. Toni reminds him that if they can find that mechanic to corroborate Judith's testimony, it will help strengthen their case. Well, excuse me, but if they've already decided that even though he wasn’t there, he planned the whole thing, that's not going to make a bit of difference! Toni is going to pay a bunch of guys to cruise that stretch of highway until they find the mechanic who helped Antolín. Camilo accuses him of fixing everything with money. "What's wrong with using money to do some good? What do you have against us?" Camilo admits he's grateful, but everything Ivan does makes him look even better in Lucia's eyes, and Ivan is taking away the woman Camilo loves. Toni reminds Camilo that Ivan and Lucia were in love and engaged before that whole mess with Maripaz happened. Camilo is hurt that Lucia accepted him when he offered, but now that Ivan is back she wants to get rid of him. Toni asks him if he'd rather have a woman who's with him by force or one who is honest with him. One who doesn't love him, or one who's in love with him? "Where's your self-worth? You're a good guy, successful. You can find another woman." Camilo says Ivan can find another one. "Ivan already found a woman who loves him. Her name is Lucia. You can't take a person's love away. Don't be stupid. You can fight against anything…except love." Camilo accuses Lucia of being dazzled by Ivan's money and status. "Is that really what you believe? Then that means you don't know her."

Esther cries over JJ. She loves him, she just couldn't live with him. Judith says they've got to stay optimistic. "And what if he doesn't wake up?" She wants them to be prepared. Judith recommends shutting off the machines, but Esther won't hear of it. OK, first of all, "coma" is not the same as "hooked up to life support" and second…if it comes down to a vote, Saul's going to back her up on that!

Toni fills Ivan in on the conversation with Camilo, including the part where Camilo thinks Ivan is just trying to look like a hero in front of Lucia. Ivan can't believe it. "So what, then?" Toni says they keep going, for Arcelia's sake and for Carolina's sake, and as for the rest, they'll have to work that out. Or rather, Lucia will have to work it out, because Camilo won't quit being jealous. Ivan calls Lucia, who's still fussing over her laptop. "Nothing. Still sitting here trying to get my file back." Ivan tells her to calm down, he'll come over and look at it tomorrow, and if he can't figure it out, they'll call a tech. Do they have Geek Squad in Mexico? Equipo de Obsesos de Informática? Lucia is steamed that she's sure Maripaz did it and on top of that, she heard that Camilo's truck was there around the same time…but she's sure it was Maripaz and not Camilo.

Arcelia is up late, drinking some "té de tila" (lime blossom tea). She offers some to Camilo, but he'd rather stay grumpy. Carmen comes in and Camilo has to tell them that Antolín has been taken to prison. Carmen wants to turn herself in. She can't live knowing that her brother is locked up and it's her fault. Camilo reminds her she's not responsible for what Saul and Gordo did, and turning herself in won't solve anything. What if they accuse her of being Antolín's accomplice? They'll both end up in prison. Carmen insists she'll turn herself in and Camilo tells her she'll do what he says. Arcelia tearfully tells her to obey her brother and not complicate things further.

JJ is out of the coma and on his way to a regular room. There were some complications, though. He might have some physical limitations, temporarily, and he might need help moving around and feeding himself. He also might have trouble talking. Oh, great, that's going to make him even more pleasant than usual. The doctor takes Esther to see him just as Berenice and Enginiero Hottie (I'll remember his name eventually) come in to see David and Judith, respectively.

JJ is sedated and Esther wonders if he'll remember who she is. The doctor and nurse leave them alone together and the doctor tells her to keep him from getting upset. Because that worked so well the last eighty times. Esther tells JJ she knows the last few days haven't been easy for him, but nothing is more important to his health. She tells him she's ready to forget everything and stay with him. She says she loves him and gives him a kiss on the forehead, saying she'll always love him and she won't leave him unless he asks. But for now, she'll be there for whatever he needs.

Out on the highway, Camilo approaches a mechanic and asks him if he helped out with a classic convertible on Monday, but this isn't the guy.

The guy across the hall from Antolín's cell is apparently the "boss." He comes in to introduce himself as "El Mas Fregón" (The Big Bad, or thereabouts), but Antolín can call him "Jefe" (boss). Antolín insists on calling him "amigo" (friend) and says the only "jefe" he had is dead and buried ("jefe/a" is also used for parents) and he doesn't allow anyone to walk all over him. A guy tells "Jefe" to be careful with "Mister Antolín." Antolín says he doesn't want any trouble. "You can keep being El Jefe. All I want is to be left alone." Antolín walks out of the cell and the guy who warned Jefe comes in and tells him to be careful, that Antolín is like a rattlesnake, and attacks without warning. Jefe doesn't appreciate the warning.

