Caray, Caray!

Hi, all. If you’re wondering about the tone of this recap, this is Hombre de Misterio, subbing for JudyB (who’ll do my Friday recap this week).

So what was the deal with Moni and Beto in Moni’s office? She locked the door, and I was thinking she sort of wanted Maury to catch her kissing Beto. No, she was just keeping Beto quiet. After Maury gives up on opening the door (Aldo was going to thank Moni), Maury goes back to work, Aldo is sent home with Salvador, and Moni sneaks Beto out. On the way out he gives her some flyers (volantes) of his upcoming wrestling match, and she quickly hides them, as Maury returns.

He informs Moni that not only did they catch the fake Dad, but Maury took a page from Moni’s book, in that he punched the guy out (lo agarré a trancazos). Moni digs this toughness, but Maury surprises her with a kiss on the cheek. What was that? I’m delivering a kiss from Aldo (good strategy, Maury). So bring us some cappuccino, and we’ll talk. Moni backs away to get the coffee, obviously smitten. As she goes, Maury sees a flyer on the floor, which says “Sensational Wrestling” (wrestling is lucha libre, or free fight).

Cut to the wrestling ring, where Morales is peeved that Beto has finally deigned to show up, given that the match is Saturday (the next day) morning. Beto thinks he’s ready, but a funny montage proves otherwise, as Beto is tossed all over the place, after which five huge wrestlers, with silly masks covering their faces, pile onto our pobrecito. This inspires Beto to put on HIS mask, after which the guys REALLY smash into him (actually his body double, that’s why they put on the mask at this point), flipping him, crushing him in the corner, and stomping on him. What fun!

Back at Grupo Sermeño (easy to remember, as it ends with Meño, a character from Tontas, which many of us just finished watching), Maury, Salvador, Jerry and Gabi are discussing what to do about Bonilla’s fraud with the fake Dad thing. Salvador wants to press charges, Maury wants to let it go. Sal thinks someone else is behind this, looks right at Jerry as he wonders how Bonilla found out Maury adopted the kids. Jerry gets indignant and stalks out, complaining why everyone always accuses HIM. (let’s guess – because you DID it, Jerry?). As the door closes, Sal holds up his finger, telling Maury that Jerry’s hiding something, be sure of it.

Back en casa, Beto’s sore, Moni’s massaging his back. He likes the costeño (Morales, who apparently is from the coastal region of Mexico), but this wrestling stuff hurts! Nieves comes in with some ointment, but Beto leaves to check on dinner. Nieves apologizes to Moni for telling Beto where she worked, but the lies have to stop (I doubt it). Moni’s not mad anymore, and the two are excited about Beto’s big match tomorrow.

The three kids are sitting on the bed, staring at…. Connie, who tells them about their big day tomorrow. They’ll start with a sauna, then haircuts for all, manis and pedis, we can’t have you looking unrefined, but Danny wants to go to the park. Aldo and Luisa are no more enthusiastic. Maury comes in with a great plan. Let’s go to the wrestling match! He shows them the flyer, as Connie makes a face. Too bad, they’re going, as rock music starts playing and the kids flex their muscles.

So, now it’s tomorrow. Two big hooded wrestlers decide not to eat the sandwiches (tortas, also means cakes, but apparently often used for sandwiches in Mexico) brought by someone’s girlfriend. Don’t want to interfere with the training. Of course, when Beto comes in, he can’t resist, can’t believe how great this wrestling is, even free sandwiches are provided, and he digs in. Morales enters, doesn’t think this eating before a fight is wise, is Beto really in shape, is he 100% (estás a cien)? 1000 percent, replies Beto, but all of a sudden the food hits, it’s gaseous eruptus, and he has to find that men’s room immediately!

It’s thug time. Bonilla tells Jerry he wants his dough. Jerry reminds him the plan didn’t work. Boney’s tired of Jerry’s plans. He wants his money, and to emphasize his point, snaps his fingers and two suited mafia types punch Jerry in the gut, sending him to the turf. Lucky for him, Ximena shows up (not having seen the hits), and the guys leave. She then notices Jerry, tells him she told him so, or maybe it was his horoscope.

It’s wrestling time! The ring is empty, the room is filled with people and smoke, the fans are screaming as Moni and Nieves (wearing a rhinestone-covered baseball cap), find their seats and say a little prayer. Morales tells them Beto’s tummy is upset. Over on the other side of the ring Maury arrives holding Danny, followed by Connie, Luisa and Aldo. Moni spies them, and ducks down to hide (I don’t really see why she’s so uptight about all this, but we’ll let it go for now). She calls Estrella on the cell for help, but Estrella has a date.

Moni and Nieves go to the dressing room to check on Beto. As they approach the bathroom, they’re overwhelmed by the smell. Beto yells through the door, he’s got a problem. No toilet paper? No, he doesn’t feel good, and he’s got a favor to ask Moni (I have my guess, we’ll see if I’m right in a few minutes).

Back in the barrio, Estrella parts the waves of hanging laundry to greet handsome Ricardo. And he brought flowers. They were going to go for a walk, but… change of plans. Would Ric like to go see a wrestling match?

At the ring, some big wrestlers are flying all over the place, and Maury and clan are enjoying every crash and splat, even when they go over the ropes. Connie’s a little mortified by it all, but even she starts smiling.

Not everyone’s at the match. Gabi the workaholic is at the office (this is Saturday, remember), and Salvador shows up, saying that when he got home, his wife had packed his bags, the door was closed and locked. Well, replies Gabi, maybe one door closes, another door opens, your next adventure could be with me! Sal is startled, until Gabi says she was just kidding to cheer him up (sure). She wants to go somewhere, they can have a glass of wine, she’ll listen attentively. He first says he needs a hotel, he can’t sleep in the office, but she says no to worry about that now, let’s talk. He agrees, and she’s making progress!

Back at the ring, guess what? Beto wants Moni to take his place (yeah, saw that one comin’). No way in hell, says Moni (I’ll lay odds the next time we see her she’s in the wrestling outfit with the hood and all). Ringside, little Danny has her own cute hood, and is eating popcorn. Connie’s fixing her makeup, and Estrella (in a nice black strapless dress with a white fringe) enters with Ricardo. Strella spots la momia (the mummy, her nickname for Connie), as Connie complains to Maury about the smell of everyone’s sweat. She wants to leave. Maury starts to agree, but Danny wants to see the avenging ghost (fantasma vengador), so they agree to stay for one more fight.

The announcer walks center ring, and introduces the villain first, known as The Crow (El Cuervo), who looks like a cross between Ozzy Ozborne and Michael Jackson, long black hair, white greasepaint on his face, long black robe. The crowd hisses and boos. And now introducing The Avenging Ghost! The crowd rises to its feet, cheering our avenger, in the silver suit with the blue trim, somehow filling it out quite differently than Beto in the hip and bust areas, but bouncing happily up to the top of the corner of the ring, climbing the ropes, to the delight of the crowd. And now introducing the dean (decano) of referees, Pepe Lopitasa (probably legitimately famous, but I couldn’t find him on Google).

The fight starts, and as usual in these things, the hero starts out losing, receiving all sorts of punishment, being kicked, smashed into the corner, thrown to the mat (oh, and BTW, they’ve got that body double back for this part, or else Moni just gained 45 pounds, I think it’s a guy with a bra on under the suit). Danny’s upset, but Maury tells her to have faith. Doesn’t look good tho’, as the Fantasma gets thrown right out of the ring, landing conveniently in Maury’s lap! He’s none the wiser, but I think this inspires our girl, as she pops back up, and the tide has turned! How? She starts BOXING. Beto, sitting in the bleachers with his Mom, says that’s not allowed, but no one can stop Moni now. She even slips in a kick to the nether regions. One more punch, and El Cuervo is down and out! The crowd explodes!

Not quite as exciting, but promising nevertheless, Gabi (looking very pretty) and Salvador are chatting amiably in a restaurant. A mariachi band starts, and Gabi thinks it’s so romantic, until Sal says that’s the song they had at my wife’s tenth anniversary, and Gabi quickly tells the band to shut up. Both Sal and Gabi have been upset by work lately, she by Moni (although he admits he likes Moni), and he by Jeronimo, who keeps manipulating Maury. He’s convinced Jerry is bad, but he has no proof. Gabi says she’ll help, they can be a team. They clasp their hands together.

Back at the ring, the kids are glowing in the aftermath, and Danny wants to meet El Fantasma. Connie’s not into it, she’ll wait outside. Up come Ric and Estrella, introductions are made, and Aldo can’t help stare at the sexy Estella with his mouth open. Strella sweetly tells him to stop it, flies might get in. Maury asks Ric to watch the two big kids while he takes Danny to meet the hero of the night.

Meanwhile, Beto has crashed into Connie on her way out, knocking her pocketbook to the ground. He immediately starts putting the moves on her, but she’s disgusted. He picks up her card from the ground, mispronounces her name, but memorizes her number. He’ll call her tomorrow. She slaps him and leaves. He LIKED that. Oh yes. And you know what else? She also dropped her wallet. Now he definitely has an excuse to see her.

We see some feet entering a nice house, it’s Ximena helping Jerry, patch over his eye, arm in a sling, the result of his warning from Boney’s goonsquad. Okay, you’re fine, I’m going out dancing with the girls, says Ximmy. Wait, you need to help me, sister, says Jerry, wincing in pain. He wants her to seduce Boney, so Boney will stop bothering Jerry about the money. You like Bonilla, right? Sure, but that was DAYS ago. Jerry tells Ximmy she can manipulate Boney through sex. She’s so good at that, and maybe she could even get him to marry her. Then all Jerry’s problems would be solved. Ximmy doesn’t think so. Why don’t YOU manipulate Boney through sex! You’d be great, she says with a wink, off to go dancing.

Maury and Danny are at the dressing room door. Moni, still in the wrestling outfit, but with the hood half off, sees them first, ducks behind a door. What’s she going to do? Maury talks through the door, your biggest fan is here, don’t let her down. Moni puts the mask on and opens the door. Danny’s first words are “you’ve got your mask on crooked (chueca), Fantasma”. Maury asks for an autograph. Moni brings out a poster of the Avenging Ghost, Danny remarking that the picture in the poster is way fatter, but of course, Maury doesn’t notice at all. Moni signs the poster. Danny asks if Fantasma’s butt hurt when “he” fell onto the canvas (la lona). Fantasma stays silent, but nods a bit. Finally, Danny wants a kiss, and after getting it, says “how nice you smell”! (qué rico hueles). Fantasma keeps making macho poses, and of course, Maury doesn’t suspect a thing. If he only knew!

