Caray, Caray!

VENCER

Was anyone else’s head spinning at everything packed into this opening episode?

That said, the hour flew for me! I was confused by much, yet drawn in, not the least due to the actors.

I jotted down a few thoughts. It’s easier for me to identify the character with the actor (if I know who they are).

Amanda (Maria Sorte) lit up the screen. I liked her lovely, kind, luminous character so much. Working in the pet store/salon seemed so much fun. Her husband Everardo (Robert Ballesteros) is despicable, throwing that drink on her and being demeaning, condescending and abusive. I can’t believe he and her children guilted her into returning to take care of him now that he is sick. Glad she told him she was only returning for the children (Tamara, her daughter is a pill).

I see Yaneli is being played by Romina Poza (Mayrin Villaneuva’s daughter). She seems like a nice girl although likely getting involved with the wrong young man.

Manuela (Gabriela de la Garza) is a lovely woman but her daughter Julieta is a little brat. She finds her father Leandro (Gabe Soto) the first hour in! I can’t tell what kind of character Leandro will be. No blonde highlights for Gabe in this part…

Paloma (Claudia Martin) seems perpetually cheery, but I like her. Love her father, (Luis Gatica) hubba hubba 😊 I sense she is going to have as bad luck with Walter, boyfriend #2 as she did her fiancée who jilted her at the altar.

I didn’t understand the issue between Pablo (Matias Novoa) and Carmina (Ingrid Martz).

I hope perhaps we can have some discussion on this as it looks really good!

Diana
 

MINAS #51 Tinycap Part 1

Tonight opens with Emilia running toward the lone miner standing directly in the path of the blast. The dynamite explodes and Emilia collapses on top of Gael.

Nico calls Marijo and they talk; she asks how Tigre and his family is.

Emilia, seemingly unhurt by the explosion, tries to rouse Gael. She implores her hermano to wake up. He comes to but sees her through a haze of smoke. She gets up and disappears into one of the tunnels.

Sara is holding her phone sitting on the bed, deep in thought. Leo comes in and she cozies up to him, engaging him in a lip lock that she tries to turn passionate. As he lays her down on the bed, he murmurs “Emilia”. Uh oh! “Emilia?” Sara screams in hurt and anger.

Danilo is in the car, beside himself with worry. As he hears the sirens going off, he reaches for the phone and yells “Emilia, answer me”! At that moment, Emilia arrives and gets in the car.

Sebas gets visitors – Miriam and her son, luggage in hand. Sebas directs him to have some fruit and then asks Miriam what is going on. She frets about Addled but Sebas tells her not to worry. She goes to kiss him but he gently turns his face away. I’m sorry she says, getting up and going to her son.

Leo’s weak and halfhearted “I’m sorry” falls on Sara’s unforgiving deaf ears. She hits him in frustration as he holds up his hands. Their argument escalates as she spews vitriol, calling Emilia an assassin. He snaps at her and leaves as she cries saying “gracias” very sarcastically. Sara picks up her phone begging Danilo to answer her (again).

Polomo calls Ezequiel (asleep on the job) I think reporting that Miriam is back at Sebastian’s. Sebas leaves the house as Miriam stands in front of the huge plate glass window, hidden in plain sight. As he walks, Sebas immediately senses he is being followed. Rounding a corner, Sebas hides behind a wall and confronts Polomo. He tells him Addled is an imbecile and to be careful as Addled could have a full-blown scandal on his hands.

Gigi and Jenny are having breakfast, Teresa speaking her mind as usual. Have you seen the doctor Gigi inquires? No is the answer. Jenny blames herself for her inability to conceive. Gigi is encouraging.

Roberta is crying (and drinking) looking at Mau’s picture She flashes back to when she was younger getting caught trying to escape when she was working as a woman of the night. She recalls being a young child, with her sister, living in poverty, being hungry and afraid, in a windowless, dirty room. Her father comes in, sitting on the filthy mattress, eating soup and a sandwich in front of them then chasing them out. Roberta vows never to return to that life. Back to the present, Roberta goes to the refrigerator, taking out a container of leftovers, eating it ravenously, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Ramiero appears on the scene and asks what happened. Gael makes light of his near-death experience. I think Gael tries to talk him out of investigating. The other two men seem supportive of Gael, trying to be sure he is all right.

Emilia tearfully relates to Aleida that her brother almost died because of her.

Diana
 

MINAS #51 Tinycap Part 2 of 2

At home, bruised and sore, Gael is having an impossible time sleeping. He recalls waking up and seeing the unclear image of Emilia. No it’s impossible he says to himself, seemingly realizing it was Emilia he saw after all.

Sara and Roberta are at breakfast when Leo and the children join them. Roberta and Leo verbally spar about Emilia’s family.

Palomo meets with Addled and fills him in on what is transpiring with Miriam and her son. Addled puts a few belts under his belt. After he leaves, Pal walks over and helps himself to a drink.

Emilia tells Danilo and Aleida about the blast. There is a blurb about Roberta and family on Emilia’s phone; she looks upset.

Joaquina and Nico talk with Marijo, she asks about Gael.

Aleida tells Danilo about the restaurant; she is so proud of her good, noble son!. Danilo is happy to see her so content but he has to get back to business. She sweetly apologizes and leaves as he smiles at her fondly. He reaches for his phone and gets another message from Sara begging him to call her. Romina is trying to get her mother’s attention as she plays in the adult-sized playhouse but to no avail. Danilo does call her but he looks angry and when Sara keeps repeating his name, he says nothing, closing his eyes. “Danilo” she pleads but there is no answer.