Camilo approaches another mechanic, who also doesn't remember helping Antolín.

The guy who knows Antolín chats with him. He's only been in for a week, and Antolín asks about Gordo. Well, Gordo, being the brain trust he is, had told this guy that his next job was going to be a kidnapping. "Who was he going to kidnap?" Gordo didn't say, but he did tell the guy that he was going to make sure that Antolín got busted for it.

Camilo is pulled over at the side of the road and waits for another mechanic to stop. Finally, he finds the right guy.

Tomorrow: We're in ultimos capitulos…Camilo is still trying to get Lucia back; Antolín isn't making friends in prison; Lucrezia gets an eyeful of Camilo in a bath towel in Maripaz's hotel room; and Camilo still thinks he can fight Ivan for Lucia. Le sigh.

Labels: Fuerza

Labels: familia

Recap by Urban Anthropologist

Please provide any missing details. Gracias.

Antes

In the hospital in D.F. Carolina asks about Antolin while lying in the bed after the operation. Tony leaves to call Ivan while Carolina confides her anxiety to Lucia.


Nuevo

Hotel, D.F.: Ivan arrives at the hotel in D.F. and tells Tony what happened with Camilo and the Merry Piece, also the update on Antolin's situation.

Restaurant, evening: JJ and Lucrazia dine and whine, with lots of vino tincto.

JJ: After everything you've told me, don't doubt that Lucia will ask Camilo for a divorce. I spoke with him the other day about the fight with Ivan and he's dying of jealousy.
Lucrazia: And this stupidity is ruining everything.
JJ: Is it true he's been ordered off the ranch?
Lucrazia: My mother did that.
JJ: Carlota is very decisive.
Lucrazia: But I don't want another family scandal.
JJ: Lucrezia, times change.
Lucrazia: And what about your wife?
JJ (takes off his wedding ring): I will begin again. (drops the ring in the wineglass) That's what I think of divorce. She was good for nothing. And who knows? After a while you and I can get married. Think of it: Two important names, combining our ranches. We could recover the prestige we had. How does that sound to you?
Lucrazia: I will think about it.
JJ: Think about it, mi reina. Think about it. It could be a good solution. (pours more wine)

As long as we don't have to watch the wedding night, who cares?


Hotel Restaurant, D.F.: Lucia goes down to eat and finds Ivan at the table.

Lucia: What are you doing here?
Ivan: My father was tired and I asked if I could accompany you to dinner.
Lucia: He didn't say anything. Why are you in Mexico?
Ivan: I came for all of you to bring you back to Alamos.
Lucia: I thought he would send for Benito.
Ivan: Yes, but the only chauffeur he'll trust is me.
Lucia: Sounds a little presumptuous.
Ivan (amiably): But I drive very well, I have good reflexes, and this is an important cargo I'm bringing back. Besides I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to talk with you away from home. So we can open our hearts. My godmother told me you and Camilo have separated and she told me the reason.
Lucia: Well, it doesn't mean anything.
Ivan: If you say so, but why don't we talk like the good friends we used to be? Lucia, I know I'm the most responsible for what happened between us for putting my son before you.
Lucia: But there was nothing else to do.
Ivan: Maybe, but many times I've thought that there was another solution.
Lucia: What?
Ivan: Allow Alex to live with Maripaz for a while. Soon she would have started drinking again and I could have refiled for full custody. But he was too afraid to live alone with her.
Lucia: Ivan, you did the right thing.
Ivan: But it hurt me so much to leave you.


Casa Galvan: Camilo whines. And cries. Arcelia reminds him that he knew Lucia didn't love him when they got married. Same conversation as several times before, ending with him swearing he will not give Lucia a divorce. If she can't be his, she will not be anyone else's.


Hotel Restaurant, D.F.:

Ivan: And how is the baby?
Lucia: Very well. Very happy and healthy.
Ivan: And very pretty. Why did you name her “Perla”?
Lucia: It was Camilo's idea.
Ivan: I spoke with my godmother and she said Camilo is no longer living at the ranch.
Lucia: No. We have problems. Thanks for the dinner.

Ivan signals for the waiter.


Commercial Break that leads with a promo for La Que no Podia Amar.

