Caray, Caray!

Part One: The Bachelorette, Toluca Edition

Scenes consolidated for narrative convenience.

Ana awaits the two finalists in this year's tiresome edition of "The Bachelorette: Toluca." Lupita, our host, explains that she told each of the guys to give it their best shot because it never, ever occurs to anyone on these shows to say "Hey, this is making me miserable, I think rather than honor some arbitrary and imaginary deadline I just won't pick anyone for now."

Fred and Adrián have a calm conversation outside with no punching. No new information. They agree to let Ana decide.

Fred will go first. Chucha excitedly announces his arrival. (Ana fusses over her appearance, which strikes me funny. I think she should frump herself up as much as possible and see how they react. Fred already loved her when she was still in dungarees. Adrián didn't meet her till later. But anyway.) Fred accepts her reason for deceiving him to get her dad out of jail. He reviews all the ways in which he's changed. He loves her and he's ready to be with her for the rest of his life and have a family with her. He leaves the house looking uncertain, and with no rose. Next!

Adrián opens with "How'd it go with Fred?" BZZZZZT FAIL!! Ana asks if that's what he wants to talk about. No, he wants to talk about how great she is and how much better his life is with her in it. He loves her and he's ready to be with her for the rest of his life and have kids with her. He leaves the house looking pleased with himself, but with no rose.

Ana agonizes over her choice with Lupita. Yawn. Lupita is the most incredible trouper. I would have told Ana to find a new rehash buddy a long time ago.

Vice is feeling sorry for himself. Enzo wants him to get his head out of the oven. He tries to get Vice to stop drinking. Vice is stubborn. He blurts that Violeta is a killer. Then he backpedals and says no, she didn't kill, it's just that she's crazy and she could kill. Enzo wants to know WHO could she kill? "That's not the problem," Vice protests, and changes the subject. The problem is that he's alone and his life is a disaster. Enzo tells him he's not alone; Vice kicks him out and continues drinking.

Enzo goes home to Chela. She doesn't want to hear about Vice. She worries about his health. He nicely asks her to stop acting like she's his mom.

Enzo meets with Fred to tell him about his talk with Vice, killer comments and all. Vice said Fred was the only light in his life; maybe Fred can help.

So Fred goes to Vice and says he's worried and that Vice shouldn't drink so much. Vice says he's fine and Violeta isn't a killer, she's just loca. He tells Fred he's divorcing Candy because of Violeta. He can't ever seem to have just one woman in his life. He needs the adrenaline of a fling. Honestly, he loved Candy, but he's never loved anyone as much as he loved Pina. And why'd he leave her? Because he's an imbécil. Fred asks if he wants Pina back.

Pina is whisked away by Sebastián on a magical mystery tour to the countryside. He asks if she's afraid of heights. She's getting antsy about all the secrecy.

There's a hot air balloon that says "PINA TE AMO" on the side. Hmmm, whatever could be happening? She's nervous about going up, but the scenery is beautiful. Seb has thought of everything: music, champagne, and a nice sparkly ring. Yes, this is what he's been hiding from her. CAREFUL DON'T DROP THE RING!! She's amused that everyone else was in on the secret. YES to Sebastián's proposal, and let's get down from here NOW!!

As they're arriving home, she tells him the whole scheme was way more than necessary. Ado asks some coy questions. Pina pretends to be angry with her for keeping the secret. Finally she reveals that she did say yes to the proposal. Ado hits her head on a lamp and passes out. Seb revives her. She hugs both of them. (Maybe she enjoys Sebastián's embrace a little too much.)

Mónica and Pepe look at a new apartment. He agrees to hire a "girl" so they won't have the trouble they did last time. (Wait, wasn't he just fired? How can he afford a nice apartment AND a maid?) But he wants a dog.

Pancho and Rebeca have arrived in New York. Pancho is overwhelmed... and cold.