Gael and Tigre have spools of knitting material and are working on something. There is a knock on the door and Leo enters, bidding them good morning. He gets two angry stares and an uneasy look from Zaira. Where is Nico they ask, Gael standing with his arms crossed looking decidedly inhospitable. Leo tells Tigre that he needs him, there are dangerous structural problems in the mine. He asks him to return to the mine, even though he was fired! I think Leo brings up Ignacio to soften Tigre up a bit.

Miriam tells Sebas that everything occurring is her fault. No, it’s Roberta’s fault he counters. She tells him he is good and begs him to be careful. Just as Sebas turns to leave, Addled bursts through the door! Is this my son he asks?

Ramiero tells Roberta about the explosion at La Gloria. He talks about Gael, Tigre’s son but I didn’t understand exactly what was said.

Back at Tigre’s, he juts out his jaw and as the chickens cluck, says he doesn’t want to return. He actually blames Leo and laments the lack of respectability.

Addled crouches and touches his son’s face as the child actually recoils. I am your father he says as the confused child looks at mom questioningly.

On the street, Emilia watches Nico and Joaquina. She tells her bodyguard (?) she needs a moment and strides off much to his consternation.

Is he my father? Sebas tells Miriam to take him and leave. He is my blood, my son Addled says. Sebas stares straight faced his disgust palpable. You aren’t the father Sebas says and pushes him, telling him to leave. Leave he says as Addled puts on his hat. Thank you for defending me Miriam effuses. The child rushes right into Sebastian’s arms. It is clear Sebastian loves him.

Emilia follows Joaquina and Nico into the store. She cannot help herself and as she stares at Nico, walks up and hugs him! Without any sign of recognition, Nico looks afraid and Joaquina pulls him out of Emilia’s embrace. Realizing what she’s done, Emilia asks them to forgive her but Joaquina is freaked out and takes him out of the store. Emilia stares after them wordlessly.

Diana
 

VENCER

Thanks, Diana for all of the info and getting the conversation started.

Another familiar name: Jesusa Ochoa, daughter of Jesús Ochoa places Dulce.

I loved the protagonistas throwing their baggage off the top of the building. Symbolic?

Yaneli lives in Peñón de la Esperanza the poor area of town that was in “Vencer el miedo” and in “Vencer el desamor.” Doña Ifigenia (Beatriz Moreno) is also supposed to appear here. We saw Julia from “Vencer el pasado” in the intro.

Pablo has two sons. The older son Damián is the son of his deceased first wife. He feels guilty because he wanted to be a father so badly he coerced his first wife into getting pregnant in spite of knowing that it was dangerous to do so. His first wife was the cousin of his present wife Carmina. Carmina and Damián didn’t get along and now he is in Mexico City. Pablo is going to go find him. Pablo also has a problem with Carmina taking money on the sly from the company. He had to do an audit to find out what was going on. Carmina says she didn’t steal any money. She just borrowed it to use for the family.

It was sickening how Amanda’s kids talked her into going to care for her ex /ex-abuser and blaming her and the divorce for the old louse’s cancer. I found Leandro’s approach to be particularly disgusting dangling the possibility a better relationship between them if she would just do this for them. Sure.

Some characters like the bratty girl and Paloma’s parents are grating on me. If Amanda doesn’t smarten up and tell her kids to care for THEIR father, she will be grating on me, too.
 

Are you guys doing El Maleficio?
 

Minas

Problem resolved and for good this time. I just caught up with the recaps. Diana and Waterlily, you two are a great team! Thanks SO much for covering for Friday!

I'll be back later for commenting; I just wanted to say I can recap Friday's episode. This week I could do Thursday's too but it's preempted.
 

Minas
I got irritated with Leo saying the mine's problems are tigre's fault too. He completely ignores the fact his mum was the one who started it. Basically he thinks he and tigre should have saved the mine. How? Roberta doesn't listen to anyone. I can't remember if they fired tigre or if he left. It was funny when Leo said people in the mine need work and tigre responded that the only ones left there are Roberta's people. Leo is rather manipulative with his 'do it for your people' talk. He can use this on tigre, but he bows completely to his mother's will. Besides, isn't Roberta supposed to look out for Nico's interests when it comes to this mine?Tigre is supposed to be one of the partners at the mine but with another partner being Roberta, what were the chances of this mine lasting for very long? I suppose Leo's excuse is that he was being noble and choosing Nico over the minewhereas tigre refuses out of pride. But I dislike Leo so much that any good he does just doesn't seem to be enough.
I can't remember exactly now, but I think that Ramiro guy was wondering if Gael could have caused the explosion. Later he was like 'no, he is fine'. Maybe he wanted to make sure he had a scapegoat in case he needed one.
 

"VENCER" #5:

Diana: Bratty Julieta is an uppity spoiled bratty EXPLETIVE! So annoying!

Steve Boudreaux
 

Minas

Diana, thank you for a great recap.

I am confused about Sara calling Danilo . How does she know he is alive ? Did we the writers ever explain why Dani!o went into the manifolds to begin with ? Did Sara ever realize he was there or wonder where he was?

Seb continues to be a protector to Miriam and her son. Susan
 

MINAS

Glad things have worked out for you Weirdo! Looking forward to reading your comment once you have time to post it.

Waterlily, "I suppose Leo's excuse is that he was being noble and choosing Nico over the minewhereas tigre refuses out of pride. But I dislike Leo so much that any good he does just doesn't seem to be enough" was exactly right. Leo always has this slightly wounded expression on his face. He chose what he wanted to believe about Roberta rather than the truth.

I'm still smiling that everyone is looking at Emilia but not recognizing her, especially Joaquina and Nico!

