Sunday, April 24, 2016

Pasión y Poder Capitulo #131 Friday, April 22nd 2016 While the rich folks grieve, the poor folks ride horses and play tennis.

Assmore ambushes Daniela in the bathroom and puts his cocaine infested hand over her mouth. "Surprise, surprise" he utters [and in English, so we are reminded that he's a gringo]. Daniela struggles to free herself from the slimy Assmore's grasp, but it's no use, he has the upper hand here. Assmore utters some more English words- a "relax" and a "good girl" - and he also tells her to "breath". He eventually whips out two baggies- one full of cocaine (a white powder) and the other full of pills. He tries to force the pills down her throat, but since she's able to fight him off, he instead decides that he'll put both baggies inside her purse, and it's clear that Assmore wants her mix the pills with the cocaine. He tells her to "fly", then tells her that he wanted to say his goodbyes, and promises that he won't bug her anymore. He eventually leaves the bathroom, but not before he blows a stomach turning kiss her way. Now alone, Daniela (still startled and recovering from the attack) approaches the sink and washes the cocaine (white powder- that was left on her mouth by Assmore) from her mouth. Then she takes out her cellphone, and still startled, calls David and asks her to come and get him.

Meanwhile, Erick teaches Luly about the American Manifesto ("In Good We Trust") using a dollar bill as a prop. Luly spots Assmore as he exits the bar, and she questions Erick about what Assmore is doing there. Erick pretends he doesn't have a clue. Luly gets up from her chair and wants to go and check up on Daniela. But Erick convinces her to sit back down. Erick spots Daniela as she comes from the bathroom and lets Luly know that Daniela is coming over to them.

At GM, Regina is feeling overwhelmed over making Jorge feel bad at the wedding reception when she rejected his marriage proposal. Jorge takes full responsibility and knows that it just wasn't the right moment for such a proposal. He promises that he won't insist or pressure her anymore. [Thank goodness] Regina thanks him for that and explains that it wouldn't have been fair for her to have given him a "yes" when she's not sure. It would have only put them on the path to unhappiness. Jorge asks her why she has her doubts. Is it because of his status on social hierarchy? "Of course not, don't be silly", she tells him. Jorge thought that his social status could be the reason since her dad said that he wanted for her someone who give her the same life that she's used to. She tells him that she doesn't care about those kinds of things. Jorge wants to know what the problem is then. Is she still in love with David?! [Duh! Or as Eladio would say "obvio".]

Back at the bar, Daniela opens her purse and looks at the cocaine and pills that Assmore left in there. She tries to tell Erick about her fear that David will leave her for Regina, but Erick is too busy pawing at Luly [who sort of sits there like a log and allows the disgusting Erick to get his slimy self on her], to care about Daniela's relationship issues. Luly leaves the table so the Montenegro siblings can talk amongst themselves. Daniela tells Erick how important David is to her, and how because of David she has stopped doing drugs. Daniela mentions that she saw Assmore, and Erick asks her not to tell his dad that she saw him. He tells his sister that he's doing business with Assmore. Daniela is appalled to find this out. Does Erick NOT care what Assmore does to her?! Erick claims that he doesn't know what Assmore does to her and besides whatever it is, he's sure it's nothing serious. Die Erick. Die. Daniela can't believe Erick's attitude, she calls him selfish, and tells him that he only cares about himself. Erick tells her that he's sick and tired of her. Daniela tells him that what she's telling him about him being selfish and only caring about himself is the truth and reminds him of his attitude when he came to see her in rehab. Erick tells her that he came to the bar with the best disposition to fix things with her, but he can now see what side she's on. He tells her not to tell her dad anything (about seeing Assmore- I guess) and leaves. Daniela is upset that Erick doesn't care about her. Luly who has returned by now leaves to go and get Erick so he can apologize to Daniela. Since David hasn't arrived yet, Daniela starts getting the idea that David and Regina have gotten back together. She tells herself that David doesn't love and care about her. No one cares about her. She heads back into the bathroom. Luly sees her, and calls Regina, telling her that Daniela is upset and that she's worried that Daniela will do something stupid. Inside the bathroom, we see that Daniela has inhaled the cocaine, and now she takes the pills.

At GLA, Nina meets with Eladio. Nina takes a good look at the contract and is in agreement with it. They toast to their partnership. Nina tells Eladio that she'll help him destroy Arturo in business once she is sure that their new business is doing well and that her kids interests are secure. [And we know she means it about helping him destroy Arturo in business, since she's sporting that purple lipstick.] Eladio listens and seems to like what he hears. In fact, they both toast to that as well. Bwahahaha.

At the bar, David has arrived and he rushes over to the bathroom, after Luly tells him that Daniela is in there and won't open the door. David knocks and asks Daniela to open up.