Hotel, D.F.: Ivan walks Lucia back to her room and kisses her, but chastely, She looks like she wishes she were elsewhere. Like a convent.

Casa Mondragon: David brings Berenice home to introduce her to JJ.

David: Papa! I present to you Berenice Escalante.
JJ: Holâ.
Berenice: Holâ. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir.
JJ: Escalante?
Berenice: Yes.
JJ: That's not a local name.
Berenice: No, my family is from Hermosillo. My father is a nuclear physicist and my mother is a professor of physics and math.
JJ: Interesting. And who works?
David (reproachfully): Papa!
JJ: You'll explain another time.
David: Berenice and I are novios. And when she gets her degree in child psych we'll get married.
JJ (sarcastically): Married? Do you make enough money to support her?
Berenice: I will also be working.
JJ: Getting married and working?
Berenice: Yes.
David: Dad, I'd like for you and mother to come with me to Hermosillo to ask for her hand.
JJ: No; it's better if they come here.
David: But it's the custom.
Berenice: Mi amor, it's not important to me, and less to my parents.
JJ: You really mean to get married to this –
Berenice: We're in love.
JJ: Are you aware of his problem?
Berenice: Yes. Don't worry; we've slept together.
JJ: You're very direct, aren't you?
Berenice: Yes.
JJ: Oh, well. That's your business. It was a pleasure to meet you. (exits)
David (sardonically): And now you've met my father.
Berenice: Mi amor! I'm not marrying your father or your family, or you mine. What do you say we go back to my place, have something delicious, and then you and I will make love?
David: Hmmm. (They kiss. JJ -- who has been watching them -- clears his throat)
Berenice: It was a pleasure to meet you, Señor Mondragon.
JJ: Carry on.

David and Berenice exit. JJ clearly doesn't believe he's seeing another decisive woman in his house. Get out of the Victorian era, JJ; strong women are the current norm.


Jail: Carmen visits Antolin. She tells him she won't let him pay for her stupidity. He is still determined to protect her at whatever cost to himself. He asks about Carolina, but Carmen hasn't heard anything yet. She surreptitiously slips him a cell phone. He makes her promise not to admit her guilt and she promises.

Hospital, D.F.: The doctor takes the bandages off Carolina,, who is afraid to open her eyes. Finally she does and sees Lucia and the doctor for the first time! The doctor tells her she still needs to wear the bandage and wants her to return in a week, etc.

Lawyer Zabaleta's Office: The receptionist informs him that Carmen is there to see him.

Jail: Antolin calls Camilo, who is out in the fields. He tells him he's worried about Carmen spilling the frijoles and how this will affect their mother.

Lawyer Zabaleta's Office: Carmen tells him of her role in the situation. She had been under the impression that Saul wanted her to help him help his dad with Lucrazia. She doesn't want Antolin to pay for her stupidity. At Zabaleta's enquiry as to her relationship with Saul, she tells him that he's the father of her child. Zabaleta is un poquito impactado.

Rancho Socorro: Ezekiel tells Camilo that Lucia went to D.F. with Carolina and Tony. Camilo flashes back to the time he taught Lucia how to drive the tractor. [Camilo, snap out of it!] Carmen runs out and Camilo gives her the same lecture about prison. Their mother is prepared for the day when something happens to Antolin but not to her. He talks about her being locked up with violent criminals and how she could easily be killed in prison. She tells him he can't stop her. She doesn't care if she goes to jail as long as Antolin doesn't pay for something he didn't do. Besides, she's already talked to the lawyer.

Road back to Alamos, night: Ivan drives back with Lucia in the shotgun seat. They stop. Tony gets out for a few minutes to stretch because his back hurts.

Hacienda Curiel: Lucrazia and Carlota talk about JJ's proposal.

Lucrazia: How lonely this house feels.
Carlota: Daughter, what do you know of Maripaz?
Lucrazia: Nothing. Mama, the other day we talked about Juan Jaime. Did you know he's getting divorced?
Carlota: Yes, you told me.
Lucrazia: What do you think – Juan Jaime proposed to me. Well, that we might get married.
Carlota: You and him? Are you crazy?
Lucrazia: Why not? He said we'd combine our ranches and our position would improve.
Carlota: Ah, how obvious it is. He's got his claws out for our lands. Tell him no.
Lucrazia: But Mama, we'd benefit. Besides he knows a lot; he's been about cultivation all his life. Now that we have nothing I don't have much confidence without him.
Carlota: And I don't trust Juan Jaime. He'll do what benefits him, as always.
Lucrazia: But if I was his wife...
Carlota: Ay, daughter if you marry him you'll be living in hell. As to the ranch you're not putting the lands in the hands of that shameless arsehole. [sinvergüenza] Punto.
Lucrazia: How negative you are.