Thank you for explaining that Ramiro was wondering if Gael was responsible for the explosion. I wrapped my beanie a bit tighter as Emilia emerged with nary a scratch.

Diana
 

MINAS

Thank you Susan, our comments crossed.

Like you, I am in the dark as to what is going on between Sara and Danilo. Yes, all that time there was no communication but suddenly there is? Is Sara so miserable with Leo now she is reaching out to Danilo? Danilo seemed a bit sad but doesn't appear to be completely ready to move on.

Diana
 

Vencer

Diana and jarifa, thank you both for getting us started on this new show. I will try to keep up even though I cannot watch right now. Maybe I can see the characters online .

Claudia Martin usually plays a sweet soul. She has already stated filming " Amor No Tiene Receta" with Daniel Elbittar. I think they will be a good match because they both seem to have good nature's and great smiles.

Is Gabe Soto the galan in Vencer? I like the whitehaired actor who was in " Herencia" and so many other shows. Susan
 

Vencer

Well, I guess Claudia Martin is playing another jilted bride like we saw in " Invencible . " She seems close to her parents and has a cute , snappy style of fashion. I wonder which guy she will match up with Gabe Soto? Matt Novoa?

The tall, thin guy with the girl with bangs is the actor who played the police detective on " Invencible ."

How is Gabe Soto 's character related to Amanda? Looks like the daughter is a supporter of Amanda's abusive husband .

It seems that the Matt Novoa character has a son and is connected to some blonde woman .

The young dancer girl with the two braids seems nasty to her mother (?)

I am trying to get the names straight but so far I am not getting a clear picture in my mind . Susan , tredding water
 

VENCER

Jarifa, thank you for all the much needed details, especially about Pablo which I didn't understand at all. So, Carmina is a thief and not a good person...

"I found Leandro’s approach to be particularly disgusting dangling the possibility a better relationship between them if she would just do this for them". He said that so nicely although I didn't get the jist of it until you just explained it. Ack.

I look forward to seeing Beatriz Moreno! I've always enjoyed her in this series.

Susan, I don't think Gabe is going to be the galan. Perhaps Pablo (Matias Novoa) will be, although we've yet to see Carlos Ferro or Juan Carlos Barreto :)

Diana
 

VENCER

Susan, Gabe is Amanda's son. And yes, it appears both her children are supporting their loathsome father.

Yes, Julieta is a little brat and was horrible, purposely hiding on her mother in the park. It turns out she is Gabe's daughter.

I will have to take another look at the detective.

We haven't seen quite a few of the characters here yet so there will be more to remember! It always takes time for me to figure out who's who.

Diana
 

Vencer

Diana, thanks .... so Matt Novoa is Pablo and the blonde is his wife Carmina, the thief. And Bratty Macbraterson is Gabe's daughter. Susan
 

Vencer

I was totally confused. Not only the characters, but the time frame. It usually takes me at least a week to figure out The Who’s who of the characters. But the time frame got me. I looked up a couple of words that appeared on screen and it seems some happened three years earlier. The jilted bride and maybe the marriage breakup of Amanda and husband? I didn’t erase the episode and will go back to the beginning again. And who was kidnapped and when?

I like the characters i recognized and the family relationships look interesting. I do agree the child was a brat, gleefully hiding while her frantic mother and the other two look for her.

Liz
 

Vencer

Diana and Jarifa, thanks for the start and clearing up some of my confusion.

I liked the woman working in the pet store. Seeing Gabriel Soto looking GQ in a suit - super. I'm wondering who the young woman is who got kidnapped in the car. She put up a valiant fight.
 

Vencer

Liz, I think we got what was happening years ago , and then what was happening to the folks today .

Some of these actors and actresses are new to me.

Don't know who got grabbed and put into that car in the past.

I guess Amanda with the now sick and then abusive husband owns the pet store .

The jilted bride ( Claudia Martin) seems to be a sweet soul with loving , supportive parents . Susan
 

VENCER

Liz and Niecie, I have no clue who the kidnapped woman is either. I'm thinking this might be central to the storyline.

There were quite a few actors I've not seen before. I thought the opening was excellent, I'm already caring about a few of them. Niecie, Gabe looked SO handsome. I'm going to try not to get too distracted and focus on the character, not the looks. Good luck to me 😊

Diana
 

"MINAS" EPISODE #51:

Diana: I've got an ugly feeling that Crazy Sara will start violently mistreating Nico. We already know she HATES the poor kid, etc.,

WTH is Leonardo the Coward ? Grow an expletive backbone & tell that Dumb Blonde to STOP IT!

Susan: Roberta & Co., are likely going to be winning for quite awhile & from my gut instincts, it'll continue during the Christmas holiday break.


 

Did anyone catch that Roberta's sister was named Joaquina? :-)
 

MINAS

"Did anyone catch that Roberta's sister was named Joaquina? :-)"

No, I sure didn't. Thanks Anon207.

Diana
 

MINAS #52 Part 1

I apologize for being purposely vague but almost all of the dialog was beyond my understanding. I tried to add what I thought I heard; please add to and/or correct.

Roberta complains to and then dismisses Patricio.

Emilia gives Danilo a pep talk and they leave the store where she had just run into Nico.

Sara is drinking at a bar, recalling being with Danilo, a wistful smile playing on her face. Addled comes over to ruin her ruminations, pouring them a good stiff drink. He tells his daughter she is intelligent and I think he encourages her to join him in his schemes. Me she asks doubtfully. It’s all about the money he affirms.