At the superfresa dance club, Ximena’s dancing a sixties dances like the frug with her amiga, while three guys look on. One remarks to the second that she’s the cousin of that race car driver whom they don’t like. But the third guy (whose name might be Rolando) is intrigued by our girl, dancing with wild abandon.

Moni’s lying on her bed, waiting for her cue (oh sorry, I guess she’s thinking about the day’s events). The phone rings, and it’s little Danny. Danny tells Moni she went to the wrestling match, and her favorite was the Avenging Ghost, because he was skinny, and all the other fighters were tall and fat. Maury and Connie come in, who are you talking to? It’s Monita, and she hands the phone to Maury. Connie says she’ll wait in the bedroom, but as soon as she gets there, she stealthily picks up the phone to listen in. Maury tells Monita how they had a good time, and they all missed Moni. And you know what? he adds. I missed you, too (Connie doesn’t like this part).

Paula, Strella and Moni are girl talking in the kitchen. Paula can’t believe Moni now does wrestling, too. Strella says Moni’s a good-hearted person (buenaza), can’t turn anyone down. Moni asks if the girls will come to Tepita tomorrow, she wants to go shopping for office clothes, and needs some advice. With the money from the fight, she can afford it. Strella says Moni can keep borrowing Strella’s outfits, but Moni wants something to show her own personality. They agree she wants a change of “looks” (the English word, pronounced with a strong spanish accent).

Next morning, at the gym, Moni is hitting the bag with feeling, and Beto observes that her right handed punch is back. But you’re hitting like a child, he kids, and she gets mad. She gets up at 4 A.M. to train before work, so lay off it! And it’s Sunday and he STILL has her training. So, you want me to leave? I will, and he starts to leave, but doesn’t really want to, says I’m leaving, here I go, I’m starting to go, but she wants him out NOW. He starts again, runs into Don César, who inspects Moni’s hand. It’s much better, and very soon, she’ll be able to box again.

Connie is complaining to Ximena about Mao (Maury) and you know who. Also, she hated the people at the wrestling match, all fat with tight clothes, smelly, whereas here SHE is, divine, refined, a goddess….and all so your cousin can tell that THING he misses her! Ximena says to chill, the truth (la neta) is Mao’s yours, don’t worry. Connie leaves, still upset, and when Ximmy gets up, she crashes right into Rolando Klunder, the third guy from above. She even remembers him, from those car races several years ago. He was the guy who always came in third place, right? He was, but these two look promising, as they sit down for coffee.

We now see all of Mauricio’s racing trophies, displayed in the garage where his race car is being worked on by Cristano, Aldo helping . Danny’s sitting in his lap, looking cute as a button with a red shirt and a little gray and white striped tie. She asks if he were the Avenging Ghost, who would be his worst enemy? He really doesn’t have any enemies. None? Cristano interjects. What about Rolando Klunder? (Nooooooo!)

And next time: Beto gets a new shirt, and we meet Salvador’s dear wife!

Vocabulario:
Volantes – fliers
Lo agarré a trancazos – I punched him out
Estar a cien – to be 100%
El Decano – the dean
Chueco(a) – crooked
La lona – the canvas
Qué rico hueles – how nice you smell
Buenaza – a good hearted person
La neta – the truth

Labels: gancho

We are grinding our way slowly towards the big party, but we're not there yet. This was a slow, repetitive episode, which could be summarized thus:

Barbara's new plan is to get Fernanda, finally, boinked by her husband Damian, thereby wrecking her chances with Fr/Ed. In order to do this, she has concocted some completely ludicrous story (about the $3 million dollars) which no normal human would believe for a second, in order that Damian can come out of hiding and do the deed.

She spends this whole episode with a loony grin on her face. Let us not forget that she, seemingly the puppet-master here, is having her own strings pulled by Artemio Bravo. He gives her tough assignments but she accepts them zestfully.

In addition, she is determined to plumb Aurora's secrets and is wreaking havoc with the poor girl's weak mental circuitry.

I could stop right there, but for those who insist on more...

• Out at the statue, Barb (with her loony smile) pressures Fernanda into going to a hotel with Damian so he can explain his actions and "clarify her doubts."
  
  
• So Damian takes Fer to a hotel. He wants to sign in for several nights, she says: "Just one." The main questions she asks again and again: (1) why did you tell me a few days ago that Barbara stole the money and framed you, and now you and she are so chummy? (2) where have you been hiding?
  
  His answer to the first: this is his chance to clear his name. He doesn't answer the second. I'm not sure why it matters, anybody know?
  
  To sum up his moves: he orders champagne (Fer doesn't drink hers) and lounges around en deshabille, coming up to Fer as close as possible as often as possible and beaming his slitty little eyes into her eyes and repeating that his love is eternal. He says "let me embrace you" and uses his endearing nickname for her - "peque" (shorty) - a lot.
  
  After a bunch more bull, he imagines she must be sleepy and extends his hand to her, "let's go to bed, shorty!" She nixes that and he sleeps on the sofa.
  
  
• Barb goes home and tells her intolerably dimwitted husband how happy she is that everything is resolved and Fernanda and Damian can now have marital bliss. The old duffer is, oh so happy, and then he remembers for a second - wait, my daughter Lili has been kidnapped - and his brow furrows a tiny bit - but Barbara assures him all will be fine - that surely it's Dr Obregon who has kidnapped Lili and he'll take good care of her - so the furrow disappears and old duffer daddy is happy again.
  
  Barbara suggests the Big Party will make a fine time to show the world that the Elizalde family has rehabilitated Damian and clasped him back into their collective bosom. Old duffer agrees although he still thinks Damian could have called, at least.
  
  
• Flor wants to sing like a stooley and tell everything she knows: that she saw Damian and Vladimir and Prisila at Vlad's apartment. Gardenia and Jacinto tell her to keep her mouth shut. She is bent, however, on telling Fernanda, at the very least, that her hubby is holed up with his best buddy Vlad.
  
  
• At the hacienda, Aurora teaches Prisila how to knit - they'll make booties next - but she, Aurora, is having a literally hellish time. She prays and cries, then she finds a voodoo doll full of pins on her pillow and screams and cries.
  
  
• It's the next day. Fer slept in her clothes. The phone starts ringing. It's Franco, Franco, Franco. Esteve, watching him make these calls, suggests it may be too early to call her. "Last night, it was too late." He wants to tell her what he heard from Jacinto: that Vladimir's apt was Damian's hideout. Esteve wonders why Fr/Ed is so hot to tell Fer about this - "can it be, you want to see her reaction?" Fr/Ed calls, calls, calls. "Why doesn't she pick up? She always answers her cellphone!"
  
  Under Damian's watchful eye, Fer does answer a couple other calls. First, from her daffy Daddy - he wants to hear that everything is wonderful for her and Damian, but she sounds wan and unhappy, even Daddy notices! He reminds her, to her dismay, that the big party at Fr/Ed's is this very night.
  
  She also answers Flor's call but says she isn't coming in to the office today. She goes to take a bath, thought bubbling among the bubbles that her husband seems a stranger to her now.
  
  Damian calls Vlad and boasts that, while it's taking longer than he'd imagined, he's well on his way to seducing Fer. Proof? She isn't going to the office, because she wants to spend the day with him!
  
  He slips her cellphone out of her purse to see whose calls she wasn't taking. It was Franco, Franco, Franco! But why didn't she answer? he wonders.
  
  He blabs, blabs, blabs at her, telling lies, flashing his sincere eyes and unbuttoned shirt. I fear she is weakening somewhat.
  
  
• It's morning at the hacienda too, and Aurora is not in a good mood at breakfast. Santi (who does a brief orange juice product placement) thinks it's because she misses him at night.
  
  Barb comes in; Santi is astonished to hear from her that Aurora has developed a strong interest in pasteurization and longs to go to the plant with Barb that day.
  
  So Barb and Aurora drive off - but they don't end up at the plant. Instead, Barb has driven to some seedy back alley. Smiling goonily all the while, she pushes Aurora up the stairs to meet - Rosenda the witch. The witch drags Aurora off into the back room, chants, asks her name (shouldn't she be able to figure that out via her extraordinary mental abilities?), and Aurora is terrified. Perhaps by the skulls and lava lamps everywhere.
  
  
• It's morning at the office, too. Daffy Daddy Elizalde warns Anibal (who has always loathed Damian and continues to do so) (and calls him an inepto, I like that term and plan to use it myself) that at the party this night he'd better not wreck Fernanda's happiness (at her reconciliation with her husband).
  
  
• It's morning at Fr/Ed's house too. Gardenia bounces in, all excited about the stuff that's being delivered for the party. Fr/Ed isn't interested so Esteve will take charge.

Tomorrow: Finally the party! Erika is very happy. Fer arrives on Damian's arm to Fr/Ed's utter consternation.

Labels: manana

Buenas noches a todos.

Maury has put his money where his mouth is and adopted some kids from the broken-down orphanage. The one kid, Aldo, is really violent and should probably be placed in an alternative-care facility in sunny Spain. It would be more of a spa vacation than anything, what with the tennis courts, swimming pools, and soccer tournaments. No way! I adopted the little hoodlum and he’s gonna be my kid no matter how many times he beats up on everyone else, says Maury to his scheming girlfriend.

Well, all this violence and adoption has gotten Maury thinking about biological fathers with vengeances and depleted bank accounts—to the point where he no longer is a reliable business opeartor: he wears sweats and his office worker wears a towel on non-casual days, what more can I say? Sal promised Maury’s late father that he would always protect him, or was it the family fortune? The point is, Sal doesn’t want Maury racin’ no cars, and he better not let Wayne Newton (the new fake dad) into his life.

So the whole office staff is in on some secret operative mission for Maury to meet Wayne. Looks like they found some voice recorder and they strung it through Maury’s clothes. If the deal goes bad Val will be there to give our dyed-hair friend a one-two to the old kisser. In a painfully, overly-animated performance we discover that, with some small economic assistance, Wayne will disappear from his children’s and Maury’s lives forever, or until he spends it all and decides to blackmail him again. Poor Maury lets everyone walk all over him, and really, what’s an extra $100,000. But it’s not a business transaction, it’s about the kids. Oh, and you better not take advantage of me, sir.

