Caray, Caray!

Labels: refugio

I apologize in advance for forgetting some of the minor characters names. My first blog for this novela and I hadn't paid attention to all the names. Here it goes! ======================================== We pick up where we left off yesterday, with Paz telling Licenciado Linares that she must see him in person to speak about Luciana. He agrees to come by later. She dramatically says to Magda, “The time has come to tell El Licenciado that Luciana is the daughter he thought was dead.” (gasp) Paz anxiously wrings her hands (as usual) as Magda and Estelita assure her it’s time Linares knew the truth. She’s held on to this secret long enough. (Duh, you think?) Paz repeats her real concern is how Luciana will react to the news. She speaks to Galdino, praying to give her the words to say to Linares and to help Luciana understand everything they did, they did out of love. The phone snaps her out of her trance. It’s Pato looking for Luciana. Now she worries over what he could possible want with her Luciana. Eeeesh. Pato has just called to see how Luciana is getting along with her studies and promises to help her with math. School Campus Jana assures Lula that everything is fine in CupidVille. It’s just that Boris is convinced she (Jana) has a thang for luscious Lorenzo. Lula senses something’s up. Jana agrees Lorenzo is luscious and everything but now that he’s a jailbird....well….. – WHAT!!!! Lula says no way she can possible feel anything for him and never mind that her loca mama would never agree to a relationship with him. Jana explains, not too convincingly, that they’re just friends. Lula doesn’t seem convinced and Boris comes back just then and they’re off. TOODLES!! Airport Ariche and Rodrigo arrive from their excursion. Rod once again promises he will always look after Luciana. They spit promise to be BFF’s. Toreslanda Home At the dinner table, it’s only Jana, Connie, and Roselena. Connie understands Rosie’s wish to have the family together but has to realize everyone has a busy schedule. Gala walks in just then to announce she’s on her way to Colombia for an interview and if all goes well, she won’t be back (if only). Roselena insists she join them for dinner tomorrow for a proper send off. Gala does her part to pretend she couldn’t possibly…..but, ok. Apartment house Rod brings Ariche home and he tells Luciana how exciting the plane ride was. Luciana tells Rod they’re leaving tomorrow. When Rod says he hopes to see Ariche again soon, she tells him that won’t be likely as they’re not planning to ever return. Rod: Nunca? Luciana: Nunca! Ariche: Nunca, sob, sob, sob. Dramatic music ensues as our hunkalicious hero walks away and runs smack into Pato who explains he’s there to help Luci with her math. Luci joins them and she and Pato leave our hero standing there, shaking his head. Pato takes to teaching like a pato takes to, well, you know. Luciana repeats about her struggles with math, he shares he struggled with grammar and we have a few lovely filler scenes of them surrounded with study paraphernalia. We later see Luciana wheeling Pato into the apartment courtyard. They’re pleased as punch with their progress and Pato wishes her luck. As she walks away, Pato asks Genaro what he would do if he could do anything. Genaro hadn’t put much thought into that. Pato says he knows what he would do: he’d stay her with Luciana – awwwwwww. Estelita’s Depa Everyone’s in the kitchen with Estelita: Vio, the kids, Magda, Paz. Vio takes the kids out for ice cream and Paz commences with her worrying about spilling her guts to Linares. Magda tells her to stop it already. She’ll soon see that everything will turn out ok. Paz explains she just wants to go back to her pueblo. She’s worried about Lorenzo, she’s worried about Luciana, she’s worried about Linares, she’s worried about global warming, she’s worried about the price of wheat. Ok, I lied about the last two, but you get the gist. This woman’s worried about every darned lil ol’ thing! Estelita points out the obvious that this confession will change all their lives but it’s best to get it over with once and for all. Magda chimes in as well, saying Linares deserves to know the truth. Uh, yeah! WAAAAH, Paz doesn’t want Luciana to end up hating her. Estelita says, “Nonsense, how can she hate you. You’re her mother. You provided her