Reforma (04-01-2000).-Es la primera vez que aparece en dos telenovelas al mismo tiempo: Laberintos de Pasión y Tres Mujeres.
Por mera casualidad, Luz María Jerez aparece simultáneamente en dos telenovelas; Tres Mujeres, y Laberintos de Pasión, producidas por Roberto Hernández y Ernesto Alonso, respectivamente.
Sin embrago, la actriz considera que el personaje de Renata que interpreta en Tres Mujeres, es más significativo que el de Marissa (Laberintos…) porque le ha concedido la oportunidad de abandonar, después de muchos años, a las villanas para interpretar el papel de una mujer buena.
“Fue una circunstancia no planeada, hice una actuación especial en la producción de Ernesto Alonso y no me resultó tan difícil. Después, cuando salió al aire, quería cambiarle el look a Renata para que no se pareciera a Marissa. Eso fue lo único que me costó un poco de trabajo, pero los dos papeles los he disfrutado por igual”, manifestó.
Luz María valora su interpretación en la trama escrita por Martha Carrillo y Cristina García: “Ella es la tranquila, la pensante y equilibrada, en cambio, la mayoría de las otras que he hecho son unas locas”, confesó al tiempo de declarar que la actitud Marissa se justifica en función de su sufrimiento por el amor de Gabriel (César Evora).
Comentó que antes de darle vida a Renata sentía un poco de temor, pues “creía que la gente no me iba a aceptar bien, y que te encasillas como villana, pero parece que al televidente le está gustando esta otra faceta, lo cual me agrada porque ahora puedo demostrar que soy capaz de diversificarme como actriz”.
Finalmente Luz María jerez que le gustaría llevar el rol protagónico en alguna de la historias melodramáticas que produce Televisa. “Si me llega sería estupendo, pero no lo buscaré. En caso de que me hicieran la propuesta, aceptaría si se tratara de una mujer de 40 años”, concluyo.
Aparte de ser protagonista Ernesto Laguardia interviene en la producción de nueva telenovela de Televisa
Espectacular, es exactamente el calificativo que Ernesto Laguardia desea adjudicarle a su primer acercamiento (en forma) con el público infantil a través de la telenovela “Amigos por Siempre”.
Es por ello, que su crédito en la nueva telenovela infantil “Amigos por Siempre” que iniciará transmisiones este 10 de enero, no se limitará a ser el galán de la historia, pues Laguardia se ha involucrado directamente con la producción para lograr una de las historias más exitosas del año 2000.
Junto con Rosy Ocampo, Laguardia planea un lanzamiento en grande de esta telenovela, lanzamiento que incluye el estreno de un material discográfico (ya grabado), y de un espectáculo musical que recorrerá importantes plazas del país.
“Amigos por Siempre es una telenovela musical que muy bien se presta para realizar algo de esta naturaleza, por eso lo estamos organizando”, explicó Laguardia quien, por cierto, también explota su faceta como cantante en esta producción infantil.
“No es algo nuevo en mi carrera, lo he hecho otras veces, intentando hacer versátil mi trayectoria, espero que les agrade”, expresó.
Contó Ernesto Laguardia que después de su larga estancia en Nueva York le ofrecieron en Televisa varios proyectos a desarrollar y aceptó “Amigos por Siempre” porque considera que trabajar con niños será muy significativo en su trayecto para el año 2000.
A su regreso a México Laguardia había anunciado una serie de planes como productor, pero aceptó esta telenovela porque no quiere desligarse de la actuación en forma directa.
Los primeros “pininos” como productor de Laguardia ya se han hecho sentir vía las cápsulas “Niños 2000”, quien reconoció que “empezaron a transmitirse pero todavía son vistas como el patito feo, pese a que buscan ser parte de la imagen de Televisa en el 2000”.
El acercamiento con los niños tiene tan entusiasmado al actor que no descarta canalizar sus objetivos como productor a ese mercado.
“Es algo que no he definido, pero con lo poco que llevo con los niños he descubierto que estamos en un mercado sólido, no solo por el aspecto económico, sino de aprendizaje”, consideró.
Sin embargo, hay algo claro en la mente de Laguardia que no va a cambiar: “no voy a educar o transformar a los niños mexicanos, simplemente quiero aportarles algo positivo; ojalá que algunos lo tomen”.
Well, Victoria doesn't brace Andres with her big accusation today either. She just refers to him feeling guilty about the way Valentina treated her. She thinks that's why he invited her out, to make up for it; that he wanted a more private place to talk. But she almost didn't come because of his notoriety and being seen with him. Andres claims he's only known among certain circles, and that if people notice them, it's because she's so utterly beautiful and elegant. Victoria's not impressed. She concludes that it doesn't matter, because he's married and she's engaged. This comment hits Andres where it hurts, but just then there's a flash, and a photographer has snapped their picture together. Victoria's rather disgusted, because now there will be more trouble with the wife, but Andres cautions that's his problem. In the restaurant foyer, we see that dastardly Jose Joaquin pressing some bills into the palm of the photographer.
At Dona Lidia's, it's nighttime and Maru climbs out of bed to go gaze at her handsome dad, asleep on the sofa. Maru's music box theme plays tenderly, and she's secretly admiring him, seeming so loving, when suddenly Luis rouses a little and talks in his sleep. Victoria, Victoria, my love, he murmurs. He's thinking about the angry, frustrated kiss he planted on her outside Julia's that night. But Maru is crushed at hearing the name and runs back to bed.
Back at Julia's (next morning?), she's counseling Victoria about how all the "My Dinner with Andre" thing is going to look to the neighbors. Victoria says she doesn't care about what the neighbors think, but Julia points out that it might reflect badly on Luis! Comprehension dawns, and Victoria decides she'd better go to Queretaro personally and head it off at the pass. Not only that, she can pick up her dad's wedding band and take Ines up on her invitation. She runs over with Lolita to use Queta's phone, and sure enough, Queta is relieved for Luis that Victoria's going to see him.
At Lidia's, Luis is stuffing his face again, making plans to take Maru to the park. He's talking around a big chunk of -- brownie? -- when Maru jumps down from the table and runs away, insisting that she won't go unless her granny does. He stops chewing and stares after her. Lidia's feeling sympathetic toward Luis now and wants to help him out. Later we see them at the park, where there's a big, old red fire engine to climb on, and Lidia has come with them. But Maru doesn't want to be there, and insists on going home with granny. Luis looks very downcast.
Out at the Rivera spread, an airport taxi is pulling up and letting Valentina out. She looks good, but is disappointed to find out from the maid that Andres isn't there and didn't have breakfast at home. At a restaurant somewhere, Andres sits and mulls over once again Victoria insisting that he's married and she's engaged. It hurts. After while he goes home and greets Valentina with a kiss, who seems very happy. They have an amicable talk about inviting Chiripas to the house and walk arm in arm out of the scene.
At Ines's house, she is calling Sergio, and he's on his cell phone in his car, way out in the middle of the desert somewhere. She's wanting him to get his carcass back to town so she can play matchmaker when Victoria gets there.
At the bus station in Queretaro, poignant music plays as Victoria tries to call Luis, but gets Maru on the phone. Maru calls, Hello? Hello? But Victoria doesn't want to answer and hangs up.
At Julia's, Lolita is painting a little figurine and talking to her mom when there's a knock at the door, and it's Rufino. He very haltingly comes in and hesitatingly gives an abashed Julia a little present and then quickly leaves. He said he was grateful for her help in the marketplace. Lolita thinks he's adorable and shy, and Julia gets embarrassed and ticked off at being teased. The present is a nice scarf, but Julia just gives it to Lolita after she grabs it and tries it on. That Lolita is a bit much sometimes.
At the nurse's -- "Laura," I finally heard -- she's talking on the phone to the same doctor Valentina sees. She calls him Dr. Alvaro Reyes, and she really likes him; he's so concerned about his patients, he wants to be called at home if there's important news. Dr. Reyes thinks a lot of Laura's professionalism, too. As soon as he hangs up with Laura, the phone rings again, and it's Valentina. Funny, but she's gone out into the yard under a big tree to have a private conversation with him on her cell phone. She must see him. she says.
Poor, dejected Luis sits on a park bench, left behind by Maru and her grandmother. He looks so sad. But right about then we see a taxi roar up fast and hear Victoria shout to the driver, Here it is! here it is! The taxi screeches to a stop, and she jumps out, seeing Luis in the square. Victoria calls to him and runs to him, and Luis bolts upright, staring in disbelief. Soon he's charging toward her and grabs her and squeezes her tight. His face is sheer joy. And then he kisses her, and I mean a good one. Finally, a deep, long, lover's kiss. Oh. Such a nice moment. Too bad it wasn't a closeup. (Break to commercial.) He kisses her a couple more times and tells her he's been dying to see her. She agrees! Finally Luis realizes she's still got her bags in her hands and takes them. Victoria's instantly pumping him for information about Maru, but he only wants to savor the moment. "I am LOVING seeing you!" he says.
Back at the Rivera's, they're having breakfast on the lawn, and Valentina is still cheery. Andres mentions he's going by the circus, and Valentina wants to do something together with he and Chiripas. She wants to be involved in all aspects of his life! Hmm. Andres does not look too awfully thrilled. Later when she's alone, Valentina goes up to see her "son" in his room. Sure enough, David appears, and she has a nice talk with him, reassuring him that what she's planning is just to make sure they all stay together as a family. I'll tell you all the details soon! she gushes.
At Matias's and Jovita's apartment, standing in front of a portrait of Jesus, Matias kisses his advance check and thanks the good Lord for their fantastic luck. Jovita enumerates the ways she can spend the money, including a trip to New York or maybe Paris. Sober Matias insists they have to put the money in the bank for a rainy day. Jovita says he's a wet blanket, but admits he's right. He grants her one wish, and she wishes for a mink coat.
At Chaquira's apartment, Toni is eating a lemon Jello cup. They're talking about her conversation with Chiripas, and Toni's pretty hard on her about lying to the guy. She told him she's a wardrobe mistress for the show. What was I supposed to do, tell him the truth? Come on, this is the first time in my life I have a chance at love. Well, are you going to live a lie? I don't know. I just don't know.
At a restaurant in Queretaro, Victoria and Luis are finishing up a meal, and she enjoyed eating Enchiladas Queretaro again. They briefly discuss the rotten situation with Maru and don't know what to do. He says have faith -- in God, in Love -- and have patience. Suddenly Luis orders her a piece of cake, thinking she's still starving, and she fusses at him. Then he brings up the inheritance topic and -- "Sergio" -- he says the name like it tastes terrible. Luis gets really upset when he finds out she's come to see Sergio, too, about her dad's wedding band. It took a lot of joy out of her surprise visit to himself. She ruefully laughs at him, not believing this. You're acting like such a kid! He's got a quick temper, alright, but she manages to explain how much the ring means to her. He knows how she feels about her father and is somewhat mollified and apologizes.
Victoria brings up her invitation to stay with Ines, and Luis happily recalls meeting the woman at Lidia's, all elegant and covered with jewels! Luis wants to go with Victoria over to Ines's to drop off her bags, because he doesn't want to miss a moment with her while she's in town. At Ines's, Sergio has arrived now. Ines is reassuring him that he is the guy for Victoria, never fear. She says she met Luis, and he's a good guy, but just not the fellow for Victoria! You are, and I am going to help you. Some moments later, Victoria and Luis come in at Ines's, all happy; but before they know it, that slime-bucket Sergio has jumped on Victoria and planted a smooch on her cheek. Luis's looks alone could have killed him, but I think he'd like to do more than that. Victoria shoves the old boyfriend off, grasps Luis's hand, and they sit down on Ines's sofa. Luis isn't quite as happy with Ines as he first was. He can't stand being in the same room with Sergio, and bolts, explaining he'll call Victoria later, not to worry.
At Dr. Reyes, Valentina is meeting with him, and he is just incredulous. She has informed him that she intends to have a child! What a shock. He's afraid for her health and suspects it's just a ploy to save her marriage. He's trying to inject some sense into her, but she's firm: I want a baby, and I'm going to have one! (Worrisome violin/cello theme plays.)
At Chiripas's trailer, he's telling Andres a teensy bit about Chaquira, and Andres relates that Valentina's back and talks about his dinner with Victoria. She flat out told me she didn't want to be there, because I'm married and she's engaged. Chiripas answers that it sounds like Victoria's got more sense than he does! Andres says it's just because of the way he feels. Chiripas reminds him that all is not lost with his marriage, though. They could patch it up. Later on, the three of them go to a restaurant and Chiripas and Valentina have a very companionable conversation, while Andres is distant. Chiripas invites her to come to the circus with them.
Back in Ines's living room, Ines is instructing Victoria that she loves her, loved her mother, and though Luis is a good, noble person, take my word for it, he is just not for you. Victoria's eyes narrow, and she spears old slime bucket with them. Sergio squirms and stands up, puts the sofa between them for safety (still the coward) and declares defensively that Ines knows how much he loves Victoria! Boy, Victoria is hopping mad. She jumps up and tells them that she doesn't appreciate at all having her personal life meddled with, and that she's engaged to Luis, and she's going to marry him, no matter what! Later on, Sergio finally gives her the father's wedding band, and she gets very emotional. He tries to press his case on her again, and she's crying and yelling at him to back off! When he can't get her with the class-struggle angle (I was so angry at him, denigrating Luis!) he goes for the jugular, jabbing the Maru problem at Victoria. (Talk about having no class! Being loved by Sergio ain't worth much.) She yells at him that it doesn't matter, because she and Luis have faith they can get past that! Maru will accept Victoria one day.
Matias and Jovita go to an elegant store, shopping for a mink, and turns out Matias says they could buy a house in Hollywood for what the coat costs there. He takes her somewhere else to buy the coat, and we find them later at the same market where Rufino has his stall. They buy a silver-blue fur of suspicious origins for considerably less, and a dog barks at them on the way out. Is it cat fur? My guess is that Rufino is going to have to get their money back for them later.
In a very sinister scene, Esteban comes up to the absent Andres's office and finesses his way past Aurora to Andres's computer. While the scurrying-rat music plays (definite evil tip-off), Esteban slips a diskette into Andres's drive, and then sits and reads a Forbes and combs his mustache while it works. He's either copying, changing or obliterating something. The computer was really on, because you can see the reflection in his glasses. Esteban looked very pleased with himself.