It turns out they're not at Avon World HQ, which is in Manhattan. They're at Avon Global Research & Development, in Suffern, NY. Nervous Pancho makes random comments in English to their guide, Sofía, who clearly isn't used to such goofiness. The executives at the meeting are a bit confused by him too, but try to be charmed. Then this Wilson guy shows up to start the meeting. Rebeca helps Pancho with his manners. I don't think Pancho likes the looks of this Wilson fellow, who apparently doesn't speak Spanish. Wilson presents them with their Flame award of excellence for Avon Mexico. Funny, it looks like a plaque to me. When he gathers Pancho into a congratulatory embrace, Pancho hisses to him in Spanish that Rebeca is HIS hot wife.

They tour a factory and Pancho wants to get frisky with Rebeca right there. Then the two take in the sights of New York; but really, all they see is each other.

Candy tells the Mother Superior that she's given it a lot of thought and she really wants to be a nun. Mother S tells her you don't join (or wear) an outfit like the clergy just to hide from your worldly problems. You need to have the calling. It's a long process. You have to give up worldly goods. "Where do I sign?" Candy replies.

Tomás and his partner are at the bar where young hacker Don David was last seen. (So Tom is now a homicide detective in addition to SWAT? Or did he transfer?) The bartender knew the kid and is shocked to hear that he was killed. Yes, he remembers the woman he left with. She had everyone's attention as soon as she came into the room. (Not only is she hard to miss on account of being so tall, but she was wearing a bright pink dress besides. Does she think her magic earrings make her invisible?) She went right up to the kid and they left soon afterwards. The bartender agrees to go to the police station as soon as he gets off work.

Next day.

Ana wakes Lupita. (Ana didn't sleep all night, so why should anyone else get their rest either?) She's decided. Whoopiee. Ana calls Pancho and Rebe (who are enjoying a hansom cab ride in Central Park) to tell them her choice. We don't get to hear who it is. Pancho and Rebe are coming home tonight.

Adrián tells himself that he'll be the lucky guy. (He's wearing a suit just to stand around in his hotel room.) He calls his daughters and tells them he's still waiting but he's the happiest guy in the world.

Pina tells Fred (who told himself in the hallway that he'll be the lucky guy) that she's marrying Sebastián before he has a chance to hint around about Vice wanting her back. He tells her that Vice is a mess, he's divorcing Candy, and there are things that he's hiding from Fred. Pina doesn't want Vice dragging Fred down. Fred finds it hard to believe he's the child of a broken home. When he gets married, he'll fight to make sure it's for life. (Maybe he shouldn't marry a flake, then.) Pina is proud of him. Fred promises he won't get in the way of her marrying Sebastián.

Pancho and Rebeca talk about the twins' baptism. To avoid fighting over it, he'll pick Julio's and she'll pick Ana-G's. They pause to admire the Statue of Liberty, then go back to smooching.

The bartender works with the sketch artist to come up with drawing that is so vague, it could be Mónica or any other person with a chin-length bob as well as Violeta. But I guess the fact that the bartender already said she's six feet tall ought to narrow it down a bit too.


Part Two: Magical Mystery Wedding

Considerably less consolidated due to faster action!

Vice receives a visit from Violeta in his office. "I'm doing okay, considering I'm in a relationship with a murderer!" Violeta complains that Pepe's still nosing around her daughter. Moni deserves better. Violeta will have to intervene!

Ana calls Fred. "Let's meet." She doesn't want to do this over the phone. Pancho and Rebeca come back from New York and go straight to the nursery. Ana stays behind to call Adrián.

Pancho shows off his Flame which still looks like a plaque to me. Temo asks, "What did you bring me?" He's old enough to have better manners. Pancho pretends he didn't bring anything, but no, he brought lots of stuff. Ha ha ha. Ana returns from her phone calls and assures Pancho she's sure of her decision. He's sad she'll leave him, but gives his blessing.

Pepe and Moni have been summoned downstairs to see Vice. In short:

Vice: Violeta is dangerous.
Moni: Naw, she's just sick.
Vice: Pepe is in danger.
Moni: You're exaggerating.
Vice: He could die.
Moni: Are you sure?
Vice: I've done my duty. Do what you like. I just don't want any more deaths.
Moni: Wut? That's crazy!
Vice: I can't say any more. Don't take any wooden nickels, kids!