with love and a home. She’ll understand.” No, no, no….Paz isn’t done agonizing over this yet. She must speak with Linares alone, face to face. Magda doesn’t help. She thinks Linares may die of a heart attack to learn that his daughter is actually alive and well. Ay, Magda. That just serves to drive poor old Paz into a panting tizzy, saying Luciana will leave her fo’ sho’. Licenciados, squared Barrera stops Linares just as he’s leaving the office to give him the good news that he was able to convince the judge to hear him out about the fraud case. In fact, he’s ready to see him in a few hours. Darn and he was just on his way to Dona Paz’s cuz she had something urgent to tell him. Barrera convinces him they can’t blow this chance to clear his name. Torre Torreslanda: Rod’s friends (sorry, forgot their names) come into his office telling him the old man is looking for him, and he’s still pithed! Rod can imagine, there are a few missed calls on his cell. He tells them about his day with Ariche and how happy the flight made him. The guys can tell Rod’s not happy. Rod leaves after getting a call from Dad. The guys stay behind talking about how bad Rod must be feeling and how they must help him get over this. Nicole’s Shop Nicole asks if Vicky has straightened out the mess with her two bf’s. Vicky assures her everything is fine and she will no longer be seeing Aldo. This doesn’t make Nicole happy. She was hoping Vicky would dump el osito. His wife is a VIP and …… Vicky doesn’t let her finish and pleads for her job. Somewhere in a plaza somewhere in Mexico, D.F. Vio is with the kids enjoying paletas when ho! What have we here? Marcial is stalking her! We just see him in the distance, whispering her name. No contact is made…..yet. Maximeanie’s Office Max admonishes Rod for not answering his phone. They argue about the biofuel. They go back and forth a bit with Rod conceding this may not be the right time for biofuel. He takes this opportunity to ask for a transfer to Canada. Max agrees and says he can leave tomorrow. Momma breezes in on her Nimbus 2000 (any Potter fans out there?) Rod tries to escape but she stops him, saying she’d like to speak with him in front of his father. Rod gives her The Glare. Rosie tearfully asks for his forgiveness. She realizes that in his eyes, she must be the worst mother (got that right). That he must think she wanted to separate him from Luciana just to make him unhappy. But he must believe her that was not the case. He keeps her at arm’s length and tells her it’s no use discussing it any longer. He and Luciana are separated and will never, ever see each other again. She assures him that one day, when he’s a parent, he’ll realize that parents only want the best for their children. She thinks only of him. Rod shoots back that she only thinks of herself. If she had thought of him, none of this would have happened! Max nods an “atta boy”. Now the drama really gets thick. Rosie says people may accuse her for many things (yup, and there’s a growing list) but they could never misjudge her for the immense love she has for her children. She pleads with him to understand she’s had no peace since their falling out, she’s doing her best to save her family. Max interrupts to tell her he’s sending Rod to Canada. WHAT!?! How can he take her son from her before he’s forgiven her!!!??? Yet more drama -- she turns to Rod sobbing and drops to her knees, begging his forgiveness. Ok, that does it. No self respecting man can see his mother on her knees. He caves. He’s no one to judge her. She’s his mother and he loves her and now he asks her for her forgiveness. She clings to him, a-sobbing and a-crying. Just wait till he figures out what she’s got in store for him at din-din tomorrow. Gala’s office Gala updates her friends on the Gala-Does-Colombia-But-Not-Really-Plan. This is her only chance. She’s leaving everything in Roselena’s hands that Rod will be there at the appointed time. Torreslanda Home Jana is visiting with Connie and tells her about Pato’s tutoring session with Luciana and shares that Rosie of course knows nothing of this. Jana explains, as we see Frigida eavesdropping, that Luciana is outta there as soon as she takes her exam. Boris drops by to get Jana, leaving Connie with Frigida who wants to confirm whether or not Connie is leaving for the weekend, surreptitiously because the