Maury doesn’t really know if he should tell his kids about their father, but eventually decides that not telling them will add to the dramatic effect of the show months in advance. Towell girl (Val, who can only afford portions of whole outfits) can’t believe that someone would use his family for money—obviously her boyfriend has trained her well.

Jerry’s crackpot sister Jimena comes to visit the new twin children, but she’s worried about her brother beating her, so she needs more alcohol. Then Jerry arrives to beat up on his sister and explain Spanish portmanteaus. Putting on my Aunt Judy cap: taratúpida = tarada + estúpida = really, really stupid girl. She threatens to tell about Jerry hiring Wayne Newton as an imposter to collect the money for Jerry and Associates. Don’t make me guess things because it took me three hours last time to figure out you wanted to kill me, says stupid sister.

Jerry effectively hits on all three adopted children: Do you work out? Aren’t you a pretty one? Goo gah goo gah. Does this man feel ok?, asks the six year old. I can tell that everyone is going to be fast friends.

So Val is leavin’ the skimpy dress for the sweats. Cue the video montage: Theme song accompanies Val practicing her boxing moves and Maury in his racecar talking to a guy. Rrrandommm!

It just keeps happening! I’m convinced that Televisa is making a cry of help to TLC’s What Not to Wear. Val has to be some sort of plug for publicity on What Not to Wear: South of the Border. Please, we’re running a business, not a Disco-themed night club. No wonder the office managers give her hell, she’s dressed like a freaking street walker. Anyway, they give her a cell phone, and she doesn’t really know what it is, but she says she does, and goes all commando on the pretty one. Then she wants to put some hick music on and leans in for a kiss, stare, hair comb, etc.—only to be interrupted by the girlfriend who is an overly-involved psycho bitch girlfriend.

So Val lied to her boyfriend about working for a Chinese guy so Mamma sent the bf to the Chinese store to find out about the lie. Then Estrella goes with him to interpret and eventually it comes out that Val doesn’t work there and when everyone comes back Mama goes into some sort of diabetic shock because her daughter-in-law lied to her son.

Back at the office, Wayne goes to collect, and is sort of surprised when he has to sign a document. Things get sticky when Aldo shows up to the office where Maury, Sal, and Wayne/fake daddy all meet up and Aldo denies that Wayne is his father. As a knee-jerk reaction Sal takes the suit case and Wayne runs away. Then Secretary calls the police while drunk-as-a-skunk Jimena shows up wondering what’s going on. In an adventure fit for the best racecar drivers in the nation, Sal and Maury decide to follow Wayne’s taxi. We really could have used Val’s athleticism during all the drama, but she was stuck making 800 copies. Poor Aldo doesn’t understand why his father wanted to sell him. Eventually Maury catches up to Wayne and Bonilla and nocks him out. Don’t mess with my family, or I’ll mess you up.

Unfortunately, things go from hick to major hick when under-shirt wearin’, beer guzzlin’ bf shows up at work. What do you have goin’ on here, NASA? No, I lied to you about my job because I didn’t want to seem uppity. Then Val knocks him out with her right hand so she doesn’t have to be embarrassed in front of everyone. Yay, she regained use of her right arm!

In the end the whole family is talking about learning lessons in trust and family bonding. Little Aldo doesn’t understand why his father is allowed to punch out people, but he can’t. It’s an adult thing, son. Jerry says he would have done the same thing to someone who he hired to pretend to be the father of his cousin’s kid so he could collect big time. Then Maury and Aldo go to say goodbye to Val, but she locked herself in the copy room with her bf. She’ll just die if the love of her life discovers her there—but he’s getting married anyway, and has kissed his fake gf many more times than the other couple!

Tomorrow: Maury sort of confronts Jerry. The fam goes to the boxing match—they probably won’t see Val the office worker.

Labels: gancho

Sub recapper for Jardinara. She will be back next week.

Padre Basco asks Solidad for forgiveness (at her grave site).

Fernanda asks Fr/Ed for a favor. Tonight she has a reunion, but doesn't know what it's about. Suddenly Fr/Ed receives a phone call from Padre Basco. Padre tells Fr/Ed things are dangerous. Your enemy is everywhere. Please listen to me. Don't talk about this anymore to anyone. Don't confide in anyone.

Vlad and Pris pull up to his apartment with Flor close behind. Vlad tells Pris not to be upset with him anymore. I promised you that Damian will not bother you anymore. Pris tells him that she doesn't believe him. The more I know you the more I realize you are one of those men whose words don't mean anything. They walk into his apartment building with Flor looking on. Flor is pissed.

Vlad and Pris walk into Vlad's apartment and Pris starts in on Damian. She says that she's a married woman and can't be coming at their beck and call when they feel like it. What game are you trying to play? Vlad tries to explain, but Pris tells him to shut up. You guys are made for each other replies Pris. (viewerville nods in agreement) You guys are a bunch of idiots. Pris, responds Damian, all the Elizandes including your husband have realized that I am innocent. Sit down. I'm glad. So why did you call me here then asks Pris. I am offering you my help responds Damian. How do you plan on helping me asks Pris. Proposing a pact. In exchange for my silence, I want you to watch my back. You insult me replies Pris. Well then everyone will know that the child you expect is not your husbands replies Damian. You are a jerk says Pris and gets up to smack Damian across his face. He gets up pissed and Vlad must have grown a little bit of balls and gets in front of Pris and defends her. Damian says tell me what you want me to tell your family then? That I found you in Vlad's apartment arguing about the paternity of your child? Vlad jumps on this like a ducks on a junebug and agrees that Damian should tell Anibal that he is the real father. He turns to Pris with a crazed look in his eyes and says "Mi Angel, it's best that everyone knows the truth." He kneels on the couch, takes her hand, kisses it, promises her then says no swears to her that I assume my responsibilities. She gets a scared look in her eyes like this guy is nuts.

Barbara brings Aurora coffee. Barbara tries to be all nice and tells her that she just wants to help her. She reminds her that she also went through the same hell she is now going through. She knows of an expert who can help her. They helped her so much. Aurora asks if she means with a witch (bruja). The ones that talk with the spirits? Yes, replies Barbara. Isn't that bad asks Aurora. Seeking help is bad asks Barbara. No, responds Aurora. Barbara tells her she doesn't know what she would have done if it wasn't for that sainted woman. Do you think that woman could help me asks Aurora. It wouldn't be a sin? Aurora it helped me, but if you doubt then there' not point responds Barbara.

Fr/Ed is walking around the living room. Fernanda asks what's wrong. Ever since you received that call your attitude has changed. Tell me what has you worried. Fr/Ed says that to feel confidence in your heart and then to have it poisoned are reasons to disregard that confidence. She asks if he has no confidence in her.

Vlad tells Pris that there will never be anything that her and there child will ever need that will not be met. I promise to give you the best of me. Damian interrupts and tells Pris to give her "lover" an answer. Thank you Vlad, but that's not necessary replies Pris. Just get up. She asks Damian that if he is now found innocent then why does he want her to investigate what's going on in the house? Because I want to make sure that Barbara doesn't have a trick up her sleeve for tonight that why replies Damian.

Barbara is worried about Aurora's relationship with Santiago. Why, asks Aurora. Because if you want to stay by his side you must take away these fears. My situation was the same as yours. I was at the point of losing my husband. He thought I was possessed by a demon. But I did want I had to do to keep his love. I can make an appointment with the person who helped me. Can you do that for me asks Aurora. I will do that for you, but you can't tell anyone. Not even Santiago. Understand?

Pris calls Tomasa and tells her to tell Barbara not to expect her for dinner. She asks Damian when is his meeting with Barbara. Tonight responds Damian. And how do you want me to investigate all this asks Pris. I tell you want to do not how to do it replies Damian. I will be waiting for your call. Pris leaves and forgets her phone.

Fr/Ed says we all run with danger. And the only way to protect ourselves is to confide. There are reasons for all of us to doubt each other. That is why I ask why you have confidence in me? I just do replies Fernanda. That's what I'm saying. You can't have confidence in everyone. You cannot tell anyone what we are doing. I beg you. The danger is so big we cannot risk it. Even the ones we love. She says the one she worries the most about is Lili. Don't you realize the danger is real? Don't tell your father even your brothers. We have to find out who Gregoria Bravo and her son Aremio Bravo are.

Vlad is following Pris outside. He wants to take her. She doesn't want him too. Flor is watching all this. Damian takes the phone to Pris. Flor is muy impactada to see Damian.

Venus comes back from her shopping trip. She calls Martina who tells her how pretty she looks. Venus shows off her purchases to Martina and Lili. They call get presents too.

Santiago asks Fernanda that their father told him that Lili escaped from the mental hospital. Is that true? Yes confirms Fernanda, but I believe that we will find her soon. Is it also true that she was kidnapped asks Santiago. That's what the police think, but we have to wait and see replies Fernanda. She changes the subject and asks Aurora if she found out anymore about who painted the bloody cross in her bathroom. Santiago believes it was Camilo. Aurora doesn't believe it was. Knock on the door and Tomasa says dinner is ready. Fernanda says she is going out with Barbara for dinner. Santiago says to be careful what she eats. It could have poison in it. He laughs.

Pris tells Damian that she doesn't sense anything weird going on in the house and Barbara is calm. Vlad tells Damian not to hang up, but he does anyway. Damian lies and says that Pris said "hi". Damian and Vlad are getting ready to go. Vlad says it's too early, but Damian wants to get there early to make sure there are no surprises for him. Vlad doesn't want to go, but Damian insists he goes. Vlad little balls that he had grown when he defended Pris after she slapped Damian have disappeared and now he's scared that the police are going to get them. Damian says Pris told him all is good and he trusts her. Let's go.

Barbara tells Gonzo she's leaving. There going to the Casa Blanca. He hopes everything goes well.

Flor tells Margarita that she saw Damian. Margarita thinks she can't be sure, she only saw him for a second. I know what I saw replies Flor. I have seen him in the office day in and day out. But you can't tell Fernanda responds Margarita. Why not, asks Flor. Because that is her husband replies Margarita. That is exactly why I should tell her says Flor.

Fernanda says I don't see a restaurant. Barbara tells her change of plans.

Margarita asks Flor what will she gain from telling Fernanda what she saw? For her to open her eyes replies Flor. Jacinto comes in and wonders what's going on. Margarita tells Jacinto that Flor saw Damian today.