And finally, at Dona Lidia's, she is on the phone, absolutely frantic! Luis comes in and she alarms him terribly before she finally gets out that (gawd, I knew it) Maru has run away! Luis uses his professional connections, and goes to see the Queretaro fire chief. (He has a nicer office than the Mexico City chief. Kinda like the difference between Beverly Hills and L.A., I guess.) The Chief is more than happy to organize a search party for Maru. Later on, when Luis comes back to check, there's been no news, and Luis is wracked with worry. The Chief consoles him to have faith and trust in God. Freeze frame on Luis's anxious face, music up and tune in tomorrow morning!
Victoria doesn't brace Andres with the big question. She compares her father to him, both having their own realms, but her father losing his. Nobody was a worthier man than her father, so it seems grossly unfair. Andres wants to know why they always wind up talking about personal matters, and why she always seems charged with anger and hatred. Victoria acts innocent, claiming she can't be angry or hateful toward him if he's not guilty of anything, can she? He doesn't know what to say.
Up in Queretaro, Dona Lidia hustles little Maru out with a lady friend so that she can talk with Luis alone. He's very curious, and they sit at the dinner table. She fills him in on the details of her ex-husband's estate, which may go to Maru. Luis thinks it's great! He wants it all to go to Maru, for her education. He imagines out loud to her how nice it will be with the three of them together, after Luis and Victoria get married. Unbeknown to either of them, Maru has slipped back in to the foyer to pick up her doll and hears this. She starts clouding up and crying. Gawd, I hope she doesn't run away.
Meanwhile over at Ines Altamirano's, she's having a visit from Sergio. She wants to sympathize with him about the breakup with Victoria and help him if she can. He explains briefly about his unsuccessful visit to Mexico City and then relates the story about the wedding ring found in the garden at the San Roman house.
Down in Brazil, Sandra is pushing another drink on her "friend." She makes a last stab at convincing Valentina to get the plastic surgery, but Valentina is firmly against it -- because David doesn't want it. Sandra points out that David can't see her anymore, and Valentina contradicts her, saying that's what you think. That's what everybody thinks. But I can see him whenever I want, and when I get back, he will want to see me looking the same as when I left.
Luis calls Victoria from a phone booth in front of a lovely church and square in Queretaro. It's nighttime and lit beautifully. They're both so glad to hear from each other and miss each other alot. He has continued bad news for her about Maru's attitude, though, and this gets her down.
At the nightclub, it's very early morning -- after closing time because everybody's cleaning up -- and the owner chats with Toni, who's in normal clothes and conspicuously lacking red lipstick. Toni surprises the owner saying he wants to get out of the business. He wants to have a chance at a relationship and thinks it's unlikely in the position he's in now.
At Matias's and Jovita's apartment, he is explaining that the audition he had was with an American director and that it went really well. So well, in fact, that they are offering him a contract! She jumps up and gives him a big hug, and they're really happy. They get all dressed up to go to the studio to sign the papers. On their way out through the patio, Queta sees them all duded up and gives them the twice over. Jovita has to explain it to her. At the movie studio, Matias and Jovita are laboriously reading his acting contract, while the studio exec sits there waiting. Jovita is all abashed when she reads Matias is getting $2,000 for the job. But she really has a cow when the studio exec corrects her, insisting Matias will get $20,000 for it! She has to collapse into a chair. Nice goin', Matt.
At Dona Julia's, they're sitting around the dining table commiserating with Victoria about Maru. She's despairing, crying and frustrated. Victoria doesn't want to lose Luis! She wanted to marry him and make a family together with them. Lolita, typically helpful, says Well, if Maru wants to live with her granny, all the better, eh? Wrong. Victoria knows it would crush Luis. She's crying because she knows she would leave before keeping him away from Maru, and that Luis wouldn't ever take her back. (Being tough on your loved ones must run in the Torres genes.) She's seriously thinking of going to Queretaro to talk with Maru.
Surprisingly, Andres shows up at Esteban's penthouse. Esteban's in his dressing gown, clearly not expecting guests. Andres must be desperate. He asks Esteban to tell him about Victoria, and he doesn't mean her father's accident. He wants to know why she gives off that aura of accusation every time she's around him. Esteban plays it innocent, not telling him the truth, and just asking what Andres's reaction is. Andres just tries to ignore her attitude, but it's getting to him. Well, just calm down. You're not guilty of anything, so don't think about accusations. Andres is not convinced. Neither one of them can believe Andres is there, talking about his personal life with Esteban, and Andres asks him to keep it confidential. Andres's wish is Esteban's command.
Back at the club, Chiripas surprises Chaquira and wants to take her out to eat. At the restaurant, they talk about his rocky past love life with a trapeze artist. He's given up cigarettes and drinking, but not totally given up the idea of love. Chiripas is so funny when he's with Chaquira -- he's so antsy he's jumping around all the time, even in a chair! He asks her if she's got a boyfriend, and she says no. Rather haltingly, she makes the excuse that her work makes a love life difficult. Later on back at the club, Chaquira chats to Toni about going out with Chiripas again, and he laughs at the name combination of Chaquira & Chiripas. He seriously points out that she'd better not fall in love if she's just going to have to be disappointed later (when Chiripas finds out about her past, I'm guessing he means). Chaquira turns it around on him, and says Oh, that's why YOU don't want to fall in love! He gets all flustered, denying it, but she sighs and admits she feels like she's falling in love.
It's nighttime in Brazil, and the ladies are still on the beachfront balcony. Valentina is well into her cups and moaning about being in love with a guy who's not worth it. She's leaning over the balcony, very unsteady on her feet, and it looks like Sandra has a momentary desire to push her off and get it all over with. But she doesn't. Sandra just reaches for Valentina and cries Oh, you weren't thinking of JUMPING were you? Valentina wasn't, but she is thinking about that rotten Victoria. Sandra has a new suggestion -- why not pay Victoria off? Everyone has their price. Next day, they fly back to Mexico, and Sandra reminds her that everyone has a price; just find out what Victoria's is and pay it!
At the office, Victoria is just going to call Ines about coming down to Queretaro when Ines calls her about the wedding band. Isn't that strange? she thinks. She's not sure if she's going, but she may go this weekend. When Victoria hangs up, she asks Maricarmen, You believe in fate, don't you? Maricarmen smiles and says she does.
Luis is at the cemetery in Queretaro, putting flowers on the graves of Victoria's parents. He's very somber, remembering Victoria asking him to do so and how much it meant to her. We see the full names and dates of her parents on the gravestones. Some time later, Luis is sitting in Fernando's law office, discussing Maru's inheritance. Fernando explains that as the widower of the man's daughter, Luis himself is rightfully an heir, but he wants all of the money to go into a trust account for Maru. In a horrible twist, Sergio gets charge of the case! Luis somehow manages to act civil to Sergio in front of his uncle, and I can only have the deepest respect for him for that. Sergio does, too, and is grateful. When they're alone, Luis wishes to only talk business with Sergio, but Sergio can't stay on topic, so Luis rubs it in that soon Victoria is going to be his wife! He, he. Sergio's clenching his jaw again.
At Dona Lidia's, Ines is there and shames and reasons Lidia into helping Luis out with Maru. Lidia claims it's been awfully hard working through her feelings, but Luis is a wonderful man -- the best. And his woman friend seems nice enough -- I think you know her, she tells Ines. She's from here and her name is Victoria San Roman. Ines is dumfounded a moment, and just then Luis comes in from the lawyers. She manages to say hello to him, but is pretty shocked. After Ines leaves, Lidia explains she wants to help him out and then shocks him by explaining Ines knows Victoria. I would like to point out that Maru has not made an appearance all day since she overheard them talking. I fear the worst here. Nobody's apparently noticed but me, though.
Andres sits at his desk in his office, nervously writing a note and stuffing it into an envelope. We can't see what it says, but he's doing it himself, so it must be personal. Andres gets Aurora to hand deliver the note to Victoria, and Aurora is not happy about it. After she leaves, Victoria opens it, and it's a dinner invitation for that evening. At home at Julias, she and Lolita are questioning Victoria about why she's accepting the invitation. Victoria wants to do whatever's necessary to get back at the person who ruined her father. Meanwhile, over at Chiripas's trailer, Andres sits hunched over, plagued by doubts and wonder at how he could have written such a note! Chiripas tells him he has to go now, since the deed is already done, but Andres is terrified. Just talk normally about normal things, Chiripas counsels. The only thing you can't do is discuss your feelings about her! Andres's agrees strongly with this. Oh, don't worry! I won't be able to. She scares me to death. She's the only person who does! That's it, I'm not going. Next scene, we see his chauffeur questioning Queta about where Victoria lives. Alma comes by right then and makes a little something out of Victoria going out with Andres Rivera. I'm beginning not to like her; Queta doesn't like it much either.
Finally, we see Victoria and Andres getting into the limousine. He kisses her on the cheek when he greets her, but she doesn't care for it. She suggests an expensive restaurant, and the chauffeur heads out. Once there, Andres mentions he rarely dines out except for business, so he's not familiar with many establishments. While they're talking at their table, the scene cuts away to the first-class airline compartment where Sandra and Valentina are sitting, and the pilot announces there's going to be some turbulence. (I'll say there's going to be!) The camera jiggles the picture, and it does look like turbulence. Cut back to the restaurant, and Andres brings up that Victoria hasn't asked why he invited her to dinner. Victoria looks him in the eye and frankly states she hasn't asked because she knows why: it's remorse! He's surprised, thinking one thing, while she thinks another. Freeze frame, music up, Televisa logo rolls. Program that VCR for tomorrow morning.
I've never disliked a character as much as sandra. In my opinion if she wasnt mettling as much as she is in valentina's and andres lives i think they would had been ok.
But im surprise tha andres who claims to be an intelligent man cant see thru sandra.. I mean she's supposedly his wife best friend and she go back and tell him every detail about their conversations(even though half of them are lies).
Even Valentina should notice that Sandra is no good. I mean she's always filling her head with nonsense. How can she not see that?
I think the only one who has seeing thru her is Valentina's doctor... I've noticed a few times he's been giving her some questionable looks.
Sandra is one of the most evil vilanas I've ever encountered! She smart and insane, a horrifying combination. And I agree, I suspect the doctor doesn't trust her.
On a lighter note, Luz Maria Jerez, the actress that plays her, takes very good care of herself. I'd guess she's maybe 35-40, but her skin is lovely (stays out of the sun!) and she's tremendously fit.
Victoria's going to miss Luis while he's gone to Queretaro, but she's so relieved to see him happy and laughing. He smothers her with hugs and kisses, bending her over sideways double, and makes her laugh, too. She wants to accompany him to the terminal, but he's got to square the vacation with the chief first thing in the morning. Luis writes Lidia's telephone number on a paper napkin for Victoria. She starts to get sad, thinking about what she misses in Queretaro: she doesn't miss being rich or doing things rich people do, but she misses her friends, and especially her father. Victoria makes a request of Luis. If things go ok, could you go by and put some flowers on my father's grave? Of course, he will. He wishes he could have known her dad, but he'll take care of his daughter instead. They embrace with tears streaming down their faces.
Out on the patio steps at the complex, the nurse catches Toni on his way to work and warns him please not to hurt Beatriz. He doesn't want to; he likes her, too. Later on that evening we see Esteban parking his car on the street down from a night club. He goes in and sits down to watch, and there's a person onstage singing in what I think of as the Edith Piaf, French-cabaret style. It's very melodramatic. After the song, the person introduces the next number, and we can hear he is clearly a man, dressed as a woman. Back stage, the man rushes into the dressing room and rips off his wig angrily, and it turns out to be Toni! Everybody in the dressing room wants to know what's bothering him. He says he loves theatrics and really enjoys cross dressing, but is sick of lying to everybody about his job. They invite him to live with them, but he likes his neighbors where he lives too much. Toni thinks he should try to get interested in another kind of life. (Toni's wearing heavy makeup, and this explains why his lips often looked so red! I thought he had a fever.)
Andres goes to visit Valentina's family physician at home. He tells him about the trip to Brazil and her heavy drinking. The doctor is surprised, since she never overdrinks, and in addition, he blasts Andres for letting her go. She's fit neither in mind or body to go on a trip like that! Andres claims he thought the trip would be relaxing for her and just came by to find out what they could do about her sudden drinking binge. Disgusted, Andres leaves.
Down in Brazil, Valentina and Sandra are standing on their beachfront balcony, and Valentina feels like death warmed over (he he) this morning. She has a hangover, of course, and though she can't stand the thought of more alcohol, Sandra is pushing some "hair of the dog that bit her." Sure! It's part of the cure, she says, as she hands her a Tequila Sunrise, or some such. Sandra's trying to make an alcoholic out of her now. Then she raptly mentions they haven't been to Brazil since David was a little kid. What a pal! (They're playing the scurrying-rat music, Sandra's theme.) Also, it turns out Valentina decided to keep her plastic surgeon's appointment.
In Maricarmen's office, she is concerned about Victoria looking so sad and goes to sit beside her and commiserate. Victoria's just missing Luis and hoping things go well for him. Victoria in turn gets curious about Maricarmen's love life, and when Victoria asks whether she doesn't have a boyfriend, Maricarmen denies she does. However, she does admit to being stuck in love in a hopeless situation, and all she will say is that she'll tell Victoria one day. (Personally, I think she's got a bad crush on her boss. I thought that the day Esteban almost got fired; Maricarmen looked so concerned and sad for him. I thought she was in love with him.)
In Queretaro, Ines and Lidia sit in the office of Ines's lawyer, Fernando, Sergio's uncle. He's telling them he thinks as long as Lidia gets him all the pertinent family documents, he'll be able to make a claim against her newly deceased ex-husband's estate for Maru. He's going to let Sergio handle the case.
At the circus, Chiripas is working out a couple of trick ropers and a juggler in practice in one of the rings under the big top. Andres is watching from the seats, and after a few moments Chiripas comes over to him. Andres recounts his visit to the physician's house and getting blasted about allowing Valentina's trip to Brazil. Unfortunately, Chiripas agrees with the doctor. He suggests Andres had his mind elsewhere, like on a certain brown-eyed blonde. Later that evening at the Rivera place, Chiripas and Andres walk along the pond listening to the crickets, and Andres tells him that he's become immensely rich, but has nothing. Is married to a woman he doesn't love anymore and tortured seeing Victoria every day.
