*Gustavo make big ex-bus and a whole lotta cash go ¡Boom! in a big way.
*Daddy Dearest completely and totally loses it –again-- ineffectually shouting over the speakerphone all the nasty things he wants done to Gus.
*Gus and Mom reunite.
*Vero tells Daddy Dearest she’s of age and can do whatever she wants to, which makes DD hit her and threaten to kill Gus if he ever sees her with him.
<Daddy Dearest’s study>
Vero can’t believe Daddy Dearest just did what he just did. DD suddenly realizes he’s let his jealousy of Gus carry him way over the limit. Actually sounding sorry, he starts begging Vero to forgive him but she’s way too upset to listen. Just about in tears, Vero tells DD she doesn’t even recognize him – he’s never spoken to her like this before, let alone treated her this way. What is his problem with Gustavo anyway? If DD would just give her a good reason why he hates Gus so much, or explain what Gus has ever done to him that DD should want to kill him... Fortunately for DD, since it’s clear he doesn’t have a good excuse ready for her, Vero barely pauses: I’ve told you all my secrets. Just like I told you about Gustavo, I’ve told you my whole life. You, because you are the only person I have in my life. Because I don’t even have my mother, who gets worse all the time. And you – the only person I love, my friend, my “confidante” (she makes sarcastic little “air quotes” as she says this word) --!! You actually hit me!! DD again tries to say something, to beg her once more to forgive him, but she just turns and rushes out, telling him in no uncertain terms not to follow her. Just outside the door, Vero unseeingly passes by Snarky Refugio, who only barely manages not to smirk. After Vero is gone down the hallway and out of earshot, SR looks around the door at DD in the study. Now he’s standing with his back to the doorway as he rubs his chin, taking in the enormity of the mistake he’s made and silently shedding a tear or two of self-pity for what he did all by his little self. In a shot over his shoulder, we see SR’s smirk turn into a big, complacent smug smile that is so creepy it almost –almost!— manages to make me feel sorry for DD.
<Mom’s>
Mom tells Father Anselmo that for the past ten years she’s believed her memories of Dad and her son’s love would be enough to fill the hole left by Dad’s death. But today she realized the only thing she wanted was for AA Mateo to hold her and protect her. She feels really guilty because she never thought even once of Auntie Ditz. FA tries to put this apparently sudden interest in AA Mateo down to a reaction of the moment, the stress and terror of the kidnap, and gratitude for the part AA Mateo played in rescuing her. But Mom quickly disabuses him of this happy notion by telling him what AA Mateo told her the night of the Mass for Dad, about how he’s been in love with her since before Dad died. FA is stunned, but before he can comment, Auntie Ditz’s cheerful laughter can be heard and she and Gustavo walk into the room. Auntie Ditz notes Mom’s and FA’s rather somber faces and wants to know what’s up with “the second most beautiful woman” in the neighborhood. Gus jokes with her, and she suggests a little drink of tequila for everyone to whet their appetites (for dinner?). Mom tries to opt out, but gets chivvied into it by Gus. But as soon as they’re alone again, Mom and FA both look serious.
<Vero’s room>
Vero is on her bed, sniffling as she hastily but efficiently finishes packing. Daddy Dearest walks in and asks her to forgive him. She looks up at him saying that for the first time ever he made her afraid of him and she didn’t like it. He admits he “lost [his] head.” Vero: ¿¿Se puede saber qué es lo que sientes en contra de Gustavo para que te pongas así?? DD tries to avoid giving a straight answer, but she calls him on it. He finally falls back on the same old lame argument, that Gustavo is a delinquent and she really doesn’t know anything about him. (which, i will grant you, is a perfectly legitimate argument. but it still doesn’t come anywhere close to explaining DD’s vituperative attitude and threats.) He adds that he knows how Dad died, and he doesn’t want to see Vero hurt by Gus. (as if Gus must necessarily hurt Vero because his father was murdered. yeah, that makes a lot of sense...) Vero indignantly –and quite rightly!— asks him if that is all the excuse he has for saying he would kill Gus if he sees her with him? She begs him to tell her if he has another (by implication, better) reason of which she is unaware, because otherwise she is at a loss to understand the intensity of his hatred for Gus. She waits for an answer, but DD is silent. Bueno, si no tienes una respuesta sensata, entonces creo que tu y yo no tenemos nada más que platicar. She turns to pick up her suitcase from the bed, telling him she doesn’t know when she’ll be back, nor will he be able to contact her while she's gone “asi que... ni busques,” she says firmly. She walks out, leaving him standing there. DD shakes his head, again admitting to himself the enormity of his mishandling of this Gustavo situation with Vero. As he crosses the room and sinks down to sit on her bed, Snarky Refugio creeps in, all bitter delight. So the baby panther showed her claws...! If you had taken a hard line with her when you should have, you would not be going through this now... DD looks up at SR warningly, but SR will not be stopped. But noooo! No-one can scold Daddy’s little princess, no-one can raise a hand to her....! DD warns SR to get lost immediately before she pays for it, but ignores him. Stepping closer, she continues: You know what? It’s just as well you’ve fought with the little girl, because that way we have more time together, just you and I. She bends over and kisses him on the lips, but he stands and angrily tosses her onto the bed before striding out of the room. Still on the bed, SR pouts.
<Mom’s>
Father Anselmo compliments Grandma on her Shrimp “Diablo,” and Gustavo teases his grandmother by saying, If you only knew where they came from...” From her body language, it looks like Grandma kicks him under the table to shut him up, then tells FA that Gus is talking nonsense. Tarta stammers his agreement that the shrimp is really delicious and Grandma asks him –but not in a nasty way— when Tarta’s going to learn to speak properly. He says he can’t. She rapidly rolls off some ginormo tongue-twister full of rr’s on which she says he should practice (and kudos to the actress – i doubt there are too many who could just rip that out like that. either that, or it took them 7 million takes to get it right...! by the way, this is the scene where i figured out why Tarta is called Tarta, and where i got the idea he may be Gus’ cousin. Grandma says something about not bringing up the matter of Tarta’s stammering before because his mother wouldn’t let her –and just then the camera cuts to a close-up of Auntie Ditz’s smiling face as Grandma continues— but now that you’re older i’m going to correct you. then Auntie Ditz comments that if Grandma manages [to fix Tarta’s stutter], she’ll deserve the Nobel Prize. and that was where the tongue-twister came in, as Tarta’s first exercise. so as i say, maybe it’s nothing more than the editor doing a reaction shot of someone that could just as easily have been Gus or Mom or Father Anselmo but just happened to be Auntie Ditz because of the comment the writers had her making afterward, but the impression that lingered with me is that she’s his mother). With Tarta’s stupefied look at the horror of the “exercise,” dinner breaks up. Auntie Ditz again tells Mom she seems very sad, and says with her happy laugh that she has heard washing dishes is a sure-fire cure.
<outside “Cíntia’s” apartment building>
Vero, now back in her “Cíntia” gear, approaches her apartment building and slows when she sees Inés is waiting there outside the door, her suitcase by her side. As she has her back to Vero, Inés doesn’t see her approach and Vero pauses for a moment, mentally bracing herself, before she puts on “Cíntia’s” happy smile and attitude and makes a noise with her keys to attract Inés’ attention. Inés thanks her for letting her stay, and the two women go inside to talk, Vero giving a quick, wary glance around as she enters after Inés. (here’s a question: where is Vero’s suitcase? i mean, i know she can’t just walk up with it since she knows she’ll be seeing Inés, but where did she put it if she’s not to go back to the O-Team HQ for a while...? inquiring minds want to know.)
<Mom’s>
AA Mateo, Tarta, and Gustavo are all in the interior patio, chatting. AA Mateo tells Gus he’s got several “muchachos” and they all know what they’re doing. Gus asks if they know what they’ll be getting into and AA Mateo reassures him they do, adding they all hate the Narcos and want them out of the barrio. Gus says this plan must not fail and the important thing is that they be cold-blooded (meaning that they can keep their cool and a tense situation, not that they are heartless murderers). AA Mateo replies that they all have experience with minor robberies, etc. Don’t worry, he’ll prepare them. Gus says good, then tells him he’ll be in the shop working on the computer. Tarta heads off with him just as Auntie Ditz rushes up from another direction. She says she has to go out for a while but doesn’t want Mom to be alone right now – she’s still really shaken up by the kidnap. She asks AA Mateo to please stay and keep Mom company for a bit. He smilingly agrees, but heaves a large sigh after AD rushes off. He stands alone in the patio for a moment, looking longingly at Mom through the window.
<“Cíntia’s”>
“Cíntia” enters her living room, bearing two cups of tea and apologizing for not having anything else. Inés compliments her on the apartment, and “Cíntia” says she knows it still needs a lot of work, but she only just moved in. Inés asks if she can meet “Cíntia’s” son, and is a little surprised when “Cíntia” smoothly replies that he’s staying at her mother’s house during the move. Inés says she somehow had the idea that “Cíntia” was “una chava cómo yo... que estabas sola. Pero que buena que tienes a tu mamá,” she adds wistfully. “Cíntia” asks her what’s wrong. Inés tells her her life is falling apart. Ever since she “lost” Gustavo, everything’s gone downhill. She doesn’t have a job, friends... All she has is “Cíntia”. “Cíntia” barely represses a gulp of dismay then makes a quick recover. She manages a smile that is somewhat less brilliant than usual for her. “Que chido, ¿no?” Inés doesn’t notice the hesitation and smiles back happily.
