Caray, Caray!

First, a quick summary of last night's highlights (#55):

Pepe asks Pancho for help getting a new car. Pancho is sympathetic, but not THAT sympathetic. If he buys Pepe a new car, he won't learn his lesson. (To Pepe's suggestion to sell La Burra, Pancho replies, "I'd sell you first!")

Jess thinks Pancho said those hurtful things to Chela because he's jealous. Chela thinks she should just tell him that she's in love with him. (Oh, sure, NOW she wants to tell him??) Jess says no, don't use up all your weapons at once. He'll soon be eating out of your hand!

Candy takes Ana to Pina's house and says she'll be her assistant. Pina questions why Candy needs an assistant but at least finally takes the trouble to find out Ana's name. Meanwhile, Ana cheers up Abeja.

Pepe fixes Celeste's lamp at the Avon reception desk. The phones ring and ring while she flirts with him. She invites him out for coffee. He accepts. Mónica overhears and is bien enojada. They'll leave at 7.

Pancho is excited about the new cell phones with a better plan, etc. etc.

Rebe rehashes the latest kisses with Bárbara. She says it's one thing to feel and another thing to think. Bar says Rebe had better act soon, because the train's leaving the station.

Ana corners Chela and voices a lot of suspicions about the mysterious new boyfriend, who Chela says is named Luis Enrique. Ana says if she's in love with Pancho she should fight for him. If she doesn't act soon, Dad will marry la tísica.

Candy meets Vice for a date. "You were born of the foamy surf," he tells her. [Ocean spray? Seafoam? Take your pick, they all sound awful to me, but I'm not an ocean person.] Also, he's in love with her. She does not return his feelings, just asks for more champagne and says she feels guilty about Pina.

Fraud wants to have coffee with Mónica. She'd better get all dressed up because he's got something huge to tell her. Enzo remembers Moni's tearful declaration of love for Pepe, but encourages the tangerine anyway. Fraud arrives at their house at the appointed time, and she's still in sweats. Fraud complains, and Enzo tells her to change her clothes. ***fume!!!*** But she sulkily remembers Pepe making a date with Celeste, and goes along. At the coffee place, Fraud reminds himself that he's got to beat the mechanic. He apologizes to Mónica, says he only took Elena to Brazil in hopes she'd help him forget, but it didn't work. He loves her SO much, he wants to get married. She responds with angry disbelief. Yesterday you just wanted to be friends, now you want to get married?? He didn't even bother talking to her after they broke up... until Pepe entered the picture. And now he's allied with her father. Besides, she's 20, she's too young to get married, she doesn't love him, and she wouldn't marry HIM to save her own life. He says he wants to live with her and have lots of Frauddycitos. She says he is CRAZY and she doesn't believe him.

Pancho and Rebe daydream about one another and try to call each other at the same time. They both get a busy signal, try again, and get another busy signal.

Abejita is depressed. Tomás cheers her up. Pina invites him to stay for dinner. They have a grand time. She is charmed by his coarse table manners. I think Tom is about to tell Pina a dirty joke when Alex comes over to see Frauddie and get his cell phone. Pina tells him that Fraud is out with Mónica. Tom hears this, of course. And Alex wants to wants to know what Tom is doing there. Tom says Pina invited him for dinner and to cheer up the dog. He excuses himself.

Pancho has a big milk mustache. Gross. He tells Lupita he's not jealous of Chela's new boyfriend - just curious. Who is he? What are his intentions? Lupita says it's all because of the money and Rebeca. He points out that if their lives hadn't changed, then Chela would have just gone on loving his clueless self in secret anyway.

Monica's still ranting and raving at how crazy stupid Frauddie is to think she'd marry him. I don't want to be your friend, much less your wife.

Tomas is telling Pepe of his strange evening - consoling the dog and dining with Pina. Naturally, he also reveals that Alex came by and Pina said Frauddy was with Moni.

Frauddie and Alex. Frauddie is absorbed in his TV show as usual; Alex has to stand in front of the TV to get his attention. Fraud is happy to know that Pepe will hear from Tomas that he went out with Mónica. Alex thinks Fraud is pursuing Moni in the stupidest way possible. Maybe he's still in love with her and can't admit it.

Hey, what about Pepe and Celeste? Maybe their date will be some other night.

Next day:

Pina says Abeja has been whining since last night.

Frauddie revs Champi's engine outside Pepe's window.

Pancho is ready to throw in the towel with Rebeca. He can't be professional, knowing how he feels about her.

Bonus vocabulary word: sobredimensionado (oversized)

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#56: The Case of the Smelly Secretary

Jess says Chela spends so much time at the new house, the only thing she doesn't do there is sleep. Lupita runs in, Temo ran away from school.

Fraud tells Pepe, "I found out why you lost the race. There was some crud in the gas line, but my mechanics fixed it all up and I'm gonna race your car day after tomorrow and win. Don't you want to watch?" It's only thanks to Tomás's big muscly arms that the tangerine remains unsqueezed. Anyway, Tom's got a plan that can't fail.

At the doctor: Abeja has emotional problems. Pina and Vice blame one another. The doctor says she needs a stable home. He wants to hypnotize her. OK, no hypnosis, but how about group therapy? Role-playing? Pina can be the dog. Vice can be Vice. Vice sweet-talks Pina. Pina responds happily. Vice is angry - all that sweetness was for Abeja, not her. Pina starts to quarrel. (I think the doctor is seriously considering calling the Humane Society.)

Temo's at Pancho's office. He hates school; they call him a naco with no mother. And he gave a kid a bloody nose and made him cry. Then he ran away to avoid punishment and because the kid's friends were coming. He wants to go back to his old school. Pancho sends him down to the cafeteria with Enriqueta for a soda. Temo gives Rebe a funny look on the way out.

Rebe says Fer won't will understand if Pancho takes him out of a school where the kids are so cruel. Anyway, they could have problems with the parents of the boy Temo hit. Pancho wants to call Chela. Rebe stops him and says she can help him pick a new school for Temo that has a better atmosphere.

Ana and Manuel. He's told her his life story, so now it's time for hers. At first she says there isn't much to tell, but then tells him about Chela and gets weepy. She is embarrassed by her crying. Miguel says she doesn't like people to see that she has feelings, but everyone has wounds and it's nothing to be ashamed of. He's an only child and it was hard to leave his parents, but he hasn't had any contact with them since. He likes Ana because she's talented and nice and pretty. It's her charisma, her style, her heart. He goes to kiss her mouth, then changes his mind and goes for the cheek. A platonic hug follows. Ana looks ambivalent.

Tomás has a plan to beat Fraud without violence. (Where's the fun in that?) But they'll have to get into the Irabiéns' garage. He'll need the remote control. Pepe doesn't want Tomás sabotaging his car. Tom says if Pepe won't help him, he'll do it himself.

At home, Abeja is crouching in a nook and whining. Pina has some kind of medicine for Abeja's nerves and promises it'll taste good. Candy shows up and coaxes Abeja out by asking if she wants to see Popeye. Abeja thinks she can trust Candy. Pina gives her the medicine. Oh no! It was all a ruse! Popeye's not here at all! Pina tells Candy that the dog's psychologist is also Vince's. She's drowing in the melodrama of her life. Tomas arrives; Abeja runs to greet him. "They're in love," Pina explains to Candy.

In the Avon cafeteria, Pancho tells Temo not to hit any more kids. Rebe joins them; Temo gives her another sullen look. Moni comes over wanting help needs help with something, Arnold's not there, Pancho says he'll talk to her in his office later.

Rebe and Pancho start to tell Temo about the other schools, but Chela shows up. Don't go around hitting your classmates, she tells Temo. She's not interested in the list of schools. She makes snide remarks at Rebeca instead, much the way kids at school tease Temo. Not that Rebeca lets a single remark slide, but Chela is definitely the aggressor. Pancho sends the boy up to his office. Poor kid, Pancho's always sending him somewhere else. Chela and Rebeca trade barbs about their personal philosophies about education and child-rearing. Chela challenges Pancho to take a side. The bitchery goes on and on. It seems that, because Rebe is in favor of taking Temo out of that school (that Chela did NOT approve of at first), Chela now thinks he should stay there and learn how to fight his own battles. (Some bullied children will tell you that it's hard to learn all the other things you're supposed to learn in school if you're always worried about the next battle.) Pancho does not. Chela leaves in a huff, griping that now Rebeca's going to raise his kids. Pancho assures Rebeca that he'll win her over.

Sandy prances clumsily into Vice's office clad in lingerie and fishnet stockings. He doesn't want any. He takes a call from Candy and sends Sandy out. He's sent Candy a pink cell phone so they can text one another all day. (It looks a lot like her old pink cell phone.) He wants another date tonight. Ana disapproves.

Adoración is looking for Abeja. She's afraid she'll be killed if she doesn't find the dog. Abeja is standing in the middle of the street, thinking that she just wants to escape. Ado finds her just in time to see her "almost" (i.e., not even close) get hit by a car.

Vice is on his cell phone, outside his car, telling Enzo he's hardly the one to be giving advice about love since the only woman he ever fell in love with was Moni's mom and that was a long time ago. Sandy sneaks into the seat of Vice's car and crouches behind the passenger seat while he takes a call with Arnold. He complains aloud that he smells like Sandy's perfume.