Pepe and Moni tell Pancho and Rebeca. Nobody is 100% sure that Vice is wrong about Violeta. Moni considers calling her mother, but is dissuaded. But Violeta wouldn't hurt her too... or would she?

Vice goes to Enzo and Chela's. Chela was just telling Enzo this pregnancy hasn't been so bad. Less nausea. Vice's arrival kinda spoils her good mood. She reads him the riot act for putting Pancho in jail and kicks him out. Enzo agrees to take Vice outside. Chela tells Concepción not to let him in ever again.

Vice, increasingly unhinged, babbles. Terror and alcohol have rendered him somewhat incoherent. He can't turn Violeta in. He won't explain why, but says he's "involved" regardless. She "knows things." Enzo tries to understand. Vice freaks out and wants to leave.

Next day.

Candy is all nunned up. Mother Superior is surprised she hasn't yet told her family of her plan to join the clergy. They're going to find out sooner or later and she won't be able to get out much.

Ana and Lupita plan the wedding and visit the church. They wonder where Candy is. She's supposed to be Ana's maid of honor and such.

Vice goes to Pina's office and invites her to dinner. He wants to talk. Not about work, but about "us." Pina takes great pains to assure him that they are DONE and there is no "us." She's moved on. Vice whines about Sebastián. Pina says, in short, "Fred told me you were a wreck, but ye gods!" "You're all I have left in my life," Vice pleads. Pina shows off her ring to drive the point home. She says, in far more words, "you suck, please go away." He gets handsy with her.

Pancho shows up just in time and tells Vice to pick on someone his own size. He reminds Vice that he hasn't forgotten his week in the joint, then kicks him out.

Pina explains that Vice is upset she's getting married; he had told her she's the most important thing in his life. Suddenly, they both realize that Sebastián is probably in trouble.

Oh yes he is. Pina calls Security. (Just think, Tom could have had a slightly interesting day at Avon.) Vice is shaking Sebastián. S is brave, but Vice is loco. Pancho comes in and tells Vice he's lost Pina forever. He won't calm down.

Security arrives. Pancho tells them not to be rough with this executive. Vice makes defiant noises and gestures, but lets them escort him out. Pancho comments that he doesn't smell the sulfur.

WEDDING DAY!

How many weddings is this, now?

Ana shows off her wedding gown to Pancho and the Rebecas. (Doña Rebe says she looks so great she'll give the groom a heart attack; no one even blinks at this, but I'm glad Lupita didn't hear it.) Pancho gets teary-eyed. Ana hints that she's pregnant. Ha ha! Just kidding! Man, that joke never gets old! He tears up some more, offers his own blessing and that of her mother and grandmother, and calls up the family to go the church.

Adrián is putting on formal wedding attire. Fred is still in his robe and his combing his hair slowly and deliberately. Neither looks very happy. Nervous? Angry? Sad?

Pancho and Ana are at the church. Where's La Burra? And where's Ana's HEMLINE?? Doesn't this church have a dress code? Like, requiring the bride to wear something? Anyway, Pancho is remembering the day Lupita got married, and he wanted to run far away with her and leave everyone behind. He feels the same way now. (Again, I can't believe he's talking about Lupita's wedding. That's the last thing Ana needs to have on her mind.) They cry. He tells her it's the happiest day of her life. The bells are ringing. Time to go in!

Everyone is watches as Pancho leads Ana to the altar and hands her off to the groom. (Candy is there in an orange dress with a moderate cleavage display and less jewelry than usual.)

At first, all we see of the groom is his hand, then Ana's smiling face. Finally we pan back to his face, and it's Freddy. Phew!

Then Adrián comes in and stands there, halfway down the aisle, for a long time. Then he takes a seat, followed by his daughters. Fred turns around a moment later, wondering where his father is.

Except for the long, boring flashbacks to Ana's breakup with Adrián, this ceremony goes off without a hitch (besides the marital hitching, of course).