In Queretaro, Luis is knocking first on one door and then the other, trying to raise Lidia at her house. But she's at the lawyer's and another lady is baking cakes there today, so Maru answers the knock. Luis just grabs her and hauls her up in glee when he sees his little girl. Maru's acting deadpan, but finally when he asks her to, with a moan wraps her arms around him, face turned away. He puts her down and she runs to show him her room -- her mom's room, and Luis gets somber. He knows whose room it is, and picks up the little quincieniera music box. About then Lidia comes in, and Maru joyfully announces that Luis is there because he doesn't love Victoria anymore. Lidia's face looks suddenly bright at this news. (I guess I can understand Maru wanting this, but I have a hard time forgiving Lidia for wanting Luis to live alone the rest of his life.) But Luis has to disabuse them both of this notion, and kneels down to tell Maru he still loves Victoria very much. Later Lidia and Luis talk alone, and he reiterates that no one can take her daughter's place, but Victoria lives alongside Alicia in his heart. Next morning, she tells him she really hopes they can all be happy. Luis takes breakfast in bed to awaken Maru and tries to jolly her into leaving with him voluntarily, but she's stubborn and cranky, and it looks like he's going to have to drag her out. He's super nice to her, though.
At Julia's, she's just going to have lunch alone, so when Rufino comes to talk about her helping him out, she invites him to eat. When the girls get home from work that night, they're pulling their tight shoes off and sinking into the upholstery when Julia comes in and tells them the news. Rufino has a booth in the marketplace and she's going to help him out. Both girls object right away that she doesn't need to work, since they make more than enough money. But she explains that it's not work -- just to mind things while he's off at business meetings. He's been elected to represent his district in the marketplace association. When they tease her about being alone with Rufino, she asks, What, can't I have friends?!? Lolita thinks it's ok when she hears he sells chocolate. That evening, Victoria's lounging in bed, crying a little bit with worry, with no makeup on and looks like the girl next door. Julia comes in to reassure Victoria, and Julia's hair is just gorgeous. It's very wavy and abundant. She, in contrast, looks more glamorous at bedtime. (Thanks so much to Kathy for explaining the marketplace situation to me!)
Valentina is reclining at the plastic surgeon's office while the doctor examines her face, when suddenly David's voice sounds in her head from out of nowhere and warns her not to change herself! Always be the same for me! Valentina, startled, jumps up, grabs her purse and tells a surprised Sandra they're leaving. Back on the beachfront balcony, Valentina calls Andres to tell him she's coming home. He's surprised and impatient, and she accuses him of not wanting her to come back, maybe? No, of course that's not it! Well, then are you coming to get me? You know I can't! Because of your precious work, right? Andres gets disgusted and slams the phone down, hanging up on her. Now Valentina is mad, and she calls him back just so she can have the pleasure of hanging up in HIS ear. He's ticked off. Meanwhile, Sandra brings Valentina yet another drink and needles her about Andres being a good-looking rich man, etc. Valentina's sure even though Andres insisted Victoria is in love with her boyfriend that he's still obsessed with her. Sandra seals the conversation with, And Victoria's young and can bear children! (Scurrying-rat theme plays.)
At Sergio's uncle's office, he gives Sergio Dona Lidia's case. Waiting outside in the secretary's office to see Sergio is Mauricio, surprisingly. Turns out Mauricio has a family wedding ring for Victoria that turned up at the construction site he's overseeing. I guess now Sergio will have yet another excuse to go to Mexico City, and will probably be there with Victoria just when Luis returns from Queretaro and cause a wrong impression. ("When the cat's away...") I hate those stupid misunderstandings. Anyway, later Mauricio is back out at the hotel pool calling Esteban in his office. Esteban's anxious when he hears what Mauricio did, because he doesn't want anything at all somehow in some way connecting him in Victoria's mind with the old San Roman property. Mauricio is very interested in what Esteban's hiding and even asks whether Andres is the secret owner. Esteban's not biting, though, and just reminds Mauricio in the strongest terms that THEIR living comes out of this enterprise, and he should tread as carefully as he can. I think Mauricio understands now.
Finally, back up in Andres's office, he's frustrated he can't pull up the latest files on Quintana Enterprises. Aurora tells him that Victoria's been working on it. He has her called up there, and she brings the disks and a hard-copy file she's been working on. He doesn't even have to load up the disks, because she's got everything up to date on the hard copies. (She has a vested interest in keeping Quintana up to date.) Andres notices Victoria looks kind of sad, and she admits she's thinking of her dad's death. He apologizes for bringing up bad memories, and then Victoria steps up and says Every time I see you I'm reminded of bad memories! Of course, they ended it there. Credits roll, music plays, and we have to wait till Monday to find out what she says to him.
Just like Maricarmen thought, Luis took it wrong. He's so hurt Victoria's thinking of leaving that he wants to break it off if she does, believing she couldn't care about him. Victoria swears she doesn't want to leave, hasn't made any plans to yet, but Luis won't hear of it. She loves him and reassures him, when he pleads for her to stay. He says he needs her so much, and my daughter's going to need you, too. That's a sobering thought. She doesn't want to live without him, and by now the water works are turned on full blast on both sides of the table. As soon as Luis feels reassured, though, like a typical guy, he reaches for another muffin.
Also having dessert in a restaurant somewhere are Roberto and Alma. He stops her before she can take a bite of it, though, and presents her with a nice watch as their one-month's acquaintance anniversary present. She's impressed and a little taken aback. But he's all systems go, and presses her to think about them being more than friends. Later in the car, he pulls to the side of the road and wants to give her a kiss. Alma's not too eager, but after a second try she allows it.
Over at Sandra's, she and Jose Joaquin have a terrible argument. She is livid that Joaquin took it upon himself to see Valentina, without Sandra telling him to. He thinks Sandra is nuts to demand control of the whole situation. Look, Sandra says, we had a PLAN, right? I spend more time with Valentina, and I should be the one in charge. Joaquin thinks he should be in charge, since he's a boyfriend and Sandra's a rival (no doubt, worried Sandra might knock off the golden goose). He gets mad and slams her liquor cabinet door, and maybe broke something inside. In a low, menacing voice, Sandra swears that the only way this plan will work is if she runs it! Joaquin yells at her that she is completely bonkers and slaps her hand with the drink in it, which goes sloshing over the rim. Forget the plan! I don't need you! He rushes toward the door, and she is screaming at him and throws her glass and the rest of the drink at his escaping back. Actually, today's theme seems to be drinks, glasses and glasses on the floor (read on). Any guesses why?
Out on the patio, Luis and Victoria are coming home and kissing goodnight. He wants lots of kisses, but she's nervous, because they are right in front of Julia's window. Victoria wants to give him one good last pucker and instructs him to shut his eyes first. Inside, it turns out that gadfly Lolita was spying on them alright. Lolita's unrepentant and thinks they are so cute together. What did Lolita say about him looking handsome? It was too fast for me. Anyway, Victoria's still in a funk about the job/Maru problem, though. She doesn't know what to do.
On a Televisa backlot or location somewhere, we see Mexican soldiers and peasants and cannons, and then a movie techie yells in English and snaps the scene board for quiet. Suddenly we hear Jovita start her mournful Camille speech, and poor Don Matias is just supposed to stand there with his mouth hanging open while she holds forth. He manages to be funny, though. Somebody yells Cut! and oddly enough, the techie comes over and tells Matias in a strong (fake) American accent that they want to see HIM. When he comes back, he's got a part, and they are so happy -- except that Jovita feels left out. Matias is going to see what he can do for her, and they hug, and Matias gives a big, wide-eyed, thumbs-up grin to the camera. That was funny.
And in a very interesting scene, we are suddenly transported to a huge auditorium filled with what looks like a real gathering of the Mexico City Corps of Firefighters. There's a huge official seal over the dais on the stage, and lots of authentic-looking dignitaries on the podium. There are loud applause, snare drums and the Corps flag is unfurled while the troops sing their anthem. It's all extremely military and rousing! The best part is that Luis is singled out for an award of valor and gets to go up in front of what looks like thousands of people and be handed his award personally by the chief. They all applaud him. Very nice for Luis! I just wish that Victoria and Maru could have seen him. Later at the fiesta, Luis looks very lonely sitting by himself when Benny comes up to him. Benny feels sorry and grasps him on the shoulder in support when Luis tells him that he's so afraid of losing Victoria. What would he be without her? It was sad. Later on that day, Luis is sinking deeper and deeper into despair over possibly losing both his daughter and Victoria, and calls Victoria at work from the fire station just to hear her voice. She tells him not to worry, that their love is real and not a dream. He feels better.
In Queretaro, (for the second "glass" scene) Maru is unwrapping a set of drinking glasses on the kitchen table. They were packed in pieces of newspaper, and Maru asks about something that was on one of the pieces. Lidia, started, has noticed something about an ad on the piece of paper suddenly. Later on, Lidia is finishing up the cakes she was making. Turns out they were for Ines Altamirano. Now that is a coincidence. Anyway, Ines comes for the cakes, and Lidia's horrified when she realizes she screwed up the order; but Ines is nice and asks what's been taking her mind away from her baking. Lidia pulls out the piece of paper from her apron pocket, and amazingly reveals that apparently her estranged ex-husband owned a business and has just passed away. She doesn't want any of his money, but the practical Ines reminds her that, indeed, the man's granddaughter (Maru!) might have something coming. Ines is going to recommend a good lawyer. Now, what do you think the effect of Maru's having an inheritance is going to be on Luis and Victoria, hm? VERY interesting development.
Not surprisingly, Andres can't take Valentina to the airport after all because of business. He leaves, and she's ready to, but first must say goodbye to David. In his room, apparently, David's on call now. She just goes in and calls for him, and suddenly we can hear him shuffle his feet, and he's there. That kid is SOOO good looking. Whew. And good casting, too. He looks like he could be their kid. Anyway, she sweetly tells him she's going to be gone a couple of days and that he should take care of his dad. He agrees and says don't worry. The real kicker was that the director made sure the actress (Alma Muriel) had on regular, smeering lipstick, so that when Valentina kisses David goodbye, she can gently wipe it off his cheek -- like he's a solid person and not a ghost. Nice touch.
In Esteban's office, Victoria's telling him now that she doesn't want the job in Guadalajara, because she's hopelessly in love and can't bear the thought of separation right now. He won't get it, and she poses to him an analogy: haven't you ever been in love? wasn't there some woman in your life ever? He's embarrassed and turns away from her, face to the door, and then changes the subject. Not going to get that out of him! Up in Andres' office, he's on the horn telling somebody that Victoria will be perfect for the Guadalajara position and just hanging up when Esteban comes in and fills him in. Later, Victoria arrives to tell him the same in person. (Andres is dusting off his desk blotter himself.) Andres reiterates he thinks she's an exemplary employee and should advance in the company, so he's not closing the door on the possibility. Later still, Victoria and Lolita are eating at a restaurant when Lolita is amazed the boss himself is taking an interest in her career. It occurs to Lolita that Andres must actually want her gone for something. Reason dawns on Victoria's face, and she can't believe how stupid she's been! It's his wife! He wants me gone because of her! She's so mad he tried to fool her, and even madder she fell for it, that she redoubles her determination to make the great Andres Rivera PAY!
On the flight to Brazil, that awful Sandra is trying to sew (he he) the seeds of doubt in her dear friend's mind over plastic surgery. She shows Valentina a picture of a celebrity's surgery, where the stitches have turned into a bad scar. Valentina looks a little green. Sandra fakes remorse at having brought up something disheartening. I guess Sandra doesn't want Valentina to look younger. Meanwhile, back in Mexico City, Joaquin is pretty ticked off to find out that Sandra has whisked Valentina away from him, and even goes to Andres and bothers him about details. Eventually, the two women land in Brazil, and I think it's Rio that has the statue of Christ on a mountain overlooking the harbor, isn't it? It's beautiful there, and the ladies look like they're on vacation in their crisp cottons. But Sandra's discouragement campaign is working, and now Valentina has come around to thinking plastic surgery is dangerous and doesn't want to do it. That night, in the next "drink" scene, Valentina gets totally crocked at a restauant and is laughing and talking loud to the other customers, having a fine time. Sandra puts Valentina to bed after she passes out apparently and calls Andres for purposes of alarming him about Valentina's behavior. He says Valentina doesn't really drink! So strange. And then that Sandra lies that she's been obsessing about both David and Victoria now. Conveniently, Andres wants Sandra to keep him updated on the situation.
Outside the apartment complex, Chiripas sits in his ATV, rocking to the radio. He rushes out when Elena appears, and invites her to go out. She has to work, though, and explains about what she does. He wants to drive her there, and she is so taken aback to have the door opened for her and a hand up. I think she could get used to this. Plus Chiripas is just jumping, he's so enthusiastic.
In Queretaro, Mauricio lounges in his hotel room in his shorts. Nice legs. He's calling Esteban to tell him he's bored out of his gourd, but Esteban says Mauricio has to take care of the business down there, because he can't show up himself. As Mauricio hangs up, a young lady in a bathrobe comes up behind him and starts making moves. He's plenty amenable.
As the day wears on, Luis is feeling the stab of loneliness in his gut again, and has to call Lidia to hear news about Maru. Maru is sitting right in the same chair with her granny, so she's interested, but she's stubborn and the rotten kid won't talk to her dad when he asks. I felt so bad for him. Luis won't push her, though. That night when he goes home, the apartment is dark as a tomb and about as empty. He's really sick of bouncing off those four walls. When he opens the fridge, in the door there are two avocados, an onion and a tomato, period. And in the final "drink" and "glass" scene, Luis takes a pitcher of milk and pours himself a glass while standing in the open refrigerator door. He reaches in and grabs a pitcher of lemonade and gulps that straight from the spout, and not watching, gets the glass caught in the door as it's shutting. It splatters on the floor into a million pieces, and he is so ticked! When just then somebody knocks on the door, he yells, frustrated and mad, WHO IS IT?!? It's Don Julia, and thank gawd, she's there to invite him to dinner. Luis grabs the invitation like a life jacket and escapes with her. Down at dinner, he's moping and finally, just he and Victoria left at the table, Luis levels with her. Something has to be done. The chief has offered me some vacation, and I'm going to take it! Tomorrow, I'm going to Queretaro to pick up the little runaway. Freeze frame on Victoria's face, music up, credits roll. Set those VCR's.