curtains need cleaning. Connie says no, she has no plans this weekend. Frigida leaves as Oscar walks in. Quick as a bunny, Frigida calls Julie to tell her the news that Luciana will be gone after her exam. Julie is excited to hear the news (well, I assume she’s happy -- hard to tell with all that botox) Oscar knows something’s up but not sure. Connie tells him she can’t make it this weekend and starts to make up all kinds of excuses. Oscar’s not fooled and asks her for a simple yes or no. Does she, or doesn’t she want to go with him this weekend? If she doesn’t, he’ll understand; but if she does, he guarantees she’ll have a mahvelous time! Ok, she can’t say no to him and agrees. Besitos. Yay, Connie! All us “girls” of a “certain age” applaud you! Meanwhile, Rosie arrives and asks Mattie after her cousin. Mattie explains she’s in the library with Oscar. Rosie just saw him leave. She says Connie is very stubborn and if she doesn’t listen to Rosie, she will regret it. Anyway, she asks Mattie to prepare a huge dinner for her entire family and all of Rod’s friends, including the girlfriends. They’re going to celebrate her reconciliation with her son. Mattie’s overjoyed because Pato’s been so worried about all the squabbles. All that’s over, says Rosie. From here on out, there will only be peace and harmony. Project Taco Luscious Lorenzo gets the bike for his taco business. San Francisco Al Alto (yawn) Procopio and co-worker cheer because they have a customer!! Sacerdote Serafin finally keeled over. They begin to make plans for the funeral and the flowers. The Chismozas show up with donations from around town. Procopino promises everything will be on the up and up. Even Lucha shows up with her donations. Procopio says even Aquiles will have to pony up his share. Judge’s Chambers Hizzoner tells Linares he’s ready to judge on the side of justice. If Linares is innocent, Justice will be on his side. Linares tells him he’s gathered evidence that he was victimized by Maximino Torreslanda. Linares wonders why the judge has agreed to hear his case after all this time. The judge explains he’s done his own investigation and has found Linares to be of impeccable character. Linares proceeds to show him what he’s gathered. Estelita’s Depa Norma calls from Linares’ office to tell them the tickets are ready for their trip back home, by plane. Luciana doesn’t feel that’s necessary – they can go by bus. She asks Paz her opinion, who of course starts wringing her hands and tells Luciana to do what she thinks is best. Luciana accepts the plans as they are. Ariche comes running in just then and is tickled pink to hear they’re traveling by plane. He goes on and on about the flight and how Rod promised to help him become a pilot someday and he also told him he would always take care of Luciana. This saddens her and she puts on her sourpuss face. Aquile’s Shop Aquile is quite put upon by all the racket made by the bells tolling for the defunct Sacerdote and is none too happy to hear he’s expected to make a donation. Procopio’s prepared and has bought a crowd with him who begins’ chanting they want Aquile to give up the cash. Pato’s room Rod and Pato talk about Luciana’s tutoring session. Pato’s confident she’ll pass with flying colors. Rosie pops in and asks Rod to please join them for dinner tomorrow. Rod still seems uncomfortable but agrees. She kisses him goodbye. She tells Pato she’s sooooo happy. At last her life and her family will be back to normal. Violeta’s Depa Vio tells mom how much she’s going to miss her after she’s gone. Magda tells her to call whenever she wants. She gives Vio a blessing before she leaves for work. Magda tells Paz she doesn’t know how she can leave knowing how Vio is working in that place. Now it’s Paz’s turn to do some comforting. She reminds Magda that Vio is a wonderful mushasha. She’s no longer a child and is now responsible for her actions. Magda gets up and serves herself some coffer then points out that Linares will most likely not show up until tomorrow. Paz agrees but wishes she could talk to him and get this over with. Rodrigo and Luciana in bed --- but in different buldings Rodrigo is in bed channel surfing and gives up. He sees the wedding rings on his night stand and has a flashback to when he proposed. Scene dissolves to Luciana’s hand holding her engagement ring as she sleeps.