Emilio and Danilo are in the car watching Tigre and Zaira’s home. They see Ramiro knock on the door, Gael emerges and they start talking. Emilia is worried about her brother and tries to leave the car but Danilo stops her. Gael is worried about his father as he knows a thing or two about Roberta. Ramiro talks about a ghost and closes his mouth making the “locking the key” gesture. They shake hands. Emilia is clearly distressed. Danilo wants to leave pronto.

Danilo is talking to Emilia and Aleida about La Gloria when Roberta calls, saying she wants to meet regarding the proposal.

Joaquina and Nico walk the school hall and he meets some friends. He puts on a bit of an air and then Gael shows up standing with his arm around the other students. He gives a little speech but the two end up smiling at the end.

Tigre and Zaira are at a jewelry/pawn store.

At La Gloria, Roberta, Leo, and the miners are lined up when a cavalcade of SUVs arrive. Emilia regally alights, accompanied by Danilo and Aleida. Leo stares hard and Emilia swallows, looking nervous. Buenos dias Roberta begins to Danilo who quickly introduces her to Victoria. Aleida steps forward and she and Roberta walk away. Leo tells Danilo about his and Roberta’s roles (as if he didn’t know) and they leave. Patricio and Ramiro converse.

The jeweler is examining what Tigre brought him (is it a nugget of gold?) but he seems to indicate he’s not interested as he doesn’t want to end up in jail. He calls Zaira a bruja and she puts some kind of spell on him, spitting on him!

In the board room, Emilia, wearing a beautiful leather coat, faces La Patrona at the opposite end of the table. Roberta and Leo read the information Emilia had given them. Are you satisfied Aleida asks Roberta?

Gael rides up to Tigre and Zaira sitting outside on benches. What is it Gael asks? They explain and Gael looks upset.

Diana
 

MINAS #52 Part 2 of 2

Roberta and Leo lead Emilia through the mine. Emilia flashes back to when she and Leo had admitted to each other they were in love. Leo talks about his father and the marvelous Emilia (as Roberta cringes). Emilia flashes back to hearing Sara tell Leo she is pregnant and then kissing him. Emilia seems to indicate the mine has potential.

At Aleida, the restaurant, Flor shows up, flirting with Orlando. But then, we see her getting into a car with loathsome Fidel. Your son is an angel she tells him. It is obvious she doesn’t want to do whatever he is asking. He is your SON she accuses. I believe he threatens Flor and her family. He makes it clear he wants her to leave.

The jeweler has a drink with Ezequiel, relating that Tigre came to him.

They are still doing the walking tour when Emilia sees Gael standing outside. She hesitates, eyes laser focused on him. Gael thinks back to the explosion and recalls seeing a figure in the mist - Emilia.

Sara accepts whatever Addled has proposed. Gigi listens, peeking around the corner hearing “Roberta is peligroso”. Gigi makes her presence known “I understand” she says. Gigi asks Sara questions but she isn’t really talking. Gigi tells Addled what she thinks of him. It doesn’t seem Sara is deterred; she and Addled shake on it.

After the walking tour concludes, the participants meet. Emilia blames the antiquated systems for having limited production in the mine. Naturally, Roberta and Leo made the bad decision not to make sorely needed upgrades. Emilia wants 5 million pesos to make the necessary changes. Roberta looks angry and incredulous. Emilia scathingly and smugly says she knew they wouldn’t be able to afford her. She seems ready to walk.

Back home, Tigre looks at Emilia’s picture with much sadness. There is knocking on the door and Ezequiel and the police arrive with a search warrant.

As Emilia is ready to get into her car, Leo comes running up, telling her they accept her terms.

The police are ransacking drawers as Tigre vociferously objects. Zaira tells him that Tigre is an associate of Roberta’s but that does not seem to matter a whit.

Back in board room, the documents are ready to be signed. Leo signs and has to prod Roberta to do the same, which she does very reluctantly. Leo and Emilia rise and shake hands. The camera pans to Roberta whose eyes darken as she (and we) see the sparkle in Leo’s eyes.

Diana
 

Minas
Diana, you did a great job.
You are right about tigre wanting to sell a nugget. He was unable because he needed proof it belonged to him. Isn't that usual? Because my first thought was that I'd need some kind of document. But then don't people go to sell stolen stuffat these shops?
Addled offered his daughter to go into politics with him. Sara has that weird bug that contaminated her brain because she talks about wanting to have more than Roberta.
I loved Emilia criticising the mine. At one point Roberta was like 'ok,everything is bad.' E said 'no, you have a good mineral.' But from what she said about people with experience but without specialisation working here, it appears this would have been true for her if she hadn't gone to university. Or did I misunderstood? Because didn't they work on that mine at first? So did Roberta just use what they left? Emilia asks why did you let things go this far? Roberta says lack of advisory. Emilia says some things require only common sense.
Flor is in Fidel's business and has to distribute the 'merchandise'. So she asked Orlando to give her a job at his restaurant.
 

Minas
Ramiro went to tell Gael he can go back to work. Gael said he didn't want his job back, but it seems he changed his mind after learning his parents couldn't sell that nugget.
 

VENCER LA CULPA #2

So, we are supposed to believe that if Leandro only knew that Manuela was pregnant he would have chosen her and the baby over his wife?Manuela is now the love of his life! Give me a break. His character has a long way to go to prove he has changed. In the meantime, can somebody shut up bratty Julieta.

I was happy to see Helena Rojo.

Amanda’s world keeps shrinking around her as her despicable children keep pressuring her to care for their louse of a father in the way he wants to be cared for. None of them has any respect for her. How long will she take it?

Hmmm. . . Dulce with a clearly bruised arm shows up at the center for abused women to talk about a toxic relationship. We (and Yaneli) see her later out sitting in the park in the dark with Genaro, Yaneli’s brother?