<Marcela the Pushy’s apartment>
Esteban the Unstable and Marcela the Pushy are on her balcony having drinks. She is listening to him as he again bores on about Veronica: Everything I have done is for Veronica. And for what?! ¿De qué sirvió darle lo mejor de mí si nada más aparació ese tipo y a mí me hizo a un lado? A ver, Marcela... Díme tú, que eres mujer: ¿Qué tanto le veen a Gustavo Velasco? ¿Que él es mejor que yo? MtP turns her head indignantly at that: No-one compares to you, Esteban! Well, then, EtU wants to know why Vero is doing this to him. He starts to mope that no-one will ever care for Vero more than he does, and MtP has had it. She puts down her drink and goes to him, telling him not to torment himself any more, to forget about Vero. She takes his hand, telling him he’s a very good and loyal man who deserves someone who knows how to appreciate his worth. A little bit bitterly, he asks if she means someone like her. She says yes, stroking his face. Let me show you that I can be much better than she is. And you will see that Veronica will only be a bad memory in your life. Let me love you. Let me give myself to you as no-one has. She kisses him, and he responds. Growing more heated, they stagger inside to her bedroom and onto her bed, taking off their clothes as they go.
<Mom’s>
Mom walks into another room and is surprised to see AA Mateo standing in the doorway, looking pensively out onto (i think) the patio. He explains that Auntie Ditz asked him to keep her company. She is nervous and ineffectually tries to efface herself. He tells her that all afternoon he wanted to call to see how she was doing, but he didn’t dare. What can he do? How can he stop thinking about her? Mom stiffly tells him he should only be thinking about AD, but he says he can’t, and especially not after what happened that morning. He knows Mom felt it too, that she also loves him. She stammers she can’t hurt AD that way, and he says but what about hurting us? Almost desperately, Mom insists, There is. no. “us”, and AA Mateo, sighing, appears to accept it. But, he tells her in an almost admonishing tone, You don’t fool me. Not any more! He goes to leave, and she turns after him, agape. You and I, he concludes, deserve to be happy. Exit AA Mateo, stage right, leaving Mom looking shaken.
<“Cíntia’s”>
Inés is in “Cíntia’s” living room in full-on self-pity mode, ranting on about how she doesn’t have any reason to return to the barrio anymore now that she’s lost her job, Gustavo, everything. “Cíntia” points out that Inés herself made the decision to renounce everyone and everything. Inés says the barrio is very close-knit – everyone there’s known each other since they were in their cradles (She implies the only reason they would have accepted her is because of her relationship with Gustavo). After the way Gustavo rejected her (i.e., “everyone” knows he never considered himself her boyfriend), why is she going to stick around? All she’d be is an extra (i.e., unwanted) person, pitied. “Cíntia,” perhaps sensing Inés is not going to believe (or doesn’t want to believe) that the people in the barrio aren’t spending 24/7 gossiping about how Gus didn’t want her, tells Inés she’s too strong, with too much to offer, to just let everything go, give up all she's attained, all because of one little setback like this. Inés rejects this: All she knows how to do, she claims bitterly, is strip for men. “Cíntia” attempts to point out how untrue that is: Inés has values, she raised herself, she’s about to graduate from school... and she doesn’t owe any of that to anyone [but herself]. On top of that, she’s pretty and good-hearted. Lots of men would die to be with her. You know what? “Cíntia” continues, I’m sure that love is just waiting around the corner for you any time now. Inés says, They say you always get something good out bad things, and I did get something good: Your friendship. Because you’re my best friend -- my only friend. Thank you. “Cíntia” hugs her as Inés sobs.
<Marcela the Pushy’s bedroom>
Marcela the Pushy appears to be indulging in a post-coital snooze, Esteban the Unstable lying restlessly awake on his back beside her. The room is lit by lots and lots of candles, and the bed linens look like they’re meant to be gold satin (and with that, well... 'nuff said!). EtU looks over at MtP, stares at the ceiling for a moment, heaves a big sigh, then sits up with his feet on the floor for a moment before getting out of bed to pace across the room (we can clearly see EtU has on his too-crisp looking white boxers... heh. poor framing or deliberate inclusion? i’ll leave you to interpret however you want). He stares unseeingly ahead as he flashes back to the conversation he had with Vero outside Espinoza’s club when she was undercover as “Cíntia,” telling him she wants to marry him. MtP wakes enough to notice he’s not beside her and groggily calls him back to bed. He sighs heavily again. Ya voy, Marcela. He lies back down and she snuggles up to him and closes her eyes again. But although he idly strokes her hair, he just keeps staring at the ceiling.
<Vero’s / the Velasco’s shop>
The lights are all out in Vero’s place when Daddy Dearest lets himself in with what would seem to be his own set of keys, based on the casual way he absent-mindedly returns them to his pocket. He turns on the lights and wanders around, stopping to look at a framed picture on the mantle. Meanwhile, over in the family shop, Gustavo is busily looking up Vero’s phone number in the phone book. He finally finds it and eagerly dials. Back at Vero’s place, we and DD hear her phone ring and her machine answer (and WHY does no-one in novelas ever seem to have voicemail when nearly everyone i know both here and in other countries does anymore?? and if they must have machines, why do they always leave them on at full volume when they know they’re not going to be home?? i don’t think i ever knew anyone who did that!): Vero’s voice coolly says, En este momento no te puedo atender, pero déjame tu mensaje y me comunico contigo después. ¡Gracias! DD walks across the room to hear better, even though the volume was up high enough Vero probably could have heard the message herself at “Cíntia’s”. DD is not pleased at what he hears: Veronica, es Gustavo (We see Gus in the shop with a happy, almost mischievous grin as he is speaking). Este... nada. Solo quería saludarte y... y decirte que no te puedes escapar de mí, ¿eh? Bueno, te llamo luego. Besos. Gus hangs up as DD closes his eyes as if in pain for a moment, then, opening them again as he takes off his glasses, he glares at the phone.
<“Cíntia’s”>
Inés is busily making up a bed on the sofa, assuring “Cíntia” she’ll be perfectly comfortable – she could sleep under a rock. Pausing in her bedmaking for a moment, Inés takes the plunge: “Cíntia”, I was wondering if there’s any chance we could live here together. She reminds “Cíntia” she’s got the money she’d saved to go to San Diego – they could use it to buy everything “Cíntia” wants for the place and to pay for her son’s treatment. “Cíntia” shifts uncomfortably, groping for the right phrase, then finally says, with gentle regret, that she doesn’t think that will be possible. Inés assumes it’s because “Cíntia” has a boyfriend, and without confirming or denying this, “Cíntia” adds that Inés is welcome to stay as long as she likes until she finds a place for herself. Inés thanks her and “Cíntia,” rather seriously asks, You do know I’m your friend, right? You do know? Inés assures her she knows, and thanks her again. “Cíntia” has to be content with that, and she wishes Inés goodnight. As she leaves, Inés lets out a deep breath, as if of relief at finally not having to keep up a strong façade, and sinks down onto her ‘bed,’ putting one hand to her mouth looking worried, and thoughtful. Leaning against the doorjamb to her room, “Cíntia” is wearing much the same expression.
<Daddy Dearest’s study>
Now back in his study, Daddy Dearest lights a cigar as he finishes telling his Protagonistas de Novelas winner henchman (real name apparently Froilán (spelling?), but i’ll never remember that even if DD seems to use it in absolutely every single phrase he utters throughout this scene...) about the fight with Vero and how he got so furious he hit her. Because of “ese maldito,” he fumes, his daughter has turned against him! He’s losing her and is going to end up without her love. PdNWH tells DD that’ll never happen – Vero loves DD, but DD is still worried. He says he’s never seen Vero like this for anyone, not even Esteban the Unstable. She’s in love, and if Gustavo “se interpone,” he (DD) will lose her forever. And he will not allow that. He thinks for a moment, then briskly orders PdNWH to bring his car around immediately. PdNWH asks if they’re going to the office, but DD says no, he has some thing he has to do.
<“Cíntia’s”>
Vero has taken off her red “Cíntia” wig when she hears a phone buzzer sort of thing (i’m guessing to the door intercom?). She quietly dashes through the darkened hall to grab it before the noise can wake Inés. It’s Gustavo, he wants her to buzz him in so he can come up to see her. In an urgent undertone (but without mentioning his name), Vero tries to get rid of him, saying they’ll talk tomorrow and anyway Inés is here. A long shot of Vero on the phone from the far side of the living room shows us that Inés is not asleep and has overheard this comment. Gus tells Vero to come downstairs to talk to him then. He insists he wants to speak with Vero now and says he’s not moving until he does. Exasperated, Vero says to giver her ten minutes. She hangs up and heads for her room, but is stopped by Inés sitting up and asking who was calling. Vero/Cín says it was no-one, Inés should go back to sleep. Inés starts to say if it’s inconvenient having her then she can leave, but Vero/Cín interrupts, No, no, not at all. And anyway, I’ll just go downstairs for a little while. Inés is not convinced and renews her offer to leave, actually starting to get out of bed, but Vero/Cín firmly repeats it’s not a problem having Inés there and says they’ll talk tomorrow. After grabbing a sweater, she heads out, telling Inés she won’t be late.