Labels: refugio

Labels: abismo

-ULP!-


That's the sound of Helena swallowing the Argentinian BS hook, line, and sinker! This is still funny, but it's getting a little hard to watch. However, JC does begin to wince - it's his gastritis - is his conscience attacking his stomach? Or maybe it's his pride as a womanizer, and he can't believe he's hanging with a single mom? Anyway, she brings him in her house to get her mom to give him some tea and call the Doc, who gives him some powerful meds and tells him to get sleep and less stress. Fat chance, right?

 Lalito walks on in! He pouts, but looks like's about to crack up. He runs to his room and thinks his mom won't love him anymore. Nonetheless, Juan comes up and wants a man-to-man!

Dude, Plutarco is a jerk - he claims he's too tired to give his wife a hug. WTF?? She cheers up, though, when she finds the stolen plan de playa majagua - she did her thesis on it, which Plutarco never read. Looks like like he's gonna steal that, too. She's pleased by the attention and tells him he's so moral. You're so generous, so kind, etc, and Plutarco looks pretty disgusted.

Man-to-man, Juan is great fighting it out with the kid. He threatens that Helena will be miserable without him.  The kid eventually relents, saying "my mom is really great, so I guess you must be all right if she likes you. "I'm glad," says Juan. Lalito says you better not hurt her, menso. Helena comes in, is happy to see the issue resolved, puts the kid to bed. As they say goodnight, Juan's eyes bug out when he sees a file named "playa majahua" on the computer in the kid's room.

In the morning he overhears about the mortgage and the lack of money to pay for Lalito's school. You can see his conscience rolling around behind his eyes, but it isn't really connecting with his brain. He's pissed that everyone will be leaving the house for Lalito's game (a perfect opportunity for snooping), but he has to go with them. He winds up getting excited, though, when Lalito scores a GOOOOLLL!

That night, Juan will cook dinner. Lalo says hey, that's for girls, but Juan begins to indoctrinate him with chauvinism - none of the best cooks are women!

And the result of their hard "manly" kitchen-work: a lasagna. "I didn't know it was so hard," Lalo says. Juan: "That's why it's a man's job!"

Lalo has fallen for Juan just as fast as his mom did! He now wants him to come to the father-son soccer game and to come meet all his friends at school. At dinner, Juan impresses the ladies with his story (possibly true) about his mother who still thinks he's 10 years old. (Juan's mother was a well-known actress before she married - now she has memory problems which may or may not be Alzheimers.)

Speaking of Juan's mom, Plutarco's mustached flunkie Onesimo pays her a visit on his boss's orders! He chats with her, realizes that she's kind of stuck in the past, and starts telling her what a fan he is (she was a famous actress or something)... He winds up leaving with an autographed photo from her glory days! Plutarco has a plan to use it against Juan...

Juan is back to snooping around on Lalito's computer... but the playa majagua file loads super slowly and he reaches under the desk to curse it and fiddle around with stuff to make it go faster (?) "This machine must be from the 1970s!" Just then, Helena's mom comes in with some tea for him, he jumps to attention to pretend he wasn't snooping, and slams his head on the underside of the desk! He stammers some nonsense about dropping his pills and looking for water, but fortunately Helena's mom is just as easily-fooled as her daughter and grandson, and launches into that familiar I love Helena, she's a great woman, and you mustn't hurt her again speech. She also mentions that they took out a mortgage on the house to support the Majagua project. All of this guilt-inducing stuff proves to be a bit much for our slime-ball antihero, and his gastric conscience acts up pretty severely.

Onesimo fills his boss (Plutarco) in on his chat with Juan's mom. He mentions that there are some money troubles and her husband is at work all the time (Onesimo says he's an "anotario," but I think he means "notario," notary, and this is just supposed to show us what a dunce Onesimo is).

Next week: see what happpens when Helena's dad comes home to meet his daughter's new man!

Labels: por-ella

Por Ella Soy Eva July 24, 2012

The show began with a bit of the conversation between Juan Carlos and Helena.  Helena asks him not to play with her feelings and to be honest with her.  She poured out her heart to him, and you can tell that Juan Carlos is beginning to feel compunction for some of what he’s doing and how he’s treating Helena.  He’s falling.

We begin our actual show with Juan Carlos daydreaming about Helena.  The guy is falling fast.  Fernando interrupts Juan Carlos and informs him about how Plutarco is withholding his and Santiago’s salaries.  Juan Carlos confronts Plutarco and lies about the project being finished.  Plutarco demands to see it, and an argument begins.  Adriano walks in, puts an end to their argument, and reminds Juan Carlos of their deal.  Juan Carlos is in quite a bind.

At the same time that’s happening, Helena and Lalito are about to have lunch, but first, a mother/son talk takes place.  This was a good scene because it showed an honest talk between them.  She basically said that despite any jealousy, anger, or hurt feelings, Lalito can always talk to and confide in Helena, and that their bond of love and trust is very strong.

They eat lunch, and Lalito notices that his mom is somewhat distracted.  She TELLS HIM THAT SHE’S DISTRACTED BECAUSE OF WORK RELATED STUFF.  He, in turn, asks her if she’s told Juan that she won’t be his girlfriend.  Lalito’s grandfather’s influence is very obvious in how he talks to Helena, quite demanding and authoritative.  Why Helena hasn’t put her son in his place is still a question.

Back at Grupo Imperio, Plutarco and Rebeca are talking.  He wants more information on what she knows regarding the project.  She doesn’t give in so easily and lets him know that she doesn’t appreciate when he takes advantage of her.  He doesn’t even compensate her with any type of gift, jewel, trip, etc.  This gal knows how to manipulate things to her advantage.  She gets her way…so far.