Chela is taking Temo home. She tells him she hasn't been crying, it's just that she walked past some onions in the trash. He doesn't believe her; he knows she's been fighting with his father, and it's all his fault. Pancho pulls her aside and says she only disagreed with him to disagree with Rebeca. She makes more sarcastic comments and Pancho gets angry. Temo is horrified. Chela and Pancho are horrified.

Abeja is playing dead in the middle of the street, but the man didn't hit her. In fact, he notes that she's still breathing. At his urging, Adoración gives doggie CPR and Little Bee gets up. While Ado praises God, Abeja wanders off again.

Vice picks up Candy. Candy smells Sandy's perfume. She gives him a good sniff, but realizes that the stench is coming from the back seat. Uh-oh.

Pancho tells Rebeca that he's confused. She feels that he's more indecisive than confused. He's more messed up by his feelings toward Chela than his feelings towards her. He says she cares for my children, blah blah blah. She thinks he still lets Chela manipulate him and he should put her in her place and if he doesn't, it's because he loves her. He tells Rebeca SHE'S the one who's confused. (Hey, why can't they both be confused?) He says she knows who he loves!

First of all, he feels guilty that he can't return Chela's love. Second, the kids are upset since she left home, and if they're upset it affects him too. Third, he's in love with her and her kisses tell him she feels something too, but doesn't have the courage to admit it. She says she feels that he loves his SIL and doesn't have the courage to admit it, and runs out of his office.

Candy, Sandy, and Vice have a lengthy but unimportant argument in the middle of the road while impatient drivers wait for them to get out of the way. Candy denies having an affair with this married man; they're doing a business deal. Idiot Vice invites Sandy to join in on the deal!

Adoración goes to Fernanda's house looking for Abeja. Popeye hasn't seen her, and he's sad about it. Ana comes up with a great plan.

Tomás takes advantage of Adoración's absence to swipe the garage door remote control.

Rebe finishes up on the phone with Fernanda just as Pancho comes in. Pancho wants an update. Rebeca coldly informs him that Fer's feeling fine and is writing a book. He apologizes for being so harsh in their conversation earlier and wants her opinion on a plan he's written up for the Japanese investors' money. She doesn't really reply, but then she gets a call - her apartment is on fire! They take off to investigate.

They didn't break between episodes, so I'm arbitrarily cutting #56 off here.

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#57: The Case of the Painted Pom


At the office, Vince backpedals with Sandy - he invited her to HELP with the deal, not be a partner. She threatens to go to Pina and Pancho with the truth. Vice quickly agrees to a partnership. Arnold comes in with a head scarf and Vice calls him Bin Laden. (This episode aired in Mexico just a few weeks before he became difunto.)

Jess jokes that Chela sweeps so much, she might as well get a job. Chela says Pancho keeps sending her money. She asks if reading cards pays well. Jess says she's losing customers because lately they prefer horoscopes and telephone psychics. Chela suggests that Jess become an Avon lady. She goes back to her sweeping and complains about Rebeca. She thinks says their plan isn't working. Jess is sure that it will work. He's only temporarily dazzled by Rebeca.

Outside a pet store, Ana explains her plan to Lupita and Adoración: They'll buy an identical dog. OMG stupid, not to mention costly. That doggie in the window looks nothing like Abejita and doesn't have her necklace (nor a litter of buns in the oven) and is the wrong age, but that doggie is for sale, so they're going to dye her fur.

Enzo and Vice bring Arnold up to date on all the latest hijinks, i.e. baring souls with Candy. Arnold thinks it sounds like a telenovela. Hardy-har-har, that self-referential joke never gets old. Enzo asks Arnoldo's help to tighten their friend's loose screws (tornillos flojos).

Pina looks for Ado. Or the dog. Arnold is there. He gives her some lingerie from Paris to help with her marriage, which she thinks is hopeless. He tells her about the hot men in Turkey.

Speaking of hotness, flames are shooting from Rebeca's apartment. People are fleeing for their lives. A zillion fire trucks are there. So is La Burra. Rebe wants to go in. The fireman says it was a short circuit (how can they know that while the fire's still in progress?). The curtains and draperies have burned, and she's not going to be able to stay there for a while. Pancho offers to put her up at Fer's place. She wants to stay in a hotel. She keeps swooning.

Vice calls Candy and they talk about the color of their eyes. (Actually, he's reading his side of it out of a book.) Pina interrupts Vice to tell him about the missing maid and the missing dog. Missing dog? Vice panics. Candy is momentarily forgotten.

Rebe is at Pancho's after all. The doctor prescribed a sedative, she doesn't want that or the calming tea he wants to make for her. He says he knows what it feels like to lose one's home. She says it's not the same thing. She doesn't think it's proper for her to stay there. He agrees to take her to a hotel but she has to talk the sedative.

Fraud comes home. Yet again he's accused of having egg-eyes, this time in reaction to Pina's charge that Ado has kidnapped his sister. He jokes that she might be in a parallel universe. (Much cleverer than I would have expected from him.) Vice is not amused. Pina starts swooning all over the place.

Rebeca takes the sedative AND the calming tea and paces restlessly. Her eyes are all puffy from crying. Pancho tells Candy about the fire. Candy wants to make sure Rebe won't stay there forever. Pancho goes to check in on Rebe and she passes out, so instead of taking her to the hotel, he takes her to his room.

Ado shows up with Not-beja. Vice and Pina are so busy scolding Ado that they don't notice the imposter right away.

Half-conscious, Rebe asks Pancho to bring her to a hotel. Apparently, Candy is still unconvinced. She watches Rebe sleep in Pancho's bed and gloats that asleep, she looks like she couldn't hurt a fly.

Pina says the dog doesn't smell right. She smells like hair dye.

Candy's going out. Pancho is suspicious. She says she's taking Popeye for a walk.

Pina tells Ado to prepare a bath for the dog. Ado eagerly offers to wash the dog. Pina observes that Ado never wants to wash the dog. She's gonna dunk the pup herself.

Candy runs into Alex with a bunch of flowers. Lupita's not home. She tells him to hang in there, don't lose hope. Popeye starts barking. The real Abeja is here. They're happy to see each other.

Adoracion prepares to meet her doom as Pina demands the dog shampoo. Ado stalls and pretends it's stuck, but finally the bath is ready and the imposter is exposed. Downstairs (I don't know why the change of venue), Ado admits Abeja ran away and she lost her; but when she puts Notbeja down, the usurper runs upstairs to make herself at home! Candy arrives with Original Abejita and Popeye. Pina is overjoyed.

Rebe wakes up in Pancho's bed, confused, and finds Pancho sitting creepily at the foot of the bed in the dark. She wants to sleep in a different room. She doesn't think it's appropriate for her to be in there. But he disagrees and she's too dizzy to move. She passes out again.

Frauddie visits with Enzo. Enzo glowingly contrasts Fraud and Pepe. (Ugh, Enzo, you're single - if you like Fraud so much, why don't YOU marry him?) Fraud promises that Moni will become disillusioned with her bleach-blond mechanic and come running back to his arms. Then they'll get married.

Lupita and Temo come home with Chela. They beg her again to come back. They need her and if she doesn't, Rebeca will win. Lupita says Temo needs his mamá. She says she'll talk to Pancho.

Vice comes home and is upset to see Popeye. Candy credits Popeye for finding Abejita. Ado is ready to pack her bags and be fired. Pina goes upstairs to get Candy a token of her gratitude. She tells Vice to offer Candy something. Hah! He takes advantage of their moment of privacy to mash on her some more and nearly gets caught. Pina gives her two passes to a fancy spa. Pina tells Ado she's fired and take la usurpadora with her.

The wet, dyed usurpadora has ruined Pina's favorite pajamas and Vince's shoes. They call her the Tasmanian Devil. Vince says there's hate in her eyes. Pina summons Ado to get rid of this angel of death and clean up the room.

Moni tells Karina about Fraud's unexpected proposal. Karina agrees that it is ridiculous, but it's also ridiculous that she won't confront her father and she'll never forgive herself.

In the kitchen, Ana helps Pancho fix a sandwich. Temo and Lupita tell him that is waiting in Pancho's bedroom to talk with him.

Wait, where?

She seems to realize that someone is in the bed and assumes that it's Pancho, but it's not clear whether she thinks he's awake or asleep. Her speech is the usual self-pitying drivel about how he turned their lives around 180 degrees and it's soooo awful. She puts her hand on Rebeca's ankle, but strangely does not notice that it's not the big gnarly man-foot she's been rubbing for years, and continues with some choice words about Rebeca, "this little thing, es una... una...".

Rebeca has been awake through some of this. She and turns on the light and tries to sit up in the bed. "Es una qué, Graciela? Una qué?"

End credits: new going-to-sleep song, weird animation, Popeye's as big as Temo. No me gusta, especially after that sleeping pill Rebeca took.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Hanukkah already in progress!

Next time:
The kids give Rebe a warm welcome... roasting her over hot coals. Candy takes a steam with Vince... and Pina and Cathi!

Labels: familia

Toni and Ivan retreat to the study. They'll have the money in 3 days. Plus Aguilar is going to grease the skids to get the money into the country. And he's going to start waving pictures of Saul around Hermosillo and see if anyone knows where he is. So now, they wait.

