Gus is leading Narco Lieutenant and a gang of some half-dozen or so heavily-armed Narco Underlings through a junkyard, looking for a particular spot. The O-Team is also there, skulking around following them, trying to see what's going on and anticipate Gus and the Narcos’ next move. Gus finally stops and enters the husk of what looks like a city bus. The NL and a couple of NUs enter with him. Gus casually picks up the canvas carryall from one of the seats near the back and shows it to the NL, saying, Aquí está el dinero. The NL demands Gustavo show the cash to him, so Gustavo unzips the bag and dumps the bundles of bills into some sort of round metal canister that’s conveniently sitting on the floor near what used to be the back exit of the bus. Meanwhile, Vero and Esteban the Unstable stealthily join another O-Team member (Chino?) in the shell of another large former passenger vehicle. Chino? has sort of sniper's rifle thing trained --presumably-- on the NL; EtU has his trusty Magnum-type automatic and is looking a bit unhappy (i originally thought this was because he didn't know what was going on, but now i'm nearly certain this is because of the way Vero is acting...), and Vero is packing a smaller automatic. She stares --again, presumably-- toward the ex-bus where Gus and the Narcos are, puzzled and worried; all her focus is clearly on Gus and what might be happening to him -- she seems to be only barely aware that EtU, never mind the other team member, are there with her. Back inside the ex-bus, NL tells Gus that something's missing -- he's supposed to hand over some computer disks, too. Gus says, very casually, Oh, yeah, you're quite right, as he tosses away the now-empty canvas bag and turns around as if to pick up the cassettes from somewhere behind him. But, he continues in a casual tone, that will have to wait. With his back still to NL, Gus quickly pulls a lighter from his pocket and sets one last bundle of money alight. He turns back and tosses it into the can with the rest of the money, which immediately bursts into flame. Gus hastily dives for the open back door of the ex-bus as flames shoot up everywhere and the canister seems to explode. NL and the NUs that were on the bus are too stunned to react so quickly, but are soon driven back toward the driver’s seat by the blasts and flames; one NU's coat catches on fire. The rapidly-spreading fire forces the three to retreat out a hole near where the driver's seat used to be and now the flaming hulk of the ex-bus is between Gus and the Narcos. The first explosion seems to set off a chain reaction, and soon the whole ex-bus, as well as several other large pieces of adjacent junk, are all well ablaze. Something that appears to be several stories high collapses into the fire as well, and it’s clear there will be no getting around the burning mass. The force of the earlier blasts catches up with Gustavo as he is making his escape from the ex-bus, and it throws him over the roof of a nearby ex-car with no wheels; he sortof rolls down the far side and takes cover by lying flat, face-down on the ground next to the car, his hands protecting the back of his head. The blasts also knock over the rest of the NUs. The O-Team guys, who are all further away, don't seem to know what to make of this turn of events. Vero reacts first, murmuring Gustavo's name and dashing away to go look for him. Esteban the Unstable tries to stop her and when she doesn't listen, he heads off after her, telling Chino to stay on guard where he is. NL and the NUs start to pick themselves up off the ground and brush themselves off. NL is royally pissed off. He speed-dials Frosted Blond Bad Guy and yells that Gus didn't live up to his part of the bargain: He didn't hand over the computer cassettes AND he burned all the money. As soon as DD hears from FBBG that Gus burned a half million dollars, he completely loses it and orders Gus killed. DD and FBBG are both in a fury. FBBG repeats the order to NL, who calls to the NUs. They are frustrated to discover they can't get around the fire to go look for Gus.