Helena continues to think about Juan and is pretty bummed.  She asks her friend Lucia id he’s called yet, and she says no.  I love these two friends’ interaction.

Plutarco and Onesimo talk.  Plutarco’s just purchased two pieces of jewelry for Antonia and Rebeca.  He wants to get them off his back.  He asks Onesimo what he knows regarding Rebeca seeing other men.

Plutarco gives one of the pieces to Antonia.  They talk, and she says that rather than buying her expensive gifts or meals at fancy restaurants, he should just show her love.  She misses and wants Plutarco to be intimate with her.  He’s not happy with this but has no choice!

We then have some nice family scenes with Juan Carlos and his parents.  It seems to me that his mom might be beginning to have some kind of illness.  She talks to and thinks of Juan Carlos as a little boy.  She’s smart though and perceives that her son has trouble with a girl and flat out asks her son if he’s in love.  Juan Carlos’s dad is a different story.  He’s tougher and seems to be somewhat of a macho type of man.  He thinks it’s time for his son to find a woman who can take care of him properly.

At the Moreno home, the family is eating dinner.  Eduardo is mentioning a trip he’s going to take to reunite with some of his military buddies.  He lets Lalito know that he won’t be at his upcoming football game.  They talk about an upcoming father/son game that they will be in, and Lalito lets it slip that he played football with Juan on the beach in Acapulco.  Eduardo has a fit and grills Helena over who Juan was and why he was playing with Eduardo’s grandson.  Helena fibs, but Eduardo is not very happy with her answers.

Juan Carlos continues to try and be Don Juan and call one of his many girlfriends.  However, even though he makes plans with her, it’s obvious that he’s somewhat distracted.  He’s probably thinking about Helena.

Helena and her mom get to talk.  Her mom wisely advises that Helena take things slowly and to be careful with what she does.  Silvia asks Helena if she’s falling in love with Juan.  The answer is avoided.  That parallels what happened with Juan Carlos and his mom.

Plutarco gives Rebeca the same gift he gave Antonia.  Rebeca loves it and can’t really focus on much else.  Plutarco uses this to his advantage and threatens to take it away from her if she doesn’t spill the beans regarding the project.  She lets him know that the Canadian competition is going to sponsor a small travel agency called “Viages Moreno.”  Plutarco begins to remember his conversations with Felix and what happened with the cancelled tour and how it went to “Viages Moreno.”

At the office, Lucia tries to get a distracted Helena’s attention.  She succeeds, and they talk.  Helena can’t hide that she’s thinking about Juan.  She lets Lucia know that if she were to start a relationship with him, it would have to be very serious.  They’d share a lot and he’d incorporate himself into her work projects.  She’s fallen hard, and Lucia razzes her about it.

At work, there’s a scene between two best buds…Juan Carlos and Santiago.  Santiago is razzed about getting married and about the women he chooses.  Santiago then brings up the project and lets Juan Carlos know that he doesn’t see how things are going to work out if Helena isn’t saying a word to him.  Juan Carlos has a plan!  It is also noticed that Juan Carlos seems a bit conflicted or guilty about what he’s doing to Helena.

Plutarco asks Onesimo to be a sort of spy or informant regarding Helena’s travel agency and her relationship with Juan Carlos.  He goes to the agency and charms Lucia.  When Lucia goes to get him some coffee and cookies, Onesimo takes the opportunity to take the information directly involved with the project.  He will charge Plutarco double for this particular favor.

Things continue to get rough for Plutarco.  First, his wife goes to Grupo Imperio to kidnap him for the day.  He tries to say no, but Antonia knows the right things to do.  She asks her big brother permission to take her husband.  Adriano is glad to oblige.

Rebeca and Antonia see one another, and Rebeca notices Antonia’s bracelet.  Another strike for Plutarco, because Rebeca noticed that it was basically the same thing.  She’s NOT happy about that.

Finally, Adriano thanks Plutarco for being such a good husband to his sister and for making her happy.  He does threaten him that if he does anything to hurt her, he’ll kill him.

Just as Antonia is happily looking for her husband, she overhears Juan Carlos and his buddies make some pretty insensitive comments about her and her weight.  She goes into a depression and calls everything off with Plutarco and their date.