Now, you already know by now that I'm somewhat obsessive, so just let me belabor the glass/drink theme by saying this: I believe originally Dona Julia's two pitchers of fruit drinks for Rufino yesterday were cut together with this episode, LOL. (They have stretched out the episodes for the Galavision broadcast in comparison with the original Univision broadcast, I believe.) But I do not understand the glass/drink symbolism -- especially the glasses dropped on the floor -- at all.
Hope you have a fine time. We are cocooning here at home, along with 75% of the population, from what I've heard.
We're going to be hunkered down in front of the TV on our green and red flannel sheets upstairs, in our jammies, munching on Chinese food, drinking champaign and watching an old movie we like, called "Artists and Models."
It's a 1950's comedy with Jerry Lewis, Shirley McLaine, Dean Martin and Dorothy Malone. Jerry plays a comic book artist, and Shirley is his "Cat Woman" model. She's crazy about him, and he's terrified and shy. It's hilarious.
Have fun, and I hope nothing goes wrong anywhere. It's too cold here in Chicago for Commonwealth Edison to have one of their famous screwups.
Valentina listens at the corner of the stairs until she can't stand to hear Andres talk about Victoria anymore and goes to her room. Esteban relates Alfredo San Roman's strong moral character and his adoration of his daughter and how Victoria was just decimated when he died in the accident. All the more reason not to fire her, Andres thinks. As a matter of fact, he'd like to make up to her for all this baloney she's gone through. She's turned out to be a very valuable employee, and he suggests they offer her a nicer position in one of the company's stores around the country -- away from the capital. Esteban agrees.
Chaquira is in her apartment doing her nails and giving an anxious Beatriz advice about Toni. She's posing to Beatriz that perhaps Toni's not got anything against her, but has something else going on in his life, something he's not talking about. Beatriz assumes she means another woman and gets upset right away. But she doesn't mean another woman. Chaquira and Toni both work in a cabaret, and Chaquira wants to explain that the world of "night people" is shadowy and not as clear as things are in the daytime. Beatriz does not get it. Later, back in the nurse's apartment, Beatriz is moping, and the nurse pulls out the tarot cards to try to help. What she reads surprises and concerns her: real danger for Toni!
Up in her room sitting on her bed, Valentina looks stunned and wrung out. She remembers Andres saying he wasn't going to get rid of Victoria, and the thought makes her whimper. The phone rings, and she sluggishly answers it. It's Jose Joaquin and when he offers to come over the next day and visit her, she latches onto this suggestion. She needs company to take her mind off her plaguing thoughts.
At the fire station, Samuel's razzing Benny about needing a haircut. Luis looks tired and down and tells Benny he wishes he could talk to somebody who doesn't know anything about his problems. His house is so empty when he goes home; it seems like Maru's gone forever. Benny keeps insisting he should go to Queretaro and get her. Back at Julia's, she and Lolita are munching on pastries, and Lolita is yelling they're going to be late for work when Victoria comes in with a letter in her hand. It's for Luis, she says, to tell him how much she missed seeing him last night and loves him and hopes things with Maru can get cleared up. The other two ooh and ahh about the romance of a love letter, which Victoria's going to slip under Luis's door. They laugh at Lolita's declaration she's never had a love letter, and I am just wishing that she and Benny could meet. They'd make a cute couple. Anyway, Victoria's getting seriously upset about how Maru's absence is affecting Luis.
Up in Queretaro, surprisingly, Mauricio is entering the conference room of Sergio's uncle's offices for a meeting Sergio arranged. Sergio makes small talk about the business complex, his girlfriend's house that they tore down, and offers their services; but Mauricio claims their own legal department can handle everything. Sergio gets around to asking, by the way, who is the owner of the property? Mauricio says he doesn't know and that he's just an ordinary salaried Joe doing a job for them. They rise to part, and as they were leaving I noticed a framed print of one of the well-known stylized Indian women by Navajo artist R. C. Gorman on the wall. Later on, Esteban is home (it must be a penthouse or something similar, because the elevator opens into his foyer), and he takes a call from Mauricio, who mentions Sergio's question. Esteban reminds Mauricio that he doesn't know who the owners are and that he just works for them, too. Don't foster any connection with Sergio, because he could be trouble, and again, be sure you don't mention MY name in connection with the business complex!
(Of all the homes in this show, I admire Esteban's the most. The green and rust is beautiful to me. The furnishings are sleek and sophisticated, and I love the Prairie-style dining table; but I had to laugh when I really looked at the decor, because they have put "columnar" suggestions (ahem) all over it! There are quite a few fake saguaro cacti and also at least one pair of 4-foot tall candlesticks sitting on the floor. This is really a good joke on Esteban. The set decorators have a mean sense of humor.)
Joaquin waits at the breakfast table on the Rivera lawn, watching Valentina approach. She wants some advice on what to do about her exploded marriage. He says maybe she should fight fire with fire (meaning himself), and she thinks this is no help at all. Look, I'm very much in love with my husband. I really need you as a friend -- only a friend -- right now. But he does give her an idea, and she blows him off none too subtley with a headache excuse, and he grumbles as he leaves. One of these days he's going to get mad at her doing that to him. Valentina runs right in and calls Sandra to invite her to come over. When she gets there, Valentina is all excited to tell her what she has in mind: she wants to change, and she's going to have plastic surgery. Ok, so that's what the mirror scene yesterday was about. I thought so, but wasn't sure. Valentina wants to look younger. Sandra volunteers to go with her, which pleases Valentina, but not without a dig first about leaving Andres alone while she's gone. Sandra takes every opportunity. At the dinner table later on, Valentina shows Andres an envelope containing an airline ticket to Brazil. She only tells him she needs to recuperate (not about the surgery), and he's regretful it's because of him; but if she's determined, he'll take her to the airport.
Luis lies on the sofa in his apartment, reading the letter Victoria slipped under the door. She misses seeing him so much (he goes in early, stays late because he doesn't want to go home), adores him and is so sad about the situation with Maru. He starts crying when she gets to the part where she reminds him, though, that she'd truly die without him. She signs it with love, and he puts the letter to his lips and kisses it. (I don't know how many times I rewound that scene! Boo hoo. And lovely closeups of Ernesto.)
In Esteban's office, Victoria can barely believe her ears when he relays Andres's suggestion about her getting a nicer job with the company somewhere else in the country. I don't want to leave my boyfriend! He needs me now, and I want to be there for him! He's a widower with a little girl, and -- she refuses to accept me. Esteban points out that this situation is just one more reason to take Andres's suggestion. Later on Andres himself comes in and talks to her about it, but puts it as though it would be good for her -- and the company, since she is such a valued employee. This angle starts to hook Victoria some, and she surprises Andres by assuring him that if he needs her to do it, she would. But then Victoria is a person who's always ready to help. Finally, talking to Maricarmen (who's against the idea), Victoria decides she has to leave so that Maru will come back. Maricarmen is sure Luis will think she doesn't care about him! But it's just the opposite.
Chiripas and Andres are in a restaurant (with an American "Highway 90" sign nailed up on the post next to them), having lunch and talking. Chiripas is suspicious of why Andres wants to send Victoria away from the capital, but Andres admits that it's because he's going to try to forget her. It's going to tear his heart out.
In a really obnoxious scene, that disgusting Roberto is on the phone to yet another girlfriend, Leonora. (He's going to need a secretary just for his date scheduling.) He hangs up and calls in Alma's father into his office, who is fooling around with some chick in the main room. The dad is so obsequious and agreeable to everything Roberto wants, including giving Alma a gift to mark their one-month anniversary. Later that evening, Roberto is being wined and dined by the fawning parents of another pobrecita named Nena, who thinks she's going to be marrying a real catch pretty soon. YUCK. When Roberto talks, it sounds like his false teeth are slipping. Back at the beauty shop, Alma is getting a new haircut, and she looks wonderful. (That actress is really pumped up -- ever noticed her arms?) Plus she's happy for once, because she's been able to put her feelings for Luis behind her, thanks to Roberto. She thinks well of him, and is really excited, believing they're going to be married before too long! Gawd, I don't understand what that Robert's game is. It's a bad one, though, whatever it is. There was one funny moment when Roberto fervently wishes Nena happiness "in body and soul" (Alma), and he had to stop for a double-take at himself. He was in the middle of leaving Nena's house early for his one-month anniversary date with Alma. HA!
Rufino catches Julia outside the apartment complex and helps her with her bag. She invites him in for a nice fruit drink, and he's pleased. Once inside, he has a proposition for her. He'd like to get her to help him with his business. She hasn't answered him yet.
In the fire station yard, it's exercise time, and the troops are dropping for 50 (pushups), and they look very nice indeed. Back up in formation, now it's Luis giving Benny garbage about a haircut, and we learn that Samuel is inviting them both over for dinner to meet his family. Luis is to bring Victoria, but Benny declares emphatically, like usual, he's coming alone! (Now, in my novela experience, when there's a confirmed heterosexual bachelor character, that is like waving a red flag at the bull. Chances of hitching up him and Lolita just improved about 75%, in my opinion.) Later that evening, we see Luis and Victoria and Benny leaving Samuel's after having a wonderful time at dinner. His wife is a good cook. Benny moans about Sammy's kids being little juvenile delinquents, but this makes Luis sad and he defends the kids. Victoria notices he's sad and gives him a hug. They all say a friendly goodnight and go their ways.
And finally, Luis and Victoria are at a restaurant later, I think, having a dessert and coffee. She breaks it to him that, it's going to mean a terrible sacrifice for her, but she's leaving so Maru will come back. She's accepting a transfer at work. He pleads with her not to go. Looking her in the eyes, he earnestly murmurs, If you go -- it's forever! What can he mean by that?!? Find out tomorrow. Don't forget your VCR.
At the circus, Luis notices Andres staring at Victoria and doesn't like it one bit. She's playing it down, but he gets worked up and starts pointing and accusing. He's not looking at you like an employee; he's looking at you like a woman! Victoria gets insulted and wants to leave, but Luis makes sure she stays with him. She assures him that she loves him, Luis, and that's the key for him. He starts kissing her and nuzzling her, and she's ducking, but liking it and grinning. They start carousing, throwing popcorn, and laughing, and the unpleasantness is forgotten. Across the tent, though, Andres is thoroughly disgusted, and he does leave.
Back at the vecinidad, Beatriz comes into Toni's apartment with pozole for him, because he's sick. He's blowing his nose and putting on a sweater, not looking good. Beatriz tries to get him to talk about himself, encouraging him by relating how Luis rescuing her changed her attitude about her problems. Talking about them doesn't bother her any more. She feels different now. But Toni refuses to talk about himself, gets morose and mumbles that he'll never be any different. (He has AIDS.)
At Chiripas's circus trailer, he comes in to find Andres waiting for him, and in a bad mood, too. Andres admits he saw Victoria and her boyfriend just now, together and looking in love. Chiripas is glad at least that he's seen it with his own eyes and give up these crazy ideas. Andres objects they're not ideas, but feelings. He knows exactly how he feels, and he knows he doesn't love Valentina anymore, just as sure as he knows he can't leave her right now, either. Chiripas warns Andres to use his head more and keep his feet firmly on the ground. Andres knows he's making sense, but also that his feelings aren't sensible. Andres surprises his friend, concluding that what has to happen to Valentina is what happened to him: she has to find somebody else.
On the way home from the circus, Victoria stops Luis to sit and talk with her on a park bench. She's so worried about Maru and him. He's only got eyes for her, though, and they each declare their love, and he finally gives her an open-mouth kiss. Not real steamy, but lover like. (I'm biding my time here, waiting for a good one.) After Victoria gets home, Julia brings her some milk, thinking she's troubled and can't sleep. (TV news is playing in the background. TV's figure prominently in this episode, while they normally never figure in the story.) Victoria's still worried about Maru keeping them apart, and Julia says all the neighbors back Luis up in not giving in to Maru. But Victoria tries to put herself in Maru's place, wondering how it would feel if her dad met and married another woman. So she's thinking of marrying him, eh?
As soon as Andres gets home, the phone rings and it's Valentina from the hospital, harassing him about where he's been. He barks at her not to be so demanding! She retreats and just wants to remind him to pick her up tomorrow, and he says not to worry, he'll be there first thing. He hangs up and heads up the stairs, the words of Chiripas echoing in his mind, "use your head more and keep your feet on the ground."
On the patio at the vecinidad, Elena/Chaquira calls to Alma as she comes home. She's been waiting to talk to her, and Alma thinks immediately something's wrong with her mom. But no, it's about herself. Chaquira wants to warn her in a friendly way about going to the nightclub. Alma's a decent girl and shouldn't go to places like that. Alma thinks Chaquira's got nerve, but Chaquira says that's exactly the point: I know what I'm talking about. I've seen that fellow you were with several times at nightclubs. I don't know who he is -- I've just seen him around. (At the end of this scene, you can easily hear the screeching of a train being switched on tracks nearby. I think it's cool they did so much of this novela on location. It's not exotic locations, but still real places in Mexico City. I've never been there, so it's exotic to me!)
Over at Don Abel's apartment, he's got a pile of documents on his dining table. He's wrapping them in brown paper. The woman friend sits down, eating another pan dulce (she really needs a few anti-oxidants in her diet) and asks him about the Quintana offices, and by the way, who's the owner? Don Abel acts like she just smacked him and declares he's the only one going to know. Later we see him go to a park bench with a wadded up lunch sack, this package of documents and his newspaper, which he opens to read and wait for the Quintana person to make a pick up. He waits and eats his sandwich (litters the wrapper, so he must be a bad guy), and finally we see a male hand reach down and take the package and see suit pants from the knees down walk away. Don Abel saw who it was, seems pleased somehow; but we didn't see who. After while, Don Abel and his woman friend are eating in a cafe somewhere, and she is worried, insinuating that the owners might be powerful or dangerous.
In the complex patio, Rufino comes out all duded up for something; here I am stumped again because of a proper name (Guatemoc). What was he talking about? Anyway Queta fusses over him, especially his wild tie. Inside at Julia's, Victoria is astounding Lolita and her, relating the suicide attempt. Nobody knows at the store, and it's going to stay that way. Victoria's going to go clear the air with Andres about Valentina's visit to her, because no way is she going to quit her job because of this.