<Mummy Maria’s>
Daddy Dearest lets himself into Mummy Maria’s house with his own set of keys and, taking off his jacket, carefully hangs it over the back of a nearby chair. Mummy Maria is already in her nightgown, and comes out to find out why he’s chosen to arrive so late. DD doesn’t answer her, instead asking where Tony the Brat is. MM says he’s in his bedroom, and wants to know why DD wants to know. When DD says he wants to talk to TtB, she tries to tell him no, it’s a bad time, it’s really late and TtB is still recuperating, but DD overrides her: This is my house, TtB is my son, and I have the right to talk to him if I want to. He stalks off and without knocking enters TtB’s room. Not too surprisingly, TtB is less than gracious in his greeting: What do you want? You don’t have anything to do here, he tells DD, a little bit groggy and a lot bit resentful. DD overrides TtB’s objections as well, stalking in and sitting himself down on the bed, uninvited. He says he’s come to propose a truce. TtB tells him to leave, he’s not interested in anything DD has to say, but DD, settling himself in more comfortably, replies that he’s come to talk to TtB about MM. This piques TtB’s attention. DD tells him he’s going to speak frankly “y sin rodeos.” He knows TtB is no longer a boy but is now of an age to “understand many things.” He looks right at TtB and tells him he’s going to tell him the whole truth, “con toda la sinceridad de la que sea capáz” (!!! words fail me...) about how he fell in love with MM. DD concludes this whole tease by asking TtB to choose – does he still want DD to leave? Or does he want to hear DD’s story?
<some park outside “Cíntia’s” place>
Vero, still dressed in “Cíntia’s” clothes and jewelry but wearing her own hair and sweater –the outer one from the twin set she was wearing earlier on, during the fight with Daddy Dearest— and walking like herself rather than utilizing “Cíntia’s” jaunty gait, strolls along with Gus (and you know, the thought totally occurs: if Vero's supposed to be under cover and all, she should have at least taken a moment to put on the wig and “Cíntia’s” strut before heading out --never mind that the wig would have clashed horribly with the salmon-pink sweater!-- or to have gone the other way and changed into her VeroClothing (altho i suppose that would probably not have been a good plan given that Inés might easily see her coming and/or going and wonder...). she did tell Gus to give her ten minutes, after all, so she would have had time. but if anyone were to notice her now, with Gus, it would be wicked obvious “Cíntia” is not who she’s claiming to be. or at least, that there’s a lot more to this "Cíntia" person than she has so far let people see. either way, it was really careless of Vero and as a supposedly experienced undercover operative, she should have known better). They’re not holding hands, but just ambling along side-by-side. Vero asks how Gustavo knew where to find her. He says he called her at home and when she wasn’t there figured she had to be at “Cíntia’s.” He wants to know what Inés is doing there and Vero tells him how Inés wants to stay with her, how she feels very deceived by Gus and everyone in the barrio, and how she needs some distance from everything. She forestalls the coming protest by adding that she knows it’s not a good idea to have Inés there, but she wants to help Inés and it was the only solution she could find. And even though it killed her to do it, she’s already warned Inés she can’t stay; Inés will leave as soon as she finds her own place. With that issue dealt with, Vero asks Gustavo what it was he wanted to say to her. Gus suggests they sit, and, taking her hand, leads her over to a nearby park bench, where they sit, angled so they are more or less facing each other. He starts out by reminding her that Chepe wants him to be her contact, and that means that “en los próximos días vas a hablar exclusivamente conmigo.” He says they’ll have two options for that: They could do it “de una manera frívola, relación policia-laboral,” or tell tell each other the truth and be sincere. Vero wants to know what truth he’s talking about, and Gus says it’s really several [truths]. Primero, he pensado mucho en tí. Es más, te he pensado todo el día. (Vero smiles softly and looks down at her hands.) Quería verte... Necesitaba verte, necesitaba sentirte aquí, a mi lado. Y lo más importante es que no sé cómo voy a hacerle para tenerte todos los días a mi lado y no tocarte, decirte cosas – no sé cómo lo voy a hacer. Vero starts to respond, and he interrupts: A ver, ¿quién me va a contestar? The policewoman, who thinks it’s all a farce and everything is done for duty and justice? Or will it be the woman who has feelings, who saved my life and worried about me, and who I am sure cares for me? And don’t try to tell me that saving my life was your duty, because it’s not like that. Sabes qué? No sé cómo voy a hacerle para tenerte todos los días y decirte... decirte que te amo. Te quiero decirte todos los días que te amo, y te amo con todo mi corazón.
<to be continued...>
USA, 6/2-6/03:
Re: B... you rock. +rough summary of Monday 6/02/03 Author: B. Date: 06-04-03 02:15 PDT
<blush>
well, i do live in California, after all... every now and again, we pretty much all of us here rock -- we can't help it... <G>
but seriously, i'm glad my summaries helped. they have been a bit of work, but i've rather enjoyed doing it. well, except for the scenes with Daddy Dearest and Tony the Brat, and --even worse!-- DD, TtB and Mummy Maria (most of which are still to come, alas...), which take me forever 'coz i was so over those stories and any other with TtB in it even before they started. and tho i kinda wish i could, i don't think i could keep up the daily summaries for too much longer, so it's probably just as well you're going to be back with us tomorrow!
i do wish Janet had continued writing her impressionist summaries, tho. i thought the ones she did were a lot funnier than mine.
i should have Friday's finished tomorrow (Wed) and already have an extremely rough rough draft of Monday's that i'm posting below so you can (hopefully) get at least some idea of what happened before tomorrow's ep. (i'll polish it later, once i've finished Friday's.)
++++++++++++++++++
MONDAY 2 June
previously:
*Inés catches Gustavo and “Cíntia” making out.
<credits>
<”Cíntia’s” apartment>
Inés tells Gustavo and “Cíntia” she can’t stand either of them. She never wants to know from either of them again, and she hopes they both die. Gustavo tries to tell her he cares about her and what happens to her. She just tells them both to stay out of her life: Today Inés is dead. She tosses the flowers on the floor and storms out, suitcase in tow. Vero is consumed with guilt – Inés didn’t deserve this. Gustavo has been her obsession since she was a kid. Gus says that may be so, but we can’t let her stand in the way of “lo nuestro.” Vero just asks, What’s going to happen to her now, if supposedly I was her best friend?
<on the street>
Some guys try to hustle Inés – she suddenly crosses the street to get away from them and is nearly hit by a car.
<O-Team squad room>
MtP comes in all happy, EtU pretty much brushes her off. She gets the 'message' just as he figures out he’s being too brusque. He apologizes and --
<“Cíntia’s”>
Gus tells Vero that the whole romance between him and Inés was all in Inés’ head – he was always straight with her, he never betrayed her. Vero says, But I did – well, “Cíntia” did. She begs Gustavo to go out and make sure nothing bad happens to Inés. He agrees and heads out.
<Mummy Maria’s house>
Daddy Dearest is still playing the loving father (actually it’s kindof revolting). He gets up to leave and as a parting shot – the icing on the cake— tells them he thinks he'll give Tony his last name, and maybe it would be a good thing if maybe they could all live together as a family.
<O-Team Tac/Ops room>
MtP is running down “Cíntia’s” life story, complete with a slide show of pictures of "Mamá and Papá Robles," etc (note – Vero isn’t there!! but whatever...). EtP, Chino, Gabriel, all listen intently. MtP sums up by saying, to really finalize the part of “Cíntia Robles,” they should move her out of the apartment she’s in now and into Gustavo’s barrio. There, Gustavo can integrate her into the community, which will give her added credibility, not to mention a local support network from the locals as well as Gus. Of course, EtU is not happy about this, and we can also tell he thinks MtP did it on purpose to throw Vero and Gus together and keep Vero away from him (EtU) to leave the field more open for herself.
<AA Mateo’s bar>
Gus goes looking for Inés. Seeing him enter, AA Mateo thinks Gus is there about the guys he’d been asked to get together to defend the barrio. He tells Gus they’re all ready to meet with him. Gus replies, That’s great, but actually I’m looking for Inés. AA Mateo tells him she left the barrio, because of Gustavo, and explains about Inés feeling hurt and like people thinks she was making a fool of herself, etc. Gus points out that he was always straight with her about their non-relationship. AA Mateo reminds him that that doesn’t mean it hurts any less to have your dreams shattered. He asks why Gus wants to speak with her, and Gus tells him to make sure he’s ok. It looks like Gus is about to tell AA Mateo about kissing “Cíntia,” but AA Mateo tells him he’d do better to let Inés alone for a while.
<Daddy Dearest’s office>
DD wants to put a tail on Vero, as well as on Gus. PdNWH suggests un tal Javier.