Plutarco doesn’t really care what might have upset Antonia, but Rebeca comes in, upset and ready to let him have it.  She tries to be a drama queen and get her way with him, but he’s smart and lets her know that he’s aware of her little fling with Juan Carlos.  That kind of puts Rebeca in her place, and she takes it easier on Plutarco.

At the travel agency, Helena notices that the information for her big project is missing.  She is puzzled, as is Lucia.  Right then, Juan calls but doesn’t ask Lucia for Helena.  She’s bummed but thankful for Juan’s indirect honesty.  Lucia knows that her friend is suffering and decides to take that opportunity to invite her for a girls’ night out.  They intend to celebrate the new agency.  Helena finally relents and goes with Lucia.  Lucia’s idea is to go to a play, and that puzzles Helena because she knows that Lucia is not really into theater.

While that happens, back at the Moreno house, Eduardo leaves for his trip but says he’ll call in a few hours.  Helena better be home.

Plutarco gets the information from Onesimo.  He’s happy with what Onesimo discovered and remarks that he’s going to use the information to harm Juan Carlos.

Lucia takes Helena to an empty theater.  Helena is very puzzled, and Lucia decides to check with the ticket people regarding time and such.  The lights go out, and Juan puts on a show of his own for Helena.  Oh man!  Nice plan, all in all.  Lucia did a nice job of going along with things.
During the song, he asks Helena to be his girlfriend, and she gladly accepts!

Labels: por-ella

Labels: abismo

Well, if secrets make us sick, clearly we have a lot of very ill people in this fascinating love story..

  Violeta has kept the secret of her employment from her mother.  Mother Magda has kept the secret of Violeta's parentage from both her and Don Aquiles.  Paz has kept the secret of Luciana's parentage from both her and Licenciado Linares. So has Mati. Rosaura has kept the secret of giving away Luciana as a baby from...well...everyone except Padre Honesto. Maximino is keeping secret the framing of Linares, his silent partnering of the Inferno and his sadistic affair with Vicky, Vicky is keeping her affair a secret from her worried papa,  Gala and Julie have kept secret the fact that they only want Rodrigo for his bank account. Jana is keeping secrets from herself....that she's really in love with Lorenzo, not her official novio, Brigida is keeping secret her  vicious monetary dealings with Gala and Julie.  Both Luciana and Rodrigo are keeping secret from themselves and each other that they're still madly in love and really want to be together.

All these secrets are eating away at hearts and souls, corrupting motives, destroying peace of mind, betraying integrity  and blighting caracters.  So hang on tight as we watch some of these secrets worm their way to light,  while others still remain hidden....and quietly poisonous.

I'm going to consolidate the scenes for (hopefully) brevity as Melinama wants us to scale down the length of these.

THE BARRIO

The barrio plans for the tacos de canasta business is going swimmingly.  We see the posse stocking up at the colorful mercado, having their fortunes read by the “pajaritos de suerte” (suerte can mean luck, but also fate, chance or providence).   Estelita's granddaughter hears that she's going to get a good surprise (mom coming back?), Lorenzo: that love is on the way (Jana?) and Ariche: that he will soon get to know or meet up with (“conocer”) the sky. (I'm in a cold sweat thinking he's going to meet his Maker but actually he just goes on an exciting plane ride with Rodrigo).  Then it's off to home where all the females gather around the table to chop, peel and prepare the veggies while the boys go off to see about the bicycle tire, and Marianita, quickly bored with it all, goes out to play.  Paz throws a small hyperventilating hissy fit when she learns Lorenzo plans to stay in Mexico City to “probar suerte” (try to make his way) but that soon passes.  She's got other things to worry about; namely her own date with destiny revealing the truth about Luciana to Licenciado Linares.

No, Paz hasn't told him yet.  She had the chance for a face to face truth telling when he walked in the door earlier, but she lost her nerve.  And in the meantime, she seems to be having heart palpitations every time she thinks of the confrontation and the possible “desprecio”(disdain, scorn, contempt) that Luciana could feel for her, finding out Mama Paz has lied to her all these years about her true origins. (Yep, Rosalena, your diabolical Fear Fest had its effect.) At episode's end, she finally gets up the nerve to call Linares and request an urgent meeting.  But no, she can't tell him over the phone.  So we're left to bite our nails, wondering what will happen to torpedo this important meeting.  For sure, it will be something!