Over in Queretaro, Justino and Clara, are in their bathing trunks. They talk about having a baby in the future. Clara wants Justino to still love her in a few years. Justino tells her that he'll love her even more. Awww. Smooches. FF -->

Regina and Jorge arrive at the bar and rush over towards the bathroom door. David is still knocking on the door trying to get Daniela to open up. Now Regina knocks on the door. Oh, FINALLY, someone (Luly- I think) has gone to get a waiter, so he can open up that darn door. The door is opened and the sight they all see is not a pleasant one- Daniela is on the floor convulsing, obviously OD'ing because of the drugs she has mixed and taken. Regina and David rush over to Daniela's side. The waiter spots the drugs, and decides to go and get the manager, instead of calling an ambulance.

OMG. Now Justino and Clara are smooching near the pool. A waiter interrupts them- he has brought them their drinks. He tells them about a tennis class. They'll be attending it. FF -->

Back at the bar, Regina is holding Daniela while she is convulsing and OD'ing. David has checked her pulse, but hasn't called an ambulance. "She has a low pulse, she has a low pulse." is all that David the doofus can say. Oh, Jorge has called an ambulance and now informs the others that it's on it's way. [Alright, I'll give Turtle Boy some points here, for having enough sense to use his cellphone to call for help unlike David and Regina who are no help whatsoever] Regina scolds Luly for allowing Daniela to take the drugs. Isn't Luly supposed to be Daniela's BFF?! Luly says she didn't see Daniela taking the drugs, and didn't even know that Daniela had them. Luly explains that Daniela had an argument with Erick and was saying that no one cared about her. Daniela continues to convulse and OD while Regina holds her and David tells her to breath.

At Casa Montenegro, Petra is hungover and still mad at Obdulio. Petra even refuses the chilaquiles that Obdulio has prepared for her, but she sneaks a bite, when he has his back turned, and savors the delicious chilaquiles. Luly calls the mansion and tells Obdulio that she hasn't been able to reach Nina on the phone. Per Petra's orders, Obdulio asks Luly to leave Nina a message.

At a restaurant, Arturo and Agustín do lunch and have some bro time. Arturo, announces in a rather frustrated manner, that his cellphone is out of battery. Agustín offers his cellphone, so Arturo can talk to whoever he wants. Agustín knows that his pal is waiting for a call from the lovely Julia. Arturo denies it. But there's no fooling Agustín- he knows his pal so well. Agustín tries to make Arturo see how wrong he is to be worried about a call from Julia. Arturo changes the subject, knowing that he can't talk to Agustín about this. Arturo wants Agustín to prepare things, just in case Erick decides to accept his proposal. Oh, Agustín hopes Chimp Boy accepts, so Consuelo can get her son back. However, Agustín knows very well that Erick could always end up snatching the baby from Consuelo again when he wants to, since he does have full custody. Arturo will see to it that it doesn't happen.

Back at the bar, Daniela's convulsing and OD'ing seems to have ceased, but she's still passed out. As Regina and David continue to hover over her, Regina calls up her dad, and leaves a voicemail on his cell phone, informing him about what is happening to Daniela. Luly and Jorge continue to try and reach Nina or anyone else from the Montenegro family.

At Casa Gomez Luna, Franco shows Hummy his birth certificate with the Gomez Luna name. Hummy is NOT impressed because "aunque la mona se vista de ceda, mona se queda" (literally "even if the monkey dresses in silk, he's still a monkey; but can be translated to "you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear") The fact that Franco has the Gomez Luna name changes NOTHING for Hummy. Franco assures Hummy that he'll use his new last name to get far in life. They start talking business, and Hummy lets him know that he doesn't want to be involved in any business that involves Eladio because he's now on Team Arturo. Hummy makes his offer- he'll do business with Franco, but Franco's proposal better be a good and secure one. Hummy wants 50%, but Franco is only willing to give him 25%. But Hummy drives a hard bargain and he wants 50%. He tells Franco to think about it.

Back at the bar, the ambulance and the paramedics have finally arrived, and Daniela is being wheeled out of the bar. Regina and David follow by her side while the others follow from behind. The paramedic informs Regina and David that Daniela is now entering a state of shock. She'll be taken to the nearest hospital. [In other words, she'll be taken to TOHIM- The Only Hospital In Mexico]

Nina arrives home and Petra and Obdulio let her know that Regina and David are with Daniela and that Daniela is being taken to the hospital. Nina looks worried.

Back at the restaurant with the bros, Agustín lets Arturo know that he and Gaby "spent the night together". Oh, but it's not what you think, we were in an orphanage, Agustín tells his friend, before Arturo gets the wrong idea. Before Agustín can delve more into this, he receives a call from Luly, who wants to speak to Arturo. Agustín hands the phone to Arturo, and Luly informs him about Daniela.

Outside the bar, Daniela is being wheeled into the ambulance. Regina talks to Nina on the phone and tells her that they are going to the hospital. At Casa Montenegro, Nina leaves to go the hospital. Petra asks Nina to keep them informed about what happens. Back outside the bar, Daniela has finally been wheeled inside the ambulance. Regina, David, Jorge, Luly, and other people have gathered around and they all watch on. Daniela starts having a heart attack. The paramedics attempt to save her.