Mummy Maria comes in – don’t hurt my kid by raising his hopes (tho from what i've seen of TtB, it might be more a case of 'don't hurt me by raising my hopes you'll make us legit...). DD calls PdNWH in and tells him to call the lawyer to get started on the paperwork to give Tony the Brat his last name. MM is surprised and appeased.
<some café somewhere>
Nancy --formerly known as Cop Girlfriend (and i boy am i glad i am to see her, because i was starting to worry she was a figment of my imagination and that CGF had been Marcela the Pushy all along...!)-- meets Vero for breakfast. Vero tells Nancy the whole Inés / Gus story and how Inés caught her and Gus kissing. Even more than being in love with Gus, Vero says, Inés was obsessed with him. Inés is really hurt, she stormed away but she doesn’t have anywhere to go -- I'm supposedly her best friend. Vero is very worried about her.
<in the garage>
AA Mateo is doing all the talking. Introduces Chato, Bukles, Getas, the three guys AA Mateo found for Gus' NarcoWar. All have tragic family drug stories which make them hate the Narcos. Gus says the G-Team has 3 objectives: Destroy the Narcos’ drug labs, interrupt the Narcos’ drug supply lines, and confiscate the Narcos’ drug money so they can use it for their own means. The guys are totally up for this. Gus outlines their jobs for the first mission, to take place that night. One of the new guys says he'll take care of getting the guns but Gus tells him, Not for me -- I never use them. Just like your father used to work!! approves one of the other new guys.
<bar with Nancy>
Nancy tells Vero she’s taking too much guilt on herself. Vero tells her about the big fight with Daddy Dearest. Nancy asks Vero: What if Gus were to take up a life of crime again...? Vero says that would never happen.
<Daddy Dearest’s office>
DD gets a call from FBBG, we need to meet at the rodeo bar tonight, i have something that will really make you happy. DD agrees.
We discover that Daddy Dearest wasn’t serious about calling the lawyers to do the paperwork – he “forgot” that the lawyer he’d told PdNWH to contact is in Europe somewhere on a sabbatical year. DD calls Chepe, telling him he urgently needs to contact his daughter. Chepe tells him no way. DD insists it’s important. Chepe tells him he’ll pass along the message and ask Vero to contact him. DD says to make sure she understands she needs to call him TODAY.
<garage>
Everyone’s there for some reason. Auntie Ditz invites everyone to a family dinner tonight – she has a surprise for them. “Bien banaditos y vestiditos," she warns them.
<O-Team Tac/Ops room>
Chepe comes back in and tells MtP he agrees with her suggestion that they move “Cíntia” into Gustavo’s barrio. Meanwhile, EtU has been doing some scheming of his own and says they shouldn’t just attack on the one front. He says he has another way they can get a little higher up in the Narco chain of command, but it’s not really cop-work, it's more criminal-work: Kidnap Narco Lieutenant (real name: El Negro). Leave him access to a phone, and when he calls his bosses to get him out of there, trace the call to learn who the guy is, and get to him, to infiltrate from there. Gabriel says he likes the idea, but it’s pretty marginal, legally speaking. Chepe says he’ll handle that. In the meantime, the problem is to find a good moment to get NL, since he’s always surrounded by his posse of Narco Underlings. But EtU’s ready for that: It seems NL goes to his mistress’ house every Thursday like clockwork, and that’s the only time he is not surrounded by the NUs. They agree they will try that night.
after the rest of the team has left, EtU tells MtP he doesn't appreciate her throwing Gus and Vero together like that. MtP tries to explain she didn't do it for personal reasons but because it was the only sensible thing to do (and to be fair, i do think that that was probably the main reason she suggested it. MtP, for all her faults, seems to be the only one of the four of them --Gus, Vero, EtU, and her-- that is at all able to keep her personal feelings separate from the requirements of her job. now, that it could theoretically further separate Vero from EtU was undoubtedly a bonus, but unlike EtU, i don't think she would have suggested it at all if it weren't really the best thing to do to reinforce and build the "Cíntia" cover in the most effective way). altough this isn't a bad thing either -- EtU needs to get over Vero. natch, EtU's totally not buying it and is pretty nasty to MtP. when she brings up "last night," he interrupts, saying cuttingly that it was just a one-night stand, and storms out.
<Estabishing shots of the city in daytime that morph into night traffic.>
<Espinoza’s club (“Gardenia”)>
Inés comes in and asks for the other partner. He comes out, sarcastically greeting her as the prodigal daughter. She asks for her old job back. He has some snide comments about Inés’ “principe azul” who was supposed to save her from all this and asks about “Cíntia.” Inés ignores his questions and asks if he wants her back or not. He does.
<Vero’s>
Gus is at Vero's. He hasn't been able to find Inés, but thinks she'll be ok. Chepe calls Vero on her cel. He asks if she knows where Gus is. When she tells him Gus is right there with her, Chepe says to tell him to stay put. He's coming over there to talk to both of them.
<Mummy Maria’s>
Daddy Dearest shows up to pick up TtB for their evening out together, father and son. TtB is all clean and dressed up nice. As DD leaves, he adds, almost as an afterthought, Oh, yeah, my assistant wasn’t able to get hold of the lawyer, but he’ll keep trying. It doesn't look like MM is suspicious, altho given the fact she works for him you would really think she ought to be...
EtU, Chino and Gabriel are all crammed in their black StakeoutUV, parked across the street from an apartment building, and eating what looks like hot dogs as they wait for NL to arrive at his mistress’ apartment. The NarcoSUV swoops up in front of the building, followed by a sporty silver coupe driven by NL with his mistress in the passenger seat. An NU assists the couple to get out of the car and the two hurry into the building after NL dismisses the NUs for the night.
<Vero’s>
Chepe tells Gus and Vero about EtU's plan to "kidnap" Narco Lieutenant, and how once they find out who’s above NL on the Narco food chain, they use that information to infiltrate the organization at that point – Vero as “Cíntia,” and Gus as what he is: an information technologies specialist. Lastly he tells them about “Cíntia” having to move to Gus’ barrio, where Gus will help build stability, security, and credibility for the “Cíntia” personality by introducing her to his friends, integrating her into the community, etc. Both Vero and Gus manage to keep straight faces hearing this (altho you just know Gus, at least, almost certainly could kiss Chepe for all but handing him Vero on a platter like this...). Chepe gives Vero a folder with “Cíntia’s” family photos and background details for her to memorize. Gus excuses himself, saying he has a family function he has to attend. He and Vero play it very cool and offhand as she shows him out the door. When she returns, Chepe gives her the message from her father. She mentions she and DD had an argument but doesn’t tell him what it was about. I guess Chepe is left to assume it was about her quitting then unquitting the O-Team.
<Gardenia>
A Sleazoid in a suit is all drooling over Inés. She flirts with him while dancing, but brushes him off when she’s not.
<some tacky rodeo bar>
DD enters some tacky rodeo bar with the slowest-moving mechanical bull i have ever seen. TtB and PdNWH are with him, but he leaves them alone with a wad of cash, and heads off to meet up wit FBBG in the appointed place. En route he practically runs over a pretty girl in a halter and shorts. As she walks away, DD eyes her appreciatively.
<Club Gardenia>
Sleazoid tries to make Inés go away somewhere with him but she tells him she only dances. She has to get pretty harsh with him. Upset, she returns to the dressing room. She sees a photo of Gustavo on her “table,” and, telling herself she hates him, she rips it up.
<Vero’s>
Vero, dressed in a fluffy bathrobe, is towel-trying her hair when she gets a call from Chepe, who although we can't hear him is clearly telling her “Cíntia” needs to be somewhere. She says ok, sighs, and gets out her wig.
<rodeo>
The surprise FBBG has for DD is a bunch of drugs hidden in the hay (got them from someone in the north? some story there...). DD yells at him, telling him to get rid of them immediately. This rodeo bar place is supposed to be FBBG’s legitimate business, it’s supposed to be totally clean. They’ll both be implicated if the drugs are found there. FBBG still doesn’t see why DD’s making such a fuss – no-one would suspect. It's a great deal.
<Gardenia>
Sleazoid continues to hit on Inés. This time she accepts the challenge, and fortifies herself with a shot.
<Mom’s>
Grandma, Tarta, Mom, Father Anselmo, Gus, Mom, and AA Mateo, have all reported as ordered. They are all dressed nice (well, except for Tarta, tho i guess he tried since everything at least seems to be clean). Auntie Ditz has a big surprise. She starts leading up to it by saying she wanted them all there because they’ve all been witness to how her relationship with AA Mateo has grown over the years.
<outside NL’s mistress’ place.
NL comes out, the O-Team guys swoop up in their black StakeoutUV, and take NL away with them. he protests he is “protected,” and has connections. they’ll regret this. The O-Team guys are all, Yeah, yeah, yeah... Whatever.
<Mom’s>
Auntie Ditz gets down on one knee and asks AA Mateo to marry her, since he apparently hasn't paid attention to all the hints she’s been dropping. In the face of so many expectations, AA Mateo says yes. but the faces on him, Mom, and Father Anselmo reveal they know the dilemma he’s in.
<some sleazy hotel>
Inés tells Sleazoid she won’t sleep with him. He starts to get violent.