Pablo’s son sent him the address of the abused women’s center as his last address?
Manuela cannot remember much of anything being there. Good mystery and good chemistry between Pablo and Manuela. Matías Novoa is a cutie.

Why did Paloma’s parents start to talk about remodeling the bathroom when she was talking about going to Miami only to “guilt” her into saying she would send them money to help them out??

Paloma is the comic relief? Will that fact keep her from moving to Miami? LOL
 

MINAS

Thanks so much for your kind words Waterlily!

I so appreciate all you added! Loved "Sara has that weird bug that contaminated her brain because she talks about wanting to have more than Roberta". Too funny!!

I'm paranoid that I will put things that I imagined were said that are wrong. I did think Addled urged Sara to go into politics but omitted it. Same thing with Flor asking for the job. Thank you.

Ramiro seems like a bad guy but seems to sort of care for Gael. Guess time will tell.

So glad you are watching and taking the time to contribute all of your "golden nuggets". :)

Diana
You deftly shed light on all that Emilia said to Roberta and Leo which I did not understand. Look like she took Roberta to task. FINALLY! Someone sure had to. "Emilia asks why did you let things go this far? Roberta says lack of advisory. Emilia says some things require only common sense". Love it! Of course safety is the lowest priority for Roberta and of course they've made Leo so stoopid, he never did anything about it either.


 

VENCER

Jarifa, thank you for your extremely helpful, wise summary.

"In the meantime, can somebody shut up bratty Julieta". OMG, the character is THE most annoying youngster I can recall. Insufferable whining, I can't bear to watch her. Whatever did Manuela do to deserve her?

Gabe Soto is playing Leandro with his earnest best. But I don't think Manuela is falling for it. This is mean spirited but I am hoping Julieta will want to go live with her father. Let her do it! That'll teach him...

Amanda needs a shot of courage, she needs to walk, leaving her abusive spouse and despicable kids behind.

I've no doubt Genero gave Dulce those bruises. He is a swarthy brute.

So, a character can be a bit of a ditz and be charming, but they are making Paloma a full on klutz. The scene where she reeled out of control in the restaurant, breaking dishes and causing spills on the other patrons was over the top. That said, she is sweet and trusting. But way too gullible.

I'm enjoying every minute of this...the hour flies by....

Diana
 

Vencer

Thanks Jarifa. I’m going to make a cheat sheet with the names of the characters. I feel like Manuela and Pablo(?), the man looking for his son, might become a couple. So Gabe, whom I’ve always liked, cheated on his wife 15 years ago and is now making his mother care for his father, who probably never treated the mom nicely. At least he told Manuela that Julieta had been with him. I thought he had told her he wouldn’t tell, but not sure. She was very bratty with the receptionist in the building. Let’s see if she shows that side to her dad!

I like Paloma, I’ve seen her before. I agree Jarifa, she’ll be the comic relief. Although I don’t like Walter at all.

The missing son was really young. Did he run away? Or have a reason to go to Mexico City? I’m guessing his stepmother played a part in his leaving.

The other characters are still a blur to me!

Liz
 

Minas

Diana, thank you for the helpful recap which allows me to keep up with this story although I can't watch for awhile .
Waterlily( lovely name ) , thank you for adding to Diana's recap.
I have seen some photos , and Leo continues to look beaten and lost. So....did Leo spark up when he saw Em?

Is Fidel's business prostitution? What a creep. Did Orlando give Flor a job ? Will she be selling ladies of the night ?
Susan
 

Vencer

Jarifa, thank you for the recap. I am still lost about some of these storylines and characters .

I think in the five years ago flashback, different actors were playing Manuela and Leonardo . Who was the younger actor playing Leondro? He looked familiar .

Matias Novoa ( Pablo?) hits Bratty ( Julieta) with his car . Her mother (Manuela?)runs out . Some guy takes Julieta away. Pablo tells Manuela he is looking for his son .

Does Manuela work in an abuse center? It seems Gabe Soto just found out he is the father of Bratty (wow...joy) ,and he wants to be with Manuela , the love of his life .

The blonde that Pablo was talking to on the phone looks familiar . Is the actress Ingrid Martz?



Who is the gray haired woman with the big blackeye?

It seems some guy took Paloma to a restaurant and gave her a ring .
Susan.
 

Vencer

I dont know who Genero and Dulce are .
Susan
 

"MINAS":
Diana: AWESOME job on the recap of last night's episode.

Steve Boudreaux
 

Vencer

Thanks, Diana. I am still confused about what's going on; there are so many characters to keep track of.

Julieta deserved a slap heard round the world... or to be sent to a strict convent school. Are all these young actresses competing for the title of Ultimate Brat?

I had read that Gabriel Soto's character will be a villain. His first, I think. Let's see where he goes with that.

I hope that the adorable Pomeranian is in for the long haul. That's my favorite dog breed.


 

MINAS

Thank you for your kind words Susan. I look forward to you being able to watch again soon!

Leo stared at Emilia hard for a second or two when he first saw her. But his face was fairly impassive. However, when he shook hands with Emilia at the end, the sparks were definintely flying on his end...

I don't know what Fidel's business is. I think Flor will work for Orlando where she can keep an eye on everything. Whether she will be using the restaurant as a "front" for anything, I am not sure.

Steve, thank you - I appreciate it!

Diana
 

El Maleficio

Are you going to recap or put up discussion pages for 'El Maleficio "?


I'm asking because even though I am a Fernando Colunga fan, he has aged so much and had so much plastic surgery.

Plus, I'm not sure the worshipping of Bael is interesting to me.

Any suggestions or responses would be greatly appreciated.