Meanwhile, Vero is cop-cautiously sneaking closer and closer toward Gus’ side of the conflagration. She stops beside yet another large ex-vehicle of some sort to look ahead before proceeding, and sees Gustavo lying motionless next to the ex-car (props to the costume/makeup department, by the way -- Gustavo was convincingly dirty. He really did look like he'd been blown over a car and rolled in the dirt, and in the earlier scene, Tarta really did look as if he'd been running. a nice change, since usually novela makeup people can't seem to bear more than one hair out of place...!).. Vero runs over to Gus, calling his name in an urgent undertone. He rolls over and half-sits up, and doesn't look happy to see her. Gustavo, por Dios, ¡¿estás loco?! ¡¿Qué es lo que quieres -- que te maten, o qué?! Gus: ¡¿Qué estás haciendo aquí?! ¡Vete! She says no, he desperately tells her Yes!!. If they realize you're here with me they'll kill my mother and they'll kill me! Leave, please!!! Vero tells him she's sorry, but she not leaving without him. What's more, the O-Team is there with her. Gus is desperate. He insists she order the O-Team to leave with her immediately or the Narcos will kill him. Leave!! Vero stubbornly insists she is not going anywhere. Gus, frantically: ¿No [era] que no te importaba mi vida no [era] que no te importaba nada? -- entonces ¡vete! ¡¡Vete!! She stares at him without saying anything. He smacks the car in frustration and again half-orders, half-begs her to leave, please!! but their argument is interrupted by one of the NUs, who has somehow found a way around the fire. He has a big ol' nasty-looking machine gun sort of thing, and he points it at both of them, telling them the game is over and they're going to die. Vero gapes at the guy (somehow i don't think she ever even considered the NUs might find them, or maybe she’d forgotten they were even there!). Gus immediately puts up his hands, and annoyed look on his face.
i've been a bit busy the past several evenings and so have gotten behind on the summaries. i'll try to get to Friday's tomorrow...
previouslies:
*Gus asks Vero if her life consists of sleeping with people to get information.
*Suzy asks herself what kind of mess Gus is getting her into.
*Gustavo tells Tarta and AA Mateo that Mom’s been kidnapped.
*Ex-Yellow Tie tells Mom it'll be all Gustavo's fault if she dies.
*Gustavo tells Daddy Dearest and "Sagitario" a/k/a Frosted Blond Bad Guy that the sample he's sent them is just a small part of the information he has. Gus tells them he wants to negotiate.
*Gus shows himself to the Narco kidnappers who have his Mom.
*Gabriel comments to the O-Team that Gustavo has a lot of guts to exchange himself for his mother; Vero urges the team to go after him.
*Gus shows the money to Narco Lieutenant by pouring it into a metal container as the O-Team takes up positions around a junkyard.
<credits>
<in the junkyard>
this episode starts with a repeat of the last few scenes from the previous episode, beginning with the part where Narco Lieutenant demands the rest of the stuff they were promised, i.e., the computer cassettes, and instead Gustavo lights the money on fire and sets off a series of explosions. so, to save time i'm going to skip ahead to the part where the new material begins...
The Narco Underling has his big ol' gun trained on Gus and Vero, and they start to stand up as if to surrender. But even before they finish standing, Esteban the Unstable Calvary has ridden to the rescue: He sneaks up on the NU from behind and disposes of him, supposedly by breaking his neck (altho if that is what that was meant to be, he should take some lessons from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel people -- they do it a LOT better...). Gustavo, his hands still in the air, sinks back down onto the ground, his back against the car, shaken. He finally puts his hands down once he realizes EtU doesn't appear as if he's going to arrest him; Vero quickly crouches down next to Gustavo. After appropriating the (dead?) NU’s big ol' fun for himself, EtUC comes and crouches on the other side of Gus, who watches him warily.
Meanwhile, over on the other side of the conflagration, Narco Lieutenant continues to order the rest of the Narco Underlings to go after Gus. Unfortunately for them, they still can't get around the fire.
Back at the car, Esteban the Unstable Calvary asks Gus what the hell he thinks he was doing. Gus just wants to know why the O-Team guys are there. Gus heatedly tells them he knows exactly what's he's doing, and begs EtUC and Vero to pack up the team and leave -- otherwise the Narcos are going to think it's an ambush and they'll kill his mother. Since he didn't get anywhere with Vero on this point before the Narco Underling discovered them, Gus mostly addresses his comments to EtUC. But he has no better luck on that front either: EtUC firmly tells Gus they aren't going to leave. As Gus slumps against the car, clutching his head in frustration, EtUC continues, asking sarcastically, You think those guys are going to let you live? For once, Vero agrees with EtUC. Getting more and more frantic, Gustavo continues to insist he knows what he's doing and plead with them to leave, until EtUC flatly states that he's in charge and things will be done his way. Gus is frustrated. Vero tells Gus not to do anything foolish. EtUC stands up and aims his confiscated big ol' gun toward the conflagration, but Gus hastily pulls him back down, telling EtuC he can't let the Narcos see him.