<Mom’s>
Father Anselmo swallows what he knows about AA Mateo's true feelings and puts on a happy face to tell Auntie Ditz he’d be delighted to officiate at their wedding. Everyone has a glass of champagne (Auntie Ditz tells AA Mateo he doesn’t have to drink, just have a glass for the toast?) and they’re toasting “love” when the doorbell rings. Tarta says he’ll answer, and in a few moments is back with “Cíntia” strutting casually along the way she does. Everyone stares at her in surprise, and Gus with shock. Smiling in a friendly way, she looks around at everyone as if at strangers and says, Perdón, ando buscando Inés. Grandma wants to know who she is. Instead of answering directly, she pretends to recognize Gus and, smiling happily at him, says: Gustavo... ¿No te acuerdes de me? Soy Cíntia.
USA, 6/3/03 – no episode
for Megui -- rough rundown of Wed 6/04/03 (summary) Author: B. Date: 06-05-03 14:59 PDT
Megui, you said your TV kicked out on you about 15 minutes in. last night out of habit i started a summary of the show. it's not really detailed, but at least you can have an idea of everything else that took place:
WEDNESDAY
previouslies:
*Inés accuses Gus of not only betraying her, but of doing it with her best friend.
*Gus tells one of his new gang members not to bother finding a gun for him -- he never uses them. “Just like your Dad!”
*EtU and the O-Nappers grab NL
*Inés and Sleazoid at the hotel
*”Cíntia” arrives at the family party as Auntie Ditz proposes a toast to “love”
<credits>
<Mom’s>
Gus feigns recognition as well. “Cíntia” doesn’t want to bust in, gets invited to join the party. They ask why she’s looking for Inés, says Inés said she could help me find a place to rent. Any friend of Inés’ is a friend of ours, too!! AA Mateo offers her Inés’ old place. Gus introduces her around. AA Mateo doesn’t seem suspicious (not that he should be, but still). Auntie Ditz gives “Cíntia” a glass to toast with too (i think she gave her Tarta’s glass! because suddenly he doesn’t have one any more...). Tarta seems to be a bit smitten, he moves over to stand right in front of “Cíntia.” Gus comes over and casually drapes an arm over his buddy Tarta’s shoulder, but really just so he can clink glasses with “Cíntia” during the toast (LOL! they have to pretty much reach over Tarta to do it!!).
<some sleazy motel>
Sleazoid tells Inés he’s never been turned down by a woman, never mind a "cualquiera" like Inés. He tosses her on the bed and gets out his knife. If you want to live, you’ll do what I say. Inés flashes back on the rape by the cops years ago (when they killed her boyfriend. in the flashback, all the cops are laughing as some of them restrain a furiously struggling boy while another one does the deed and another one seems to be waiting his turn. it’s really ugly).
<some empty storeroom type place>
The O-Nappers manhandle NL to some empty storeroom type place, tie him to a chair, and threaten him with death if he doesn’t cooperate. (and just out of curiosity, why are they not wearing masks?? that seems really dumb. or at least they should have blindfolded NL...!) They tell NL they already know who he is and who he works for. They want lots of money. Let’s see how much you’re worth – what’s the phone number of your boss...??
<FBBG’s sleazy rodeo place>
Daddy Dearest and FBBG are still arguing about the drugs. FBBG doesn’t want to give up his prize so easily. DD warns him: Now more than ever we have to be extremely cautious with all our business. Chickie that bumped into DD earlier turns out to be Claudia, FBBG’s daughter, recently arrived from Canada. In light of later scenes, she will now be called Jailbait.
<Mom’s>
Gus gets Ver/Cín off alone on the patio and in an undertone asks why Chepe moved Operation Cíntia In The Barrio forward – he hasn’t had time to lay the groundwork yet. She tells him about EtU’s kidnapping operation. If it goes as planned, they’ll need her already in place in the barrio. He asks what they’ll do if Inés turns up; Ver/Cín says she has no idea.... Grandma comes out to tell them to come have some cake. They’ll be there in a sec. Ver/Cín: But what will we do if Inés turns up? Gus: Pues, no sé. Ahí vemos...
<O-Nappers’ storeroom/O-Team surveillance room>
EtU reports back to Chepe that NL doesn’t want to give up the phone number of his boss. Chepe says, If he continues to be difficult, introduce him to “Doctor Chino.” After they hang up, MtP comments wryly that their usual problem with kidnaps is tracking who the money was given to, not the guy giving them the money! Heh.
<Mom’s>
AA Mateo comes to talk to Mom, who is doing dishes or something in a room away from the party. She tries to put a good face on it: This took me by surprise, but I’m really happy for you both. Auntie Ditz comes in. She is going to be royally hung over tomorrow. AD unintentionally amps up the guilt for Mom and AA Mateo: Here she has the two people she loves the most in the world. Mom’s the bestest sister in the whole world, she’s her best friend and confidante. AA Mateo’s the man she wants to wake up next to every day for the rest of her life. She loves him.
Back in the room with the party, Father Anselmo says he has to leave, he has to get up early. AD chats to “Cíntia”: We’re all crazy here, but harmless. And if Inés comes back, you can share the room, right? Grandma says they’ll go get the room all ready for her. Tarta gives her a welcoming kiss on the cheek. Gus wants to, too, but plays it cool.
<FBBG’s sleazy rodeo bar>
Jailbait and Daddy Dearest are watching some bronco busting. She tells him she’s just out of high school, getting ready to enter the university. She asks him if he’s married and is surprised to hear he’s not any more (DD: Now I just dedicate myself to my work) – A guy like him...?? Tony the Brat and PdNWH come up. TtB won 500 pesos off PdNWH on a bet (something to do with the mechanical bull). TtB is so completely smitten by Jailbait he’s speechless. Jailbait seems to like TtB as well, but she doesn’t come on anywhere near as strong to him. DD sends the two off together.
<street outside Father Anselmo’s church>
Father Anselmo finds Inés huddled in a corner by the door, sobbing quietly. He asks her what happened. It’s too dark for him to see her clearly but in any event she keeps her back to him so he can’t see her makeup’s all ruined from crying and she looks all disheveled. She says, between sobs she now tries to stifle, that she was on her way home and stopped to rest. Ah, so you found a new place, then? Yes, it’s a big apartment in a much nicer neighborhood. She’ll just be on her way now, tho. FA suggests she come inside to have some coffee and chat, but she practically snaps at him, Leave me alone! She runs off.
<FBBG’s sleazy rodeo bar>
Jailbait is riding the totally not-challenging mechanical bull as TtB looks on adoringly. TtB only has eyes for her and he helps her off the bull when the ride is finished. They apparently had the same bet going as TtB had with PdNWH and she’s won. They flirt a little until he pays up and she invites him to have a drink with her. They don’t notice, but DD is shadowing them – he totally can’t keep his eyes off Jailbait, and the look in his eyes is hardly paternal. FBBG comes up to DD. DD tells him he can’t believe FBBG could have such a lovely daughter, and he didn’t know about it. FBBG replies that he had never realized that DD was also a father. Is TtB his only child? Sí, es el único.
<ex-Inés’place, now “Cíntia’s” new place>
Grandma the interior decorator is telling “Cíntia” everything she plans to do to fix the place up and make it homey for her – curtains, blah blah. “Cíntia” says she doesn’t have to do anything, but Grandma tells her she wants to do it – she likes “Cíntia”. “Cíntia” says that’s a good thing, because she really likes Grandma. Grandma: And my grandson? How do you like him? “Cíntia”: Well, we’re just friends... Grandma, cheerfully: Good! You have to start somewhere, don’t you? Gus comes in with a box full of stuff, Grandma tells him he got totally the wrong stuff but it’ll have to do for now.
<O-Nappers’ storeroom>
NL tells the O-Nappers they’re idiots, they’re wasting their time. “Doctor” Chino is pulling on a pair of latex gloves and has a big ol’ wrench. He asks NL which tooth he uses least as Gabriel helpfully grabs NL’s head to hold it steady and pry his lips open. The threat is finally enough – NL says he’ll do what they want. EtU tells him to give him the phone number for his boss so he can call him right now (he brandishes his cel phone). NL Boss will have to come in person to get NL.
<O-Team surveillance room/O-Nappers' storerom>
Marcela the Pushy and Chepe are listening to EtU talking to NL Boss while she busily tries to trace the call. EtU demands 2 million dollars for NL!! He tells NL Boss that the exchange will be outside some abandoned factory somewhere. Unfortunately, MtP wasn’t able to trace the call. She tells Chepe that’s a problem with cel phones anyway.
Chepe to EtU after the exchange is set up: These guys don’t do exchanges – they’ll come for you. Be prepared for the rest of the team to intervene. EtU tells him that won’t work – if the Narcos see the team they'll know the O-Nappers are cops. EtU says he has a better idea.
<FBBG’s sleazy rodeo bar>
Jailbait and Tony the Brat are getting along very, very well – now they’re at the bar having (soft?) drinks. Daddy Dearest is still watching them. FBBG comes over. DD asks FBBG if he would have any problem with Jailbait visiting TtB at his mother’s house. Apparently FBBG wouldn’t. One of FBBG’s underlings approaches them and hands FBBG his cel phone, saying it’s important. It’s NL Boss (Benitez?), telling him about the ransom demand for NL. FBBG tells him to await further orders and hangs up.