Margaret
 

VENCER

Susan, yes, Ingrid Martz is Carmina, Pablo (Matias's) wife.

I was also wondering who played the young Leandro (Gabe). It looked like Lambda Garcia a bit, but don't think it was.

Yes, Paloma got the ring (it wasn't a real one but I couldn't tell what it was) in the midst of the restaurant catastrophy!

Manuela does work with battered women.

Dulce was the young woman who worked with Amanda in the dog shop. She was sporting major bruises and ended up going to see Manuela but when bratty Paula called, she left. I would hazard a guess Gerero, her brother is the one hitting Dulce.

Urban, yes, love the Pom!!

Diana
 

OT

Margaret, I am not sure but I believe El Maleficio just started airing in Mexico but it is not airing currently in the US. This blog recaps shows currently airing on Univision in the US. Do while it might be recapped when it airs there’s no indication right now of when that might be. The timeline between the two countries airing the same show is sometimes weeks, sometimes months and sometimes even years. Currently I don’t see any indication that El Maleficio will be airing anytime soon here,
 

Vencer

Diana, thanks . Maybe it was Lamda . I have been watching him dance on " Mira Quien Baila," and he is quite a good dancer . Susan
 

VENCER #3

I smiled that Manuela doesn’t trust anything Leandro is saying regarding divorcing his wife. Leandro called her wanting to see Julieta, who immediately started bleating like a goat. Manuela accompanies Julieta to dinner with her father at a restaurant named “Thai”. Julieta acts like a brat. Shocking? Hardly ☹

I was impressed at Manuela’s kindness in making inquiries and was able to find out some information about Pablo’s missing son Damian. He meets with her later, obviously distraught. She listens sympathetically although I didn’t understand the conversation.

Dulce shows up at Manuela’s again but she is with Pablo so she leaves.

So we meet Enrique (Juan Carlos Barreto) and his daughter Susana (Sachi Tamashiro). Coming out of church, I think she said her mother has been deceased for three years (?) We also met her brother (not sure of his name as I don’t know the actor) who introduced them to his “novia”, a rather flashily dressed young woman. Susana has a son whose name I didn’t catch.

Roy is proposing to steal the professor’s computer to avoid having to take an exam. Yaneli is thinking about it. He shows up at Yaneli’s house later that night, trying to sweet talk her.

Paloma and Warren are sitting at a table as she says, “welcome to Miami”. I don’t trust him as far as I could throw him.

Yaneli passes Dulce on the street and turns to look at her recognizing her from seeing her with her brother the other day. Then we see Dulce with Paloma. It seems she wants to tell Paloma something but Paloma has to leave.

Paloma’s parents have set a beautiful table and are all dressed up. Paloma has on a beautiful green gown as the hour draws late and Warren is MIA. All three leave and go to the restaurant but he is gone.

Pablo gets a text at the end but I couldn’t follow.

Diana
 

"VENCER" 3 OR 5?
Diana: Leandro is a scumbag!

Steve Boudreaux
 

Vencer

I didn't recognize Helena Roja. I first saw her in " Amor Real" as Adele Noriego's nasty mom.

Who was the guy in the kitchen dancing with Julieta?

Roy looks like very bad news.

Wow, Paloma does not make good choices about men. What is Walter's game ? Did he get money from her and then run off?

I wonder how Paloma is connected to Dulce.

Looks like Leondro is very wealthy. Susan
 

VENCER

Susan, I was also wondering who the dark haired man was. I think he is Manuela's uncle, her mother's brother, but I'm not sure.

From what we saw tonight, Paloma definitely seemed to know Dulce, but what their relationship is wasn't explained, unless I missed it.

Diana
 

MINAS #53 Part 1

Gael is down at the river when he hears a voice and when he sees Marijo his entire face lights up!

Back in the boardroom, the conversation is winding down, Emilia’s tone sharp as they leave.

Gael tells Marijo she is beautiful. She asks if he has a novia; no he does not! Gael yells to the wind, picking her up and twirling her in delight. He jumps in the water, shirtless. The water seems fine so Marijo sits on a rock, dangling her legs in the water. Then, she takes the plunge and they float enjoying the sunny skies and warm water. He tells her she is very important to him. He ends up ruminating a bit and then leaves her; she puzzled and sad.

The search continues at Zaira and Tigre’s. Ezequiel finds a nugget of gold hidden in a box and brings it triumphantly into the living room claiming he has evidence. They start to cuff Tigre but Zaira interrupts and says no, I am to blame and puts out her hands. So the cuffs are added, Tigre in a state, between tears and anger. He pushes his wheelchair up to get the phone but there is no answer. He hangs his head in frustration.

Leo comes out as Emilia is ready to get in the car. I believe she says she wants a full investigation and then mentions Tigre Sanchez. Leo knocks on the window and asks her something I didn’t understand. She looks shaken.

Ezequiel is on the phone with Roberta immediately; she calls him an imbecile (par for the course).

Zaira is screaming from her cell. Her cellmate pulls out a flask and kindly offers her a swig which she declines. That breaks the ice. The guard releases Emilia and tells her to hurry. He brings her into a waiting room where Roberta looms staring stonily.

Leo gets in his car thinking back on seeing Victoria for the first time. He recalls staring at her during the discussions and the electric shock he felt when shaking her hand. “Victoria Alcazar” he murmurs to himself. Danilo talks to Aleida, worried they will end up in jail. Meanwhile, Emilia’s heart is broken as she flashes back to various scenes with Leo, in tears. Are you all right Aleida asks? There is no response and Emilia walks away. Danilo looks after her very concerned.