Barbara tells Fernanda to get out to the car and walk over to the statue. Fernanda says no. Tell me what we are doing here. Barbara tells her that if she goes over there and after 5 minutes doesn't like what she hears then they will leave. Fernanda again tells her no. She doesn't understand what the whole mystery is about. Barbara doesn't want to ruin the surprise. She hands her the keys and begs her to please go. Fernanda gets out and looks around. She goes back to the car and questions Barbara again. Barbara tells her this is what's best for you. You have nothing to lose. Are you sure asks Fernanda. I'm just hoping you can get back your happiness responds Barbara.

Esteve and Fr/Ed come in with pizza. Venus extends her hand for Fr/Ed to kiss. Esteve remarks on how well she has learned. (if I was Venus I would never wash my hand again) Anyway she asks Fr/Ed if after her job is done can she keep her clothes? Fr/Ed says of course. Venus wants to know when she will know who this guy is that's she supposed to make fall in love with her. Esteve tells her at the party. At least tell me his name replies Venus. Fr/Ed says his name is really not important.

Damian is waiting by the statue and Vlad calls. He wants to know if Barbara is there yet. Damian says he'll call when he knows something. Suddenly Fernanda appears.

Fr/Ed praises Venus on her picking up quickly on her studies. Venus says that Esteve is a wonderful teacher. Esteve says only because your a wonderful student. Venus tells him to stop because he is making her blush. She gets into her hooker attitude, but Esteve clears his throat and she corrects herself back into a more ladylike behavior. She's scared that when the time comes for her to get into her role, she will reverse back into her old self. Fr/Ed says well then I'll tell you his name then. It's Camilo. Esteve tells her all will be well. Venus wants to know if Camilo is old,young and defects. Esteve tells her that he will give her some of the defects. He is vile, a lazy bum, a playboy, and a womanizer. What if he finds out about me asks Venus. Esteve says have confident. I believe that will not happen. Not when he comes face to face with Lovely Norton. And who is that, you asks Venus. That beautiful and sophisticated woman is you. That is your new name. Lovely Norton. My beautiful niece.

Damian didn't know that he was going to be seeing her and vice versa. Barbara is happy and says that is why I didn't want to tell you anything my love. Right says Fernanda and tries to walk away. Barbara grabs her and brings her face to face and joined hands with Damian. She says nothing stands in the way of Damian returning to the hacienda. What says Fernanda. Damian says is that true? Barbara tells Damian that all the charges have been dropped.

Lovely Norton says Venus. So we are now related. Yes, replies Esteve. This gives creditability to our plan. Fr/Ed says that he and Esteve will be watching out for her at all times. And also that Camilo will want to sleep with her, but under no circumstance is she to do that. Esteve also interjects that she cannot fall in love with him. Fr/Ed looks at him funny and agrees.

Barbara says let's go to the house and finish talking about this. Damian thinks it's a good idea, but Fernanda is not in agreement. Fernanda has to many questions that need to be answered first. Damian says I will answer your questions, but not here. This place is to isolated and dangerous. I will not return with you until you answer all my questions and doubts first responds Fernanda. Damian says I want to save my marriage. Give me a chance. Fine responds Fernanda. Let's go to another place. Barbara smiles her evil smile.

Flor tells Jacinto that Fernanda should know what's going on. Margarita thinks that Flor has a reason. Jacinto thinks it'a a bad idea. You don't know what problems you can cause.

Barbara thinks they should go to a hotel for the night to talk out their problems. Damian agrees.

Tomorrow: Fernanda and Damian talk, Jacinto tells Fr/Ed about Damian, Fr/Ed calls Fernanda

Labels: manana

Welcome to the barrio, where a poor girl may have to hand wash clothes outside, but so far, gets a new expensive dress to wear each day. Oh, and don’t mind my title. Looking at it, one might think that this episode was a downer. Al contrario, I enjoyed it quite a lot. We’re getting to know our characters little by little, and so far, the devious evil plans are balanced with lots of love.

As we saw yesterday, Beto can’t understand why Monita is down, when Don Cesar’s gonna make her a star. But Beto’s not going to let that dampen his mood, and he saunters off, quite pleased with himself.

Mona’s moping, though. She tells Estrella she was born to lose. Estrella comforts her.

Over in the big house, Mau has marched Aldo in to apologize to Connie. He does, and Connie, using her new strategy, is very gracious in response. Spacey Ximena almost messes things up, saying “of course my bff didn’t throw your photo in the trash on purpose”, and things might have gotten tense except that she follows it up with her own story about losing her keys. Seems she had 5 daiquiris one night and was going nuts emptying her purse to find the car keys. Guess what she finally remembered? They were home. What she had really forgotten was to bring her car! (Okay, Thanks, Ximena).

Moni tells Estrella how dumb she feels. She didn’t even finish high school. No, you’re smart, says Strella, what are you really upset about? Moni quit her new job. Strella knows a guy must be involved. Is he cute? He’s good enough to eat (es más bueno que el pan). Oooh, Strella likes this. She imagines his body, his eyes, his lips. Which part does Moni like best? His soul (of course!)

Time to shush, though as Ms. Frosty (Nieves) walks up with a suspicious look. She knows there’s a secret they won’t tell her. Moni says they were talking about Strella’s novio, but Frosty doubts that. Moni gives Frosty what little dinero she has to go to the market, but asks her to hold the frijoles (they don’t want any Beto bombs). Strella’s not too happy with Frosty’s frosty attitude.

It's busca (search) time. Maury and his chauffeur Ric are outside the apartment where Moni said she lived. (Let me just say that I didn’t like Sebastián Rulli too much in Pasión, but it may have been the hair. His hair looks very good in this one, clean, the right length, not bleached as in Rubí). Ric doesn’t look bad himself (any opinions from the ladies?). The guys press a random button on the door to the building, but the lady who answers never heard of Valentina López or La Monita. Ditto with the super (portero), she doesn’t live here. The guys figure she must live nearby, and split up to continue buscando.

Moni is washing her clothes outside (which ones? She’s only been wearing evening gowns for 3 days), talking to Strella. She’s wearing a light blue tee shirt, knee-length light blue jeans and sneakers. Estrella’s got on short red track shorts, gold-colored leggings down to mid-calf, and heels of course. She also has a green tank top over a blue one, and her cell is clipped onto her top right above her boob. After some more pep talk from Strella, Moni spies chauffeur Ric across the courtyard! The girls duck down, Strella says she’ll handle it, she’s an actress. She takes a deep breath, strides over to Ricardo, leading with the chest. Ric’s looking for someone. So am I, replies Strella breathily. Is she blond, brunette or redhead? (pelirroja, as she flips her own ruby tresses). Ric’s looking for Valentina López. La Monita? Nope, never heard of her (no me suena para nada).

Maury’s not having much luck, either, as he asks a parade of people if they’ve seen the mystery girl. Meanwhile Ric and Strella are getting to know one another. Frosty passes by with a scowl. Ric wants to ask that señora if she’s seen Monita, but Strella assures him that she’s the loony of the barrio, just got out of the asylum, so Ric lets it pass. He has to go now, and Strella gives him a smoking farewell kiss on the cheek.

After the commercial, my helpful tv station blocked out all the sound for a few minutes to tell us the earthshaking news of a thunderstorm watch about a hundred miles away from me, but menos mal (thank goodness) I have captions. It’s night now, and Ric tells Maury he found her! Monita? No, the love of his life (Strella). Oh.

Monita’s in her house (or maybe her room of a big, connected house), working with the punching bag, when there’s a knock. It’s a monster with a red hood. Before she can deck him, Beto gives her a bouquet of flowers, takes off his mask. She points out he hasn’t given her flowers in 15 years, but he’s a new man. Morales (Elvis from Destilando Amor) has given Beto a job in his wrestling troupe. She’s not so convinced he’s a fighter, but he has no doubts at all, and asks her to go to the store for a snack (botana) and some wine to celebrate. She walks out the door into the moonlight, and there’s Mauricio. He tells her she has no idea how long he was looking for her, he felt terrible about her quitting the job. But she wants him to leave inmediato (since Beto’s only 20 feet away), she doesn’t want severance pay, he has to leave now! He’s not giving in. What can he do to make her come back? At this point, Strella walks up, Moni introduces the handsome Maury, and Strella faints into his arms! He easily picks her up, taking her inside JUST as Beto pops his head out the door. Where’s that snack? And by the way, were you talking to someone? Oh, sure, Paula’s father, lies Moni. Just in time, Frosty arrives, dinner’s ready (something Beto can’t refuse) and Moni runs back inside, as Beto follows Frosty toward the food.

Our keystone cop caper (more like Wack-a-Mole, since they keep popping out of doors, just to be knocked back in by Moni or Strella) continues, Moni dragging Maury into her apartment, and as he starts punching her punching bag in fun, she says this isn’t her apartment, it belongs to another girl (right), she’s nervous, but he calmly says he wants her to be his personal assistant. He’ll pay her well. Before she can answer, there’s a knock at the door, and she pushes him behind some curtains.

It’s Strella, now revived, who can’t believe Moni’s turning away a Prince Charming (Principe Azul), what’s wrong with her? Strella recognizes him as a famous race driver from the magazines, and he’s a millionaire to boot. At this point, Frosty’s back, wants to drag Moni (but not Strella, no loose women at her table) to dinner, and as Moni enters Frosty’s house, shuffling nervously, Frosty calls for her big baby boy Beto. Beto bursts in, covered from head to toe in a silver wrestling outfit, including full head mask, blue boots, gloves and breastplate. Given Beto’s modest physical attributes, he looks more Pillsbury Doughboy than Hulk Hogan, but his Mom’s whistling and cheering to bring out the band. Beto wants to go three falls in the bedroom, but Mom says cut that out, Moni says listen to her, and runs back out to check on Maury.

Cut to a swingin’party with the rich folks, it looks a little like Playboy After Dark, I guess it’s some restaurant or club, they’re drinking martinis, a couple of people are pretending to dance. Ximmy, Jerry (Jeronimo) and Connie are talking about the three kids Maury adopted. Ximmy thinks they’re cute, just like a commercial. Connie thinks Maury and Ximmy will go for any bleeding heart cause (she uses ablandar, or soften, el corazon). Ximmy says if you get mad you lose friends (El que se enoja, pierde amigososa). (Meanwhile, I’m staring at Connie’s shiny legs, stop Hombre, you’ve a recap to do!) Ximmy thinks Connie has nothing to worry about with the 3 kiddies, but Jerry says what if there were another woman? Connie leaves in a huff. This leaves our panther Jerry free to prey. He asks about the kid’s parents. Ditzy Ximmy, in between dipping her olive, says Luisa said their Mom was dead, but the Dad split, one Osvaldo Hernández. Poor kids. Jerry takes mental notes.