At the fire station, Luis is just smoking about who turned him and his personal problems in to the chief. Benny owns up, saying Excuse me for living! I was just concerned you needed time off to go to Queretaro. Suddenly the fire alarm starts screaming, and they all scatter to their gear and trucks. They arrive at the burning building, which quite frankly I have to tell you, I think is a practice facility for the Mexico City fire department. It looks like others I've seen, and also It's got a wind sock on the top of it, for heavens' sake. Anyway, try to suspend disbelief. This place has flames belching out of it from four or five floors. The firefighters are hefting their water hoses over the surrounding hedges toward it. There's a caged ladder all the way up to the top, and as jets of water spray the building, after a few minutes we see Luis come out on the top floor, not quite able to reach this ladder to get down. He's yelling for somebody to climb up and give him a hand over, because the structure under him is ready to collapse! Benny climbs up the ladder and reaches out a hand to Luis, who is able to get to the ladder just as something inside the building explodes. The concussion almost knocks the two of them off the ladder, but they seem to be ok.
Meanwhile, Mauricio is apparently living it up in a hotel pool in Queretaro. Making a call from there to Esteban (but first gently disengaging a young lady from his nicely muscled arm), apparently he connected the San Roman name to Victoria, because he wants to know if Esteban realized that situation. Esteban explains her dad died financially ruined and then they acquired the property to build the complex. But Victoria should never know, you understand? Now Mauricio knows two secrets.
At the store cafeteria, Chaquira has come in, and a sullen Beatriz goes over to serve her. Beatriz gives Chaquira a hard time about being there, assuming she's come to grill her about Toni. She just admits she didn't stay the night with him, and this gives the confused Chaquira some clue about what the girl is getting at. Chaquira smiles and insists she's not a rival. She would like them to be friends, since they both care about Toni, and suggests they get together that evening at home. Beatriz very reluctantly agrees. Back at Toni's, Queta brings him some more food, but this time he's not hungry. He's very down, and hesitantly tells Queta that he thinks he's going to have to find another place to live -- to move away from there. Later on, for another TV reference, Queta and Julia are in Julia's living room, getting ready to watch their novela when Queta says she thinks of Toni as a son and is worried about him.
Andres and Sandra pick up Valentina from the hospital. She looks like Jackie Onassis in black scarf and sunglasses. Everyone looks somber in the extreme. I guess the chauffeur drops Andres off at work first before going home. Up in his office, Victoria has been there trying to set up an appointment with Aurora to see him, and they run into each other in the doorway. He dismisses the businessman he walked in with and instead motions Victoria inside right away. When she gets in there, she lays it on the line about Valentina's visit, how insulting it was and that Victoria in no way is guilty of causing the suicide attempt. Her father taught her strict morality, including not getting involved with married men! (Andres probably felt a rock drop in his stomach on that one.) But he's totally apologetic and agrees with her about keeping it quiet, going on to stress how strange this situation is for him. His image is tough and ruthless, and emotions don't usually enter into it. He's looking her in the eye when he says this last thing, and she gets a little abashed and starts backing away. But before she gets to the door she turns and remembers to point out that, in case Valentina is still worried, Victoria is completely in love with her boyfriend! (He's thinking, oh, thanks for reminding me.)
At Dona Lydia's in Queretaro, she and Maru are making some kind of dessert in the kitchen when suddenly Maru cleans off her hands and runs over to the TV remote and clicks on the set. This is fate, I tell you: when the picture comes on, it's a news bulletin about the fire in Mexico City, and they want to inteview the rescued Luis, who is rolling up a fire hose in the background. Luis gives credit to his friend Benny, whom he calls over. (Did Luis make sergeant already?) Anyway, Maru is watching all this, and she's got tears in her eyes. Lydia comes into the room, exclaiming about Maru's dad being on TV, and just as Luis says "Hi" to his little girl, Maru clicks it off. Lydia is confused.
Lolita and Victoria are home from work, coming up to their door, when Queta catches them in the patio. Queta's never one to underwork a story and gets Victoria all upset about the big fire they saw on the TV news that day. Now Victoria rushes to call the fire station, just at the same moment Luis is picking up the phone to her. She is so worried for him, it brings him to tears and pleased laughter. She's overcome and vows that if anything happened to him, she'd die without him! He is beaming with happiness and can't wait to see her, he misses her so much. Just then the chief comes in and catches Luis on his office phone. Luis slams it down, and I had to laugh when he got stuck making up some lame excuse, and the chief just waves him away, saying Oh, get back to work. Under his breath, he's murmuring, That boy!
At the Rivera spread, Valentina comes out of her room to make sure Sandra is gone, and then she heads straight for David's old room. She goes in and sits on the bed and talks to his picture, smiling. Don't worry, you see, your dad couldn't leave me. And he's not going to either. She kisses her finger and presses it to the picture. Later we see her in front of the mirror in her room. She's staring and touching her face. What's she thinking? There's a knock, and it's Andres. He asks her how she is, and she answers, Sad. She hugs him around the neck, crying, but he just stands there, not holding her. The camera focuses on the two bandaged wrists wrapped around the back of his neck. Then finally, down in the living room, Esteban has come and he and Andres are talking about the situation. Esteban mentions he tried to get Victoria to take a job with another company, but Andres won't hear of it. He starts enumerating the reasons why it wouldn't be right, and we see upstairs peaking around the hallway wall, Valentina is listening. Freeze frame, music up, credits roll. Don't forget the VCR.
after I posted the summary that it's just an assumption I made, based on that conversation a couple of weeks ago with Chaquira about her dear friend who died of AIDS. There were a couple of episodes around that one showing Toni being miserable with self-loathing; i.e., looking in the mirror and saying, I hate you, I hate you! Stuff like that.
Then he and Chaquira had that conversation, and there was some sudden dramatic music, plus a closeup of Toni looking kinda horrified. And then yesterday, with them saying he was sick, and him being cold and blowing his nose and having no appetite.
Plus, he has always looked terribly gaunt to me. His eyes are cheeks are sunken, and he looks feverish, poor guy. But still, it's only my assumption. They never said anything for sure. Sorry, didn't mean to confuse. I just meant to explain why he keeps putting Beatriz off.
At the vecinidad patio steps, Victoria is walking away, crying, when Luis catches up with her. He's crying, too. Holding her, Luis insists leaving isn't going to help, that he needs her in his life. Hugging her close he pleads for Victoria to stay with him, and hiccupping, she asks wonderingly, You really want me to stay with you? Luis does and hugs Victoria and kisses her.
At the hospital, Esteban and Sandra have to go home. Sandra tries to get Andres to go, too, but he wants to be there when Valentina wakes up. The two get ready to walk away when the doctor comes in to talk to Andres. The doctor gives Sandra a long look, and Sandra gives him one back. Hard to read what was in those looks exactly. Outside in the parking lot, Andres circus friend happens to be parked next to Esteban and Sandra, and he overhears Sandra telling Esteban that in her opinion, his boss is the one at fault for Valentina's despair, him chasing after Victoria. They're leaving as Andres's friend gets out and walks around their cars; it seemed like he looked at their license plates, and if you notice, the scene is set up for the camera to pan past two other brightly lit (or reflective) license plates (it's nighttime). I don't know if this license plate theme will come up again or if it means nothing.
Back in Valentina's room, Andres goes in and tells the unconscious Valentina that he's there by her side. The bedside equipment is beeping and chiming, still trying to get some blood into the poor woman. There's a huge, red bag of it hanging there, dripping into her I.V. We see Andres's friend poke his head around the door, and Andres goes out to talk to him. His friend, fresh from Sandra's remarks in the parking lot, reiterates his own position about Andres's interest in Victoria. He tells Andres about seeing them while dropping Elena off; that they were hand in hand, and you could see it in their eyes: they're very much in love. Andres is miserable.
Pan to an aerial photo of Queretaro. (It looks like a main feature of that city is a Roman-style aquaduct.) Dona Lydia is trying to tempt Maru with various activities they could do for the day, but Maru is listless and just stirring her uneaten corn flakes around and around. Lydia feels kind of stumped.
Meanwhile at the fire station, Benny and Samuel are animatedly discussing Luis's rotten situation with Maru, right in front of him, and Luis gets seriously annoyed and barks at them. He must be a corporal or something equivalent, because he decides it's time to make them all do double drills. They practice hauling around that heavy water hose (it takes five of them) and dousing the area around a flaming gas tank enough so that they can get close enough to shut the valve. (I like that scrubbing violin and cello theme they have for the firefighting scenes.)
At the hospital, the nurse tells Andres that his wife is waking up. Andres tells his friend that Esteban and Sandra were there, but he's really his only true friend. His friend cautions him against reproaching Valentina, and Andres doesn't intend to; however, he's got to ask her why she did it. Andres goes into see Valentina, and she turns away from him. When he wants to know why she tried to take her life, she bitterly asserts he'd like to see her that way! He's really hurt she'd think so, and tries to convince her he'd never want anything bad to happen to her. Valentina asks why he didn't come home after his Miami trip, and Andres explains he had issues surrounding his childhood to resolve and stayed with his friend Chiripas. Valentina doesn't believe him, doesn't even ask him about what issues are giving him trouble, I noticed, and can only accuse him of seeking out Victoria. He thinks she's so upset that he should leave the room, but she swears in a rush that if he leaves her, she'll try it again! He takes her hand, and assures her he's planning to stay with her, but she has to agree to get treatment. Valentina's so grateful, she agrees to anything he wants. Later when she tries to give him a romantic kiss, he's less than enthusiastic, and asks Didn't you like it?
In Esteban's condo, he's getting the maid to go out and get the newspaper. ANOTHER one?!? she complains. She's already gotten one that morning for him, but now he wants the other paper, too. She leaves, and then we see Mauricio come out the bedroom door, is it? It's a sliding door, and I thought before it was the patio. Anyway, Mauricio complains that this woman is too damned efficient and early; he can't ever sleep over without running into her. Esteban should get rid of her, Mauricio says, but Esteban just sniffs at that. He sure doesn't spoil Mauricio. He probably knows he'd ruin him. They talk about some business Mauricio's supposed to take care of that day, and Esteban gives him his cell phone with a stern warning not to screw up. Mauricio's confident, though. I think he kind of enjoys Esteban giving him a bit of a hard time, too.
Later at the fire station dormitory, Benny (who has a blonde pinup poster inside his locker) and Samuel are feeling kind of hurt, and Luis feels like a jerk. He apologizes profusely for yelling at them, citing his worry, and telling them he thrives on their friendship through thick and thin. They both forgive him, friends forever, but are worried. If his mind is so distracted, it's not good for his work! Even dangerous.
At Dona Lydia's in Queretaro, she is showing Maru the old room of her daughter Alicia, which is in exactly the same state it was when Alicia was at home, before she married Luis and before she died. It's like a shrine. There's a pretty music box that plays part of Maru's theme, music-box style, and Alicia's favorite dolly. Pretty soon they are both bawling piteously. Maru wants to sleep in this room, but Dona Lydia seems hesitant. Lydia tells her that if she wants to go home sometime, just let her know and she will call her dad to come get her. But Maru is adamant to the contrary and exclaims that if Lydia calls her dad, she will run away! (Oh, no. A thrill of dread ran through me when I heard this. I hate runaway-kid plotlines. Too scary.)
Over at Joaquin's, he and La Sandrita are imbibing and having another battle planning session. Joaquin is pretty ticked off at Sandra, because he's sure Sandra pushed Valentina over the edge. (If he's going to split the Rivera fortune with Sandra, Valentina's got to be alive for him to do so.) He braces Sandra with it, and they have a fight. She needs yet another drink from the cabinet, he pokes her in the shoulders with his accusation while she's pouring, and she whirls on him to smack him. But he catches her arm and warns her not to get on his bad side, because he's a formidable enemy. She yells at him that he's nuts!
Over at Esteban's office, Victoria's explaining about Valentina's crazy visit to her apartment. Esteban urges her to please quit the company. Victoria is furious and adamant. If Mrs. Rivera doesn't like me working here, that's her bad luck! She's yelling at Esteban: why do you always defend Andres Rivera, after all he's done to me? Esteban sighs and regroups. It's to protect you. Victoria's amazed, gesturing wide with her arms, demanding From the great Andres Rivera?!? YES! he says. Andres is extremely powerful and influential! Look, I could get you a job in another company, even at a better salary! But no, she wants to stay right here. It's true I don't have any proof of what he did to my father yet. Esteban cuts in, disgusted at this vengeance topic again. Victoria in a voice thick with tears, states with emphasis, but I swear to you, I'm staying and I WILL have proof!
At a little cafe somewhere, Elena and Toni are having lunch, and she's regaling him with stories about being brought home by the circus owner and how nice he was. Toni is not too darned happy. He sure seems jealous. He warns her not to go falling in love, and she's taken aback. Why not? It's not ok for me? Slack jawed, she asks You mean you think it's too late for me? If Toni tries to make her feel bad about herself out of jealousy tomorrow, I'm going to have to smack him.
Andres is at home, and walks into David's old room. He sighs and looks exhausted. Picking up his phone, he calls Sandra and she asks him in passing if he wants to discuss the construction on the new project. That's the last thing on his mind. Sandra tries to get him to fire Victoria, but he says absolutely not, because she's totally innocent in all this. Cut to Queretaro, where Mauricio is discussing the demolition of the San Roman home and the subsequent construction of the new business complex on the same spot. He and the engineer agree that the old home was built with the finest materials and all of them were resold at a good price! The engineer explains about what happened to the family, but he doesn't mention Victoria's first name to Mauricio -- only refers to her as "the daughter." Meanwhile at the hospital, Joaquin is at the information desk, now with that menacing scrubbing-cello them playing, trying to get into see Valentina, I guess; but by the frustration on his face, having no luck. (I like that menacing theme, especially the way it slips away at the end, like a rat scurrying around and disappearing down a hole.)
In Maricarmen's office, she notices Victoria looks terrible, and asks if she can help. Victoria explains about the problem with Maru. Maricarmen sympathizes. Victoria confides that Luis's love is the only thing in her life holding her together now! Maricarmen suggests then that she should keep positive and focus on the idea that one day Maru will accept her, return, and everybody will be happy.
At Dona Queta's, they are having a little pozole supper for some of the ladies in the complex, in honor of Angelica going back home after her vacation. With Maru leaving, there wasn't much left to do. Jovita gives Angelica a little brooch she wore when she played "Camille," and she announces she's got an audition for a part in a novela. Elena has to leave early, because she has to work. Toni got her the job in the chorus line at the night club, but poor, jealous Beatriz gets catty after she leaves, saying something I didn't quite understand, involving going back to "the talon." Whatever it was, it scandalized everybody, and Julia hustled Angelica out of the room. (Is it similar to the "round heels" expression in English?)