So what secret did come to light?  Violeta's.  Magda and she have a big Come to Jesus meeting the next day with Magda proclaiming it's not so much the degrading work as the fact as the engaño (deception) and las mentiras (lies) that Violeta's been spinning all these years.  Lots of perdoname's and what kind of mother have I been, and no's youse the best, and more perdoname's until finally they come to affectionate peace with each other and heartfelt hugs are exchanged. (Have we already mentioned that Violeta respectfully addresses her mom as “usted” while Magda uses the “tu” form when talking to her daughter?) Paz walks in and sees the happy ending and seems to be wondering if her own High Noon meeting with Linares and then Luciana will turn out as well.  Key reveal: Violeta assures her mother that though some of the girls do a few other things in addition to waiting tables, she NEVER has.  She's still the good girl mama raised in the Het Het pueblo. Key reveal for Magda: She's no saint and really shouldn't judge Violeta.  (Glad that's settled.)

THE BUSINESS WORLD

Rodrigo is continuing with his business plan involving saving money on the cost of plane fuel  by using “biocombustibles”(biofuel)--in spite of the fact that Boss Dad Maximino hasn't given his approval.  His two buds, as well as Oscar and Pato are all for it.  Maximino, when he learns of it, is totally against.  Rodrigo is the son and employee, Max is the papa and the boss.  If he wants to go rogue, he can leave the company. (What happened to our understanding, sympathetic father?)

 And while he's on a tear during this episode, Max also humiliates Vicky-- keeping her at his feet while he sneers into his drink, demanding that she give up her work if it conflicts with his whims of a nooner-only-sooner or any other shagtime he wants.  When she pleadingly bleats that she needs to work during normal hours, he knees her in the jaw and  slams out saying that he's through with her.  She creeps back to work and I just hope she realizes how lucky she is to be shot of that old fiend.  Nicole rags on her about the purported excuse to leave to see about her ailing father, but doesn't look convinced.  Methinks Vicky might lose both work and Osito in one fell swoop.

But hey, there's always time for more domination games.Back at work after the Vicky beatdown,  Maximino grabs Aldo roughly in the hallway, reminds him not to “pasarte de listo conmigo” (get too clever with me, try to get away with something) because you don't know what I'm capable of when people bother me!   But I'm going to test you, Maximino continues, I'm going to take you to the Inferno with me tonight and I want you to pay close attention to what I want you to do.

THE HIGH RENT SKANK WORLD

Rosalena, Julie and Gala are having a Tea and Scheme party on the veranda.  Julie's mouth, as usual, looks like a bloody scar. Like she just feasted on raw flesh. Rosalena is her usual pale, monotone , beige-on-beige, cool ,demented self.  Gala...impeccable, but heavily made up.  They're trying to get their stories straight on the going-off-to-Columbia gambit to try and snare Rodrigo back when Julie can't resist dropping the news that they know about Rosaura's betrayal of Linares (and Luciana).  Gleefully thinking they have her by the short hairs, Rosaura cooly informs them that she's glad they know she's capable of anything if someone gets in her way (si alguien se interpone en mi camino) so then they realize that if they drop the dime on her, she's capable of saying that the whole Luciana humiliation in the library was engineered by Julie and Gala.  She was only there as an innocent but concerned mother.  Pow! Zap! And Checkmate!  Nice to see the gruesome twosome momentarily defeated.  Back to being under Rosa's thumb for our scheming duo.

INCIDENTALS, AND DIFFERENCES IN PHILOSOPHY

 Earlier, Rosalena, on her endless mission to control the universe, starts in on Connie about her weekend romance plans with Oscar.  How can she...a woman of a “certain age”, and a mother, even consider going off on a juicy weekend like some oversexed adolescent!!!??  I mean, look in the mirror sis!  Look at your body!  You're going to let him see THAT!!??? We both know Men prefer Young Women. Connie looks appropriately deflated and manages to whimper that Rosa has really wounded her.  I know, Rosalena blissfully acknowledges, forgive me. The truth hurts. And, dirty work done, she breezes off.

With that painful “truth” in mind, Connie later sees Melissa walking on air, first, because she's on her last chapter of the thesis, and because her mentor is the oh-so-wonderful Licenciado Linares.  Now there's a May-December pairing for sure.