So, about the flashback to the breakup. She tells him he's a great guy, but. That's enough for Adrián. He doesn't want to hear any more, but she insists. She acknowledges that he's never let her down and this is really going to hurt; but she's marrying Freddie. He wants to know why. Basically, it's that Fred got to her first and he's the love of her life. He was a jackass for a while, but it turned out okay.

All Adrián wants to know is if it's because of his daughters. She says no. It's just that the heart doesn't take orders. They're going in different directions and she doesn't want to make a decision she'll regret later. He weeps manfully and wishes Ana and Fred well.

So, back to the ceremony. I think the priest had better hurry up because they're already rubbing noses and I don't how much longer they can wait for the kiss. Here it comes: They kiss. Nobody has a sudden attack of rigor mortis.

Speaking of which, Vice is at home with Violeta. He finishes his drink while she fixes his tie. Today's earrings remind me of Eeyore's tail. She drags him out of the room. Vice flings his whiskey glass over his shoulder and it shatters on the floor. We get a close-up of the broken glass. (Good thinking, Vice! Make it look like you put up a struggle!)

Outside the church, Pina and Pancho greet one another as co-in-laws. The newlyweds emerge to great applause. Doc Oc offers his lucid congratulations and advises them never to let any third parties break them up. Fred sadly observes that his father never showed up.

I don't know this band that's playing at the reception, but they're good. I like the accordion. Could do without all the bubbles, though - reminds me of the Lawrence Welk show.

Ana does a song. She's now wearing a puffy thing along the bottom of her dress, I guess so she doesn't flash everyone when she goes up on the stage. She sings that song she always does. A new song would have been nice for this occasion, but I guess she didn't have time to write one!

Violeta and Vice show up just after Ana finishes her song. Vice has already obtained a new drink. Violeta is complaining that only a Lopez would have the poor taste to hold a wedding reception at a disco. Pancho notices the smell of sulfur. Candy sees Vice and becomes agitated. Pancho and Rebe try to keep her from making a scene.

Vice makes a lame excuse to Fred for missing the ceremony. He feels God has forgotten him anyway.

Moni and Pepe notice Violeta. Pina asks Sebastián not to let Vice provoke him.

Violeta congratulates Fred and tells him that that soon she'll be related to him, too. She'll be like hismother.

Tom comes back from a phone call somewhere and stares bug-eyed at Violeta. "Who is that?" he asks, recalling the incredible likeness produced by the police sketch artist. Moni identifies her as her mother - Vicente's lover.

Next time:
Wild guess: Violeta acts like a jerk.

Labels: familia

Hello from scenic Clinton, NY where I am attending my nephew's graduation from Hamilton College. Over to you.

Labels: relaciones, telemundo, valiente

Casa de Kenia

Kenia pleads with Gael to forgive her.  She grabs his hand as he turns to leave and pulls him back. I’m your sister!  I’m your sister! I lied because of Ingrid! Gael looks both hurt and confused. She made me promised not to reveal myself so that she can watch your movements.  He asks why. She doesn’t regret abandoning you.  She wants to take advantage of you!  That story makes no sense.  I’m just a poor devil. How can she take advantage of someone with nothing?  She tells him that he has her.  She repeats that she’s his sister and touches his face.  Quien es mi sperm donor?  Who is my father?  Do you know who my father is?  Tell me!  She says she doesn’t know his name.  Your father is Forest Lawn fertilizer, like mine!  Forget about me Kenia.  I’m getting the hell out of this town.  Gael storms out!  She runs after him!  As she hurries past her furniture, I find myself coveting her apartment.  IKEA?  Pier One?  Back to the story!  She’s begging him to listen to her!   Gael ignores his distraught sister, unties his horse and rides off into the night.  Kenia, while screaming after Gael, does not notice that Gabby has been observing this tragic scene from a distance.  He slowly saunters up the street.  I found you, he says to himself.  She runs back into the house and slams the door!   Looks like it’s gonna be a romantic night for Gabby, he’s carrying wine and a rolled up take-out bag under his armpit.