At the fire station, the chief has called Luis to his office and wants to talk to him as a friend about his family situation. Luis doesn't like the chief knowing about his personal problems, but the chief is concerned about his presence of mind. He tries to get Luis to take some vacation, but Luis is horrified at this idea. He looks at vacation like a deadly poison. To some people, firefighting is a profession, but to me it's my life! What I need right now is to concentrate on work, not my problems. And besides time off right now wouldn't do any good, because Maru has to be the one to decide she wants to come home.
Sandra has a talk at the hospital with the frustrated Joaquin, who can't get in to see Valentina. After their argument earlier, Sandra tries to reassure Joaquin that he can trust her to take care of things. Sandra comes into Valentina's hospital room and subtly tries to get her upset. She feigns indignation that Valentina would believe Andres was with his friend when he was gone and slams him for not being at the hospital nonstop. (See up above, where Sandra tried to get Andres to go home.)
At the nightclub, turns out Roberto and Alma are there enjoying themselves, but they don't notice Elena when the dancers come out on stage. However, Elena is noticing something in the crowd, and my guess by the dismayed look on her face, is that the nightclub crowd has more than a couple of her old customers in it.
Finally, out in front of the almacenes, Luis is picking up Victoria after work, and he's really down. He asks her if she knows someplace they can go to leave his problems behind, and she gets a big, secret grin on her face, and says Yes! Yes, I do. Then Luis starts to get that patented 1000-watt Laguardia smile spreading across his face in wonderment, and they take off arm in arm. Next scene, they are at the circus! Luis is having a great time tapping people around him with some toy on a long stick that they bought. He gets them to turn around, wondering who touched them and laughs a big one. Crazy. Anyway, Victoria's laughing at his antics when suddenly, ta-da, of course, who should come down the aisle across the tent, but Andres Rivera, and he isn't happy to see them. He's trying to get away from his problems, too, which it seems have followed him to the circus. Freeze frame on Victoria's face, music up, credits roll. Don't forget to set your VCR!
At the Rivera's, Valentina stands in the doorway of David's room, motioning to Esteban to look in. She saw David in there lounging on the bed, but of course, Esteban sees nothing but thin air. He tries to reason with her, reminding her David died in a terrible accident, but Valentina's past reason. She derides Esteban for even imagining he can know the pain of losing a child. Esteban tries to sympathize, also reminds Valentina he came there only because she called to talk about problems with Andres. But these thoughts only lead her to wonder how she can go on living, when her child is dead. Valentina orders Esteban out.
Over at Joaquin's bachelor pad, he's serving Sandra a drink and having a good laugh at Valentina's expense, describing the events of his last meeting with her to Sandra. Their plans are progressing! However, Sandra's worried that Valentina's lost faith in her as a friend, because she hasn't heard from her lately. When Joaquin adds that Valentina was worried because Andres returned to Mexico from Miami, but not to their house, Sandra wants to go call Valentina immediately. Joaquin puts the kaibosh on that, though, since Valentina confided in him about it. He reminds Sandra that they are in this together -- never doubt it! She smiles like a crocodile, and you get the feeling as soon as one or the other of this pair isn't useful anymore, he/she will be wearing cement overshoes at the bottom of the swimming pool.
Over at Julia's, Lolita is lounging on the sofa trying to read a magazine while her mother grouses about that Sergio being out with Victoria. She doesn't understand why Victoria gives him the time of day. Lolita tries to play it down, saying they're just friends, but Julia's sure it's going to lead to trouble with Luis. Lolita reassures Julia that Sergio's just going to "help" Victoria, and this sets off an alarm in Julia's head. She prods Lolita until she admits Victoria thinks Sergio has information about the ruination of her father. Victoria warned Lolita to keep mum about her vengeance plans to Julia, but Lolita's like an open book. Sure enough, Julia's upset. Julia thinks this obsession is just going to hurt Victoria.
At a restaurant, Victoria is getting more disgusted with Sergio by the moment, because he doesn't actually have any information, even though that was his pretext for getting her out with him. All he knows is that somebody is planning an office complex on the spot where her family's ancestral home was. She's angry with him and just wants the name! Who is it, ok?! He's making mealy-mouthed excuses for why he came there and insists he'll find out when he goes home. He wants her to go with him, too! What a nut. Victoria's got to work, like normal people, and he thinks this is outrageous, deriding her job as a "secretary." Victoria's proud of what she does and points out emphatically that she, not her godfather, is responsible for her solid reputation for efficiency.
Over at the circus, Andres talks to his friend, the owner, in his trailer. His friend's been trying to convince him to forget about Victoria, mentioning she's got a boyfriend -- who's coincidentally an unmarried man -- and that Andres has been married a long time. Andres agrees, but can't shake the feeling that his marriage has gone permanently sour on him. He intends to get a separation from Valentina, to his friend's dismay.
Back at the vecinidad, Sergio jumps out of the car trying to head off Victoria, who's livid with him by now. She only wants the damned name! That's all she wants to talk to him about, but he wants to talk about "us." Sergio makes a big mistake, suggesting that she can only be using a guy like Luis to get back at himself. Victoria starts shouting at him. Sergio, you are so STUPID!! Luis is a man in a million! Brave, generous, helpful, dedicates his life to saving others! HE'S A MAN!! What's up with you, belittling my feelings, eh?! Sergio's waving this off, shouting, too. Say what you will, this guy is NOT FOR YOU!! He's not in your class! Whew, Victoria is so furious now. I don't care about that! And so you are?! When I needed you most, you were nowhere for me! They are both screaming their fool heads off now. Sergio yells, It was a mistake! Silence. They regroup a moment. He wants to make ammends, but she is only interested in one thing. You promised me to see me as a FRIEND! Sergio says I can't believe you have changed so much. Victoria says to believe it! I only want to know the name of the person who ruined my father, she shouts right in his face, and stalks away. Whew.
Upstairs in Luis's apartment, Dona Lydia is talking to Maru about going to Queretaro. Maru thinks her dad's bluffing. Luis, standing just outside the door, hears Maru say her dad doesn't love her any more. (I don't know how her little-girl brain works this out, since she's sure he's bluffing, but never mind.) Luis looks dejected and sad when he hears this and comes in, asking Lydia to give them a moment alone. Tears streaming down his face, he kneels beside her to assure her that he does and will always love her. You can't imagine how much. But that doesn't mean giving in to a whim that's wrong. You don't understand as an adult does, but you're very intelligent, and could understand that the way I love you and the way I love Victoria are two separate things. But you refuse to understand, so I have to respect your decision to go. I want more than anything for you to be happy. Maru is starting to cry now, seeing that she may really have to leave him. She doesn't want to, but her pride prevents her staying. Maru tries once more to talk him out of keeping Victoria, but he maintains he loves Victoria -- Victoria loves Maru, too -- that she's part of his life and that Maru has to respect others' positions, too.
At Julia's, Queta comes in and laments about Maru leaving. Victoria's there and is determined to do something about it. She can hardly believe Luis would let her go. She gets to the upstairs walkway and encounters Luis. Victoria's eager to talk to Maru and dissuade her, but Luis sadly says it's already decided -- by Maru. Luis just wants Victoria to help him get through it, be with him, kiss him. He's kissing her, when a few doors down at Luis's apartment, we see Maru come out briefly, look at them with distaste, and go back in. Maru's wearing her little bear backpack, ready to go. A little later at Queta's, Angelica argues to Maru that her dad does love her; he takes care of her, gets her to school, cookes, does laundry. Maru's determined, though, and Angelica's very sad when Maru gives her a slip of paper with her address and phone number and promises to call. While Lydia is waiting for Maru and Luis to come out to the taxi, Victoria comes out, and Lydia reluctantly agrees to take a letter to Maru that Victoria has written.
At the bus station, Victoria comes up an comforts a very sad Luis as we hear a bus pull away from the curb. Inside the bus, Lydia is starting to read Victoria's letter to a crying, whimpering Maru. Lydia starts, but the reader's voice changes to Victoria when there's a fade to the farewell at the bus station. Luis hugs Maru, crosses her to keep her safe, and they tearfully part. Getting on the bus, Maru blows her dad a kiss. Victoria's voice-over relates how when her father died, she thought of so many things she would have liked to do or say. To kiss him and take care of him. But it was too late then. And she doesn't want Maru to make the same mistake. The only thing your dad's guilty of is loving me, my dear, and I just want him to be happy. I tried so many times to tell you, but couldn't get you to listen, so I've written you this letter. I have to convince you we love you. Love, Victoria.
In a change of scene, out at the circus, the circus owner is toting bales of green hay out of a barn for a horse when we see Elena walk up. He's happy to see her, and they go into his trailer. He wants to know if she and her "parents" are working up another act. Elena explains to him that he's such a good, decent guy that they don't want to mislead him about being a parent/daughter act. He's surprised, but so interested in her he doesn't care they made up the story, in my opinion. Later we see them together in his truck, pulling up outside the vecinidad. She tells him how nice to go out with a gentleman like him, and he says he hopes it won't be the last time. He notices Luis and Victoria get out of a taxi and walk arm and arm into the complex, and asks Elena about them. She explains the two of them are always together and that they care about each other a lot.
Andres pulls up in the drive at his house, and two servants rush out, both frantic. Valentina has been taken to the hospital in an ambulance! Andres jumps into his car and rushes away again. At the hospital, Sandra is there and explains that she came in on Valentina in the bath with her veins opened up. (Argh! This was such a horrifying scene, I hated to watch it.) Andres talks to the doctor, asking about some treatment for Valentina, and the doctor recommends loving care. Andres baldly tells the doctor he doesn't love her anymore, producing a grimace on the doctor's face. After while, Esteban's talking to Sandra in the waiting room, and he asserts it must have been hard on her, all of this.
Esteban leaves to go talk to Andres in Valentina's room, and Sandra sits down in a waiting-room chair, nodding her head slowly, with disgust. Yes, it was. She remembers what happened. Sandra went to Valentina's and needled her about Andres and Victoria. Valentina was in a state already, and she's looking really catatonic. Before we know it there's some swooshing sound effects, accompanying segues to various short scenes of Valentina picking up the straight razor, stepping into the sunken tub and doing the horrifying deed. Don't make me describe it! Ackkkk!!!!!! Anyway, the gist of the whole thing is that Sandra did come in on Valentina after she'd fainted in the tub and was happy to leave her there until she was dead. What got Sandra so ultra disgusted was the maid coming in with urgent documents from the bank that Valentina just HAD to see at that moment and finding Valentina. That STUPID MEDDLER! That STUPID MEDDLER! Sandra repeats over and over. (Let me just say that this juncture that Sandra is Evil. That's evil with a capital "E.")
Esteban, looking very different in casual clothes and without glasses, tells Andres about his talk with Valentina about Victoria. I wasn't sure, but I don't think Andres was all that happy to hear that Victoria has strict morals, LOL. Esteban also explained about Valentina's seeing David, and Andres tells him it wasn't the first time. They agree that poor Valentina has gone over the edge.
In Queretaro, Dona Lydia brings Maru into her house. Maru runs over first thing to a nice wedding picture of her mom and dad and admires it. Back at the vecinidad, sitting on the steps crying his eyes out alone is Luis. He's talking to his dead wife, Alicia, pleading for her help -- some sign of what to do. What am I going to do? He pleads piteously. I can't live without Maru, but I love Victoria. After a moment, we see Victoria has been standing closeby, dressed for bed in her robe and no makeup. She comes over to him and sits down. Earnestly and with cracking voice, she vows she can't stand to see him suffer, and she loves him so much that she would make any sacrifice for him to be happy! Victoria wants Maru to come back to him, so she's going to leave him alone for good. Freeze frame on Luis's tear-stained face, music up and credits roll. I can't wait to see what happens next! Less than 12 hours till it comes on again. Set those VCR's.
about? I haven't found any summaries, and all I know is that it stars Daniela Castro (is that right?)...Any info or brief summaries will be appreciated!
Thanks,
Melanie
If you go through the "front door" of Telenovelas Internet (http://www.rinconlatino.com), you will see several buttons on the left side of the screen. Click on the "Telenovelas" one, and in that area are synopses and character lists of hundreds of novelas. Here's what Yolette has put in for "Desencuentro":
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REVISION: 03/26/99
Desencuentro
De Carmen Daniels, Liliana Abud and Jorge Lozano Soriano
Inspirado en Caridad Bravo Adams y Luis Moreno
Edicion Literaria de Tere Medina
Copyright Derechos Reservados, Televisa S.A. de C.V. México MCMXCVIII
Resumen / Summary:
Criada con mucho amor por Alfredo, su padre viudo, y su nana Julia en una casa rodeada de lujos en Queretaro, Victoria San Roman esta por casarse con su novio, Sergio. Pero su vida de princesa llega a un fin abrupto cuando Alfredo se mata en la carretera y Julia se encuentra sin padre, sin fortuna y sin novio, porque el tio de Sergio lo presiona para no casarse con ella al descubrir que Alfredo estaba en la quiebra. Lo ultimo que Victoria escucho de su padre fue "Andres Garcia no me va undir!" unos momentos antes de lanzarse a la calle y por eso Victoria sospecha que la muerte de su padre hay algo que ver con ese hombre, un impresario despiadado de Mexico. Con su vida en pedazos, Victoria va a Mexico para investigar sus sospechas y de paso comenzar una nueva vida. Alli conoce a Luis, un bombero de buenos sentimientos, viudo y con una hija, Maru. Ellos se enamoran, pero la investigacion de Victoria la trae cerca de Andres Garcia, y ella despierta una pasion en el que el no habia sentido en mucho tiempo en la vida fria en que el vive desde la muerte de su hijo.
Raised lovingly in the lap of luxury in Queretaro by her widowed father, Alfredo, and her nanny Julia, Victoria San Roman is about to be married to her boyfriend, Sergio. But her fairytale life comes to an abrupt end when her father dies in a car accident, leaving her orphaned, penniless and boyfriendless, because Sergio's uncle forces him to break off the engagement upon discovering that the San Romans were bankrupt. The last thing Victoria heard her father say before he hit the road was "Andres Garcia is not going to ruin me!" and because of this, Victoria suspects that her father's death is somehow connected to that man, a ruthless businessman in Mexico. With her life in ruins, Victoria heads to Mexico to investigate her suspicions, and also to rebuild her life. There she meets Luis, a goodhearted widowed firefighter with a young daughter, Maru. They fall in love, but her investigation draws her near Andres Garcia, and she inflames a passion in him that he has not felt in a long time in the cold existence he has lived since the death of his son.