Back at the mansion, Luisa and Ivan are getting to know each other, strolling through the large, modern decorated rooms. Ivan says he has no parents. Similar to Luisa, his Mom died, his Dad left with another woman, and he’s been living with his Abuela and studying. They’re just sitting on the (marble) steps, but Aldo sees them, gets all big brother protective, causing Ivan, wanting to avoid problems, to exit. Aldo tells Luisa he doesn’t like her hanging around with that “idiot”, but this angers Lu, who tells him to butt out.

“So how come you told me you were living in that other place”? asks Maury of Moni. Ever incapable of telling the truth, Moni says she lives there, too, it’s her aunt’s house, and her aunt has menopause, so Moni has to go over there and comfort her when she gets hot flashes. Maury lets this slide, just wants to confirm that Moni will be in the office tomorrow. But, she says, she can’t. Our handsome hunk gazes deeply and earnestly into Moni’s eyes, tells her he “needs” her, and Moni melts. Okay, I accept, she answers with a smile. They say goodbye, and Moni hustles him out after checking if the coast is clear. As she goes back inside, Maury comes face to face with Beto (back in street clothes), who asks whacha doin’ in the neighborhood, bud? Maury says he was looking for someone. He was looking for…Me! yells out Strella, just in time. She takes Maury aside, and in answer to his question about Beto, replies he’s just a loser who thinks he owns the neighborhood, but thanks for visiting, and I promise I won’t faint next time!

As he leaves, Frosty asks Beto who was that guy? Just some friend of Estrella’s. Frosty thinks Strella’s turning the barrio into a brothel (burdel). Beto thinks that would be a good idea, it would certainly pay well. This causes Frosty to go a little loco, starts insulting Strella. A few insults later, they grab each around the neck, and we’ve got a fight! Beto just enjoys it, exhorting them to pull out each others’ hair, but Monita comes back out to separate our two tigresses.

In the underground parking lot of the club, Jerry gets into Bonilla’s car, only to have Boney demand money (since Boney had to quit due to Jerry and Boney’s joint scheme at Grupo Sermeño, Jerry has to pay Boney to insure his silence). Boney demands 50 green by next week ($50,000.00). Jerry doesn’t have the ready cash, but if Boney wants it, he’s gonna have to help Jerry in something. Does Boney happen to know an actor?

In Moni’s room, she’s reaming out Strella. What were you thinking, fighting with Nieves? And why did you give out the address of the barrio to the guy I’m trying to dodge? Strella thinks she did Moni a favor. This Prince Charming could rescue Moni from dirty, grubby (mugroso, roñoso) Beto. Moni thinks she has no chance with Maury, and Beto’s not so dirty. Paula (who was quietly sitting on the bed the whole time) says Beto does smell quite rank, but adds after a while, one gets used to it. All this time, Moni keeps pushing the punching bag, and she’s also hitting another little punching bag, definitely conflicted about all of this. Moni lets out that Maury asked her to come back to work, and she said yes. (the music changes from comic to romantic). Strella and Paula squeal in girl delight, not diminished when Moni says Maury’s got a novia. Paula describes Connie as an old nuisance (sangrona) with the face of a spider. Moni agrees, her face is probably filled with botox, and the bubis are obviously fake. Well, adds Pau, she’s got all that dough (lana) to pay for it. But she looks at me with disgust, says Moni. Why not, when you’re stealing (Strella uses the word bajando, or taking down) her guy? No way, protests Moni, I’m committed to Beto, smelly or not. The girls don’t believe her, and as Moni exits, Estrella whispers to Paula, “About that chauffeur. Do you happen to know his (zodiac) sign?”

In Jerry’s apartment, he, Boney and a shorter guy named Mario all look as if they’re about to cry. Apparently that’s the idea, Mario is the actor, who has to fake tears. He’s failing miserably at this point, saying he doesn’t have his motivation, just give him another chance. Jerry gives him a crash course. Breathe deeply, and….give me a minute. He turns away, sneakily put drops in his eyes, turns back a true weepmeister to bravos from the other two stooges, what a performance! Mario’s not sure he could match that, but Jerry says just think of something terrible, like losing something irreplaceable, like, like….. your cellphone!

It’s morning, and Salvador fell asleep on the couch at work. Gabriella the office manager, first to arrive each day wakes him up, what happened? Well, he had to go out drinking with those Gringos, to get them to sign the contract, which they did. But now he has a hangover. Also, when he got home late, his wife was mad, so he had to sleep here. But I thought you were divorced, says Gabi. She’d heard rumors around the office. No, not true, says Salvador, as Gabi hides her disappointment (she has a crush on him). So, could you please buy her a really nice bouquet of flowers, requests Salvador, and get me something for my headache? Yes sir is the response, as Gabi dutifully goes off.

Cut to a white, red and yellow race car. Apparently, “My, I’m Rico” (Mauricio) still has the racing thing going, and has brought Aldo in for a little male bonding. Maury whistles and the mechanic, Cristano, jumps, then laughs. Maury makes the introductions, Aldo likes cars, so Cristano says the magic words, wanna take her out for a spin? Big smiles all around.

During the commercial, Maury and Aldo were putting on racing outfits, and they’re twins, with orange racing jackets (Nextel promptly displayed), white stripes, and tight black pants. They don their helmets, get into the car (Nextel all over it, guess who paid for this segment) through the window, Maury driving of course, and we switch to a montage, techno music now, as Maury flips all the switches, and they’re off in a cloud of dust. The car looks great (it’s a souped up Ford, spoilers, big wheels, the kind of car they use at the Daytona 500), and although it doesn’t look as if they were really going too fast, Cristano is marking the times, and when they screech in for a stop, engine still roaring, Aldo is stoked. He wants a turn, but Maury says no way, you need experience. Okay, fine, but Aldo now knows what he wants to do. He’ll be a race car driver (piloto) just like Mauricio!

Beto’s sitting in the kitchen, contemplating his wrestling mask, when Frosty comes in to yell at him. Why aren’t you training! No worries, Ma, first I’m training the mind, the body comes later. Sure, says Frosty, but look at that (chubby) body! You finally got a job, and if you don’t apply yourself, you could lose Monita. Nah, I’m her one and only. Really? says Frosty. What if she found a guy who didn’t mistreat her the way you do? What if she fell in love with another guy? Beto starts laughing, good one, Ma, good joke, you really crack me up, Ma!

Monita arrives at work in her fourth consecutive dressy dress, this one’s royal blue, one shouldered, a big blue bow on one side, her hair is totally restyled, she looks like a model, all this on zero money, but who are we to complain, she looks hot! (I just figured out what she looks like – a beauty contest contestant! The one shouldered thing is like her sash). Anyway, Gabriella’s crying at her desk. What’s wrong, asks Moni. Still married, is the reply. All the men I know are married or have novias. Take Mauricio, he has a beautiful, elegant, refined novia, and he’d never leave her for someone as insignificant as you. Moni frowns.

Luisita is fixing Danni’s hair as Aldo and Maury have returned from the track. Danni runs to greet Maury, who picks her way up high and gives her a hug. Everyone’s happy, and Teresa says it’s time for breakfast. The doorbell rings, and Maury goes downstairs to get it. It’s Mario the actor, with his best crying face on. He introduces himself. I’m the father of the children you just adopted. Uh oh!

He continues that he’s happy the kids have a good home. He’s been watching them through the gate of this big house. He doesn’t want to talk to them (I guess not), but he does want to talk with Maury. So what’s your name? He fumbles, manages to get it out – Osvaldo Hernández. Maury gives him his card, agrees to talk later in the office. When Mario leaves, Maury calls Bernarda, the lady from the group home. What do you know about the father of the kids?

In the ladies’ room, Monita is replaying Gabi’s harsh words, lost in thought. Paula snaps her out of it, what time did you go to the gym this morning? 4 A.M is the reply. You can’t keep this up, it’s nuts. I know, replies Moni, but I can’t let Beto down. Or Mauricio.

Said Mauricio is rubbing his chin in concern when we hear “Mi amor!”, it’s Connie (reminding me of Alicia in Tontas), breezing in from a morning shopping spree. She calls in the kids, and guess what, all the bags are for them! Danni gets a blue and white dress, along with lots of other clothes. Next up, Luisa, who gets a cool red jacket, the latest fashion. And there’s lots for Aldo, too, although he doesn’t want it. Luisa tells him not to be ungrateful, so he accepts the bags, and politely thanks Connie. Okay, kids, time to try on your things, and don’t worry if something doesn’t fit, we’ll exchange it, says Connie. Yes, her strategy of nice is definitely working. She tells Maury how she loves the kids, hopefully soon, they’ll love her. Mauricio forces a smile.

Aldo is just finishing putting on his new expensive sneakers when Ivan comes in, jokingly admiring Aldo’s new duds. But Aldo takes it the wrong way, and snaps at Ivan. Ivan tells Aldo to chill, they might as well get along if they’re going to see each other every day. Aldo nixes that, there should be a wall between them. Fine, jokes Ivan, I’ll leave, and stop bothering the “princess”. Bad move, as hot-tempered Aldo punches him, which starts a fight, they’re grappling on the floor, Aldo on top, as Maury rushes in to separate them. After Ivan leaves, Maury tells Aldo that violence is not permitted in the house, and Aldo should apologize to Ivan. Aldo doesn’t like this at all.

Connie was right there, and pulls Maury into the other room, telling him Aldo’s a savage. No, he just needs limits, replies Maury. Well, good idea, says Connie, I just happen to have these brochures for special schools. Here’s a nice one in Spain, what do you think? Maury gets right in her face. These kids didn’t leave a group home to be shipped off outside of Mexico. They’re my children now, and NO one’s going to take them away from me! Connie’s taken aback by his ferocity, as the episode ends.

Monday’s preview: Moni, in expensive dress NO. 5, is just about to kiss Maury, when the elevator door opens. It’s Constanza!