Lucia is missing Alex. She understands Ivan's desperation. Lucrezia is expecting the worst. She's watched enough Lifetime specials and episodes of La Rosa de Guadalupe to know that bad shit happens. Lucia says sooner or later "those people" will realize that they're going to lose everything in the process of trying to get a few bucks. Lucia overestimates Gordo and Saul's capacity for rational thought.

Lucia goes over to check on Ivan and Benito reports that Ivan is glued to the telephone and hasn't eaten. Benito feels guilty for not staying at the house, but Lucia reminds him that Alex sent him out for ice cream and he couldn't have known that someone was going to kidnap Alex. Plus whoever it was didn't work alone, so what was Benito going to do against 2 or even 3 armed men? Benito gets that, but it doesn't keep him from being upset.

Ivan sits behind Toni's desk, crying, but he jumps up to hug Lucia when she comes in. He's hoping the kidnappers will call and let him talk to Alex. He's got the money arranged, but he's still worried. "If Alex sees the faces of one of the kidnappers, the might kill him." Well, sure if it's someone who knows what they're doing, but this is Saul and Gordo we're talking about. They don't have a working brain cell to rub together between them.

Saul wonders what to do with the kid once they've got the money. Gordo suggests just leaving him by the side of the highway. Especially since Saul hasn't gone in without a "pasamontañas" (balaclava; ski mask). Saul thinks maybe the kid can recognize their voices, but Gordo scoffs that at that age, kids don't remember that kind of thing. Gordo says he doesn't actually dare kill the kid and Saul's not sure if he could do it either. Gordo doesn't even think his compadre would do it, since he's a coward and he has kids of his own. Gordo points out it's not a good idea to kill the kid, because with all the money the McGuire's have, they'll get INTERPOL involved and then they'll spend the rest of their lives running. Um, ok, if by that he means the five minutes before they find them and kill them because they refuse to put down their weapons like the idiots they are, then sure, Gordo and crew could spend the rest of their lives on the run. Fausto reports that things are pretty quiet in Hermosillo. He's brought back food and beer…and milk for the kid. He goes to give Alex his dinner, but has to be reminded to put the ski mask on before he goes in. Alex was listening at the door and jumps back onto his cot. He doesn't retrieve his dinner until after Fausto leaves.

Antolin has a plan…and Carolina doesn't even want to hear it. Antolin isn't worried, and says he doesn't plan to miss his child's baptism. Ay, Antolin, don't say stuff like that! It makes us all worry for you. And retire your Bedazzled angel wing shirt, too, por favor…it's just begging for trouble!

Lucia goes back home in the morning and reports there haven't been any further calls. Carlota supposes they'll call sometime that day, now that they've got everyone worried.

Camilo asks Ivan how it's going. No call, the money is on the way, and Ivan plans to hand it over personally. Camilo wants to come along, but Ivan says no way is he going to risk his son's life. He's sure they'll tell him to come alone. Camilo thinks this is a sign that Ivan doesn't trust him. "Do you have a gun?" Well, of course Ivan doesn't, and doesn't think it's a good idea to take one and risk his son's life.

Antolin does some more recon. The gossipy woman from the day before tells him that Gordo hasn't been there in a while. She tells him that Gordo was given a "granja" (farm) by an uncle, but Gordo never wanted to work it. The woman goes on and on about how much she'd love to have her own farm. Fortituously, she also happens to know where Gordo's farm is, "Over by San Isidro, halfway between Hermosillo and Bahia de Kino" (not according to Google Maps…San Isidro is east of Hermosillo and Bahia de Kino is west). And she sort of knows the name, too, "Santa Ines, Santa Teresa…it's definitely the name of a saint."

Antolin summons Camilo to lunch to tell him he thinks he knows where they're keeping Alex, and he plans to go after him. Uh oh. Camilo asks how he can be sure. "Well, I've got to do something!" Camilo asks what he plans to do, go in and shoot it out? How many guys are there anyway? He tells Antolin to forget it. Ivan's got the money and that's what those people want.

Antolin apparently makes the offer to Ivan, who shouts him down. He doesn't want to risk Alex's life, especially when Antolin doesn't exactly know where the farm is. He repeatedly tells Antolin "no."

Alex waits for his idiot captors to fall asleep and then starts checking out his cell. He finds a spoon and starts trying to use it between the door and the frame, but it doesn't work. He sits on his cot and cries.

Ivan is looking at the pictures of his and Alex's vacation.

Arcelia lights candles to the Virgen and prays a Hail Mary. She stumbles on the words "Pray for us now…and at the hour of our death." Aw, man, if they're setting this up for Antolin to die, I'm gonna kick somebody.

Benito ushers John into the house to meet with Ivan and Toni. He came over in a private plan and the authorities did, indeed, grease skids.

Bruno is still snogging Alex's shirt. John admires Bruno and pets him for a while. Benito is instructed to bring the big suitcase into the office and take the small one to John's room. John gives Ivan his condolences. He explains that he had to sell off company shares to get the 6 mil in cash. He says it's likely they'll lose the company. Ivan vows to work hard to get everything back, but Toni's not worried about that. He just wants to get Alex back home. Lucia comes in and is introduced to John.

Antolin is explaining to Carolina that even when money is handed over, kidnappers still kill their kidnappee. She doesn't think they could do it, but Anolin knows that Gordo and Saul are rats, and they'd totally do it if they thought Alex could identify them. He knows how much Carolina loves Alex. She sobs that Ivan already told him not to do it. "It's almost impossible!" Well, "almost impossible" means there's still a chance. Carolina worries that the kidnappers might not be Saul and Gordo after all, but actual competent kidnappers. Antolin is sure it's them, especially after they tried to kidnap Lucrezia…"Exactly! And killed Gerardo!" Antolin says they were probably following the family, they knew Alex would be visiting her, and they took advantage of their opportunity. "Besides, the costume show guy saw Gordo." Carolina still thinks it might not be them. "I'm afraid you'll do something wrong and throw it all away." Antolin swears if the situation is impossible, he'll get out of there. He won't stop thinking of her or their child, but he has a plan. Ay, Antolin.

David lets JJ know that Esther gave him her half of the ranch to take care of. He won't deal with JJ's half because he knows that JJ never trusted in him. He's going to give the actual management of the land over to Carlos, Judith's boyfriend. JJ suggests they ask Carlos to take care of his half of the land too, and David tiredly says he'll send Carlos over. JJ's still slugging away the tequilas and David reminds him he shouldn't be drinking. JJ defiantly takes another swig. He asks about Saul and David tells him they're assuming Saul is behind the kidnapping of Alex. JJ heard that from Lucrezia. He never wants to see Saul again. He asks to see David a couple of times a week, maybe have a meal. David says he's too busy and leaves. JJ goes back to hitting the bottle.

Ivan and crew are expecting a call in the next couple of days. Toni offers to walk John to his room. John is enamored of Bruno and says he's identical to his own dog, Winston. Toni explains that Bruno hasn't put down Alex's shirt down since he was taken. John says that that breed has an excellent sense of smell and direction…"they're ideal for rescues." Toni walks John out. Lucia comments that they're halfway there. "Yes," says Ivan, "we just have to wait for them to call and then pray to God that everything turns out well." Is it just me or is Bruno panting especially loudly? As if he's saying "Hello, idiots, search and rescue dog right here!"

Fausto and Saul are lazing about. Gordo comes in and says he's concerned that the kid knows Saul and maybe even Gordo. Alex listens at the door again. Gordo tells Fausto about the day that he and Saul approached Lucia in the park and Lucia flipped out. Gordo's really changed his tune since yesterday, telling Fausto that even with the mask on, he's worried Alex might have recognized Saul's voice. "I barely said anything that day in the park, but Saul has a very distinctive voice." Fausto says that's how it is with rich kids, they screw up any serious work. Gordo says they'll have to get rid of the kid. Fausto balks, reminding Gordo that he has kids. Gordo brushes it off, saying they'll see. They decide to go out to Hermosillo for food and maybe call Ivan later. Fausto doesn't dare to kill the kid, so Gordo suggests they just wait until things get bad and then tell Saul he's got to do it. He knows Saul's an idiot, but he's also pretty much a dog. Alex hears all this, then jumps back on his cot and covers up with a blanket. Gordo kicks Saul awake and tells him they're going to Hermosillo for gas and beers. Saul wonders what's up with the money, but Gordo ignores the question and tells Saul to feed the kid. Saul pulls his ski mask on and struggles to his feet. He grabs a coke and a package of chips. When he unlocks the door, he puts the lock on his belt loop. He tosses the chips and the soda to Alex and conveniently forgets to put the lock back on the door. Instead he lies down to keep sleeping off his hangover. Alex checks out the door and sneaks out, leaving the door closed behind him. He knocks something off a ledge and briefly wakes Saul, but Saul sees the closed door and blows it off. Alex gets outside and starts running.

Carolina comes over to visit Lucia. She reminds Lucia that she promised her friendship and support, so she's there to offer it. She knows how much Lucia loves Alex. She asks how Lucrezia and Carlota are doing. Lucrezia is out having coffee with JJ and Carlota is resting. Carolina says it's just been one misfortune after another. Lucia says Ivan's not doing so well, but he's trying to be strong and do what he has to to get Alex back. Carolina mentions Antolin has been thinking of going to find him. "What? But without any leads? Without any idea where he could be? Or did he find something out?" Carolina lies and says he didn't.