Snack Cart

Casa de Arango-Dinner Table

Casa de Arango-Home Office

Paolo asks Carmina if she got his letter.  Yeppers, she says, but if anyone asks, you wrote it to Elisa, OK?  Yes, but why Elisa?  If you don’t say the letter was meant for Elisa, you’ll lose me.  She says that she will explain later and hangs up.  He does not see Alfonsina waiting at the door.  Alfonsina enters the room and wants to know who was on the phone.  He says it was Sabrina.  Estas seguro?  Of course I’m sure.  He dashes out of the room. 

Casa de Don Lucio

Casa de Mickey and Mallory

Standing at the dinner table, Ingrid is lighting candles in preparation for her romantic dinner with Gabby.  She’s wearing the lovely necklace Gabby gave her.  Gabby strolls in, carrying a completely different take-out bag, and kicks the door closed.  He tells Ingrid that he just saw her daughter, the thief.  She’s still in La Ermita.  Ingrid looks pleased (there will definitely be no big blue NERF balls for him tonight). 

Casa de Arango-Foyer

Casa de Castanon-Foyer

Carmina is nonchalantly sitting on a couch, rubbing her feet in the foyer, when Agosto returns.  She asks where he’s been.  Searching for Elisa.  He tells her that he went to Don Lucio’s house.  Carmina tells him that Elisa came home with Lolita a while ago.  He starts to go find her.  Carmina tells him to find out who wrote the letter first.  For one millisecond, a suspicious look flashes across his face.  But, alas, it was only fleeting.  Carmina says that if he goes to her now, Elisa will only lie about it.  They’ll wait until the morning to investigate this. He agrees.  

Iglesia

Unknown Area

Casa de Arango

Dr. Whipped’s Clinic

Paloma is bummed.  Elated, Elisa floats in and kisses her.  “What’s wrong?”  Elisa sees fallen Paloma’s countenance.  My grandma knows about the kissident in Gael’s bedroom.  She smacked the hell out of me and told me that I was a disappointment.  Basically, Elisa says Ramona had a right to be mad.  Yeah, but she didn’t have to hit me.  She’s never hit me before. Elisa tries to cheer her up. She sits on Paloma’s desk.  I have great news!  Dam Fine and I are so totally dating now!  At first, I must say, it so was hard for me to choose between Gael, (the total love of your FREAKING LIFE), and Damien.  Buutttttttt!  Dam Fine is hot and he’s so stinking rich; I chose him”   Tears slide down Paloma’s face.  People in love make her sick too.  Elisa tells her that one day she’ll find love too.  Stuff like that doesn’t happen to me, says Paloma.  It never will because Gael is the stupidest man in the world.  Side note:  if I am ever at the point where I am about to slit my wrists.  Please….for the love of all that is good…don’t send sad or happy Elisa over to cheer me up. 

Casa de Arango

Iglesia

Green Castanon Fields

Casa de Mickey and Mallory

Ingrid is sitting at the table, wearing a chaste pink Alice the waitress uniform, when Gaby shoves frightened Kenia through the door.  Hola Kenia, says her mother.  Did you think you could trick me? 

Procesadora-Damien’s Office

Casa de Costanon-Living Room

Back to the Casa de Costanon-Living Room

Casa de Arango-Front Yard

Casa de Mickey and Mallory

Dead Weeds of Elisa Castanon

Thank goodness!  Someone finally sent an official memo to the extras and explained that spreading out across the field will be more realistic.  Paragraph one:  forty people cannot pick one weed.  Paragraph two:  wear some jeans and t-shirts.  No one will believe that field hands dress in their white Sunday best.   Gael arrives on horseback.  He lacks side burns and that disturbs me.  He has come to tell Lucio that he’s leaving.  He gives Don Lucio the green house estimates, but feels it’s a waste now that Damien involved.  Lucio says that it’s a shame that he’s leaving since the whole thing was his idea.  Don Lucio wants to know why he’s doesn’t give the papers to Elisa.  Cuz Elisa’s in love with Damien and she doesn’t love me.  He gets on his horse and leaves.  Side note:  Everyone involved with the project appears to be working in Elisa’s fields except Scarlett (I mean Elisa) who, only last week, vowed to clear the fields by hand.  “As God is my witness!” she declared to the sky as she tore at the weeds with her bare hands.  That was last week.  How quickly she forgot now that she has that sweet contract.  Oh Well fiddle dee dee!