<“Cíntia’s” new place>
Grandma and “Cíntia” finish making the bed and Grandma says they’ve made a start on making the place habitable. “Cíntia” thanks her yet again, Grandma pooh-poohs this, saying she’s enjoying it. Gus enters with yet another box of stuff and Grandma takes the opportunity to leave, telling Gus to help “Cíntia” finish moving in. Grandma is so totally matchmaking..! Gus tells Ver/Cín that Grandma really likes her. Ver/Cín replies that she thinks what is actually going on is that Grandma is trying to find a girlfriend for her grandson, ASAP. Gus, tenderly holding Ver/Cín’s chin: You have no idea how much I would give to be able to tell the whole planet that I love you! He hints that now his whole family knows her, but he still doesn’t know anything about hers... Ver/Cín corrects him: They’ve met “Cíntia,” not Veronica. You know we can’t right now. They kiss. (...and can’t you just see Vero imagining introducing Gus to Daddy Dearest, given the current state of affairs...? yeah, that will go over really well... Heh.)
<FBBG’s sleazy rodeo bar>
DD can’t believe no-one has any idea who kidnapped NL. FBBG says it must be an enemy of theirs who knows the organization. He thinks it’s (one of the Big Shots?) a guy named El Gordo Rojas. The kids rejoin DD and FBBG, and DD tells TtB they have to leave now. Jailbait protests it’s still early. DD smoothly suggests Jailbait visit TtB at home. Jailbait says she’ll accompany them out and DD sends the kids off ahead, then motions for PtNWH to follow them. Once alone with FBBG, he tells him to order NL Boss to pay the ransom. He say’s he’ll make sure the police take care of El Gordo Rojas.
<Mom’s>
They’re cleaning up after the party when Gus comes back. He’s all in a festive mood and wants to know what happened to the party? He asks AA Mateo when the wedding will be. AA Mateo tries to equivocate, saying weddings take a lot of preparation. Auntie Ditz laughs and tells him she wants to get married before she’s 60. AA Mateo and Gus head out, saying they’re going to the shop to go over a few things, leaving the sisters alone together.
Auntie Ditz comments that Inés’ friend is really nice, isn’t she? Yes, says Mom, and very pretty too. Gus’ eyes just about popped out of his head.
<“Cíntia’s” new place>
Ver/Cín takes off her wig and opens a drawer to put it inside. She notices something is inside, and pulls it out. Iit’s a framed picture of Inés.
<Velasco’s shop>
Gus wants to know why AA Mateo doesn’t seem to be all happy about getting married. AA Mateo tries to change the subject, but Gus keeps going back to it. AA Mateo finally manages to give some half-answers that succeed in appeasing Gus enough he is able to get him onto another topic: the blueprints for the security system he has brought for Gus to study. He comments it doesn’t look like much of a security system, and Gus, looking over the plans, says it isn’t. When you consider the business that system protects supposedly doesn’t make all that much money, having a killer security system would be a dead give-away there’s something else going on behind the scenes. This will be the first of many blows we will strike against the Narcos. Gus starts to run down the plan.
<Mom’s>
Auntie Ditz tells Mom she was a little worried that AA Mateo might say no when she proposed. She comments on Mom’s shocked look as well. You’re not going to lose me just because I’m married. You need a man’s love. You know what? I think one day when you least expect it, you’ll fall in love and get married again. Mom tries to make a joke of it: And if not, we can always place an ad in the classifieds. Or get a dog.
<Mummy Maria’s>
The boys are back from their outing. We should do this more often, have family outings. We could even invite Jailbait. Daddy Dearest tells Tony the Brat: I’m not going to pressure you, but I’d like it if you hung around more with Jailbait. Blah Blah Blah.
<“Cíntia’s” new place>
Vero’s taken a shower and is walking around wrapped in a towel. She picks up and considers the bottle of sleeping pills Grandma left for her (“Sometimes it’s hard to get to sleep in a new bed...”), then puts it back down, gets her cel phone, and places a call.
<Mummy Maria’s/”Cíntia’s” new place>
Daddy Dearest gets a call. It’s Vero. As soon as they realize who’s on the phone, MM and TtB’s happy faces fall. TtB immediately gets up and stalks out of the room, tho MM stays on, glaring. I don’t think DD even notices. He tells Vero he’s sorry about the argument they had and she says she is, too. He says he wants to see her and asks if she wants him to come get her. She says No, it’s late. Let’s meet tomorrow at the country house.
<“Cíntia’s” new place>
Vero takes some of Grandma’s sleeping pills.
<atop the Blue Hotel>
Inés is crying. She takes off her shoes and the crucifix she’s wearing. She kisses the crucifix and places it on the edge of the roof, then climbs up onto the ledge. Clearly, she is thinking of jumping. She stands, arms outstretched.
<Velasco’s shop>
There's some chit-chat between Gus and Tarta because Tarta has the rappelling gear out and is testing it. He asks Gus how much he weighs, he just wants to be sure the gear will still hold him. Gus realizes Tarta hasn't used it the whole time he was in San Diego (10 years!). Tarta: Well, yeah (duh!). The rest of the team arrives. Gus tells the G-Team it’s a good thing they’re all here. If the information he has is correct, they willl have 10 minutes to get in and out. One of the guys says something about stealing. Gus corrects him: We’re not going to "steal," we’re going to "expropriate".
<the exchange site>
Chepe is already there with the rest of the O-Team, all of them kitted out in their Special Ops gear. He tells them to stay in their O-Van and wait for word from him. He finds himself a vantage point on a nearby rooftop, from where he sees a bunch of Narcos arrive and find hiding places around the area. The O-Nappers arrive with their hostage. They get out of their vehicle and stand around in the alley with their now-hooded hostage clearly in view. The morons are still not wearing masks. A sedan drives up and a businessman type gets out, along with some other underlings also in suits. These morons aren't wearing masks, either. One underling has a suitcase. NL Boss demands they take the hood off NL. The O-Nappers do so, and in return demand he show them the money. They make the exchange, but NL laughs and says the O-Nappers will never be able to enjoy the money. All the hidden Narco Underlings immediately run out and train their guns on the O-Nappers.
<the G-Team’s first “expropriation” target>
Gus and Tarta are on the roof. A window partway down the side of the building has been opened or left open. The two rappel down and enter through the window.
<“Cíntia’s” new place>
Vero is asleep in the bed. A shadow appears outside the door, which quietly opens. Inés obviously didn’t jump after all. She silently enters and wanders over to the bed. She seems bitter when she sees Vero sleeping there. She gets a pair of sharp-looking shears and returns to the bed holding them, a slightly crazed look on her face.
<the exchange site>
The Narcos gloat: We’re going to kill you. On the rooftop, Chepe tells the rest of the O-Team to be ready for his signal, they’re going to have to go in after all. But EtU tells the Narcos to rethink their plan. He unzips his dorky windbreaker to show he’s got a bunch of stuff taped to his chest. He tells them there’s enough explosive there to blow up two factories. If they shoot him, they’ll all die. Chepe puts the rest of the O-Team on hold.
<the G-Team’s first “expropriation” site>
Gus and Tarta are now breaking into an office in the building. Inside they find a safe on the wall with a keypad and what looks like a keycard slot. Gus gets out his laptop and hooks it up to the safe via a wide flat cable. He starts the program that will break into the safe for them. As they nervously wait for it to do its stuff, a security guard type and some other men in suits come down the hall. The guard shines his flashlight in the office window.
<“Cíntia’s”>
Inés holds the scissors as if they were a dagger. She is just lifting them in a threatening manner when Vero rolls over and mutters Gustavo’s name. This makes Inés pause. She regards Vero through narrowed, angry eyes.
<end of episode>
Summary - Thursday 06/05/03 Author: B. Date: 06-06-03 13:31 PDT
here ya go...
THURSDAY 05 JUNE 2003
previouslies:
*Sleazoid threatens Inés with a knife as he straddles her on a bed and unbuckles his belt.
*Frosted Blond Bad Guy introduces his daughter, Jailbait, to his "very good friend," Daddy Dearest.
*"Doctor Chino" and the O-Nappers threaten Narco Lieutenant to get him to call his boss.
*Inés contemplates suicide.
*The Narcos threaten the O-Nappers; Chepe orders the rest of the O-Team to get ready to intervene.
*Gus and Tarta are breaking into a safe just as the security guards are making their rounds.
*Inés looms threateningly over “Cíntia," clutching a pair of shears.
<credits>
<“Cíntia’s” new place>
Inés cuts a lock of Vero’s long hair, then steals out, taking it with her. Vero continues sleeping, oblivious.