No; just realistic.

Road back to Alamos: Ivan and Lucia stare at Cosmo's moon – which looks more like a pepperoni pizza than a giant snowball – and mention destiny. She finally admits she loves him. Kisses that look real. Por fin. ”That's amore.”


Commercial Break that leads with promos for El Talismán and CME.

Casa Galvan: Camilo lectures Carmen again about how horrible prison would be for her compared to what it would be for Antolin.

Angelina's Casa, morning: JJ arrives and Angelina tells him she's glad to see him and that he needs to prevent Esther from doing something stupid. “There has never been a divorce in our family. I pray to God this won't be the first. To think of the loss of values of our parents.” [Egad; she's either senile or nobody told her about David and the Merry Piece.]

JJ: What's up, Esther? Aren't you glad to see me?
Esther: Of course.
JJ: Well, then give me a kiss. (Kisses her, but she just stands there stiffly)
Angelina: Well, I'll leave you alone. You must have a lot to talk about. Can I get you a drink?
JJ: No, thanks. (Angelina exits)
Esther: You want to sit down?
JJ: Yes; after you. (They both sit) Esther, I miss you a lot.
Esther: Ah, si.
JJ: Your children miss you, too. Lucrezia asks about you.
Esther: I guess she asked about our divorce.
JJ: That's what I've come to talk about.
Esther: If you're here to get me to change my mind, you're wasting your time. I have made my decision.
JJ: Yeah; I've never seen you this firm. But no; I'm not here to try to get you to come back with me. After all, you have your reasons and I respect that. I came to say that I'm going to give you the divorce.


Hospital, D.F.: Ivan, Tony, Lucia, and Carolina leave. Ivan and Lucia are finally smiling. This obviously is a signal for the anvil to be hoisted.

Angelina's Casa:

Esther: I couldn't have changed my mind. Your infidelities and maltreatment will help me win. [conseguir]
JJ: I'd like us to avoid [evitar] the scandal and unpleasantness. It won't do us any good. A lo mejor, women always get the worst of it. You know that. But in exchange for avoiding those bad moments allow me to continue to manage your property that's part of the estate. What do you say?
Esther (ironically): I knew you'd try to get me alone for this.
JJ: It will benefit you, woman. If we're getting a divorce and dividing our assets, you aren't capable of managing the land.
Esther: You know what, Juan Jaime? I'm going to talk to David.
JJ: Well, there's nothing more I can do here. (gets up) I'm going.
Esther: Tell me the truth. Why are you suddenly agreeing to the divorce?
JJ: Because I have plans. Aren't you curious? Just to let you know my plans don't include you. Say goodbye to your sister for me. (He gives her the once-over before departing. What a tool. Esther rolls her eyes before sitting down again. Angelina re-enters)
Angelina: What happened? Has he left?
Esther: Yes. He agreed to the divorce.

Angelina is impactada.


Casa McGuire: Alex is happy Carolina is home.

David's Office / Angelina's Casa: David and Esther talk over the phone over the property situation

David: No, Mother. Things can't go that way. Whom does the ranch belong to?
Esther: The ranch is from your father's family. But my inheritance paid for repairs.
David: And the house?
Esther: Also his family, but my inheritance helped pay for the remodeling.
David: And the bank accounts?
Esther: Ay, son, I don't know anything about that.
David: Mom, I want to see all the papers to make sure everything is correct.
Esther: But I don't want to annoy your father. Leave things as they are.
David: No, Mother. You have the right to your share.
Esther: Son, I don't want to annoy him. I'm afraid.

Casa McGuire: Everyone finally convinces Carolina to stay there, as she can't live alone yet. Tony introduces her to Bruno, who seems to like her. She seems to like him, too.


Commercial Break

Rancho Socorro: Ivan takes Lucia home and he asks when they will see each other again. She reminds him of her exam in a few days while he's eager to see his daughter. She doesn't deny that Perla is his.

Ag Ass Office: Camilo explains to JJ about not wanting for Carmen to end up in jail. They talk about a solution. JJ tells the secretary to get Tony on the phone. Camilo doesn't see what good this will do because Ivan hates Saul enough to want to see him in jail.