Lucrezia is surprised that Esther actually went through with it this time. JJ says he's not surprised and he had it coming for being such a jerk. "Tanto va el cántaro al agua, que algun dia tiene que romperse." (The pitcher goes to the fountain so much, one day it has to break). Lucrezia says he needs to start a new life now. "What? But I'm more alone than a dog! No one will come near me. You're the only one. I think it's my punishment for all the bad things I did." Lucrezia says Maripaz's death was her punishment. "Even though I already forgot Saul, I don't wish him any ill. After all, he is my son, though it pains me to say it." Lucrezia says they both screwed up with their kids--Maripaz and Saul. JJ hopes Saul didn't have anything to do with the kidnapping, because if he did, "he's going straight to hell." Lucrezia reminds him he still has David. "No, I lost him already."

David is telling Esther that he wants nothing to do with his father. "For me it's as if I never had a father." He reminds her that JJ treated him badly since he was a kid. "Well, yes, but you got over it." Lady, that does not make it ok! David says his father made him feel worthless, until he believed it. "And now that he realizes he's going to be alone, now he wants us to be with him. And you know what? That's not fair. He can forget about me and be alone."

Berenice and Judith come over to try to support Lucia and Carolina.

Ivan has been in the office all night and rejects Toni's offer to man the phone. Ivan doesn't want to get the details second-hand. "If we do anything other than what they say, they might get mad and then who knows what might happen." Ivan rails at them for not calling.

Alex runs, but he realizes he doesn't know where he is.

Fausto and Gordo come back and find out a passed-out Saul. They assume Saul didn't feed him and gripe about it. Gordo grabs a soda and a bag of chips and realizes the lock isn't on the door. Fausto wakes up Saul. Gordo gets in on the yelling, calling Saul an idiot and a good-for-nothing. He wants to whip out his gun and shoot Saul right then and there, but Fausto tells him they don't have time to waste. They need to find the kid before it gets dark. They walk out of the barn and look around, wondering where to even start looking, especially given that he doesn't know which way the road is. Gordo doesn't know how they're going to find him, but they have to. Saul: "What's the problem? We'll get the money and Ivan can find the kid." Gordo reminds him that if the kid reaches the road, he can hitch a ride, rat them out to Ivan, and not only will they not have money, but the cops will be after them.

Alex trips during his run, and though his hand is perilously near a scorpion, he doesn't get stung. Aw, shit. He flags down Gordo's car. Saul and Fausto get out and carry him back to the car. Alex screams at them that his dad is going to kill all three of them. To no avail.

Back at the barn, Alex cries some more, probably also over his hurt leg. He cries for his grandpa and his dad…and Bruno.

Ivan and Lucia are sitting up in the office, waiting for a call. Toni tells them to go to bed. He reminds them that there are phones all over the house. He realizes he's talking to a wall and goes off to bed. Lucia calls Carlota and tells Ivan she's staying with him tonight.

They get to his room, but he just sits on the bed. By morning, he's sitting on the floor. Lucia answers Benito's knock on the door. Camilo and Antolin are in the office waiting for Ivan. He says he'll be right there.

Antolin makes another bid for a rescue attempt. He knows where San Isidro is and he figures they can ask where the farm is. The phone rings and Gordo asks if he's got the money. He assures Ivan that Alex is alive and well. "Put the money in a canvas bag. Don't contact your family for any reason. Around noon, get in your car and drive to Bahia de Kino. Once you get there, wait for further instructions. I'll call you on your cell. If you call the police, you won't see your kid alive again." Ivan tries to ask when and how Alex will be released, but Gordo hangs up. Ivan passes on the instructions. Camilo wants to go with him, following at a distance, but Ivan refuses. He's going to go get a canvas bag, say goodbye to Lucia and be on his way.

Lucia tells Cleto there's been no news. She repeats the same to her mother and grandmother. Lucrezia says she knows "they" have committed a lot of sins, but this is just too much. Perlita is fine. Toni and Ivan are destroyed. Lucrezia complains, asking when things are going to be normal. She's never been very religious, but she wants to go ask for a Mass to be said. "For Alex?" "For all of us."

Ivan tells Toni and John his plan. Benito is out buying the canvas bag while Ivan goes to say goodbye to Lucia. Ivan leaves. John says that Ivan is nervous. "The only thing these people are interested in is money." Toni says it's possible they could keep the money and kill Alex. He doesn't even want to think about it.

Ivan tells Lucia, Carlota, and Lucrezia, he has to take the money and go to Bahia de Kino alone. He doesn't think they have any other options. Ivan says he'll do whatever they ask. He picks up Perlita, who's been fussing. He tells her he'll be back soon and the four of them are going to be very happy together. Carlota gives him a blessing. Lucia tells him to be careful and Ivan reminds her he has three reasons to come back.

Camilo is gearing up to go, complete with his gun. He tells Carmen he rented a car because his broke down. She begs to know where he's going. "Look, I'll tell you, but let's see if for once in your life you can keep your mouth shut. I don't want you to say anything to mom!" He says he's going with Ivan.

Ivan is ready to go, and the household staff have packed up sandwiches and water for him to take with him. It's about a five hour drive to Bahia de Kino. Ivan says he has an odometer in case they ask him to walk. Toni reminds him to stay calm and not provoke them, or allow himself to be provoked. "The only thing I have in mind is to rescue my child."

Antolin is also preparing to go, despite Carolina's objections. "What if they kill you? What's going to happen to me?" "Don't be so selfish!" "I can't live without you!" "Life had no guarantees. I could be dead tomorrow, just like my dad. You have something very important to live for. A child. And this is all my fault, because Gordo and Saul hate me." Antolin calls Toni to ask if Ivan has left yet. He asks to speak to Toni.

Another round of goodbyes out in the courtyard. John reassures Toni that Ivan and Alex will return.

So, that's it for my tenure. No daring rescue attempt today. I had high hopes for Alex's escape, but it wasn't to be. No specific previews for tomorrow, but we're down to three hours of show, so they'd better get to resolving stuff already!

Labels: Fuerza

*Apologies to Charles Dickens


Well folks, things are moving right along, although never as fast as we'd like them to. Let's take a break from our holiday prep and enjoy tonight's adventures. Last night we left off with Augustin calling someone to make the airport video of Jero’s (in truth, Saul’s) departure disappear.

Tonight we open with Alison being a major mope because of Anibal who is still stuck outside. Laz jumps up surprised, Shoot! He forgot about Anibal. She just wants to know if Laz will employ him or not. He proposes that Ani can spend the night and they’ll discuss it tomorrow. Judging by her reaction I’d say Super Outburst Lazaro has met his match in the young Alison.

Regina brings Renata a cup of tea before bedtime. Renata is contrite and apologizes for her earlier behavior. Regina shushes her, anyone in her position would behave the same way. They bond with the admission that neither of them really thought Jero left Renata. Regina tells her to keep faith and Renata thanks Regina for always being there for her, she’s lucky to have a friend like her. Regina corrects her, Regina is her daughter, if not of blood then certainly of soul. More bonding, hugging, tears and thanks. They are really hitting us over the head with this one, although I like it. They conclude by agreeing that Jeronimo is alive, and the famous CME split screen confirms it as we see Sabina caring for Jero.

Next morning Ines and Regina are going over the box of photos. Regina tells Ines that even though Roberta is her daughter she gets the feeling she’s continuing her alliance with Pepa. Ines suggests Regina speak up to Gonzo about it but Gina demurs, how can she renounce her own daughter when she should be protecting her? Ines says Pepa’s influence over Roberta has been very strong...it’s the Call Of The Blood! Oh dang, Ines is quoting telenovela law now! She tells Regina she sees nothing of Roberta in her. They check out the photos and wonder why Pepa/Fina sent the picture of Roberta and said it was Renata.

Gonzo makes a timely arrival and Regina tells him they found a photo and don’t know if it’s Renata or Roberta. Will he be able to tell? Gonzo verifies that it’s Roberta, he’s completely sure. Regina presses, she thought it was Renata. Nopis, it’s definitely Roberta.

Gonzo asks for an explanation and they explain that the photo that Pepa sent when she was blackmailing Regina was of Renata, not of Roberta. Regina can’t understand why Pepa/Fina would switch the pics. There’s no doubt that Berta is her daughter because she did the DNA analysis. Gonzo and Gina can’t figure out why. Ines says she thinks she knows why (duh) but she can't tell them now. GAH! She wants them to come to her house that afternoon, trust her. Gina’s all ready to go right now but Inez says she needs to get something important from Isidro first. Great, lots of time for Ines or Isidro to get anvilized before they can spill the soup.

Marina has gone to talk to Saul’s ex-hospital to try to get information on his whereabouts. Dr. Escalante tells Marina that unfortunately Saul continued to be a compulsive gambler (jugador empedernido). He was screwing up at work and his patients lost confidence in him. Saul left in the nick of time, he was about to get fired anyway. Marina’s cogs and sprockets start chugging away. My theory is that she can breathe again now that she's not wearing that yellow 8 year old's jacket.

Ines strolls along a sidewalk talking to Isidro on the phone. She had to change their plans of revelation because poor Regina is in too much anguish.  He doesn’t have the results of Nata’s fingerprints yet but he’ll figure something out and meet up with her later. Am I the only one who thought for sure a big rock or piano was going to fall down on her?