Vocabulario:

Es más bueno que el pan – He’s good enough to eat, he’s fine (better than bread)
No me suena para nada – I’ve never heard the name – literally, it doesn’t sound to me at all, sort of like it doesn’t ring any bells
Una Botana – a snack, or appetizer to go with a drink
Ablandar – to soften, or melt
Un burdel – a brothel
Mugroso, roñoso – both mean filthy, grubby, dirty
Sangrono, or sangrona – a nuisance or an annoying person
Piloto - driver

Labels: gancho

Bosco asks FrEd if he’s sorry he left Eduardo behind or stopped being Eduardo Juarez. No, says Ed, he thinks he did the right thing. He’s dedicated himself to investigating all the clues his mother left behind before her death. He would do it again to the death. Do you remember the name of the person who condemned all the others to death. Yes, says the padre, Artemio Bravo. FrEd pulls out the Birth Certificate and shows it to the padre and tells him to read it.

At Grupo Lactos, Ani is having another hissy fit over Fer’s hiring Flor. Gonzo says that Flor has been a long-time employee. Bar and Fer walk in and Barb spits out that Lili fled the cuckoo’s nest. Ani grabs Fer’s arm and wants to know what she thinks she’s doing. She stands up to him and tells him what he’s been doing has been arbitrary and catastrophic. She reminds him that Franco Santoro has saved their asses, walks around Barb and throws in a few words about their sister Lili being locked up in a loony bin for fifteen years while the only family she had worked very hard to cover up and protect the family name and that they’re all a bunch of shameless nobodies. Gonzo breaks up the fight and reminds them they are brother and sister. Ani keeps it up and says the only one of her siblings she likes is Santi. He also has to remind her that she made a big mistake by bringing her “husband” into the family.

Barb chimes in that maybe Damian didn’t really take the money. Fer says what did you say Barb. Barb now comes up with her new lines that there has been a mistake. Gonzo validates it. They were just too judgmental with Damian.

Meanwhile Barb has sent emails to Damian assuring him that there is no trap. He is wearing a dark shirt opened to the third button. It’s just enough for us to get a peek at his manly chest hair. Anyway, he sits down at the computer presumably to reply to Barb.

At Pueblo San Rafael, Padre Bosco asks FrEd where he got the birth certificate. FrEd says it came from a box that his mother left for Lili and that it contains the secret of the feud. FrEd had hoped that Padre Bosco could help him decipher this enigma. What could his mother have meant by this? The mother’s name is Gregoria Bravo. The good padre cannot help him. Ed says don’t tell me that. He doesn’t believe the padre. He insists that the father come forward with info. He finally asks if the bad is stronger than the good.

Flor runs in to tell Fer about messages, one of which is from Franco Santoro. He wants her to return his call. A gentleman, whom Fer calls Licenciado, enters with an architect’s tube. He has the plans for the project. He opens them up and tells her that he drew them up according to her instructions. She wants to know when they can start construction. He says just say the word. They could probably complete it within eight months. He goes over all the buildings with her.

Barb sees a message on her computer from Damian. He wants to meet her at Los Remedios at ten tonight. She agrees. The editor assumes that Los Remedios is a dark, creepy, slimy place where witches and other wicked people go to do their dirty work.

Father Bosco says that Ana Gregorio registered the birth of her son in Villa Madera. No father was named and the witnesses do not appear to be related to the mother. The mystery grows deeper. FrEd offers that from the information (datos) on the certificate Ana Gregorio was a humble person. He says the birth certificate tells them nothing. Duh! Father says that if anyone can tell them about her it would be Silvestre Tinoco who is practically blind because he has a mind like a steel trap. We are being dragged around in circles. But, the good padre says that Silvestre knew his mother and all the rest of the people in the area.

Fer is very satisfied with the plans and the Licenciado says she won’t be disappointed. This calls for a little screaming and cheerleading by Flo and Fer, that is, until Barb comes in and throws a cold wet blanket over the scene and politely invites Flor to leave. What a surprise Fer says to Bar. Bar tells her that she and Daffy Dad have noticed the ill will between her and Ani. What else, says Fer, who just can’t stand being in the same room with Bar. Bar also tell Fer that she and Gonzo are fully aware of the mistake they made regarding Damian. They want to fix things. Fer wants to know how they figured out they made a mistake. Barb goes into her little speech about the accounts being switched. Fer asks the big questions – so how do you know Damian is innocent?

Barb continues weaving her newly created lie and adds a few tidbits about how hard-headed Anibal is and that surely Damian feared reprisals. I get the feeling Fer isn’t buy this pile of trash. Fer continues asking Barb about the charges against Damian and of course Barb tells her that just this morning she, at Daffy Dad’s order, withdrew the charges against Damian. Barb wants Fer to accompany her tonight at ten and the only thing she’ll tell her is it is very important and deals with her future. Fer holds back. Bar promises her that she won’t be sorry if she goes. Fer asks if it has something to do with her husband and Barb finally says yes. Fer says you know how it is to do something for Damian. Yes, but she can’t say until tonight. It’s just between her and Fer. Nobody else knows. Barb says it’s in a restaurant at ten and seals the deal.

The loud half of the Odd Couple is yelling into the phone at the meek half who will inherit the earth. Damian tells Vlad to get to the apartment with Pris right away. Guess who walks in – dear Ani. Vlad thinks quick on his feet. He tells Ani there is just a trivial problem. Ani says that Prolasa has found out that one of their employees has been passing company secrets to the competition. Anibal wants to know who Flor’s accomplice has been I guess since it was Vlad who fingered her. He’s also still and probably will be until the end of time bent out of shape over Fer’s hiring Flor.

Barb gives the kiss of death to Fer as she leaves. Just as Barb is about to walk out Fer asks her if she has reported Lili’s disappearance to the authorities. Barb says yes. Barb says the authorities have told them not to say a word about it to anyone. They think, says Barb, that Lili’s disappearance, along with Obregon’s letter, points to a kidnapping. So what are you going to do. Be patient and wait for the time to rescue her.

We are now privy to the private thoughts of Padre Bosco. The poor man is tormented by the pickle he’s in. He’s damned if he does and damned if doesn’t. (He’s repeating the priest’s lines that we hear in every novela.) The words of Artemio Bravo repeat in his head. FrEd asks him what’s up. Does it have anything to do with me? Padre assures FrEd he wouldn’t do anything to hurt him. FrEd doesn’t want to be a burden on the padre. The padre asks for his forgiveness. FrEd wants to know what he’s talking about, but the padre’s lips are sealed. The padre tells him never to return here. What, says FrEd? Never return. This will be our good by. FrEd is shocked.

Aurora leaves the mansion and goes to the chapel. None other than Camilo is lurking in the bushes.

The padre continues telling FrEd he is sorry and that he can’t have anything more to do with this mystery. Faking his death was the best thing he could have done, but the padre cannot explain anything to him and that he shouldn’t come back. FrEd is willing to do as asked and starts to leaves. FrEd has one final question – If a marriage is obtained via fraud is it valid?

Flip to Fer on the computer. She thoughtbubbles what is Barb up to up to? What interest does Barb have in her marriage?

Meanwhile Bar fills Gonzo in on how she has gained Fer’s confidence and that it wasn’t easy.

El padre wants to know if FrEd is referring to the marriage of Fernanda Elizalde. He carries on that what God has put together, no man can separate. FrEd says is that your answer? The padre says that his answer will not be up to FrEd’s expectations. FrEd is exasperated. The padre keeps giving FrEd the company line, yadda , yadda. FrEd finally tells the padre that the marriage of Fernanda and Damian can’t be blessed by God.

Now Daffy Dad and Bar discuss Lili. He can’t get Lili out of his head. Neither can Bar. I just wonder how Bar keeps track of all the balls she’s juggling. Anyway, Gonzo goes on to ask her what would be the best course to follow. Barb lays out her kidnapping plan – but, Gonzo says what if Obregon really didn’t kidnap her????

Back to FrEd and Padre Bosco. FrEd intends to continue finding the answer to his question and the padre will help him to the extent he can. They will remain friends from a distance. The padre gives FrEd his blessing at great length.

Heavenly music is playing in the chapel where Aurora prays to the Virgin Mary for the soul of Dominga. Hell’s bells ring as Camilo enters contritely carrying a bouquet of flowers that he prayerfully places in front of his mother’s niche. Aurora goes to leave, but he calls her and points out that his mother has been dead fifteen years. He’s still feels sad like a little kid. Sweet little Aurora offers her sympathy – he’s like Santiago. Camilo chokes on that. Camilo asks her to keep this a secret. She tells Cam that Santi went to the city. He says Santi should take better care of her. But, she’ll never leave him; she loves him more than anything.

Fer talks to Franco – they have a lot to talk about. They’ll meet at Lili’s.

Mama and Damian talk. She’s there to give him advice and he wants her to leave. She says Fer is his salvation – so go for it. She loves him. And please take her advice. He walks her to the door, shoves her drink in her face and forces her out the door. He actually thought bubbles that he can’t lose “Peque”.

Pris and Vlad run into each other in Lactos’ lobby. He tells her they have to go talk to Damian. She says she’s there to talk to Anibal – he says later. He takes her arms and begs her to pay attention to him. She reminds him that her name is Priscila. None other than Flor comes upon this little scene and remains discreetly in the background. They can’t wait – it’s a matter of minutes. She doesn’t want any part of him or his problem. He then tells her that if they don’t go to the apartment, Damian will give them up. Finally, she leaves with Vlad. Flor follows.

Aurora has a candle in a glass that she lights and then kneels down and starts to pray. This candle is to light Dominga’s way. Ghostly sound effects fill the room leaving Aurora holding her ears. She opens the door to the bath and runs out screaming and is followed by a black crow. She runs outside and a person covered in black mourning leaves the bathroom. If this is the new maid, I don’t recognize her.

Flor hails a cab and tells the cabbie to follow that car and not to lose it. He wants to know if it’s her husband.

Fer arrives at Lili’s and is greeted by Martina in her mini uniform. Enter Franco. Exit Martina. Fer tells him she went to the clinic with Barbara and tries to describe to him the look on Bar’s face when she read Obregon’s letter. They are both amused. Fer then tells him that supposedly her family has reported Lili’s disappearance to the police, but that Bar insists it’s a kidnapping.

Aurora is beside herself when none other who should appear but Barb. Remember you told me I could confide in you. Of course, my pretty, come to the library with me.

Fer has to explain the Bar situation to Franco again. Bar says they have to await a call from Obregon – so that they can presumably pay the ransom. Only they know the truth that they have Lily in a safe place. Fer is a bit perplexed about what they will do in the face of a police investigation. Not to worry says Franco. It’s simple. Follow Bar – we’re all waiting for Obregon’s call.