Hacienda Curiel: Lucia explains about Carolina's operation to Carlota, who is glad that in the midst of all the turmoil Carolina gets the blessing of sight. Carmen exits uncomfortably, saying she's getting the baby's food. Lucia and Carlota notice that something is up with her.

Casa McGuire, Tony's office: Tony gets off the phone with JJ and tells Ivan that JJ was looking to get Saul to marry Carmen. There will be a meeting and Tony says Camilo will be there because this is about the future of his siblings. He asks if Ivan would like him to handle it, but Ivan wants to be present as well.

Hacienda Curiel: Lucia finally tells Carlota she loves Ivan, etc. She praises his fatherly ways and Carlota brings up the issue of whether he was jealous about Lucia sleeping with Camilo. She says that nothing has been said, that it's logical that a married couple would sleep together. Carlota comments that this speaks well of Ivan. The anvil's rope is starting to fray.

Casa McGuire, Tony's office: Zabaleta reveals Carmen's information. That Saul planned the kidnapping because JJ wouldn't pay for his surgery. He was looking for information about Lucrazia's routine; Carmen merely suspected that there was an extra-marital relationship between Lucrazia and JJ, who mentions he would have paid a ransom. And that after his divorce he will marry Lucrazia.

Hacienda Curiel: Carlota and Lucia talk about the divorce. Lucia is afraid of the pain this will cause Camilo, but Carlota reminds her that she needs to think of herself.

Casa McGuire, Tony's office: Licenciado Lara and his near-Italian accent ask Camilo if he knows El Gordo. Camilo answers in the affirmative. The guy's real name is Miguel Hernandez, but he seems to have disappeared. Camilo denies that Carmen knew about the theft of the pistol. Ivan points out that the place the pistol was found must mean something. JJ denies that Saul could have been involved because he took away his car after the accident. He implies that Carmen is dragging him into this. Ivan doesn't buy this and knows JJ doesn't. JJ accuses him of wanting Saul in prison out of hatred, but Ivan only wants to avoid sending an innocent man to prison. Saul got Carmen involved through false promises and now she's the one being dragged into this. Camilo agrees. JJ says to go ahead and arrest Saul, but that Carmen will have to answer for it as well. He leaves.

Lara is all for getting this out in the open. He asks Camilo whether El Gordo is a friend of Antolin's and whether there is a reason he would do this to him. Camilo says that Antolin gave him a bloody good hiding [paliza]. Finally he says that Antolin is willing to go to prison to spare Carmen. Carolina overhears this part and nearly falls on the step on her way into the room. Tony catches her before she falls.


Commercial Break

Casa McGuire, Carolina's room: Ivan tries to reassure Carolina, who is carrying on as she used to.

Casa Mondragon: Saul begs his father to help him.

Saul: Papa, help me. I don't want to go to jail. I promise I'll change.
JJ: But you're a pobre diablo. Useless. I should never have recognized you as my son. You're not the only bastard I have around here. [WTF???] (The phone rings twice) You're as useless as the servant. Nobody is answering. (picks up phone)

Licenciado Lara wants to see him and Saul in his office about this whole affair. JJ agrees and asks for the time and address. Who wants to bet he will throw Saul under the autobus?

Rancho Socorro, night: Camilo drives up to Lucia's room saying he's there to see Perlita, who is sleeping. Lucia doesn't answer her phone; Camilo realizes it must be Ivan. Camilo apologises and begs her not to leave him, but she doesn't want to discuss Ivan. Camilo tells her she might become Ivan's mistress, but never his wife because he will never give her a divorce.

Someone needs to tell him it's not easy to stop one.

Ivan gets the recorded message that the cell number is off or out of the service area. He calls Carlota, who goes to Lucia's room. Lucia tells her she didn't answer because Camilo was there. Carlota brings up the matter of divorce. Since Camilo was caught in flagrante delicto with Maripaz, Lucia has the perfect grounds. Lucia, however, starts singing her mother's favorite song “No Quiero Escandalos”. Carlota tells her it will get worse yet: JJ is divorcing Esther to marry Lucrazia. Lucia is impactada and her expression indicates distaste.


Avances:

Looks like the Merry Piece will get her way with Camilo as something appears to be wrong with JJ. Camilo is planning to accuse Lucia of infidelity and sue for custody of Perla.


Vocabulary:

conseguire to win
evitar to avoid
paliza beating
sinvergüenza swine, shameless arsehole

Labels: Fuerza

Labels: Cuando