Germy takes Gema to lunch to tell her he’s made plans to go away for a business weekend. She’s thrilled that she’ll be able to join him. Oops, he thought she was going to visit their son this weekend. Nopis, she can do it Monday because they need to get away together. He tries the “it’s a boy’s weekend with lots of golf, cigars, burping and farting; you’d hate it.” Nopis again, she’ll enjoy spa days and then they can hook up after his business. He suggests maybe it would be better for them to go to Miami the following weekend to visit their son together. She’s surprised, she thought he didn’t want to see their son who shunned the world of business to become a pansy-a$$ artist. Germy’s one cool-blooded snake; he says he’s changed his attitude about the kid and gives a reptilian smile as Gema sighs and accepts his proposal.

Marina asks Doc Escalante if he has any idea where Saul might have fled. “Ooh, Las Vegas,” he suggests, “ain’t no place for a poor boy like Saul.” Yep, even though the crystal city makes a wreck out of Saul she just might find him there. Only Las Vegas gives Saul the adrenaline rush he craves.

Gina and Gonzo loudly discuss what they might learn at Ines and Isidro’s while Berta joins them. She doesn’t notice what they are discussing, nor does she notice the big photo box on the table because she’s all smiles about going with Licenciado Ibarrola to close a contract muy importante. She wraps herself in the warm lie of what she wishes were true, that her “mother and father” are proud of her and that she’s got a galán who actually cares about her.

Renata joins them and Berta’s face falls as all eyes are once again on Nata. Probably because she greets Regina and Gonzo with a kiss, unlike Roberta. Gonzo tries to grab the mystery orange beverage to pour a glass for Renata and Berta manages to steal it away in the nick of time. No way is sis going to have HER juice! Gonzo tells her there is no word yet from his investigator about the airport tapes. Nata is killing herself with worry and Gina advises her to relax. Gonzo and Gina insist her health is at stake. Renata has another melt-down and, rushing from the room, leaves Gina and Gonzo concerned and Berta shifty-eyed and fidgety.

The birdies tweet cheerfully outside Cruz sin Amor but inside the mood is dark and evil as Augustin gets the latest airport update. The investigator checked the tapes and found nothing.

Over at La Bonita Ani comes clean to Laz and Carlos about his ma being dead and why he came to seek his father. Laz is still reluctant to hire him, their distrust of Augustin is just too great. Ali pleads Ani’s case, Augi never believed Anibal, never loved him and Ani has proof. He whips out the letter that Augustin wrote to his mother so many years ago asking her to abort. “Infeliz!” Laz explodes. Ali explains that Anibal came hoping his father would meet him and have a change of heart but it wasn’t so. Furthermore Augustin attacked him. Super Laz and Carlos relent and say he can stay there for the time being. Hooray! A grateful Anibal promises they won’t regret it.

Mati unhappily informs the kitchen klatch that once again she and Carlos have decided to postpone the wedding, this time until they get word of El Hermoso.

Padre Seve arrives and asks Laz and Kari if there are any updates on Jero’s disappearance? They share what they know and Padre reveals it was Saul who lied about Jero flying to the DF. “Desgraciado!”, exclaims Laz, “that imbecile deceived all of us!”

Regina and Renata (lightly skipping down the stairs in spike heels!) are leaving for Nata’s doctor appointment when Tony and Marina show up. They have no news about Jero but some new info about Saul. It’s likely he’s hightailed it to Las Vegas so maybe the investigator should give it a shot. Nata is all over that, tries to call Gonzo, and tells Tony all their technology is at his disposal to try to locate Saul.

Regina reminds Nata about her appointment and tries to bring her back to earth. Nata keeps rolling with the “gotta call dad and investigator” but Regina is firm. “Daughter, if you are healthy then everything will go easier FOR THE BABY.” She gives the I’m-the-mom-pulling-rank glare. Nata acquiesces and Tony hides a smile.

They leave but Nata will keep trying to call Dad, Antonio will use the office to investigate, and Marina will go back to Saul’s old office to snoop around.

Padre tells Laz and Kari there is another issue that worries him. He went to see Alvaro in jail who told Padre something that he needs to share with them. Alvaro thinks Zeke didn’t commit suicide, he believes Augustin is behind his death. “I knew it!” shouts Laz, “Zeke loved his life, his family and his country too much.” Kari asks what if Alvaro’s right, what can they do about it?

Over at Empresas Monterrubio Hons tells Matias and Adri he doesn’t want to tell Gonzo yet about Berta and Germy, not until they have evidence. Adri suggests they follow Roberta, get proof, and give her a taste of her own chocolate.

Fina is bored and calls Berta to whine. As Germy eavesdrops, Berta whines back that she’s got no more news from La Casa de los Monterrubios. “Mamacita, stop calling to bother me!!”  Germy slithers in and comments on her ugly tone of voice. Are things that bad at home? Berta claims she wasn’t actually talking to her mom. Germy asks well then who is mamacita? She sidetracks him by giving him a cleavage close-up and planning their escape for the weekend.

Sabina is caring for Jero, leafy poultice on his head, when the young guy (wish I knew his name) rushes in telling her she has an important phone call. Sabina tells the guy to keep holding the tossed salad on Jero’s head while she sees who’s calling.

Padre sees Anibal and asks what he is doing at La B. Ani tells him that Augustin kicked him out and Laz and Carlos are helping him. Padre advises him if the people at La Bonita are helping Ani then Ani should help them by telling them all he knows about Augustin. Maybe it will help with Jero’s disappearance. Ani is shocked, Jero is missing? Yep, Saul lied, Jero never left with Marina, and Anibal should tell them everything he knows.

Sabina’s mystery caller is Matilde. Mati tells her that they have to postpone their wedding AGAIN because the owner of the hacienda is missing. El Hermoso disappeared a week ago and everyone is terribly worried. They can’t get married until the nice Hermoso shows up.

Inside, Jero starts muttering “Renata, Renata mi amor”.  Dang, bad time for Sabina to step outside. The young man frets while Jero feverishly mumbles about Renata, she’s waiting for him at La Bonita to get married. Sabina returns and tells the guy that Jero’s reaction is a good sign and a step toward recovery. He says their mystery man called for his love Renata waiting at LA BONITA. Sabina thinks that’s good because love will give him something to fight for. Lady, start putting 2 and 2 together.

Have you noticed that almost every time we are in the La B kitchen they are cutting squash? Now it’s Kari’s turn, and while she preps the squash she tells Alfonsina about Alvaro’s suspicions, that Ezequiel’s death was very convenient for Augustin. Alvaro said that Ezequiel is the only one who knew all the dirty deeds that Augi committed. Alf is stunned and insists she’s got to investigate and get to the bottom of this, not only for herself but for the kids. Kari tells her Laz also wants to investigate but how are they going to discover the truth?

Ani shares with Ali the conversation he had with Padre S, that he should tell all he knows about his papa. He wants to but he’s scared about what Augustin would do to him. He reveals that Augi threatened him and what he would do if Ani goes against him. Augi wanted Ani dead once, why not now?

Renata and Regina get home after a successful visit to the doc. The baby is doing fine and Regina was right that Renata needs to remain calm. They pretty much have the same conversation they had earlier, about believing Jero is alive, keeping the faith, and very soon they will find him. Nata prays to the Virgincita to bring Jero back to her. We get to see a few happy flashbacks and she cries she misses him so much.

Doc Escalante opens Saul’s office so Marina can go in and investigate. She and the helpful nurse start going through his papers.

Tony has nothing new to report to Renata. Also, Gonzo calls her with the bad news that they could see nothing on the airport videos. The archives were erased. Nata can’t believe it and Gonzo admits it’s too strange. Something is very wrong and they’re going to get to the bottom of it.


Isidro tells his bank guy he needs the irrefutable proof now. Bank guy says Isidro is putting him in an awkward position because he doesn’t have the report yet, but he’ll do his best and give Isidro a call soon.

Renata makes a phone call and asks, in pretty good English, if there is a Saul Guardiola staying there. No? Thank you. She tells her baby that everything will be all right. Papa will be back soon and their awesome vineyard lives will continue. The phone rings and Renata rolls her eyes. It’s freakin' Augustin and she admits things aren’t going well. Apparently Jero did not go with Marina and he has disappeared. “How is it possible he disappeared?” asks Augi, smiling wickedly. He asks what he can do to help. Renata tells him she’s slightly busy and preoccupied, she’ll see him later, and hangs up. “Oh you’ll see me sooner,” he smirks, “like tomorrow. Because I’m going to be sniffing around every aspect of your life...mi amor.”

Jero is still moaning Renata’s name. Sabina tells him to fight for his life and she wonders who this Renata is. Our ever helpful Jero provides more clues as he mutters to Carlos and Lazaro to take care of Renata. He mutters Matilde’s name and Sabine’s all QUE??? “I said, LAZARO AND MATILDE,” he groans. Sabina’s light bulb switches on. No puede ser!

  Hippy Huladaze Everyone!!!!! 
 

Avances: Tony has shocking news for Regina. Marina has shocking news for Renata. Germy and Roberta are shocked by a camera. Gema shocks Germy with a slap in the face.

Labels: Cuando

In which all manner of hilarious shenanigans go down!

I assume. I have a plane to catch and won't be able to see the show until next week. But the rest of you discuss away, and I'm sure I'll be peeking at my phone to find out what happens.