So no suprise that when Oscar calls later, champing at the bit to leave on the weekend with Connie, she hesitantly says, “But first we have to talk.” (Trust me, those are words no man wants to hear.)

These very painful scenes, and their aftermath (particularly for us women of a “certain age”) were prefaced by Connie elaborating to Rosa her philosophy of parenting.  To wit, she lets her adult children live their lives, and she lives hers.  “Asi de simple”.  Clearly, she and her sister are polar opposites.  But Rosie remains convinced that she's the  one taking the High Moral Road.  (another secret she's keeping from herself.)

THE LIGHTER SIDE

Back in the pueblo del norte, Procopio and his other funeral home buddy are speculating on the expected demise of the local Padre Serafin.  He needs to die soon so the funeral home, and Procopio's funeral wreath (“coronas”) concession can finally have some business!  Otherwise, they'll be soldiering on   “con una mano  atrás y otra  delante” (without a peso to their name)  Later, the metiche female duo gloat to the chubby clothing seller (I've forgotten her name...ah, it's Luchita, thanks jlk) that she's probably lost her deal with Procopio (“se durmió el gallo”) because he's about to do land office business with those self-same funeral wreaths.  The Padre for sure is bound for heaven soon.

CUPID TAKES A PLANE RIDE

Well, sure.  We all know Cupids fly, right?  So it's only fitting that Ariche gets his plane ride with Rodrigo.  He gamely tries to get Luciana to come along—a threesome would be so nice!  But she has studying to do for her prepa exam.  And Rodrigo is already looking daggers at her because he came upon her and Linares looking friendly and assumed the worst.  She manages to throw a dagger herself, assuring Rod that yesssss, Licenciado Linares has always been very loving with her.  A Very Good Man. (Take that!  And then some....)

So, off to the friendly skies of Rodrigo's business plane. The ride goes off without incident, in spite of my worries about Ariche's “suerte”.  His stomach is up in his throat, he's giddy with nervousness, but assures Rodgrigo that he's “muy valiente” just like him.(yes, Vivi, your word did come back) And they both decide Ariche is going to be an airline captain himself when he grows up (if he works hard and really makes the effort, of course).  PSA for education and hard work.

SO WHAT DID WE LEARN TONIGHT?
1)Oscar and Connie have the same philosophy.  Oscar wants Maximino to let Rodrigo have his head. If his proposed business venture is a loss, well, it won't be a big loss.  Let him try.  Connie's philosophy with her children is the same.  Let them make their own decisions (Melissa/Linares? Aldo/Vicky?) and their own mistakes.  And learn from them.  Oscar and Connie are the Modern Caring Liberals. And clearly meant for each other.
2)Maximino and Rosalena also have the same philosophy.  Control those around you, take vengeance on those who cross you, and never ever forgive a betrayal.  They're the False Uprights, guarding their power and prestige at any cost.  And basically bitter and unhappy.
3)Julie and Gala are consummate schemers, but so far haven't been terribly successful.  Both are divorced.  Both want more money than they have, and both are endlessly envious.  And unsuccessful in relationships.
4)The barrio folks have had their ups and downs, their personal losses, and their misunderstandings.  But all of them value family above all else and are ready to forgive and start over, in order to safeguard and maintain relationships.  And work together so that all can be moderately successful, in spite of their lack of education and financial backing.
5)Luciana and Licenciado Linares are both capable of everlasting love; and both are drawn to each other (el llamado de la sangre! The call of the blood) and seem to blossom in each other's presence. Furthermore, Linares is accumulating further proof that he wasn't in the country when those criminal money transfers were made.  So another secret is on its way to reveal.
6)And Rodgrigo...well, he's still a dunce.  But there's hope, readers, there's hope!

PREVIEWS:

Rosalena is on her knees begging Rodrigo's forgiveness.  And it seems to work.  Looks like the big dinner with Rodrigo in attendance and Gala springing her plot, is going to happen. Aaaarrrgh!

DICHO OF THE DAY

A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando. (lit. Praying to God while hitting with the mallet.) fig. God helps him who helps himself.
A phrase that typlifies the work ethic of our barrio folks.  Whether it's making pottery in the pueblo, hawking clothes and baubles from China, or flogging tacos in Mexico City, the humble folks are willing to pull themselves up by their bootsraps in order to make a go of it.  They can't...and won't coast on family connections.

Labels: refugio