<in Father Anselmo's church / Mom’s house / Suzy’s apartment>
Father Anselmo is in his church, waiting anxiously by the phone for AA Mateo’s call. He snatches it up as soon as it rings. AA Mateo tells FA that Mom is at home, safe and sound, but Gus had to give himself up in her place. Although they don’t know how he’s doing, they have to stick to Gus’ plan. FA tells him he understands and they hang up. FA searches for the paper Gus gave him, and calls Suzy, who is also pacing around her apartment, looking restlessly at her watch. FA identifies himself and explains he’s Gustavo’s uncle. He tells Suzy Gus needs her to do him a favor. She replies that she was about to send the information to all the newspapers – is that what Gus wants her to do? FA tells her no, he wants her to send it to this e.mail address he's going to give her instead, but she has to do it immediately.
<Mom’s house>
Auntie Ditz listens nervously as Mom bawls out AA Mateo for letting Gus exchange himself for her. AA Mateo tries to tell Mom that Gus knows what he’s doing, but she snaps that all she knows is, if anything happens to Gus it’ll be AA Mateo’s fault. Auntie Ditz tells Mom not to be so unfair – it’s not AA Mateo’s fault, while AA Mateo tells Tarta to check out the barrio to be sure all is OK, and to tell “los niños” (? Gus’ gang?) to be on the lookout. As Tarta leaves, Inés comes rushing in. She wants to know if it’s true that Mom was kidnapped and if she’s alright. Then she asks after Gustavo, and is shocked to find out he exchanged himself for Mom. They’re waiting to hear from Gus now. Inés is further shocked to find out they haven’t told the police, but AA Mateo explains that those were Gustavo’s orders. Gus has a plan and they’re going to follow it faithfully.
<junkyard / Frosted Blond Bad Guy’s study>
On the Narco side of the fire, Narco Lieutenant gets a call from Daddy Dearest, wanting to know if Gustavo is dead yet. NL explains not yet, but there’s no way Gustavo can escape. He says he’ll call as soon as the deed is done. But frustration has made DD particularly bloodthirsty and he insists that NL keep the line open so he can savor every moment as they find Gustavo and he realizes he will die. DD’s fury knows no bounds, and he indulges himself in a serious rant, listing all the many ways he wants Gus to be killed, and to suffer before he dies. Knowing he can’t get at Gustavo until the fire dies down, NL finds himself in a quandry. He shouts to the Narco Underlings not to let Gus escape, then shouts to Gustavo that he’s a dead man. He and the NUs start randomly firing their guns – i guess they’re hoping they get lucky. and if not, at least they can make it sound good for DD.
In their positions scattered around the junkyard, the various members of the O-Team hear the shots. They radio Esteban the Unstable that they're in position, and EtU says they’re to start firing as soon as he gives them the word. He heads off to find his own position as Gustavo unsuccessfully tries to detain him, repeating for the upteenth time the Narcos will kill his mother. Some of the Narco Underlings must’ve caught a glimpse of movement around the car Gus, Vero, and EtU have been hiding behind, because they suddenly seem to target the car. Although they are more or less protected by the body of the car itself, Gus still tries to protect Vero using his own body as a shield for her head and neck as the Narcos shoot out the windows. Vero is still holding her gun, and i think fires off several shots behind and above her, but if so they are completely at random, since she is keeping her head down and face turned away. (in fact, she keeps her gun like that pretty much through the rest of this scene – arm fully extended up and out to one side, while rarely if ever looking in the direction her gun is actually pointed. it’s pretty ridiculous, really.) Still, since EtU hasn’t ordered the team to shoot, they appear to have held their fire for the moment. After a few more shots from the Narco side, things seem to die down for a moment and EtU returns to the car. He tells Gus he doesn’t care what Gus thinks, he’s going to order the team to take out the Narcos. Gus, his desperation lending him ferocity, demands that EtU give him two minutes – just two minutes.
<Frosted Blond Bad Guy’s study>
Daddy Dearest is leaning on a chair back, waiting, but straightens up and hurries over to the desk when Frosted Blond Bad Guy tells him they have a an e.mail message that appears to be from Gustavo. They open it up, and an .mpg starts to play. They and we see VideoGustavo’s sardonic half-smile looking out. Holding up one of the computer cassettes, he reminds his audience that they already know the computer cassettes contain basic information about the layout of their organization and its ties to other mafias and suborned government officials. He’s sending them another little sample of the information he has in his possession, and he hits a key on his keyboard. Immediately, several new windows pop up, displaying more information of the sort we saw in the first snippet, only this time the astrological sign used is Scorpio. FBBG and DD watch in grim silence.