Happy merry holidays, and a tangerine juice toast to you all!

Labels: familia

Recap by Urban Anthropologist

Most of this is recitative, as there were only a couple of duets and only one short aria.


Casa McGuire: Ivan and Lucia get some private time while Alex is in school and Tony visits Carlota. Te amo, te amo, etc.

Ag Ass Office: Camilo and Antolin talk about security for their crop (or something), segueing into talking about Antolin's impending fatherhood. Antolin is excited at the prospect and tells Camilo there will be life after Lucia; he'll find another girl.

Casa McGuire: Ivan and Lucia talk about getting their own house although it bothers her a bit to be leaving her mother after everything that's happened.

Hacienda Curiel: Tony visits Carlota. They talk about Lucrezia.

Carlota: She doesn't say it, but I know she's destroyed.
Tony: The same as you, Carlota.
Carlota: She isn't getting over the loss. You never think that the young will be first to die. When they go first it's impossible to think about how to go on.
Tony: Don't keep thinking about this, Carlota; it doesn't help anything. As they say in the theatre, “The show must go on.” Make plans for the future.
Carlota: What plans can I make at my age?
Tony: I don't know about you but I have some.
Carlota: Tell me.
Tony: I always thought I would go back to the US to take care of my businesses. But, Carlota, when I think about that I realize it would be very difficult to separate from you. Carlota, I have much affection for you.
Carlota: And I do, too, Tony.

They move in closer for the kiss and Tony hides it from the camera with his hat. WTF???

Casa McGuire: Lucia takes her leave of the other men of this household to take her mother to the doctor. Benito drives Alex to Carolina's house, then drives off to buy something Alex reminded him about. Fausto watches, then calls El Gordo on the cell phone to tell him that the coast is clear because the servant is out and the chauffeur just drove off. El Gordo is en route, carrying his clown getup. He says he'll change right away and get there pronto.

Hacienda Curiel: Lucia tells her mother about Ivan's plan to buy a house. Lucrezia takes it very well and encourages her to go ahead. She has learned her lesson although it has been an expensive one. She even gives her blessing.

Casa Carolina: El Gordo – in his absurd clown suit – picks the lock on Carolina's house, then charges in at gunpoint. “Te mueves, si te mato! Sientete!” Poor Alex will probably have a clown phobia for the rest of his life.


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

Hospital / Casa McGuire: Lucia and Ivan talk on the phone about Lucrezia's reaction. He tells Tony, who is happy for them. After everything he will finally have his FPS (Felices Para Siempre) with the woman he loves. Although it looks like Tony would like them to live with him.

Casa Carolina: El Gordo grabs Alex and takes him out of the house with the gun to his head, threatening to kill him if he makes any noise. Alex is crying. Carolina is left tied up on the floor. Benito arrives in the white sedan. As he rings the bell Carolina tries to scream despite having been gagged. She moves around on the floor and knocks some things down. Benito hears the noise, but continues to knock on the door. He finally calls Ivan and tells him to come, then continues to knock.

Car: El Gordo holds Alex, who is now covered up with the clown costume, in the back of the car as Fausto drives. (How did he get change and get the greasepaint off so quickly? Placido Domingo would like to know). He orders Fausto to stop at a gas station so he can use the pay phone to call the boy's family.

Casa Carolina: Ivan arrives and Benito explains that nobody is answering the door. Ivan tells him to call a locksmith. [cerrajero] So they do exist in Mexico after all.

Pay Phone: El Gordo calls Tony from a pay phone to tell him that he has the boy and if they call the police they will never see him again. He uses a rag to handle the phone so as not to leave fingerprints. This is the first evidence he has any brain cells.

Casa Carolina: Antolin arrives just as the locksmith does. Benito offers the locksmith money for his trouble, but he turns it down. Antolin unlocks the door and they all go in to find Carolina on the floor. They untie and ungag her. She's almost incoherent, but we know she tells them what happened. Tony calls Ivan's cell and Ivan tells him that Alex has been kidnapped. Tony says that the call he got was genuine.


Commercial Break that leads with a promo for El gran Show de los Peques.

Casa McGuire: Tony sits on the couch, in disbelief.

Casa Carolina: Antolin and Ivan decide to investigate who bought the clown suit (disfraz de payaso). Antolin calls his mother to come over to stay with Carolina so he and Ivan can go out and look for Alex. She passes the phone to Camilo.

Costume Tienda: The shopkeeper explains that there was one clown suit that was rented a few days ago and not yet returned. He tries to hide behind the customer confidentiality thing (He's been watching too many episodes of La ley y la orden,) but Ivan and Antolin aren't letting up.

Street: Ivan speculates that the name and address given to the costume shop owner were false. Antolin realizes that El Gordo is the guilty party. It's all about money. This time he's dug his own grave.

Hermosillo Hideout: Gordo and Fausto arrive to a gloating Saul. El Gordo skimasks himself before removing the cover from Alex. He orders him to be quiet, then locks him inside. The second he's alone Alex prays for his dad, Carolina, and Bruno to find him.

Casa McGuire: Antolin, Ivan, and Tony start discussing next steps. Ivan only wants to get Alex back alive and well.

Casa Carolina: Carolina is freaking about what's happened. Arcelia tries to reassure and tells Carolina they will go to her doctor tomorrow; Carolina is worried about her pregnancy. They talk about Antolin having a heart of gold. Anvil watchers are getting antsy.

Casa McGuire: Continuation, with Camilo joining them. They conclude that El Gordo was the clown, Saul is behind this, and then speculate on who else is involved. Tony doesn't think JJ is involved. They talk about how kidnappers typically allow a family to stew for a couple of days before making the ransom demand. Ivan then says that someone has to be near the phone at all times.


Commercial Break

Casa McGuire: Ivan tells Lucia about the kidnapping.

Casa Carolina: Antolin finds his mother asleep on the couch. He swears on his father's grave that the criminals will pay with their blood. Arcelia tries to get him to chill on that.

Casa McGuire: Ivan is crying as he and Lucia talk.

Ivan: What terror he must be feeling. Tantas cosas pantosas. I can't stop thinking that they're hurting him, abusing him.
Lucia: We have to believe that the only thing that interests them is money. You pay the ransom, they release him, Alex comes home safe and sound. You think it was this El Gordo?
Ivan: Yes, but I know Saul has to be behind this. You know he's perverse and he hates me.
Lucia: Yes, he attacked me, but is he so perverse as to kidnap an innocent? It's too much.
Ivan: Saul doesn't have limits. Look at what he did to you. He tried to kidnap your mother. Killed your father in the process.
Lucia: We better go to the police.
Ivan: But if we go to the police....

Casa Carolina: Antolin reassures Carolina they will find Alex.

Casa McGuire, office: Tony says the same thing about the money motive. Ivan tells him to get some sleep while he takes the vampire shift with the phone.

Hermosillo Hideout: El Gordo snores as Alex grabs a box of cereal and a can of soda to keep up his strength. I don't know how well he can see in this light but he gets up to look at his captors' faces. Smart boy!

Casa McGuire, morning: Ivan sits by the phone; Tony tells him to get some sleep. Ivan tells him he needs to call David to find out if anyone gave Saul any money. Tony has decided to call the commandante de policia for advice. Benito informs Tony that Bruno is in Alex's room with his unwashed clothes and won't come out. He knows something is up.

Hacienda Curiel, breakfast table: Lucia – who can't eat for worrying – has to tell Lucrezia and Carlota. Son impactadas.

David's Office: David tells Ivan he hasn't seen Saul in a while and has had very little to do with him since he found out what he did to Lucia. He just knows he's desperate for money and that he grabbed whatever Esther had in her purse. He doesn't think their father is helping him.

Casa Mondragon: Ivan tells JJ and asks whether he's heard from Saul.

JJ: They kidnapped your son? But how is this possible?
Ivan: That's what I've been asking myself. Who could be so cowardly they would victimize a child? I suspect it was your son, Saul. I need to know what would make him do this. Did you give him any money?
JJ: No. [???] Neither can I believe he would be so stupid as to get mixed up in a business this delicado.
Ivan: You more than anybody realizes your son is the worst. Do I have to remind you of everything he's done?
JJ: No, that's not necessary. I don't understand how I could have such a miserable son. I was an abysmal example for him but to kidnap a child... my grandson, too.
Ivan: How quickly you forget what you taught me when I was a child. It's very clear to me that Saul learned your teachings well. Con permiso, Señor Mondragon. (exits)

Hospital: Antolin, Carolina, and Arcelia walk out to the red convertible. The doctor seems to have given them good news. Antolin, you really should consider trading in that chick magnet car for something a little more appropriate for a family.

Casa Galvan: Camilo interrogates Carmen about her recent contact with El Gordo. She had seen him a few days or weeks ago. He had told her that Lucia had given herself to Saul. What did she tell him? She had told El Gordo that Carolina and Antolin were married, that Carolina can see, and that Antolin now works for Camilo. And what was wrong with that? Camilo angrily tells her that Alex has been kidnapped and if anything happens to him it will be her fault, just as the killing of Gerardo Lomieli was. Carmen starts crying. Perra, you're more afraid of Camilo than of what could happen to Alex. But then maybe you should be.