“Te amo Emilia” Leo utters in his car. Emilia murmurs the same while standing by a tree. An arm is thrust out touching her and Emilia turns around in shock. “Emilia” Gael says in tears. Emilia, my sister. No she says, you are confused; I am Victoria. No you aren’t Gael insists reaching to hug her. You are my sister Emilia he insists. No I’m not Emilia she lies, turning to go but he pulls her back. Her face gives her away but there are no words.

Danilo and Aleida are arguing when Leo pulls up. Is everything all right he asks? Yes they reply when it obviously isn’t.

Please leave me alone Emilia implores Gael. He says no matter what she says he knows in his heart she is Emilia. He is practically begging her to tell him.

Zaira is giving Roberta the business but Roberta demands respect. As if!! Zaira pushes her too far and Roberta hauls off and slaps her. Hard.

Aleida goes into a long-winded explanation to Leo. He asks where Emilia is and then stalks off to find her. Danilo starts to follow but Aleida initially pulls him back but he insists and shakes her off.

Diana
 

MINAS #53 Part 2 of 2

Gael is still pleading with Emilia. My heavens, her tears alone should tell him he’s right. He kneels at her feet and hugs her waist. She kneels down next to him, and hugs him, asking for his forgiveness. They are both beside themselves. Gael’s phone rings and Emilia tells him to answer. “What is it mom” Gael asks; but it isn’t Zaira, it’s Tigre telling him there is trouble and he needs to get home. “You are alive” Gael tells Emilia as she puts her hands on his face. All of a sudden, Leo wanders onto the scene and says “Victoria”. Emilia and Gael try to compose themselves and wipe the tears from their faces with their hands.

Roberta and Zaira get into it, their fury and anger palpable. The bottom line seems to be that Roberta will drop the charges if Zaira can convince Tigre to return to the mine. Zaira crosses herself and is led back to her cell.

Emilia and Gael immediately fall into crisis mode, Emilia introducing herself to Gael as Victoria! Leo must have arrived later than I initially thought as he took in the scene but didn’t dispute it. A winded Danilo comes up behind Leo and basically drags Emilia away. Leo isn’t fooled, he stares after her, knowing she is Emilia.

Gigi is with Sara and Romina and Nico. Sara is stressed and uptight as usual. Gigi gives her quite the talking to, saying something about ignorance; if anyone can fill in, kindly do so.

Addled and Fidel dine at “Aleida”, Addled making inappropriate comments about Flor who is now working as a server.

Sebas is at the police station where he runs into Gael. Gael flashes back to his scene with Emilia but doesn’t say anything. Yet.

Tigre visits Zaira in jail and they hold hands through the bars. She tells him about her meeting with Roberta and he flushes furiously.

Victoria and Aleida go gambling. Victoria alights from her chair and runs smack into Sara! Sara stares scathingly.

Diana
 

Minas
Diana, thanks. I found some scenes very frustrating to watch so my recap would have been a bit ranty.
Marijo for some reason thinks Gael should have confessed his love to her or something because she doesn't like the fact he said she 'was' important to him. Which of them endedd the relationship? She asks if she can see him again. He says he isn't sure. Is Mari really this arrogant?Gael says to himself he won't let M into his heart because they will only hurt each other.
Emilia tells them she will bring her own people to work in the mine. One of the people she wants there is tigre. Aleida and Danilo are like 'so we only have one worker. What are we going to do?'
Roberta actually tells Zaira that Zaira would have done the same things R did if someone had hurt Gael. Now that's quite...Now reporting rape is called hurting. Some rich families undoubtedly would agree, though. I think this is what's so sad about this situation. Roberta's conclusion is 'no one understands me? Fine. It doesn't matter.' It was funny that she screamed rather loudly that she didn't kill E.
Gigi tells Sara that being impowered isn't gaining a political post. It means respecting women whose choices are different from yours: women who chose to raise kids. She asks Sara 'what are you going to change? If you really want to change something, make sure it's a worthwhile thing.' I don't think I did justice to this but I loved it. I have no idea who would vote for Sara as she is so damn arrogant and wouldn't know how to pretend she isn't.
I'm glad it was Gael and not Leo who recognised her. But another 'te amo' from him and I'll scream.
Oh and Gigi asks Sara why she isn't affectionate with her daughter. Sara says it's because she doesn't want her to be a princess and depend on anyone. Gigi says you are treating her as if she were 20 and she is only 4. Sara says 'well, this wasn't what I wanted.' Can someone please slap her? So she is going to be awful to her kid, make up an excuse and live the way she used to because she is selfish enough to think kids 'adapt to your life' or what? It's such a childish thing to say. Impowered, spoilt, selfish, arrogant witch. She trapped Lweo with a kid and now she is a victim because...surprise! She is unhappy. So what did she say about not wanting her daughter to be a princess? Sure she doesn't. Who would want this kind of competition? Has Sara alreadyordered a crown for herself? I wonder if she could get something for Roberta too. Maybe they'd get a discount. Roberta did say she was displeased they E and others kept calling her senora and not by her surname. If she gets a crown with this, no one will ever forget her surname. This is what you should worry about when your mine is nearly gone, everyone. That's the true problem.
 

VENCER 3

Thank you, Diana, for your very fine recap!

Manuela tells Pablo that the center for abused women was first a corner store where a lot of kids bought/took drugs and then turned into a rehab center. They also took care of kids that didn’t necessarily have drug problems but had other kinds of issues. At the end of the episode, Pablo gets a text from his missing son Damián saying he knows he is looking for him but that he doesn’t want to see him. He is dead to him. I wonder if the message really was from his son considering that Carmina would do anything to have him give up the search. Also, Carmina’s sister Nancy is in on stealing from the company with her.