<O-Nappers’ exchange site>
Esteban the Unstable shows Narco Lieutenant, NL Boss, and the Narco Underlings that he is wired to explode with 25 kilos (something over 50 pounds!!) of C-4. This will take out two whole blocks, he tells them – if you shoot me, we all go up. It’s your decision, NL... NL doesn’t want to chance it EtU’s bluffing and he screams for the NUs to lower their weapons. EtU tells Gabriel (addresses him by name!) to pick up the suitcase. The three O-Nappers climb into their SUV with the suitcase and get out of there. Chepe tells the rest to stand down and orders the O-Team to let the Narcos leave without attempting to detain them.
<the “expropriation” site>
The three guys we saw last night are apparently all security guards. They’re laughing and talking as they make their rounds. Gus has quickly disconnected the cable and removed his computer from the desk and he is now crouched down, hiding behind it. In an urgent whisper he tries to order Tarta to get away from where he is. But Tarta, who unlike Gus has his mask pulled down, won’t budge from his spot behind the door. He twitches nervously but with determination, and has a large MagLight flashlight in one upraised hand. One of the guards unlocks the door and shines his flashlight around as he half-enters the room. He only has a chance to take a cursory glance around and before we hear one of the other guards call to him to keep up. The half-body, arm, and hand with the light is withdrawn and the door closed and re-locked. We can see Tarta slump a little in relief as Gus, motioning for silence, scrambles out from behind the desk and quickly reconnects the computer to the safe. Once they get the safe open, we all see there is a LOT of money in there, as Tarta remarks in an awed whisper. Gus repressively reminds him it’s dirty money (Tarta: I’ll wash it!! LOL!) as he quickly transfers the bundles to his carrysack. Tarta wants to keep some for himself, but Gus tells him No, it’s for people who need it. Tarta: I need it!! (Gus: Ok, we’ll see.) Once the safe is completely empty, they close up again, re-lock it, put everything else in the office back as they found it, and quietly creep out.
<Mummy María’s>
Daddy Dearest is half-lounging on the couch at Mummy María’s with a glass of brandy or something in his hand, and can i just say i was so TOTALLY right about his designs on Jailbait not being at all paternal?? Eeewwww!!! DD daydreams that Jailbait, her hair all loose, comes around the corner into the room. She’s wearing a tacky— i mean, silky leopard print shortie negligée getup with matching robe. She pauses and smiles a big welcoming Jailbait smile before seductively slithering toward him as he appreciatively watches her approach. She sits down on the couch at right angles to his, and sensuously stretches one leg onto the coffee table, where she starts moving her foot around in an inviting way. He reaches over to put his glass down on the table hear her foot. Looking directly into her eyes, which smile an invitation, he starts to caress that foot. He looks down at the foot as he continues to-- but his daydream is interrupted when MM, herself wearing a silky black negligée and matching robe (only hers is full-length), comes back into the room to find him half-lounging on the couch with a glass of brandy in his hand. She smiles. What were you thinking of? I was thinking of you, and how beautiful you are, DD lies. Come here.... MM: The other day, Tony the Brat got mad because you were talking with your daughter. DD pulls her down next to him. You were mad, too, weren’t you? You think I didn’t notice...? He starts kissing her in an aggressive way, pushing her robe off her shoulder. She tries to continue the conversation, but he just says, We’ll talk tomorrow and keeps attack—er, kissing her. Meanwhile, in his room, Tony the Brat smiles happily and remembers being with Jailbait.
<AA Mateo’s bar>
AA Mateo enters his bar and reports in on what looks like a walkie-talkie sort of thing (“Listo, sin novedad, los huevos ya están en la fregadera. Cambio y fuera."). As he leans up on the bar itself, he sees Inés is sitting a few stools down, smoking, her back to him. AA Mateo recognizes her and approaches, telling her everyone has been asking about her, they’ve all been very worried. Inés swings around on her seat and leans back on her arms against the bar. She’s still got the long sweater on and her hair is still all mussed, but somewhere along the line she must’ve wiped all the makeup off her face (and sans makeup is actually a pretty good look for her. she looks really fresh, almost innocent in a way, which makes an interesting contrast to the been-there, done-that weariness of her attitude). Inés says she’s fine, but there’s a sort of self-mocking cynical edge to her tone. She just came to get a few things. Inés is sipping tequila or some other drink from a shot glass. So you are going to move, then, says AA Mateo. Looking for a way to get past the wall she’s put up, he remarks, Your friend “Cíntia” came, did you see her? Inés lies convincingly: No. It’s very late – I’ll look her up some other time. He asks if he can have a tequila with her. Inés smiles and shows a hint of a crack: But you don’t drink. AA Mateo: But I talk....
<Velasco’s shop>
Gus is walking quickly through the shop toward what looks like a small office or storeroom that’s crammed with stuff. Tarta follows. C’mere Tarta, I’m going to show you a secret between my dad and me, only now it’s between my dad, you and me. He swears Tarta to secrecy, telling him it’s where they stash the money they’ve stolen. Gus opens the lid of a wooden chest with a very dusty old record player inside. It turns out the turntable is actually a false bottom. He reaches in and pulls out a bundle of cash and gives it to Tarta, telling him to give it to the G-Team and tell them it’s for people who have been harmed by the Narcos. But tell them to be discrete in how they spend it, he warns. No splashing the cash around and attracting attention. Then he tells Tarta he wants him to find out if Inés has a bank account and get the number. He holds out a second bundle and tries to give it to Tarta. Take this and deposit it in her account. Tarta refuses to take it, asking why Gus wants him to do that. Because Inés needs the money, Gus tells him, a little impatiently. Tarta still refuses to take the money. He says, almost angrily, but steadily meeting Gustavo’s gaze: She doesn’t need money – she needs to be loved! He rushes off before Gus can insist.
<O-Team Tac/Ops room>
The O-Team principals minus Vero (and Gus, since i guess he’s pretty much part of the team now too) are all sitting around the po-mo desk-table things in the Tac/Ops room. Chepe rushes briskly in. He hands Esteban the Unstable some photos and says, Listen up: We’re already working on who he is and what he does (referring to NL Boss). I figure he heads up one of the Narcos’ cover businesses. I want you to all get a good night’s sleep tonight. Oh, and you did a great job today. Now get out of here, before I make you write reports.... They all grin appreciatively and leave. EtU is last one out, and as soon as everyone else has gone, Chepe asks him, Whatever were you thinking using real explosives?!? EtU, cynically: It worked, didn’t it? They both smile.
<AA Mateo’s bar>
AA Mateo and Inés are still talking. She’s got another cigarette going, and he’s got two shot glasses on the bar, along with a bottle of (i’m guessing) tequila. He refills both glasses. He’s apparently been telling Inés about how he got engaged to Auntie Ditz. Inés toasts him, saying, Well, that’s something to be happy about. So why are you so sad? She tosses back her drink while he pours his on the floor (note: this happens again a time or three throughout the scene, sometimes with AA Mateo filling the glasses, and sometimes Inés. I guess this is his way of "drinking" with people. not half bad... i had a friend used to smoke that way. she’d only smoke if i smoked with her. only i don’t smoke. so i’d completely waste a cigarette, playing with it. she lost about a third of any given pack that way and since she smoked imports, she finally quit because she couldn’t afford it... but that’s really not germane to the story, is it? ok, fine. i’ll shut up now). AA Mateo asks Inés if he can tell her a secret. She says, Sure. You and I are really very alike, says AA Mateo. We’ve both been nurturing an impossible love for years -- you for the son, and I for the mother. Inés is genuinely surprised: You’re in love with Mom? AA Mateo confirms it, and says he has been since before she was married. But Dad was his best friend, so he kept quiet about his feelings. Then after Dad died, Mom pretty much shut down and wouldn’t let anyone get close to her that way. Over the years, she continued to love Dad, so AA Mateo never really had a chance with her. And Auntie Ditz...? asks Inés. The whole thing with her started as fun – no strings attached, no commitments. AA Mateo says he thought it would be a good way to get over Mom. But the opposite happened and he just fell more and more in love with Mom. He finally admitted he was fooling himself, going out with AD in order to have a reason to be around Mom. Hice muy mal, Inés... he says miserably. And don’t think I don’t care about AD – I do. She’s a wonderful woman and I do care for her. But what I feel for Mom is much stronger. Inés asks if Mom knows, and AA Mateo nods, Yes. But if she didn’t pay attention to me before, now she really won’t – she’d never hurt her sister. So you see? We’re the same, you and I. Inés: Not me any more... I’ve torn the love I had for Gustavo out of my heart and I don’t intend to suffer for him any more. AA Mateo asks her why she’s leaving, then, and she replies because she doesn’t have any reason to stay. Inés: I’ll be fine – I swear to you, I’ll be fine. She gets up and makes as if to leave. Take care of yourself and try to happy. AA Mateo tells her to hang on just a sec – he has to give her a bottle of some drink she really likes. He walks behind the bar and takes a bottle down from the wall, but while his back is turned, Inés has quietly slipped out.