Casa McGuire, office: Tony and the Three Musketeers talk to el commandante, telling him that they won't take any chances. He advises them to stall the payment if they can. He plans to investigate El Gordo. Antolin tells him he used a clown costume, but doesn't know where he lives at the moment, as he hasn't lived in Alamos for some months. He also has a different car. Saul's name comes up and Ivan tells the others that David last saw him in Hermosillo. Bruno has one of Alex's shirts and won't give it up. As Ivan and Tony escort el commandante out, Antolin tells Camilo that El Gordo has somebody in Hermosillo and that he knows something.


Commercial Break which leads with a promo for La Rosa de Guadalupe Sounds like the Scrooge edition.

Street in Hermosillo: Camilo (nicely dressed in a dark blue shirt left open over a bare chest) chats up a female food vendor about El Gordo's relative and gets a clue to Fausto's address. He tells her he's going to offer the man a job and she tells him the man's been out of work. He buys a bite to eat from her.

Casa de Fausto: Antolin and Camilo pay a call, telling Fausto's wife that they're there to offer Fausto a job. She keeps on washing the floor, not looking up, as she tells them he already has one. They tell her that El Gordo recommended him. When they tell her they will pay him more than he's getting she tells them that's not possible. They ask for details, but she tells them she doesn't know anything. Our two studly hermanos aren't buying this enchilada.

Barn: El Gordo gorges himself as the three idiots play cards. Fausto's wife calls him to tell him about Antolin and Camilo. She describes them and when Fausto repeats the description Saul ID's them. They realize that the Galvans are on their trail. El Gordo throws down his cards and tells the others he's going in to Hermosillo to use the pay phone, then orders Fausto to turn off his cell. They can be tracked through it. [rastrear] The three look like they're going to fight among themselves before this is over. True to form.

Hacienda Curiel:

Carlota: Have they called to talk to you?
Tony: No. The commandante said it always takes a while.
Carlota: Why?
Tony: To make us nervous. We haven't done anything except tell Commandante Aguilar that we're handling it in a private manner. We are desolate, Carlota.
Carlota: We also share your pain. How could anyone do this to a child? Nobody does things like this; it's inhuman.
Tony: Ivan is desperate.
Carlota: You'll see; Ivan will recover Alex safe and sound. He will win in the end because his fatherly love is huge.
Tony: I hope to God it goes well.
Carlota: You have to have faith. It will move mountains. The only thing we have when everything looked bad is [hope?] and nobody can take that from us. Nobody.

Tony still looks worried as the music swells.

Outdoor Cafê: Antolin and Camilo talk as they finish catching a breath, a bite, and a brew. They know that Saul was last seen in Hermosillo. Antolin is convinced that Fausto's wife knows something. They discuss whether Alex is being held in Hermosillo or whether the criminals are onto them and moved him back to Alamos. They finally decide to find a photo of Saul to give to Commandante Aguilar. Possibly one from the society page of the paper, por dios.

Casa McGuire: Ivan is crying from anxiety and frustration about Alex.

Lucia: My mother and I just got back from the cemetery. Is there any news? Did they call?
Ivan: No. All this time I spent searching for my son, fighting for him, and now I have to wait here for these wretches to call.
Lucia: Ivan, you can't lose hope. If they're interested in money they will return him.
Ivan: It's been 24 hours.
Lucia: That's not a lot of time. They are allowing time to make us anxious, nervous.
Ivan: Alex must be in hell. Alone, surely locked up. And I don't want to think of anything else.
Lucia: Ivan you have to keep it together [mantenerte entero] The only thing that's important is Alex gets home safe and sound.

The desk phone rings. Suspense music begins. Ivan answers.

Ivan: Talk.
El Gordo: Who's this?
Ivan: Whom do you want?
El Gordo: One of the McGuires.
Ivan: Ivan McGuire speaking.
El Gordo: Look, imbecile, we want six million dollars for the boy. You get that? And if you don't pay us the money I have a gringo willing to pay that. He says Alex is pretty, like a little girl.
Ivan: To get that kind of money isn't easy. Particularly into Mexico. I will need at least four days.
El Gordo: You have three.
Ivan: Where do I contact you?
El Gordo: I will contact you. No police!
Ivan: How is my son? I want to talk to him!

El Gordo hangs up and Ivan gets dead air. [Ridi, Pagliaccio, sul tuo crimine infranto!
Ridi del avidità, che t'avvelena il cor! ]

Lucia: What happened?

They're now in the next room with the others.

Ivan: They are demanding six million dollars.
Tony: Six million?
Ivan: We don't have that much cash on hand.
Tony: We'll have to raise it somehow. Sell shares, get a loan, call in debts. Don't worry.
Ivan: We only have three days.
Tony: We have no time to lose. I'll need to talk to Aguilar about getting the money into Mexico.
Ivan: I'm very afraid.
Tony: Of what?
Ivan: That they might do something to my son. The guy who called said he had a gringo interested in Alex. That he pleases him. (Lucrezia looks afraid)
Tony: Those are lies!
Ivan: And what if they're not? What if it's true?

El Gordo, en pocas horas, seria muerto.


Avances:

Nothing specific to tonight's episode, but there will be a shoot-out. I can't believe there are only four hours till the end.


Vocabulary:

cerrajero locksmith
disfraz de payaso clown suit
enseñanzas teachings
payaso clown
rastrear to track

Just a heads-up to the group: Since Monday will have a two-hour episode with a 7PM special and a possible cast reunion show on Don Franciso Presenta, the finale episode gets recap priority.

Labels: Fuerza

RECAP BY MARTA IVETT

Happy holidays everyone!

Get ready for a thriller roller coaster ride of an episode... Lots or running around at multiple locations...

Reviews:
Connie tells Nata that Fina and Blanca were behind the whole baby scam to hurt her and Regina. Nata is in disbelief, they were at the jail nuthouse. Connie says they did.

Berta calls Fina and tells her Nata is pregnant and that Nata and Jero did not get married and it was not either of them who ‘caused’ it. (German heard her conversation)

Antonio arrives at MR manor and lets Nata and Regina know that he found Marina and that Jero did not come to MC with her. That Saul lied to them.

Tonight’s ep:
We see a strange woman in a shack with a chalis releasing smoke and she is waving it over someone who might be dead or half dead…

Nata walks away then turns around thanking God and very happy tears saying Jero did not abandon her after all. Gina says I knew it!! Connie also says she had her doubts. Nata agrees with them. Antonio, the voice of reason, brings them back to earth… If he is not at Valle de Guada or in MC, and has not contacted anyone, chances are something bad happened to him.

Dona Sabina, the strange woman, sends a young man for more herbs. She won’t give up to try to help the guy laying down as long as his heart keeps beating.
Now we see how she witnessed Augie’s men kick Jero and roll him down a hill… they left assuming he would die very shortly afterwards since they gave him a good beating.
She found Jero, noticed he was still alive and somehow dragged him on her carreta and brought him home. If God had put him in her path, she had to try and save him.
We finally get to see Jero, with weird marks on his face as if someone put his face in a 350 degree oven for an hour.

Charlie and Mati… they agree on getting married on Sunday, even if Carlos is not thrilled about not waiting or Jero. Prissy is looking at them from behind a tree.

At MR offices, Matias, Adri and Hono are discussing that German and Roberta are lovers. Hono was reluctant to admit it but then tells them that German also tried to abuse Beth. Matt and Adri drop their jaw at unison. Matt says Gonzo should know this and together they should make a decision about German. Hono and Adri are irritated about German abusing his power and role with women who are disadvantaged.

Anibal asks Carlos and Lazaro for a job and to be able to stay at LaBonita. Tells them that Augie kicked him out since now Nata is not there to ask that Augie host him. Lazaro is visibly mad…

At MR manor, Nata calls the hacienda and asks if they know about Jero. No. Then let me talk to Carlos like YESTERDAY!!

Back outside, Lazaro is not quite buying the story by Anibal. Tells Carlos this could be a trap by Augie. Allison backs Anibal up. Carlos is not willing to hire anyone without Jero’s approval. Allison tells them Anibal has nowhere else to go. What about his mom?...

Herminia interrupts to summon Carlos inside to Renata’s call.

Allison tells Anibal that if he tells them the truth about his mom’s death, they will hire him.

Melesio gets with a worker at LaBonita who tells him about Prissy being an enologa who is helping Carlos fix up the mixes for the LaBonita wine.

At MR Manor, Connie can’t believe that so many days have passed and noone has said anything about Jero. Nata gets Carlos on phone and tells him that Jero did not leave with Marina, Nata sends him to the police station to report Jero’s missing. As he and Lazaro run out, Mati is ready to celebrate that her ‘hermoso’ did not abandon his wife with Marina. Manuela is not so happy, she is worried that if he did not leave with Marina, he could be worse, he could even be dead.

Marina called Padre Seve… Padre tells her about what Saul went to see Nata to tell her that Jero had abandoned her for you (Marina). He tells her Nata is pregnant. He regrets telling her… Marina wonders how did Saul know that Jero was not with Nata… Padre wants her to return but she says she has to stay in MC to try and locate Saul to ask him to explain what he did.

Augie at his laptop saying ‘you always saw as a lesser enemy, Linares, you never realized my power…’… Augie remembers his planning with Saul that Saul would enter the plane with Jero’s ticket, get to MC with Marina and return immediately to go see Nata and tell her that his woman left with her husband… and remembers ordering for Jero to be killed/beat up. ‘you are a genius, Augie… and Nata will soon be mine… JAJAJAJA’

Melesio goes to see Priscilla and says he is representing potential buyers of wine who are interested in the product of the Valle de Guadalupe. He wants to know when the wine will be ready.