Casa de Castanon-Foyer

Casa de Castanon-Home Office

Casa de Mickey and Mallory

Casa de Kravitz-Whipped (less Dr. Whipped)

Mrs. Kravitz (Begonia) is sitting on the couch talking on the phone in the living room when Enrique comes home.  She’s telling someone named Rosita that her husband was messing with the fortune teller’s granddaughter.  He deliberately slams the door in order to get her attention.  She quickly ends the call.  You’re putting our family business out on the block, ma?  She says that she’d rather spread the news than have someone else do it.  You’re telling everyone that dad is hiding the baloney pony (thank you Rick Dugerman) with Paloma?  Why are you ruining that girl’s reputation?  Dad swore to me that the Paloma was never his lover.  Mrs. Kravitz is upset that Enrique is on his father’s side.  He tells her, that he is not on either side.  She’s a friend of Elisa, who is the daughter of Estefania.  What did I expect?  He sits beside her on the couch and chides her for gossiping.  The phone rings and she answers it.  It’s Alfonsina.  She looks at her son.  Excuse me!  This gossip’s not gonna spread itself.  Enrique leaves. 

Witch Mountain-Kitchen Table

Casa de Castanon

Church-Gael’s Bedroom

Casa de Mickey and Mallory

Casa de Arango

Labels: abismo

Hello friends,
I wonder if my Familia con suerte family is too exhausted by our MONTHS OF DOUBLE EPISODES to continue on with the next one, which is of the old-fashioned variety. Please let me know in the comments here. And is anybody else interested in signing on? Let me know.

Labels: recappers-needed, refugio

"Refuge for love"

Luciana Jacinto is a beautiful, happy girl who lives in a norteño village with her family: Galdino, her father; Paz, her mother; and Lorenzo, her brother. After Galdino's death, she flees the sexual harrassment of Don Aquiles, boss of the town where she grew up. She comes to work in the mansion of the Torreslanda family in Mexico City, where she makes the acquaintance of Patricio, the protagonist's brother, who was left a quadriplegic as the consequence of a dramatic accident.

Rodrigo has the reputation of being a great womanizer; never the less, recently he has been trapped by the enchanting Gala and they've become engaged to marry. The beauty and simplicity of Luciana alter the daily life of the Torreslanda family. Rodrigo feels a strong attraction to her, while Gala and Roselena (Rodrigo's mother) can't stand her. Her great empathy with Patricio guarantees her place in the household. Patricio regains his wish to live thanks to Luciana, and Jana, the younger sister of the very close Torreslanda brothers, becomes her grand friend and accomplice.

Little by little, the sentiments of Rodrigo for Luciana become an intense and profound love, he then decides to break with Gala in order to marry Luciana in secret and together they confront everything that opposes them.

Except that, of course, as soon as the harpies begin to tell him lies about his sweetheart, he instantly believes them...


Cast



Zuria Vega = Luciana Jacinto
Gabriel Soto = Rodrigo Torreslanda
Laura Flores = Roselena de Torreslanda
Roberto Blandón = Maximino Torreslanda
Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez = Paz Jacinto
Jessica Coch = Gala Villavicencio
Frances Ondiviela = Julieta de Villavicencio
Luz María Jerez = Conny Fuentes Gil
Aleida Núñez = Violeta
Brandon Peniche = Patricio Torreslanda
Socorro Bonilla = Magda
Harry Geithner = Óscar
Maricruz Nájera = Matilde
Óscar Bonfiglio = Padre Honesto
Ilean Almaguer = Jana Torreslanda
Paul Stanley = Aldo
Erik Díaz = Lorenzo Jacinto
Tania Lizardo = Melisa

Labels: refugio, synopsis-cast

Labels: Talisman