Paloma has been totally ghosted by Walter. The message from the doorman was that Walter had moved out. Paloma gets a message from Walter saying he doesn’t know when he will be back. Sounds like never to me.

Dulce is renting her apartment from Paloma.

If anyone watched “Vencer el desamor,” they actually talked in a couple of scenes about the serial rapist Lino Ferrer being prosecuted in even more rape cases than the two he had been convicted of and how it was all do to Ariadna López.

Leandro clearly has not been listening to Manuela offering his vacant apartment to them in front of the brat. He hasn’t learned a thing.
 

MINAS

waterlily, thank you for your excellent observations which added so very much!

Uh oh, so Tigre is a workforce of one!!

Your translating Gigi and Sara's conversation was so insightful and needs to be repeated in its entirety: "Oh and Gigi asks Sara why she isn't affectionate with her daughter. Sara says it's because she doesn't want her to be a princess and depend on anyone. Gigi says you are treating her as if she were 20 and she is only 4. Sara says 'well, this wasn't what I wanted.' Can someone please slap her? So she is going to be awful to her kid, make up an excuse and live the way she used to because she is selfish enough to think kids 'adapt to your life' or what? It's such a childish thing to say. Impowered, spoilt, selfish, arrogant witch".

You always add so many important puzzle pieces, thank you!

Diana

 

VENCER

Oh Jarifa, thank you for all of the critical information, perfectly relayed.

I so appreciated hearing how the center got started.

I couldn't figure out the text Pablo got so after reading what happened, I completely agree that Carmina likely sent it! She is SO vile.

So Dulce rented from Paloma....

Lino Ferrer was one of, if not the most sickening, disturbing characters I've ever seen. I had several sleepless nights during his reign of terror. A monster. I'm not surprised there were more victims; I pray they find the peace that eluded them here on earth in their final, brutal moments.

Diana
 

VENCER

Diana, I have a very good friend who doesn’t watch novelas but who had to hear all about “Vencer el desamor” blow by blow weekly during our conversations. She still brings up “that Lino” to this day. : )
 

Vencer

Thanks Diana, your recap was great and is helping me on my cheat sheet of who’s who. Thanks, Jarifa, for adding to it.

I’m glad Paloma is free of Walter but wish she had been the one to drop him. I feel sorry for her as she seems to pick the wrong guys. And her parents had that beautiful dinner prepared!

I guess Manuela will have to move into Leandro’s apartment. Julieta won’t let her say no. So far I haven’t seen anything Manuela is doing to have such a bratty kid. Maybe it’s her fathers genes. I’m not looking forward to Gabe being a villain. He’s always been such a nice guy.

Liz
 

Minas

Diana and waterlily, thank you both for the recap.

So....Gael is the first one to realize that Victoria is Emilia. Well....yeah, she just has shorter hair and is wearing makeup and nicer clothes . Hello! Hola! So...the two guys who are madly in love with her still don't get the call of love . Okay.

I am going to be very upset if dreadful Sara ends up with Danilo. Will Dan find out how she has been treating his child ? I guess we are seeing another show with the theme of girlpower. Why can't we just look at individuals ? Susan
 

"MINAS" EPISODE #53:

Diana: You're doing an amazing job with the recap of last night's episode. Had no clue Maria Jose came back to San Lorenzo.

Anon: Basically Gael is the first to figure out that Victoria is really Emilia. I wonder how long before someone opens their big mouths to reveal Victoria as Emilia ? Something's gotta give at some point.

Weirdo: The ONLY reasons why I'm watching this Telenovela: Livia Brito & Karyme Lozano. I noticed that the corrupt thugs from the San Lorenzo Police Department ransacked El Tigre's house for crying out loud OMG & Zaira went to jail.


 

VENCER

Jarifa, I don't blame your friend a bit! Lino was so, so evil but fascinating.

Thanks for your kind words Liz. I'm hoping the third time will be the charm for Paloma!

I don't think Manuela will want to move into Leandro's vacant apartment. But will Julieta wail incessantly?? My ears can't take it. :)

We've seen enough to know Gabe is shady and also lies. He's not in villain territory yet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Diana
 

MINAS

Susan, yes, a good wig, better makeup and clothes didn't fool Gael for a moment, did they??

I was really afraid Gael was going to tell Sebas; he looked like he was ready to pop with excitement. And relief.

I am still in the dark as to what has transpired between Danilo and Sara since he left and entered the manicomio. They've texted but am not sure where they stand; Danilo seems reluctant to answer her calls now and I'm unsure as to how he feels about her. Sara would basically need to morph into someone else in order for her to end up with Danilo. Admit her lies and deceptions and make amends. No spoiler, simply speculation but I'm wondering if Sara will enter politics and somehow change to do good rather than evil.

Diana
 

MINAS

Thank you for your support Steve!

Diana
 

Vencer

Gracias, Diana. Your recap is just what I needed.

I'm still trying to figure things out, but I know for sure that bratty girl is too loud and the old sick husband is mean.

Paloma is such a sweetheart (though a klutz). I'm wondering why she's a jerk magnet.
 

VENCER

Thanks so much Niecie.

I smiled at "I'm still trying to figure things out, but I know for sure that bratty girl is too loud and the old sick husband is mean". I cringe when either of them is onscreen albeit for very different reasons.

Paloma is a "jerk magnet" (love that). I think her luck will change when she meets Carlos Ferro, I hope it's soon.

Diana
 

Minas

Diana, I was kind of wondering if the long , curly hair was the wig , and now we are seeing Livia's real hair. Susan
 

MINAS

Susan, you could very well be right.

I envision Livia's "real" hair as somewhere inbetween the two but I really don't know. :)

Diana