Bar wants to know why Aurora is so afraid. Aurora gives her the dirty details. Bar wants to know if Aurora believes in the supernatural. Bar tells Aurora that if she wants her help, Aurora can’t hold back anything – no secrets, nada. She yells at Aurora – what are you hiding. Barb expects Aurora to confess her love affair with Artemio Bravo!

At San Rafael Padre Bosco speaks to Soledad’s crypt and about the promise he made to her to protect her son and that now Artemio Bravo has put a monkey wrench in that promise. He has failed her so much and asks forgiveness.

Fer asks Franco for a favor – she tells him that tonight she has a meeting but she doesn’t know what’s it about. His cell rings. He answers – it’s Padre Bosco who tells him to go to a private place to talk. He tells FrEd that Soledad wanted him to leave this place and now he’s knee deep in investigations. It’s very dangerous and that he’s not only putting his life in danger, but the lives of others, too. FrEd looks at Fer. FrEd wants to know why the padre decided to tell him this now. The padre says that the enemy is everywhere. It a real threat, a threat against you and everyone you love. Pay attention – don’t come here, and stop asking questions. Your enemy could be someone you think is an ally.

FrEd immediately looks pensively at Fer who looks pensively back at him.

Avances: Damian “asks” Pris and Vlad if Bar has set a trap for him tonight. Ed is confused and confuses Fer. Fer goes to the “date” with Bar.

Someone, please post this for me. Thanks.

Labels: manana

Hi everyone. I think sometimes I take liberties with translations, especially slang. If you have other ideas or know other or better ways of phrasing these things please let me know. After all, we are here to learn, right?

Here is my name and nickname key:

Monita = Moni = Valentina = Val
Mauricio = Mau
Constanza = Consti
Gabriela = Gabi
Ximena = Xime


Maid Teresa fills Monita in on Mau's sad background. His wife died in an accident and in typical TN fashion his poor wife was pregnant. This effectively put an end to his accelerating career as a race car driver. Monita's says judging by the way he drives he's still racing. Maid asks Monita why she's so interested in the patrón. Moni protesteth too much and huffs off to Aldo's room.

Moni walks in on Aldo who is in his undies trying to repair a lamp. Heh, he covers his manhood with a big pillow but he's no Ed Yanez sez Moni. She tries to fix the lamp, plugs it in, it sparks, she throws it on the bed and the bed catches fire.

Constanza and Mauricio argue because she spilled the beans to Ximena about him adopting. When they arrive home they are greeted by fire engines in front along with his extended family plus Monita; they seem to be in a daze but physically fine. They report that luckily Ricardo and Aldo put out the fire which only burned Aldo's pillow and mattress.

Of course Mau tells them them it's OK and Moni should calm down. Aldo kisses Moni and thanks her, not sure why. Thank you for burning my bed? For comparing me to Ed Yanez? Moni says she's headed home and she thanks Mau for understanding which pisses off Constanza. Ricardo the chauffeur gets to drive her home. Will it be her real home or the fake place?

At their favorite restaurant Geronimo gossips with Ximena about Mau's probs with Consti. Ximena might be naturally spacy but tonight she's also slightly tipsy.

Slimy guy Bonillo calls Geronimo from a pay phone a few steps away. (What, he doesn't have a cell phone?) Bonillo asks how will Mario be able to give him money if he keeps hanging out in expensive places? Geronimo looks around and sees Bonillo smirking like a ferret (if ferrets could smirk) just outside the room.

Consti wants Mau to fire Monita but he refuses. Why should he just because she nearly burned down his house, it was an accident. Consti tries bitchiness and when that doesn't work she tries another tack, she's just worried about him and doesn't know how to treat the sweet kiddies, sniff sniff. She's gonna go home cuz the burny smell makes her nauseous. (Uh oh...NAUSEOUS???)

Over at the jail Snow brown tries to get sweet sonny Betito out of jail but the desk cop says no way lady he can't leave until tomorrow, sorry but justice is blind. Snow says justice is also slow. Some guy bumps her with pizza boxes. Gee, I wonder who the pizza is for? Betito, king of the jail, has charmed everyone and holds court with the police, the guards and the inmates who are all hanging out in his cell. Desk cop tells Beto his mom was there and maybe he should go home. His fans convince him to stay just one more hour.

Ricardo the chauffeur drops Moni off at her fake house and says he has instructions to walk her inside. They bicker good naturedly and Ric finally gives her a kiss on the cheek and sez she's special. Who should walk by but Nieves with cara impactada.

As Ximena and Geronimo leave the expensive restaurant she spies Bonillo driving off and goes nuts cuz he's the handsome dude she was telling her bro about, that festival of extreme manly hotness (which is how I translate un festival de galanura). Geronimo tells her he's the guy that got the boot and he's probably going after Ximena only to bug him. He tells her if she thinks it was love at first sight she must have fallen from the cradle too many times because her neurons aren't firing. (Siblings can be so cruel.)

Monita gets back to the barrio and gives Estrella the brief on her big night. Nieve arrives and pouts a bit as she tells Monita that Beto is still in jail. Nieve cheers herself up a bit by insulting Estrella.

Aha...Bonillo is waiting for Ximena when she gets home. She suggests they remove their masks, yes there was a brutal chemistry between them when they met, but if he wants more she needs him to look her in the eyes and know he's being sincere with her. Is he with her to bug her bro? He responds by laying a big fat kiss on her. She pulls away and he pants, "If you trust me call me," and hands her his card. She nibbles at it and swoons.

Nieve is trying to telecommute with aliens via a circular radome on her head. Oh sorry, it's a large roller which, based on her prior hairstyle, serves no purpose whatsoever. She gives Monita a hard time because she saw her with Ricardo. Monita assures her the guy is only a coworker and it was only a little peck goodbye. Nieve starts to scold and at that moment Beto arrives, surprise!! However he wants to know why Nieve thinks Moni will hurt him. They make up a story that Monita wants to stop fighting. Beto cheerfully tells them no way and he wants his Mona to show up at the gym tomorrow to rendezvous with Don Cesár.

Next morning Constanza waits for Monita to get off the bus. She confronts her about the previous night and says the kids could have died due to Moni's ineptitude. If she has any shame she'll resign at once.

Monita runs into the building in tears. She tells Paula she is a disaster as a secretary and she's going to resign and be managed by Don Cesár the big manager of all the boxeadoras and be a champion in Las Vegas. Paula doesn't want to see Monita with a face full of bruises or taken to Vegas by the freeloader Beto. The phone interrupts them; Moni will deliver two cappuchinos to Mauricio and then resign.

Mau tells Salvador that he will have to have lunch with the gringos alone, Mau is a father now. The smarmy gringo arrives and totally leches over Monita. Isn't it funny how gringos are portrayed in these shows? How I wish it were patently false. Gringo suggests that Mau invite the muchacha to dine with them. Monita slaps the gringo hand away and asks what's up with this churlish blonde guy?

Geronimo and Ximena discuss the orphans while they breakfast on the ubiquitous orange juice. He's concerned because if the orphans are legally adopted then they could usurp Geronimo and Ximena's inheritance in the event something were to "happen" to Mauricio. Ximena seems uncomfortable with this conversation.

Her cell rings and as she rummages through her rummage sale of a purse Geronimo whines some more about the lost inheritance. The call is from her good friend Consti who is in a funk from sorting through the horrible mess at Mau's house. While asking Ximena to go shopping with her Consti grabs the distasteful photo of the orphan's mom and throws it in the wastebasket. (I dare anyone to try to suggest this isn't deliberate maliciousness. I dare ya!) Geronimo tells Ximena he wants to know absolultely everything about those snot-nosed brats, what time to they go to bed, what time do they get up, what are they allergic to, but above all else where do they work? Ximena is incredulous, "Where do they work?" She looks at Geronimo like he's the one who fell out of the cradle too many times.

Monita has been at work less than thirty minutes and already Mau is giving her the first time-out of the day. He tells Gabriela to keep an eye on Moni while he goes back to the disgusting gringo.

Mau introduces Salvador as his right hand man. Billy the gringo wants to talk biz but first can they bring him the girl to sit on his lap? (I say do it and let's see what happens.) Salvador mutters that the Yankee is quite the horndog. Mau scowls.

Meanwhile Gabriela tells Moni it's not all the gringo's fault, Moni is partially to blame because of the slutty way she dresses. (Gabi, you are SO last century!) Gabi nastily instructs Moni to NOT make a scene, no she cannot interrupt Mau from his important meeting, and please behave while Gabi works on her schedule.

Consti continues to pretend-clean and tells Teresa to wash all the kid's clothes and throw away this little bag of trash (which we know holds the one and only pic of their dear, departed mama). She keeps waving her hands around like they are covered in filth and then she wipes her hands on her bosom. Weird.

Aldo goes into his room, sees that things have been moved about, and notices that mama's pic is missing.

Meanwhile Ximena is in the living room bonding with the orphan girls and asking them to call her Auntie Xime. Consti grumpily tells her to stop the cute talk otherwise the kids will never respect her. Tia Xime doesn't care, she wants to teach the girls how to shop. Aldo bursts in and demands to know where in the hell is the picture of his mother? Consti tries to brush by him but he demands "Did you touch the picture of my mother, yes or no?"

Over at Sermona Geronimo gives Salvador and Gabi a hard time for not telling him about Mau adopting the kids. They give him the brush-off and he mutters that they are in a conspiracy against him.

Monita exits the ladies room and is accosted by Billy the horny goat. He asks for a little kiss and she punches him out. I guess you could say she cured his hot c**k with a coldcock, hee hee. Mau runs up "What did you do?" and Moni resigns on the spot.

Mau is incredulous and says the gringo is worth millions to them. Moni says she punched his client, burned his house, he would be better of without her.

Consti and Aldo have a yelling match and are finally interrupted by Teresa who has found the picture that landed in the trash "by mistake". Tia Xime wants to apply the shopping cure to their wounded feelings but Aldo refuses. Consti cries her crocodile tears and rushes out, she only wanted to get to know them! The orphan sisters scold Aldo for making her cry.

Moni sprints away in her high heels and escapes on the bus while Mau frantically looks around.

Back in Sermona Mau, Gabi and Sal discuss their problem lying supine at their feet. Sal spots Geronimo listening to them and warns them that the walls have ears. Mau instructs Gabi to hunt down Moni so he can talk to her.