<junkyard>
Esteban the Unstable has apparently granted Gustavo his two minutes, and is crouched down, intently observing Gus and Vero. Vero has decided to assume a rather more useful stance (she is now crouching facing the car, holding her gun in both hands in front of her, although she keeps an eye out so other Narcos can’t sneak up on them again). Gus checks his watch, then looks yearningly at Vero. She meets his gaze for the briefest of moments, then looks away, a slightly stricken look on her face. EtU notices this and it looks like he's not happy to see it.
<FBBG’s study>
The other pop-up windows with information have closed, and VideoGus continues, But this isn’t everything... Obviously the most compromising information –information with which I could completely dismantle your entire Cartel— well, I’ve got that very well hidden. So, let’s negotiate: I want this information to be like a life insurance policy, with broad coverage not only for me, but my whole family... <Frosted Blond Bad Guy looks mildly amused, but Daddy Dearest grins broadly and snorts in derision. FBBG gives him a quick sideways glance that tries, but fails, to quell DD's amusement.> ...In other words, VideoGus continues, if anything should happen to me, my family, the neighbor’s cat, a cousin, a friend, whoever –this information will go to the world’s principal media outlets. VideoGus smiles briefly and concludes: You decide. The window closes. FBBG sits back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. DD looks mockingly at the computer screen.
<junkyard>
Vero is still crouched with her gun in front of her in both hands, although she has turned her back to Gus so she can better watch her side of the perimeter. His head in one hand, Gus again checks his watch with an air of desperation, then looks ahead, waiting. EtU is still intently observing Gus and clutching his appropriated big ol' gun.
<FBBG’s study>
Daddy Dearest continues to insist that Gustavo is playing with them. Frosted Blond Bad Guy points out that Godfather could very well have bequeathed to Gus all the information Gus claims to have. DD dismissively says that the bits of information Gus has sent are not enough to be compromising. He’s certain Gus doesn’t have any more. All Gus wants is to see who they (FBBG and DD) are. Somewhat heatedly, FBBG asks if DD is willing to take that risk. Apparently not, for, with a disgusted snort, DD picks up the phone and dials a number.
<junkyard / FBBG’s study >
Narco Lieutenant and the Narco Underlings seems to have finally found a way around the fire, so he is surprised when Daddy Dearest tells him to get his men out of there. They are not to so much as touch Gustavo Velasco. NL tells all the Narco Underlings to put away their weapons, then shouts out to Gustavo that he’s free, without apparently realizing that Gus is crouched down not 5 yards away on the other side of the car. Gustavo starts to stand up, and in an urgent undertone Vero asks him what the hell he thinks he’s doing. Gus crouches back down again and, holding up an admonishing finger for emphasis, tells Vero and Esteban the Unstable that he knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t want the Narcos to see Vero, EtU and the rest of the O-Team, so they are to wait and leave only after he leaves and the Narcos have also left. Holding his hands in the air, Gus stands up and shows himself to the Narcos. He walks around the car toward the gangsters, telling them he’s unarmed. Vero cautiously moves so that she can watch what’s going on through the shattered glass of one of the car’s windows. None of the Narcos seem to notice her. Narco Lieutenant has clearly been instructed to hand his phone to Gus once he’s approached, and he does so. Gus takes it and says, Sagitario, you and I are businessmen. Let’s have peace, ok? Daddy Dearest stays on the line for a moment, then without saying a word, he cuts the connection. NL’s phone conveniently makes a little ringing sound when the connection is cut so he knows his boss doesn’t have further instructions for him right now. He holds out his hand to take back the phone and Gus makes as if to give it to him, then drops it. He apologizes and says, I’m going already, relax -- I’m going!, as, hands still in the air, he backs around the various Narco Underlings. They let him. Once he’s on the other side of them, he sprints away. NL snatches his phone up off the ground and they all stare after Gus. Still hidden behind the car, Esteban the Unstable and Vero exchange puzzled glances, then go back to observing the Narcos.