<Velasco’s shop>
Gus is in the office, calling Suzy on his computer videocam. He tells her he knew she’d be up and online. VidSuzy tells him she’s really glad to hear from him and know he’s ok. She’s been worried ever since she got Father Anselmo’s call, but didn’t have anywhere she could call to ask about him. He apologizes for not having contacted her earlier: No tengo excusa, no tengo perdón, tienes toda la razón, soy un malagradecido... She seems to be laughing at him: He’s forgiven. A bit more seriously, he tells her, You saved my life. But be very careful – that information I sent you is very dangerous. The people who want it are capable of killing for it. He tells her he’s really sorry for getting her involved. VidSuzy looks worried, but tells him it’s not important – ¡Si te salvé la vida, está bien! She smilingly asks when he’s coming back. Gus sits back in his chair and looks dubious. We have to talk. VidSuzy guesses: It’s bad news, from the way you look... Gus tries to soften it: You know I’ve always been straight with you, and that I care for you a lot, don’t you? But VidSuzy, perhaps already guessing what he’s going to say, suggests he just cut to the chase. Gus takes a deep breath, then: Hay otra mujer (VidSuzy gets a lost sort of ‘I knew it’ air about her and she can’t quite look into the camera any more). Si... me... me enamoré. Y creo que lo mejor es que lo sepas. He puts his fingers up to the screen as if to stroke her face. She looks like she’s struggling with her feelings for a moment, then, with a sad smile, puts her hand up and covers her camera as she cuts the connection. The screen goes black. Gus tries briefly to get it back, but can’t.
<O-Team’s co-ed locker room>
Esteban the Unstable is apparently just out of the shower. He goes to his locker and hangs his towel over a peg on the open door. Marcela the Pushy (who is fully clothed) slinks up and starts petting his back lightly, asking if he’s tired. He says no – but she knows what the problem is -- he can’t stop thinking [about Vero]. Caressing him idly with a finger and smiling winningly, MtP playfully suggests he come over to her place, but, trying to get out of it "nicely," he says he’d rather go for a walk. She offers to accompany him, but he says he wants to be alone. She keeps stroking him, and sortof nuzzles his bare shoulder. EtU really is trying to be gentle about this, but MtP just is not taking the hint at all. He finally just tells her: Marcela, de verdad, quiero estar solo. Perdóname, no estoy en mi mejor momento, ¿sí? He looks straight at her until she stops coquetting and meets his gaze squarely. Her face falls as she realizes she’s not going to be able to win him over this time. Ok. If you want, I won’t bother you again. She turns and leaves the locker room in a bit of a snit, glaring at his back on her way out. He puts on deodorant, annoyed with himself.
<“Cíntia’s” new place>
Ok, so now who’s sneaking in to loom over Vero as she sleeps? She really ought to do something about that apparently broken front door lock or she'll end up with half the barrio in there on any given night as soon as word gets out... Oh, it’s Gus. He quietly makes his way to the far side of the bed and tenderly tucks her in, then gives her a gentle kiss on her cheek. He squats next to the bed beside her for a moment, looking at her as she sleeps. Then he sees the not-too-comfy-looking armchair at the end of the bed. He picks up a stray pillow and goes over to make himself as comfortable as he can in the chair. There is a long shot of him in slouched down in the chair, pillow behind his head and feet on the floor, in the foreground, with Vero asleep in the bed in the background. The grey-blue shadowy lighting morphs into a sunnier sort of light, the sleeping Gus morphs into an awkward-looking sideways curled-up lump flopped over one arm of the chair, and Vero is sitting up in bed, smiling in delight. It must be morning... And Vero is smiling in delight because she has wakened to find Gus crashed out in the chair with her. She wakes him and asks how he is. He stretches, saying he’s fine if a bit uncomfortable. She asks if he slept there all night, and he sleepily nods, Yes. She was asleep and he didn’t want to wake her. He gets up and goes over to sit on the bed. She tells him she was aware he’d come in but she took some of Grandma’s pills and simply couldn’t open her eyes. Kissing her bare arm, Gus asks if she dreamt about him. She laughs at him: ¡Qué vanidoso! He says, Well I dreamed about you (he sortof half-lies on the bed). I dreamed I kissed you, all over (he plants more kisses on her arm). I dreamed about your hair (he buries his face in a handful)... about your mouth (he kisses her languorously on the lips). He sits up a bit and looks right at her: I dreamed we made love. Her expression gets less teasing and more intent. They start to kiss.
<Mummy María’s>
It’s breakfast time at Mummy María’s, and once again Daddy Dearest is trotting out his Loving Father / Happy Family act. Tony the Brat slumps in, anti-DD attitude back on at nearly full volume. DD says, Well, I suppose we have to clear up a few things. First, I spoke to my daughter last night and I’m glad. We had some problems and I hadn’t heard from her all day. I’m glad to know she is ok. Tony and María, you guys know I am trying to make an effort to recover our family. But I need you to give me a little help. You need to have confidence in me. Things will get better, little by little. Is that ok? No more sulky faces, blah blah blah. He finally figures he’s made his point and changes the subject, asking TtB if he had a good time last night. He brings up Jailbait, MM wants more details about this girl. With prodding, TtB shyly admits he had a very good time and enjoyed being with Jailbait. MM suggests that he invite her to come to diner; DD almost too-heartily endorses the invitation and offers to give TtB her phone number right now if he wants. He enthuses on about Jailbait and presses the issue of inviting her over so much that it looks like TtB was on the point of getting suspicious about his father's extreme interest. Fortunately for the continued secrecy of DD’s designs on Jailbait, his phone rings. It’s PdNWH.
<“Cíntia’s” new place>
They’ve clearly made love, since Gus and Vero are both in bed, naked. She’s snuggled up to him and he caresses her arm. Gus: You know what? I would love to be able to tell everyone –my family, the planet— that you are the woman who changed my world. Vero smiles to herself. That you are the woman who makes me happy... Vero says wistfully, To think they only know “Cíntia”... Gus: But I’m not in love with “Cíntia,” I’m in love with Veronica Vega. Una mujer bonita –no, ¡hermosa!—valiente, inteligente. Que es capáz de arriesgar su vida por un ideal. I’d love to tell the world that I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Vero: I’d love to too, and you know it. But I think for the moment Veronica Vega can’t exist. The only one who exists is "Cíntia Robles," a girl from the sticks with no future. Gus: Un amor clandestino... Vero tells him this will all be over soon, and then they won’t have to keep on hiding. Gus says it’ll all be over when he avenges his father. He tells her restoring Dad’s good name is a sacred mission for him. Vero says she understands – she’d do anything for her father. Everything she is is thanks to Daddy Dearest. She pauses for a moment, then says, There’s something I’d like to do, and I’d like it if you came along with me. Gus agrees.
<Mom’s>
Auntie Ditz is seated on a sortof chair or bench in the living room, eyes closed, nervously tapping a foot. She can barely contain herself. Mom comes out with a huge box and orders AD to sit still and keep her eyes shut. She puts the box down in front of AD and gets something white and rustly out of it. Finally she tells AD to open her eyes. AD goes nuts. It’s the dress their mother wore when she got married. Mom says their mother had always hoped that one of her daughters would wear it, but apparently Mom never did because she didn’t get married in the church. But won’t it look a bit funny on me?, AD worries. I mean, with my age and the crazy life I’ve led? Mom assures her it won’t. AD is delighted, and Mom seems really happy for her. AD parades around, holding the dress up in front of her and singing the wedding march. AD wants Mom to be with her the whole time, to be everything – all the various madrinas, etc. To pay for it all, you mean..., Mom teases. AD says, No, but seriously, I do want you to be with me throughout. Is it too much to ask? Mom says no. AD: I’ve been very lucky to have you with me. Mom: Yes, you have. They giggle together.
<“Cíntia’s” new place>
Gus is getting dressed, and Vero comes out of the bathroom in a fluffy bathrobe. She tells him she’s going to meet with her father at the country house. Gus asks if she’s told DD about him. Vero says yes, but he didn’t like the idea too much. Gus asks why not. She says, well, he sorta has a point. He says we’ve only just met, and our relationship is really risky. Gus says it’s only normal DD should be worried for her, and jealous about his beautiful daughter – her dad’s never met him. But the way she talks about him, he’s got to be someone pretty extraordinary. Vero’s cel rings and she answers it. It’s Chepe, telling her he needs both her and Gustavo to come in ASAP. We’re going to revise our strategies. I need you both here in a half hour. After hanging up, she gives Gus the news. He says ok, we’ll stop by my house so I can change and then we’ll go. They kiss and he hugs her reassuringly.
<the “expropriation” site>
Daddy Dearest stands in front of the open, completely empty safe. He is royally pissed off. The three security guards, who apparently work for DD’s security company, are there, along with Random Shifty Owner and PdNWH. DD wants to know how many robbers there were, but the guards all swear they have no idea – they never saw a thing. They did their usual rounds. DD is outraged. I pay you to see things! The one guard continues to insist he’s telling the truth, but DD snaps back that the only truth is they failed him and in his company no-one fails him. DD fires all three guards and tells them never to set foot in his company again. They leave, and RSO demands an explanation. If DD’s company is so good, how come he has an empty safe?! DD says that’s why he’s there personally, instead of an underling. He will find out what happened. RSO says it’s just as well, since he’s holding DD and DD’s company responsible. He’s going to sue DD and his company and make them pay him back for all the money that’s been stolen.
<Chepe’s office>
Escrito desde Jul 21, 2003, 9:28 AM de la dirección IP 128.248.12.180