Mati and Manuela tell Kari about the news about Jero. She can only wonder how Nata must be feeling. Manuela notices Kari has the baby… gets mad at Allison for delegating her responsibility to others. Kari defends Allison for being ‘in love’.

Outside Anibal and Allison are walking. They thank each other for inspiring them to be better. Kiss.

Regina tells Nata that she just called Gonzo. He had hired a PI to find Jero to get him to show face. They convince Nata that he meant well with hiring the PI. Nata suddenly feels like going out. She asks Antonio to go with her. Gina and Connie are not so thrilled that she wants to go out at this moment. Gina asks Antonio to stop her from doing anything crazy.

Dona Sabina continues to care for the stranger… she tells the young man that if the people who did this to him find out he is still alive, they will try to finish him off, and maybe even get to her too. The young guy asks if she is not afraid he will do anything to her, she says he can’t even move. Lets wait until he wakes up and then God will tell.

Gonzo is terrified at all the news about Jero… Adri offers to go with him to accompany Nata. They all agree that Nata needs all their support right now. Gonzo and Adri leave. Mat admits he had questioned Jero. Hono says he did too, but at same time it was odd to him that Jero had done that to Nata. Jero had shown his nobility and generosity lately. Hono wonders if Jero’s dissappearance too has been planned by Fina… Hono says if Jero has not been reported as having had an accident, someone must be behind his dissappearance.

Nata had gone to visit Marina to ask when and where was last time she saw Jero. At Ensenada a couple days before she left, (so it is clear they did not see each other the day she flew to MC). Marina tells her what she and Jero talked about. She would love to be able to tell her that Jero hessitated, but he never put Marina and the babies above Nata. Nata thanks her for saying it. Marina says truth is best, no matter how painful. Marina tells Nata she has to take care of herself, her pregnancy. Nata asks who told her. Her uncle. Nata thanks her for her understanding and solidarity. Marina promises she will find Saul, anywhere he went. He is a key piece of this puzzle. Nata offers to let her know of anything she finds out too.

Back at LaB, Anibal asks Allison to help him decide to leave or to stay… They wonder where Carlos and Lazaro left to in such a hurry. Hopefully they will let him stay. Allison is counting on Lazaro letting him stay, because he would know Allison would suffer if he left.

Priscilla looks for Carlos and runs into Mati. Mati is rude with her, Prissy is trying to force Mati to tell her where Carlos went, but Mati refuses to tell her where he is, and tells her that Prissy might know more about their job as ‘enologos’ but she knows his heart better. Prissy gets anxious, Mati insists on saying ‘I don’t believe that MY Carlos will have time for you… so move it’…

The PI visits MR manor and tells them what he has done already about finding Jero. Now that he knows that Jero is not at MC he will direct his investigation to Ensenada and the airport, he will request the video tapes… maybe they can identify who boarded the plane in his name. Nata wants to go with him and gets into a loud argument with Gonzo, who would rather have her stay and rest. Antonio offers to go with the PI to identify anyone. The PI says that won’t be necessary and for their own security, he would rather go alone. Also, it is better for fewer people to find out Jero is missing and not gone. Everyone should still think that they believe Jero left her and is in MC with Marina. THE PI will visit Marina to see if she can give him a photo of Saul.

At MR offices, Hono calls the client that German is supposed to get a signed contract from. Hono finds where this signing will take place. The client, Jorena, already signed the contract but German asked to borrow his vacation house to be there with Berta. Hono summons Beth to find out the address of Jorena’s vacation home… Hono asks Beth who German went to sign the contract with when he went to see Jorena. She says he left with Berta, and furthermore, she caught German and Berta kissing in his office.
Hono is just a bit surprised, Matt is visibly angry.

Gonzo encourages Nata at MR Manor that they will find Jero… Berta arrives home. She asks why the family reunion with funeral faces. They tell her about Jero missing instead of gone with Marina. They are sure something bad happened to him. Tell her about the PI Gonzo hired. Berta asks what if Jero is hiding with ‘la doctora’. Nata goes irrate… Berta insists what if he is lying? Nata yells some more and says not all of us practice the same sport! (LOL!) you have issues. You are nuts… Adri and Connie pinch-hit in favor of Nata. Only to get yelled at by Berta that they should not butt in, they are not even family! Adri and Connie leave. Berta blames Nata for causing that. Nata yells ‘NO ITS YOUR FAULT!’… Nata leaves very upset. Gonzo yells at Berta to understand Nata. Berta yells whinning that they always defend Nata… Gonzo and Gina are left alone in living room speechless… (wow! What a family!)
Berta does not loose a breath to call Augie to let him know that everyone is sure that Jero dissappeared. She asks him what he did with Jero. Augie assures her noone will find Jero or be able to link him to Jero’s dissappearance. Berta takes a picture of her and Nata, tells it ‘don’t know why Augie did not take you instead of Jero. Only until you dissappear I will be in peace’..
Augie calls him and orders them to destroy or dissappear the videos from the airport from the day that Marina left… he will compensate them with $$$$..

Previews:
Augie counts on not being linked to Jero’s dissappearance…
But he is wrong… ‘Renata my love’ … Jero is giving signals of life…
Padre Seve assures someone (Lazaro and Kari?) that Augie is behind all this. Nata also receives some news over phone.

-Marta Ivett

Labels: Cuando

Sandra and Candy demand to know what the hidden message from Yuriko meant! "Sarudos!" uh, Saludos. That signified "the coast is clear, the husband is gone."

Ana supports her dad: the heart rules. Pepe: still sulking about losing his car. Jessenia: lies to Ana, saying Chela is with her "galan." Actually Chela's walking in the dark and crying.

Pancho scoops Rebe by the waist and asks, "What will we do with these sentiments we have for each other?" She turns away and says their kiss was an error. "I'm not ready for this relationship."

Vince is afraid of Yuri but tells himself "you can do it!" He knocks on her hotel room door and hopes she isn't there; as he starts slinking away, the door opens - and there's Candy, looking spectacular! "Yuriko is gone - I told her, 'if your husband DOESN'T sign the contract, I'll tell him everything!' And I told her you aren't Pancho." Vince smiles a sickly smile and invites her to have a drink. They kiss instead, until...

... Candy's cellphone wakes them from their lust - it's Pina. Candy wails: "and I'm kissing her husband! When I'm with you I forget everything - including that you have a spouse!" Pina says "I need you Candy, more than ever." It sure broke the mood. Candy: "I feel guilty because your wife is my friend and you're the worst enemy of my brother." "I'm burning for you." "Is sex all you think about?" "Yes," nodding and nodding. Then Vince senses that was the wrong answer and says "No." He coos until she calms down; they coo together. Finally, she asks him for a ride - since they're both going to his house.

Monica moons about Pepe and greets her dad sadly. He says, confide in me, trust me! She tells him "Pepe lost his car in the race." He's happy! She is sad that Freddy is humiliating Pepe. Enzo starts complimenting Freddy again, but Monica wants to talk about Pepe: "I promised to stay away with him but I won't promise not to love him." "You aren't in love with him, it's a caprice." "No, I've never been so in love." "You like him because he's different. I know best." "No, I'm in love."

Whining again, Rebe points out: all the kids prefer Chela after eight years with her. Pancho interrupts: "and that's the reason I can't love her, I love you. You're just looking for excuses - now you use my family against me?" "Chela and Candy hate me." He says he doesn't care about that. Rebe: "Let's quit this before we begin." He leaves, bitterly disappointed. She drops a tear or two.

Alex tries to convince Freddy to give back the car. "No, I need it! It's the best machine I've ever seen. I have to admit he's a great mechanic. I have to find out his secrets."

Pancho tells Ana things are going badly with Rebeca. Unempathetically she says that makes her happy.

Vince and Candy roll into his driveway - she goes in, leaving him behind ("We can't arrive together"). Turns out Pina is asleep, dreaming about Tom the plumber washing the car without his shirt on while she "helps." Candy wakes her and asks, "Who were you dreaming about?"

Avoiding that question, Pina moans, "I don't want to share my program with you. And things are getting worse and worse with Vince. Right now I'm sure he's in bed with Yuri." "No, Pina, he is NOT in bed with Yuri." "How do you know that?" "OK, I'll tell you the truth!"

But Vince arrives. Pina: "Candy just assured me you weren't in bed with Yuri." "It was Pancho that told me," Candy improvises. "Then who WERE you with, my love?" "We will not have a marital conversation in front of others." Candy bolts, shocked that she was on the point of telling Pina "Vince drives me crazy with lust."

Pancho can't believe Chela would lie about having a boyfriend. He confronts her, saying "You abandoned your family." She cries some more.

Ana scolds Candy for her thing with Vince and is disgusted by his twee remark about "revealing our souls to each other." A huge batch of flowers arrive from Vicente.

"Our love is advancing on a spiritual level," Vince tells a disbelieving Enzo. "It's ethereal!"

Pancho wants to try out a theory on Rebe - "close your eyes" he begs, then gets nose to nose and then lips to lips and despite everything she's said, the second kiss is upon us. No better than the first, sadly.

Labels: familia