Actuaciónes Estelares:
Ernesto LaGuardia----------------------------Luis
Daniela Castro-------------------------------Victoria
Juan Ferrara---------------------------------Andres
Alma Muriel----------------------------------Valentina
Maria Victoria-------------------------------Julia
Leticia Perdigon-----------------------------Chaquira
Juan Pelaez----------------------------------Esteban
Luz Maria Jerez------------------------------Sandra
Sergio Ramos---------------------------------Rufino
Miguel Pizarro-------------------------------Toni
Juan Manuel Bernal---------------------------Sergio
Emilia Carranza------------------------------Ines
Eugenio Cobo---------------------------------Fernando
Maria Eugenia Rios---------------------------Dona Queta
Silvia Manriquez
Maty Huitron
Oscar Traven
Roberto Antunez
Lucia Guilman
Aaron Hernan
Ofelia Guilman
Dacia Alcaraz--------------------------------Lolita
Hector Saez
Juan Imperio
Maricruz Najero
David Rencoret
Fernando Robles
Ana de la Reguera
Guillermo Aguilar
Barbara Gomez
Javier Bibas
Paula Rendon
Paulina Martell
Manuel Ojeda---------------------------------Alfredo
Tema "Desencuentro"
Jorge Avendano
Canta: Daniela Castro
Escenografia
Isabel Chazaro
Miguel Angel Medina
Ambientación
Rafael Brizuela
Antonio Martinez
Diseño de Imagen
Mike Salas
Dirección adjunto
Carlos Guerra V.
Coordinación general de producción
Guadalupe Cuevas
This is one of my two favorite novelas. The other one is Corazon Salvaje. Desencuentro is based on an idea by Caridad Bravo Adams but not a book, I don't think. The music is by Jorge Avendano, who also did the music for Corazon Salvaje. But even though these two are my favorites, they are quite different in many ways. Desencuentro has many subplots which are important in their own right. Also Desencuentro has a lot of humor as well as romance. Also, Juan del Diablo is a swash-buckling hero, whereas Luis, while a brave and daring firefighter, seems to be more the sort of person that you might actually meet if you are very lucky--he could be your heroic kid brother. He lays his life on the line in his job and then comes home to cook for his little girl (his wife died and so now he's a single dad.)
If you want to start watching starting now, and have questions, just ask. There really are a ton of characters, but they aren't so hard to figure out and keep straight.
Participants in common with "Antorcha Encendida" >
by
I was noticing last night that Ernesto Alonso, who produced "Desencuentro" also produced "Antorcha Encendida" (Univision, Sundays 11 p.m.). As you mentioned to me, Kathy, Jorge Avedano did the music for both of these novelas, too.
In addition, Ernesto Laguardia is in both of them; in Encendida, he is not the protagonist, but has a good role.
(I think Ernesto Alonso is the "executive" producer for Encendida, because the producer is actually listed as Carlos Sotomayor of "La Mentira." But Alonso's name is the very first credit at the beginning of Encendida.)
Both "Desencuentro" and "Encendida" are really quality productions, in my opinion.
Thanks to both of you for the responses..Jeri, i didn't even bother looking on this website for a summary because so many of them have been taken off!, thanks.
I wish I could see this show, as it sounds like a good quality production (plus Ernesto La Guardia is in it!), but I only have GEMS and Univision as far as spanish channels where I live right now and I am assuming this comes on Galavision...has UNI already aired it or should I be on the lookout for it in the future on that channel?
Yes, Univision aired it just about this time last year -- in the fall. Univision had been replaying some novelas overnight on the Club del Desvelados, but now that they have Galavision for rebroadcasts, I don't know if they're going to continue to do that. It's kinda too bad, too, because the Club del Desvelados always played TWO HOURS a night! That was great. I got to see Ernesto in "Alondra" this past year that way.
Well, I wish you could watch the novela with us. It's on Galavision at 4 a.m. Eastern. I didn't have Galavision until we started taking satellite this past football season. They tell me that "Mi Querida Isabel" (another Laguardia novela) played over the summer! ARGH! I had been waiting to see that one, and now I missed it this time.
Ernesto is finishing up filming a new novela in Mexico right now, called "Amigos Por Siempre." (Part of it was filmed in Corpus Cristi, TX!) It's supposed to start broadcasting in Mexico in January, and I don't know what that means about timing for broadcast here. I can tell you, though, I have all my news sources on alert, LOL!
Even though Galavision is showing Desencuentro now, maybe they will show it again. We just got Galavision in April, so we haven't seen many cycles of novelas yet, but people on the main board were complaining that Galavision shows the Thalia Marias over and over and over and over. So maybe they will do the same for us Ernesto Laguardia fans!
that Galavision replays certain novelas. Even though I don't get that channel right now, if something is coming on that I want to see, I might be able to have someone tape it until I do get it.
There are certain productions that are just classics, for whatever reason. Can you tell me the best source is for finding out what novelas will be coming on Galavision?...
Thanks for everything,
Melanie
I have trouble keeping up with what novelas are going to be shown, too. Some of them are not advertised, especially the refritos shown overnight. So, I have just taken to going over there and checking the schedule from time to time. I don't know any better way. I wish I did.
Luis picks the bouquet up off the sidewalk and gives it back to Victoria. She makes up to Luis for dropping it, though, by blowing Sergio off. No way will she see him tonight. They'll have to meet tomorrow. She's got firm plans with her boyfriend. Luis gets a big, confident smile on his face, even feels generous enough to offer to shake with Sergio, but Sergio's steamed and won't touch him. With a pointed look, Victoria takes Luis's proffered hand and they walk off arm-in-arm, leaving Sergio alone in front of the store.
At the boss's trailer at the circus, Andres's friend is quizzing him about whether what he feels for Victoria is love. Andres' equivocates a while about what love is. I thought I loved Valentina, too, and now look what's happened to that. Finally, he relents and says he's asked himself the same question about Victoria. His friend posits that what he feels for Victoria is not love, but just a novel intrigue. Andres starts to object that he's not some kid, but his friend wants to add that also, Andres's marriage is in trouble and what's more, Victoria's a challenge! She's the only one stands up to you. Meanwhile, back at home, Valentina has called looking for Andres and found out that he's back in Mexico. Surprised and worried, she wonders whether he'll come home to her or go to Victoria.
With the romantic "Desencuentro" theme song playing quietly in the background, at a cozy table in a restaurant Luis and Victoria talk about their love. Victoria assures him that even though Sergio was her boyfriend, that's completely over and they are just friends -- as far as she's concerned anyway. Luis, unconvinced, says his granny told him you never know when friendship can catch fire into love, and this makes Victoria laugh. She reminds him of how wonderful it was when she and Luis met, and how different she felt. No, he's her only true love, she's sure; there's no contest. This makes Luis feel really good, and he kisses her hand. But then he brings up how Sergio keeps chasing her around! Well, she says, this is for a completely different reason (HA, so she thinks). Victoria explains a little more about her dad's tragic situation and what she wants to do, that Sergio's involved. Luis still feels unsure, somehow uneasy to have this rich guy trying to compete with him. Victoria earnestly and gladly explains that to have Luis makes her the richest woman in the world! Finally, this gets through, and Luis's voice starts to crack when he tells her he loves her so much.
Luis and Victoria are coming back to Julia's apartment, and as soon as they cross the threshold, the lights pop on and everybody shouts a big surprise! The little mariachi quartet starts up with a nice tune, and everybody sings. Victoria is truly taken aback and happy, and Luis is glad to see her like that. She says she's never had such a party in her life! Julia says everybody helped her. The only fly in the ointment is Maru, who runs out when Victoria comes in and back to her own apartment. Dona Lydia follows close behind, and then Luis. Upstairs, Maru is bawling pitifully, reducing grandma Lydia to a puddle of pity, hugging and petting her granddaughter. Luis has about had enough of this baloney and is exclaiming about how ridiculous this situation is. Lydia's buying into all the tears, though, and Luis pleads with her in exasperation to help him, not back Maru up. Lydia's crooning first sympathetic noises to the whining Maru and then accusing Luis that he isn't a good father. He throws his arms up and plunks down beside them on the sofa, agreeing facetiously, right, I'm not a good father!
In what can be only called desperation, Valentina has called Joaquin to come over and keep her company at her apartment. She explains briefly why, and he loses no time reminding her that if Andres would rather spend time with Victoria, he himself would rather spend time with her. The camera focuses closely on the glass of champaigne he's handing her, and you get the idea he's planning to get her snookered.
Back at the party, Rufino is giving Julia the real obvious eye and is about to ask her to dance, when Luis comes in and Julia makes a quick getaway to talk to him. Rufino looks crestfallen and then asks the nurse to dance. Julia wants an update, and a very disheartened and frustrated Luis explains he adores his daughter, but he's not giving up Victoria's love. He's miserable and for the love of God, doesn't know what he's going to do.
In an old part of town, the circus owner and Andres go walking again through the warehouse where their childhood friend died, where they used to hang out as street kids. His friend feels very uneasy there, very sad, but Andres says he goes there often -- whenever he needs strength. Remembering what happened to them as kids renews his spirit to go on fighting to make a life for himself. Their awful childhood is what drives him to be focused and ruthless in business, to work for himself and nobody else, because heaven knows, nobody ever gave him anything. Back at the trailer, Andres tells him Valentina doesn't know he's back yet.
At a nightclub somewhere, Roberto and Alma are dancing very close and talking. Alma has her hair down around her face and looks pretty. He asks if she's been in love, and she says yes, but not with much luck. He's never been in love before and just waiting for the right woman (wink, wink). It's all in your hands. This pleases Alma, I guess, that somebody finally thinks so much of her, and she leans her head on his shoulder, smiling. He was smiling pleasantly at her, too, but as soon as her head bent, Roberto's face turned into a calculating study. I don't know what his game is, but it's beginning to look like Roberto enjoys corrupting innocent girls. I don't think he really has marriage in mind somehow.
At the party Chaquira/Elena and Toni are dancing the night away, depressing the heck out of poor Beatriz. Lolita and the nurse try to console her, the nurse promising a tarot card reading first thing in the morning, but Beatriz is downhearted and ready to give up on Toni. Luis and Victoria are also dancing, but when Dona Lydia returns from upstairs, Luis goes to talk to her, while Victoria watches from the other room. (It's a neat bit of photography: Luis and Lydia stand in a doorway, half turned toward each other, and the only other person you can see well is Victoria across the room -- right between them in the shot, the same way she's coming between them in life.) Lydia tells Luis that Maru's so upset she won't go to sleep. She criticizes his behavior with Victoria. For the love of God! he says. Nobody will ever take your daughter's place. She was the most important person in my life. But I'm a young man, Lydia! And Alicia is gone. She isn't here. Life goes on. Here Lydia objects, earnestly avowing that for her, she's as sad as the day her daughter died! Lydia's pain moves poor Luis, and he takes her hand and agrees that a mother's love is different than any other in life. But he has needs, too, and wants her to help him with this absurd situation. When Lydia accuses him of being self-centered about Victoria, he straightens up and calls it something else -- No, not at all. It's love! Lydia rushes out, and Victoria joins him. She makes him feel better, reminding him that they say with love, all things are possible. She thinks this situation is indeed absurd and -- for that reason -- can't last and that Maru will accept her in time.
That gigolo, Joaquin, is putting on a CD of sweet, romantic music (the credits say it's from Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker"). Well, Valentina looks tipsy alright, and he's snuggling down with her on the sofa, since she looks about done to a turn. He manages to kiss her, and she's letting him, being in the mood, but ultimately she thinks it's Andres. She must be drunk or nuts! Joaquin wants her to know it's him, though, and tells her sweet-nothing lies. But she can't stand him and wants to go home. When they get there, she rushes in, warning him not to tell anybody about what happened. She slams the door in his face once again, but this time Joaquin looks rather pleased with the latest developments. Valentina rushes upstairs, and when she gets to David's room, halts and decides to go in. She walks to the bed and slowly pulls up the coverlet and hugs it to herself. Reaching out, she takes David's framed portrait from the bedside table and gazes at it.
Outside the vecinidad, Roberto is driving up with Alma, but she's so depressed about Victoria's party that she suggests they go for a drive instead. Next day, Alma's mom and dad are eating alone (Alma didn't get in till 3:00 a.m.), and her dad doesn't look too good. But he tells her mom that Roberto is a gentleman and Alma is a good girl, not to worry. Mom doesn't seem totally convinced, but dad is just looking forward to the day when Alma can be married to a lawyer.
Next morning, Julia, Lolita and Victoria go to the basilica. Julia counsels Victoria to let go of this poisonous vengeance, and let God take care of punishing evil. Lolita agrees, but Victoria gets adamant and will not be swayed. She has to know who hurt her father. Coincidentally, Andres and his old friend have been visiting the plaza outside the basilica, reminiscing about boyhood times when they used to make a living selling toys there to passersby. Suddenly Andres spots Victoria with Julia and Lolita coming out of the gate, and his friend has a heck of a time preventing Andres running over to Victoria. Don't forget, you're married! What would you have to offer her? Andres sees the women standing at the bus stop with working class families, looking so out of place, and I wasn't sure what we were supposed to think.
In Don Matias's apartment, he is counseling Elena that actually it's her who the circus owner was interested in. She gets all giggly and embarrassed, but he insists that someone young like her has to have a job and she should talk to him.
At Luis's, he is all chipper and trying to jolly Lydia and Maru up with big stacks of hotcakes, the specialty of the house. Lydia's feeling sorry for Luis when Maru keeps giving him the cold shoulder and tries to get the girl to be nice, but right then Luis has had it. He tosses his fork down, wipes his hands and declares that if what his daughter wants is to go live in Queretaro, then her dad will just have to sacrifice. He jumps up and stalks out of the apartment. Both Lydia and Maru are startled, and Maru's worried he means it. Lydia chases after him. She says he's so hard for her to understand! First he doesn't want Maru to go and now he does. He says the only thing he wants in this life is for his daughter to be happy! He's standing on the walkway upstairs, and over the railing he can see Sergio in the patio, looking for Victoria. They spy each other, looking like two bulldogs, and Sergio yells up, insisting they should talk.