Billy slowly gets to his feet and Mau is interrupted by a call from the weeping Consti. He must come home immediately because Aldo insulted her and she felt he was on the verge of hitting her! She is afraid to leave the room for fear of running into him. What a lying beeeyatch. Mau leaves without signing the contract.

Moni shows up to the gym in her dress and heels but Don Cesar doesn't seem to mind. He wants to support her career and earn them millions in Vegas.

Consti waits with Ximena in Mau's room. When she sees him arrive she pinches her eyes to make it look like she was crying and tells Xime to keep quiet and contradict nothing. She cries on Mau's shoulder that Aldo was terrible, he insulted her and ruined the perfect day she had planned. However behind Consti's back Ximena wags her finger and shakes her head so Mau will know Consti is lying. Hooray Ximena! Consti keeps wailing while Mau tells her to lower her voice.

His phone rings and it's Salvador, nobody knows anything about Monita. Mau tells Gabi he doesn't care how but she must find Monita!

Don Cesar inspects Moni's sore hand and says it's her ligaments. He aks Monita does she want to return to the ring or not? Beto answers of course she does! Cesar says he can teach her to hit with her left, once they get to LV nothing can stop them. Beto is thrilled and thinks Monita is happy too. She rubs her hand and half-heartedly agrees.

Back at the Biz bossy Gabi asks Paula about her Pal Monita. Paula insists she doesn't know Monita outside of work and denies having her telephone number. What we have here is the classic case of catching flies with honey, which Gabi is not doing.

Aldo defends himself to Mau and explains that sometimes he gets mad and sees red; losing the only pic of his mom set him off. Is Mau going to punish him? Mau asks is Aldo going to ask Consti to forgive him? Aldo is cornered on this one and knows it. Little Daniela runs in and asks if Monita is coming to visit them today, please say yes. Mau looks like he's about to cough up a hairball.

Beto wants to celebrate but Moni isn't in the mood. He's super excited that her career is about to take off and thinks she should be kissing his feet instead of making a yucky face. She tells him her yucky face is because his feet smell! Ah well, he dances away down the sidewalk even though his girlfriend is in a bad mood.

Alone, Monita cries a little. Estrella finds her and Moni tells her she's sad because she's a born loser.


Mañana: Mauricia searches the barrio for Monita. Later he tells a lovely and smiling Monita she has no idea how much he looked for her. Uh oh it looks like this little scene is interrupted by a surprised Beto.


Brutal = killer, awesome
Cara de guácala = yucky face
Un complot en mi contra = a conspiracy against me
Un festival de galanura = a festival of heartthrobs, of extreme male hotness
El gabacho está como deseosón = The yankee is quite the horndog.
Guero desabrido - distateful, vulgar, unpleasant or churlish blonde guy.
Hay pájaros en el alambre = the walls have ears (Lit. there are birds on the wire)
Mocoso = snot-nosed brat

Labels: gancho

Mau announces he’s going to adopt the ninos. This prompts Sal to need some air.

The kids argue about whether they should stay in their place or go. Aldo the macho in training argues to the two girls that they all should escape but the girls get a good feeling about things and refuse to leave.


Moni in her finest ballerina outfit is reminding Mau what a good thing he is doing because the kids have no one to turn to. She mentions yes, she didn’t have the greatest childhood and did sleep in street once. He is moved and goes for an eyelash that has fallen on her cheek. This closeness is interrupted by Gabi who busts in. Moni runs off saying she has to go help Pau.

Costena Morales shows up at the gym and begs Beto to join him in the ring and they spar.

Xime is in a bar and having a rather weird courting session with Marcos Bonilla. She wants to feel his nose, something I do to all my dates too, and he, like the enamored man he is, obliges. When the check comes, she runs off without leaving money or digits for him. Stooge.

Moni and Pau are talking, Moni forgetting to do something, but she can’t remember what.

At the gym, Beto keeps telling the jefe that Moni will come soon. Beto gets his arse kicked.

Mauri wants to adopt the kids but Sal and Gabi try to talk him out of it. Mauri gets a call that Bernarda is here. She enters that they need to talk, the judge wants to take them because she has no authority.

Gabi and Moni fight about having decorum. Gabi realizes she doesn’t understand then accuses her of jumping on Mau in his office. Moni turns all boxadora on her. Gabi begs for defense from Sal. Mauri pulls Moni to go with him, she‘s still forgetting something though.

Beto is at home yelling that Moni stood him up and he can’t believe she would do this after it was so hard for him to get her this interview. He thinks that it was the Chino’s fault, that he wouldn’t let her off work. He goes to give him a piece of his mind. Nieves begs him not to go.

Mau explains what’s going to happen and then asks her to wait in the car. She agrees and daydreams in the car. She then thinks back to when she and Mau met, and when she told Beto she had to work when he mentioned the meeting. She then remembers she forgot him. Nieves finally answers the phone but Estrella is not there. She tells Moni to call her cell, she has a cell.

Meanwhile, Jackie Chan meets luche libre. Beto is looking for his “monita” in the store but our Chinese storekeeper shows him a “Monito” (a monkey statue). The Chinaman says there is no Monita. Beto doesn’t understand and yells for his girlfriend. He gets love Chinese style instead.Three guys come out to defend the store and do a kung fu style number on Beto. The cashier ladies call the policia.

Mau comes out to find Moni gone.

Moni and Estrella show up at the store only to find the police have arrived and are taking Beto away. They try to talk the cops out of it. Without pesos, that won’t work well.

Chauffeur tells Mau what happened to Moni, and Mau tells the kids, they can be his if they want. What the hell was that repeating explosion noise? Anyone? Aldo tells the kids not to go for it. The girls do, but Aldo wants to talk to Mau alone.

Gabi and Sal chat over the sudden change of Mau and she recites them. Sal thinks she is being a gossip, but she says it’s just that she cares about her buddies, even him and she strokes him very affectionately. He gets nervous. Gabi wants to know how his life is beyond the four walls of work. He grunts and shakes his head. He isn’t revealing anything.

Aldo tells Mau he is concerned about the girls. He’s sixteen and not stupid. He doesn’t want Mau to get bored of them one day and throw them in the lake. Mau swears he completes his promises. Aldo submits and goes for his suitcase. Mau approves of his character.

Jero is telling Marcos he has no money to pay him and tells him to go to hell. Just then Xime comes in and says she is in love. Jero says again? He wants to meet him when he hears about mountains of money.

Nieves and Moni contemplate what happened to Beto. Estrella thinks the Chinese women is very resentful and she even got mad when the man offered Estrella some candy once.

Moni doesn’t want to go with Snow to the station because she is worried about work and so Star offers to go. Snow doesn’t want her though because she thinks if she shows up there with her they will think she is a streetwalker lowlife. She isn’t? Just kidding. She prefers to go alone. Star knows Moni has a guy on the brain.

Meanwhile Beto is heading up the Vegas highlife in jail and apparently winning. The guard comes to let him go. He manages to buy off the guard to tell his Ma he can’t come out, he’s in for something really awful. Guard sees the pesos and complies.

Conni arrives and gets a super sorpresa, the three kiddies have been installed in the house and come out asking questions of Mau and Conni looks like a huge stick was just thrust up her….

Ivan argues with his abue over the arrival of the three kids and points out quite astutely that this will make 3 times the work. Abue says, also quite astutely, that this is Mau’s house and he can do as he pleases. No sh**. Ivan spews more teen angst but wanders off.

Mau sends the kids to THEIR rooms and tells Con he adopted them. Mau argues with Con over not mentioning the kids (whoops) and it gets nasty, she wants her due and feels she hasn’t gotten it in all this time. She thought they would form their own family. She wants to know what her place is. He says his girlfriend his woman. We see that little Danny is spying on them.


The kids love their rooms but Aldo Killjoy keeps telling them to get off their cloud, no one is this lucky. Right on cue Danny runs in saying Mau’s novia doesn’t like them. My reception broke up here, but it looks like Con and Mau keep arguing about the insta-family. No defense of the villainess, but really, if my boyfriend did that to me, I’d be a tad miffed too. Looks like I missed Aldo appreciating his great bedroom, and Con wondering if Mau would have changed his mind for her. He says no. She says fine we’ll forget it for now but they have to go to dinner, they canceled before. He wants to stay with the kids for the first night, but she pitches a hissy, so he agrees to go but to come back early.

Back at the impresa, Moni shows up and gets an earful by Gabi wondering where she was not working. Gabi and Moni fight over who should answer the phone. It’s Mau and he wants Moni to do him a favor. We see her showing up at his door. She comes in and happily greets the kids. He walks up with his chica all dressed up. Awkward moment approaching. Con gets introduced and she makes sure she lurches her breasts forward and proclaims she’s his novia. The first gancho is thrown. Weird smile from Moni.

Conni tells her not to keep him long because they are on their way out. Moni loves the house. Mau tells her he’ll pay her extra to watch the kids, but she’s there because she loves the kids. She wants to use the phone.

Back in the bedroom Conni starts her parade of questions. She thinks the girl isn’t ugly and wants to know what’s her deal. He tells her she’s new. He asks her not to talk about the kids with his cousins.

Moni calls Estre and tells her where she is and learns Estre hasn’t seen Beto. Estre teases her that her boss must be the guy she’s after. She says she’s only there for the kids, he has a girlfriend. She acts like she’s talking to her aunt when they come up. Conni doesn’t like that Moni thinks they have the same taste, because of their earrings. Moni goes to the kid’s room and sees the picture of their Mom. Luisa goes to the kitchen and runs into Ivan. Ruh ro, hormones flow. Aldo cuts them short. Abue too kicks them all out of the kitchen. Aldo has to pull Luisa away. Sheesh.

At dinner Xime, I guess, is drunk. She sort of seemed like instead she had a brain injury. She wants them all to toast to the couple. They reluctantly do so and Conni grabs her arm not liking a toast about a possible wedding and gets a dressful of red wine. She runs to the bathroom. Bro asks cous if the couple is having problems. He says change the subject.

In the bathroom Conni whines about having to throw out the dress and Xime says it’s not so bad, what’s up your keester. Uh oh…Conni spills that Mau has filled the house with orphans.

Back at said orphange, Moni is chatting with Teresa and learns that Mau is a widower, that he was in a race in Europe and got back to find that his wife was in an accident and died. And that’s all we get for tonight.

Labels: gancho