<FBBG’s study>
Daddy Dearest is sternly lecturing Frosted Blond Bad Guy about how nobody burns half a million dollars, mocks them, and threatens them, and then just walks away. FBBG laughs sardonically laughs and points out that that’s exactly what Gus just did do. I’m telling you, he adds, we need to get this guy on our side! But DD isn’t having any part of that. He states that he doesn’t want Gustavo anywhere near him. He’s going to bury Gustavo. He’s already killed Gus’ father, and he can kill Gus any time he feels like it, he announces. FBBG remorselessly stomps on DD’s posturing: No! For the moment you can’t even touch him. Give me a few a few hours to at least find out if he’s telling us the truth. And remember – don’t even touch him!! DD nearly chokes, but he knows FBBG is right.
<junkyard>
Crestfallen, the Narcos make their way out of the junkyard. Esteban the Unstable orders Chino and the rest of the team to follow them. Veronica, too, is starting to walk away. EtU says, ¡Veronica! She pauses and, holstering her gun, waits for whatever he’s going to say but without turning around. Her face has something of a “Now what?” expression, tho of course EtU can’t see that since she still has her back to him. Vero turns her head slightly, as if telling him she’s ready to listen, and he asks, ¿Lo admiras? She stays in that pose for a moment after hearing his quiet question, then faces forward again, takes a resolute breath, and continues on her way without answering him. EtU looks after her, and we can tell from the look on his face as he watches her walk away that he knows he’s lost her.
<outside Mom’s house>
Inés is leaning up against the wall next to Mom's front door her arms crossed, waiting. Gus zooms up on his bike, parks it, removes his helmet, and dismounts. In a brisk tone, Inés asks if he’s alright. He tells her yes and approaches her, asking how she is. She whisks herself away from him, saying she can’t believe that they kidnapped Mom and the whole barrio was helping Gus and she didn’t even know. Her tone and attitude indicate that she’s blaming him for this. He asks what she could have done anyway and while she acknowledges there’s nothing she could have done, at least it would have made her feel like she’s a part of his life. Gus insists that she does form a part of his life but she dismisses that, saying she’s already realized she doesn’t. She bitterly adds that he doesn’t need to keep humiliating her (? i’m not sure that was the word – she was speaking very fast here and i don’t have closed captions), since what he wanted to do anyway was to [use her to] get to Espinoza, right? She tells him she’s going to relieve him of that load -- she’s figured it all out, and she won’t bother him any more. She turns and walks away, a bitter, hurt look on her face. When he calls after her she just turns, puts a finger to her lips until he stops calling to her –walking backwards away from him all the while—then turns and continues on her way again.
<inside Mom’s house>
AA Mateo & Auntie Ditz are sitting, waiting for news of Gustavo. Auntie Ditz tells AA Mateo that she’s really worried about Mom and wishes Mom could find a nice guy like him to love and support her (“support” in the sense of helping out as a partner, not as in maintaining). Fortunately for AA Mateo, Gustavo bursts in at this moment. The first thing he wants to know is how his mother is. Hearing his voice, Mom comes into the living room from wherever she was (her bedroom?). She can hardly believe he’s safe and sound. Happy hugs and even some tears all round. Gus tells her they’re all going to be safe from now on. Mom wants Gus to return to the US and his brilliant future there, but he insists his future lies in Mexico. Mom makes him swear she will never have to worry about him again.
Establishing shot of the outside of a po-mo brick castle-type building we must assume is the O-Team HQ, judging by the following scene.
<the O-Team’s co-ed locker room>
Vero and Esteban the Unstable are at their lockers, back in their civvies. Chepe comes in and without preamble tells them he needs their reports about the operation ASAP. Vero is of the opinion that Gustavo has some powerful information or something that protects him from the Narcos. Otherwise, why would they have let him go, especially after he burned up all that money? EtU, of course, is still singing the same song as always, that Gustavo is totally working with the Narcos and making a fool out of Chepe and, by association, the O-Team. The money was fake, and the whole thing was just a show to trick the O-Team, and so his report (which by his very tone he manages to imply will be the definitive, if not the only, report) will say. Vero and EtU argue about it for a bit until EtU finally manages to more or less get the last word by telling both Vero and Chepe he’s fed up with listening to them always defending “that delinquent,” then immediately stalking out. Chepe looks consideringly at Vero, who acts all innocent, before himself leaving.
Escrito desde Jul 21, 2003, 9:12 AM de la dirección IP 128.248.12.180