I don't know where they are, but it looks like a restaurant, except nobody but the two young men are there. They've both got chips on their shoulders, and are on the prod. Luis needles Sergio about his rotten behavior when Victoria's dad died, and Sergio claims they were a couple for a long time, though, and could be again. Luis is just incredulous at Sergio's wild imagination and tells him he's truly nuts. Sergio, looking down his nose, explains not at all, that it's natural for he and Victoria to be together, since they're from the same world. Sergio's smoking cigarettes like a factory, he is so tense. Luis sneers at this last comment, calling Sergio a rotten rich kid. Sergio goes dangerously on, concluding that Victoria must have picked out a type like Luis just to punish him! That's it for Luis. After all the guff he's taken lately from Maru and Lydia, Luis growls and bounds out of his chair and busts Sergio one!
And finally, Valentina must be desperate to invite Esteban over to talk about Victoria and her husband. Esteban assures her that Victoria's character is such that she would never do what Valentina's thinking, especially with a married man. He tells her if she doesn't trust Andres, he can't help her. It's her problem. She says Esteban's her last hope and drifts out the door, motioning him to come, saying "he's back, he's back." She leads him upstairs to David's room, opens the door, and we can see David there, working on a school assignment. Music up, credits roll, and set your VCR for tomorrow morning!
I hope you all have a great time on your days off with your family and friends! I may not get tomorrow's summary done until Sunday or possibly even Monday, but it will be before the next episode.
In thursday's episode....... Victoria had told Julia that luis didnt know it was her birthday that she didnt tell him because she didnt want him spending on her...... Then when Luis went to meet her and congratulated her on her day she told him that she thought he forgot.... I was really confuse cause she had alread mentioned that he didnt know.... Well, just an observation. i was wondering if anyone else picked up on that.
And also have u guys noticed that victoria could leave the room with her hair in one style and when she walks in another room her hair is different??? I also picked up on this in the scene when Luis stole a kiss from her and when she went into her house and leaned against the door her hairstyle was totally different from when she was outside... Take notice.
but I just chalked that up to hair being one of those things that the continuity guy/lady has a hard time controlling. The continuity person's in charge of making each scene look like it continues from the one before, even though they might have shot it weeks apart.
For example, those shots last night of Andres in Miami. I would bet a weeks' pay that they shot all those Miami scenes (the ones with Valentina and the yacht, too) at the same time. They wouldn't be going back on location to Miami from Mexico City just for those two scenes last night.
Hair must be a real hard one, though. I'm trying to imagine how if I were the continuity lady, I would describe the way her hair looked in the last scene to the makeup person. Plus, if you have ever seen Dianiela in person, she shoves her hair around constantly, so she might have done it herself.
That bit about Victoria teasing him about forgetting: it is kind of perverse, but sometimes people want their spouses or loved ones to know things without being told. Have you ever noticed that? It's crazy, but true. I didn't think Victoria would do that, because she seems so rational; but on the other hand, Victoria's a strange mix of cool and warmth. Her tendency toward single-minded vengeance sure shows she's not always coolly rational. She loves easily, too, which is very warm. I think that cool/hot theme that runs all through the opening credits describes her pretty well. (The blue water and orange fire, you know?) The two opposites describe Andres and Luis, too, although they keep switching identities. Sometimes Luis seems like a cool pool of water for her, instead of the warm fire on a rainy night.
Victoria lets Valentina in and introduces her to Julia, who scoots and leaves them alone. Valentina is hesitant, but gets right to the point. Her husband left for the weekend, and, and... Victoria gets the drift and finishes the sentence, quite angry. You think I went with him! Wow, your marriage must be desperate to come here like this! She fills her in about her private life being totally separate from work and that she's in love with someone who lives there in the complex. Valentina's listening, but not quite convinced, pointing out her millionaire husband's charms for someone who's ambitious. Victoria is furious now, resenting being accused in her own home, and insists she doesn't even work with him anymore -- satisfied?
Meanwhile in Miami, Andres sits at a restaurant table alone, eyes squeezed tight, daydreaming of Victoria looking stately and beautiful on stage at the foundation benefit. Valentina comes back out to the car outside the vecinidad, where Sandra is waiting, and has a fit of mortification. She can't believe she came here! Can't believe she accused Andres and this woman! (As it turned out, she was right on and, to the contrary, very perceptive about the situation.) The idea to fly to meet Andres in Miami and make up descends upon Valentina in a rush, and she seizes on that. Sandra doesn't like this idea. She doesn't want them to make up.
Back at Julia's, Victoria's gesturing and flabbergasted about how such things happen to her! Julia brings her a cup of something and reassures her the woman is nuts. Victoria explains about Sandra criticizing her about the benefit, and Julia asserts, of course you're going to attract attention, being the most beautiful one there! Well, it makes no difference because she still hates Andres Rivera and everything he stands for.
Over at the nurse's apartment, she and Beatriz are talking about Victoria's name-day party, and Beatriz is still got plans for Toni. Then at Luis's, he's studying his physics textbook to help him pass the sergeant's exam while Maru sits beside him, working in a coloring book. She's giggling and happy, so Galavision must have cut something between this scene and yesterday's. About then, there's a knock, and it's Victoria. She's upset about Valentina's nasty visit, but just wants to see Luis's friendly and sympathetic face. Maru tosses her crayon onto the book in disgust and watches. Luis is just commiserating with Victoria, when suddenly Maru pitches a fit, screams at Victoria, and runs into her room. Luis wants to make her apologize, but Victoria asks to handle it and follows her. She sits beside Maru on the bed, earnestly and tearfully avowing that they both love her and each other and nobody is trying to push her out or take her mother's place. Plus Luis is very sad about Maru and Victoria doesn't like to see him suffer.
It's dark, and Andres sits on the dock in Miami punishing himself with thoughts of Victoria. Back on the street in front of the vecinidad, Luis has gone out while Victoria talks with Maru, and surprisingly some street thug is trying to rob Don Abel. Luis rushes over and throws the guy off, gets his own lip split and then kicks the guy in the ribs. The thug's done after that, and Luis is disgusted when he realizes that Don Abel has run away. He catches up with him in the patio to get the story, but the frantic Don Abel can only beg him not to call the police and just scurries away. Jerk. As Don Abel is going up the stairs, Victoria's coming down, and Luis makes up some lame story about having accidentally bit his lip. He wants to know about Maru, and Victoria thinks things are not going great. Luis is ready to force the issue with his daughter, but Victoria wants him to give it some time. They are nuzzling and embracing when now it's Alma who's looking out the kitchen window at them (instead of her parents). Watching them makes her feel awful, and she has to sit down at the table.
At the Rivera mansion, the obsessive Valentina has latched on hard to the idea of going to make up with Andres in Miami and is packing at double-time while Sandra watches. Well, Sandra's going to fix her. All the while pretending she's going to pick her up early in the morning, she's emptying a bunch of sedatives into a glass of water. She gets Valentina to drink it. Next morning, of course, Sandra has to wake up the dopey Valentina. Beforehand, Sandra has emptied half the pills into her purse to make Valentina think she took a whole bunch of them. Valentina's upset she's up too late to go to Miami and also that she doesn't remember taking the pills. Sandra makes a big deal out of Who knows HOW MANY pills you took! Then she reminds Valentina about her hallucinations -- seeing and hearing David, and her plan is working: Valentina is starting to think she's nuts.
Julia and Lolita wake Victoria on her nameday with a brownie-in-bed, with a birthday candle on it and a present. Over at Esteban's, he has a surprise early guest: Sergio. He's come into town for Victoria's name day, but wants to talk to Esteban, even though Esteban doesn't want to talk to him. But Sergio thinks Esteban is a good place to start looking for the information Victoria wants on the ruination of her father's estate. After all, Esteban was her father's best friend. But Esteban disabuses him on this "stupidity," and insists there's nothing to know. He says he tried to find something out himself, but there were no clues about what happened. He says he tried to save Victoria's house for her, but couldn't get enough money together. Sergio thinks finding something out will redeem him of his cowardly behavior around the time of the funeral.
At the store cafeteria, Beatriz is serving and yacking with Victoria and Lolita. She observes that Victoria loves Luis a lot, and Victoria absolutely agrees. She says he hasn't gotten her anything for her name day yet, but that's because she asked Julia not to tell him about it. However, right then over at Luis's, Julia is spilling the beans to him. She says Victoria thought the perfume was such a nice gift, and enough that he shouldn't get her anything else, but you know Luis; he wouldn't miss Victoria's celebration for anything. Later at the office, Esteban is wishing Victoria a good name day and wants to take her somewhere truly "the best," but she just sniffs at that and says she already is: she's going to see her boyfriend. After while, Maricarmen picks up a call for Victoria, but the caller hangs up. They look at each other quizzically, and Maricarmen says it was a man's voice and sounded long distance. (It was Andres in Miami. He hung up his cell phone when Victoria didn't answer, got into his black Porsche and zoomed away.) Back at the vecinidad, Queta is supervising people setting up sawhorse tables for the party.
Luis is happily trimming the ends from about a dozen gorgeous red roses when there's a knock on the door, and it's his mother in law. At first he's tickled to see her, but then it dawns on him why she's there when she acts ultra serious. It's about Maru's call. If Maru wants to go, she's taking her back to Queretaro. Luis is crushed. Maru comes in and starts crying when she sees her granny, insisting Luis doesn't love her -- he loves Victoria! Dona Olivia doesn't understand, and Luis explains. Olivia is shocked he's involved with someone who's used to having money, but Luis reassures her that Victoria is someone very special, he's deeply in love with her -- and that he wants to marry her as soon as he can. But he wants to do it with the blessing of everyone. He'll even agree that if Dona Olivia doesn't think Victoria is a wonderful woman, he'll abide by her decision. (Don't say that!) Later, over at Angelica's, Maru can't concentrate on their coloring and starts crying. Angelica hugs her and Maru says she doesn't really want to go to Queretaro; she wants to stay with her dad -- but without Victoria!
At a restaurant, the gigolo and Sandra are having a battle plan session, and the gigolo is not real happy that Valentina is actually nuts: he only wants Andres to THINK she nuts. What's he gonna do with a mental case? Now, what Sandra should do is cozy up to this Victoria and try to drive her between Andres and Valentina. But Sandra doesn't like this idea at all! Why not? If by some chance Andres actually does fall in love with her, the girl has her own plans firmly fixed already. Not to worry! Hey, I'm as interested in keeping Andres's fortune together as you are. Sandra's nose turns up, like she's smelled a rat. (The main thing wrong with being a crook is the company you have to keep, you know? I think each one of these characters wants the fortune for themselves and doesn't really want to share.)
Elena is chatting with Toni while he makes up his futon. He's really chipper until she probes him about why he's single or has no girlfriend. He tries to slither out of it, but she threatens to leave if he doesn't stop hiding something. She knows he wanted to tell her something, but she relents when he swears he's not hiding anything. Elena just reminds him that, no matter what happens, she's his friend and will be there fore him. He thanks her, and it seems important to him.
Over at the salon, Alma is hanging up the phone from making another date with Roberto. She tells her boss tearfully about seeing Luis and Victoria last night and that she can't bear to see them together at the party. So she's going out with Roberto. She's really upset, and her boss feels badly for her.
Surprisingly, Victor (?) the circus owner is showing his old friend Andres into his trailer. Andres is already gone and back from Miami and has come straight here from the airport. He's very anxious. He tells his friend that he thought he escape to Miami to get away from Valentina, but the truth is it was to get away from Victoria!
And finally, Luis sits by the fountain in front of the almacenes, waiting for Victoria to get off work. He's got the big, beautiful bouquet of red roses, which he dips just slightly into the water to make them look dewey. A very nice touch. He hears the girls coming and walks toward them, his face averted like he's a stranger, and when he gets up on them, he springs and surprises them all. Luis presents the roses to a delighted Victoria, and Beatriz and Lolita ooh and ahh. He wants to take Victoria out for a bite, and when Lolita thinks it includes her, I had to laugh, because Luis said he couldn't afford to take them -- probably knowing how Lolita can pack it away! The girls make their exit, and Luis and Victoria exchange some sweet nothings. He tells her nobody or nothing is ever going to separate them, and they embrace. He's kissing her when suddenly, somebody angrily shouts out Victoria's name, which makes them split apart! It's that stupid Sergio, and the startled Victoria has dropped the bouquet on the ground. Sergio approaches and with his jaw clenched at Luis, informs Victoria that he has that information she wanted. Victoria's suddenly interested, but Luis looks down at the dropped bouquet and back at her. She looks a little abashed, and then Luis stares daggers at Sergio. Music up, credits roll, and tune in those VCR's for tomorrow morning!
I grew up a Protestant in a small city in the southeast U.S., and all the Catholics went to parochial school where I lived, so I didn't learn about saints, etc., until -- I can't remember when exactly!
The various saints are matched to various days in the year (I don't know if it's their own birthdays or dates of death or date of miracle or what), and if your name is the same as a saint or if you are intentionally named after one, then you can celebrate your saint's name day, too. At least that's the way I understand it.
As I understand it, the day named for the saint is the day that the saint died. In Mexico and in El Salvador, many calendars have a saint named on each day, and one traditional way of naming a baby is to name him or her for the saint on whose day he or she was born. That's how one friend of mine got named Melquiades (which he never liked but which I thought was a beautiful name.) But I don't know how usual naming someone for the saint on the calendar is any more. But if someone is named that way, then of course their birthday and their santo (name day, saints day) will be the same day.
"Lily Tomlin's Emmys saved from fire" (AP article)
by
Tomlin's Emmys Saved From Fire
Updated 2:34 PM ET December 19, 1999
(Excite News)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Her office suffered smoke and water damage, but firefighters saved Lily Tomlin's Emmys.
The fire that broke out in Tomlin's Hollywood office building Saturday gutted two recording studios down the hall from her suite and caused about $1.7 million in damage. There were no injuries.
Firefighters triumphantly waved two of Tomlin's Emmys out a window of the charred building after putting out the fire. Tomlin co-wrote and starred in her own self-named comedy specials in the 1970s, and she won three Emmy awards for the playlets.
Tomlin, who most recently appeared on the big screen in this year's "Tea With Mussolini," came to the scene to survey the damage.
"They actually tried to spare and save as much of the stuff as they could," she told KABC-TV. "I'm just sort of overcome with that kind of generosity, really, that kind of sensitivity."
The cause of the blaze was under investigation.