At Consuelo and Miguel's love nest, the lovebirds and Luisita arrive home, after having gone to the movies. When Luisita leaves to wash her hands, Consuelo tells Miguel that she would like to have her son with them. Miguel tells her how his dad will help them get the baby back. Consuelo doesn't think Arturo will be able to convince Erick. Miguel is a little more positive about it, but says that if it doesn't work, then they'll find another solution. Consuelo is touched by how Miguel does everything to make her happy. They tell each other "I love you" and smooch.

Back outside the bar, Daniela has passed away inside the ambulance, and the paramedic informs Regina and David that there is no more that he can do for her. Regina and David rush inside the ambulance and hover over Daniela's now lifeless body. They let their grief out- crying and screaming. David takes off his jacket and covers Daniela up (her blouse was cut open by the paramedics). David and Regina continue to let out their grief- more screaming and crying.

At the hospital, Regina has let her hair done and is in grief mode. Nina arrives and finds out that Daniela has died. Nina is in shock. Arturo arrives from behind. Nina turns around, sees Arturo, and slaps him twice, right across the face. Then she grabs him by the lapels and tells him that Daniela has died. Arturo is in shock. Nina leans on Arturo and cries. Regina cries as well.

At GLA, Eladio and Franco are in Eladio's office. Eladio talks to David on the phone. David, in grief mode, tells his dad that Daniela has died. Eladio is in shock. He tells Franco what happened. Daniela shows some sign of having a heart and is shocked with the news and feels bad for Daniela. Eladio wants to go and be with David, but decides that he'll inform Julia first about what happened. And then, Franco shows us how cold he can be [and any trace of a heart disappears], when he points out that if Eladio lets Julia know about what happened, then Julia will run to be with Arturo. Eladio seems disgusted at Franco's comment and tells his son to have a heart- they are talking about a death here. Franco volunteers to give Julia the news so that Eladio won't have to see her.

At the hospital, Arturo goes into the morgue, and breaks down when he uncovers the sheet and sees Daniela's lifeless body laying there. [Kudos to the makeup department. Daniela really looks dead.] "Forgive me, forgive me" Arturo says as he cries. Now Nina enters the morgue and sees Daniela's lifeless body. She cries, goes over to Daniela, and kisses her. Then she lets out her grief and pain- and we can really feel the pain that Nina is feeling. [Kudos to Marlene Favela. She did an excellent job here. Her grief and pain felt so real.] Arturo approaches Nina and embraces her. Nina then goes over to Daniela and kisses her all over her face. Arturo eventually covers up Daniela's body with the sheet as Nina watches. More grief from Nina and Arturo.

In Franco's glass office, Caridad tells Franco that he should go and be with David. Franco sees no point in going to the hospital- the Montenegro's hate his guts, and besides Gaby already went to the hospital. Caridad thinks it's a tragedy what happened to Daniela. Franco agrees. It was a tragedy, and he feels bad for Daniela. But hey, look on the bright side, at least now Daniela won't be able to blab his dirty little secret to anyone. Die Franco. Die. At that moment, our resident scaredy-cat, Marcos enters the glass office, and he gets scolded by Franco. Caridad leaves. Marcos takes a seat. Franco gets a call from Assmore. Assmore has finished what he had to do, and he and Franco agree to meet later on. Franco orders Marcos to embezzle more money from GLA, while he works on getting some money from that imbecile, Assmore.

At the morgue, David (in grief mode) has gone in to see Daniela. David asks her to forgive him for not loving her in the same way that she loved him. He felt affection for her, and will always feel that affection. He wants her to forgive him for not being able to forget his past. He doesn't understand what led her to go and look for drugs again. She was so full of life and they had so many plans.

More Justino and Clara. Now they are horseback riding. FF -->

At the hospital, everyone is in grief mode. Regina is with Jorge. While David is with Gaby. Agustín and Gaby exchange a look, but Gaby looks away. Erick arrives, affected by his sister's death, and immediately blames David for the death of his sister. David explains that Daniela called him and told him that Assmore was bothering her. The name Assmore catches Arturo's attention. Luly says that Assmore was with them at the bar. Now Arturo turns to Erick. Arturo asks Erick how come he didn't get his sister out of there. Erick remains silent. Arturo slaps him across the face and demands that the imbecile he has for a son answer the question.

At the GL mansion, Eladio tells Julia about Daniela's death. Julia is in shock and she tells Eladio that they have to do something. Eladio agrees- but isn't sure what they could do. He doesn't want to do anything that would cause any more problems.

Back at the hospital, Erick denies that he saw Assmore at the bar. Erick even goes as far as accusing his deceased sister of making it up that Assmore was at the bar so she could get David's attention. Say it with me slowly everyone: Die Erick. Die When that doesn't get him off the hook, he tries to accuse Luly of having seen wrong. Luly confirms that she is sure that saw Assmore and that Erick saw him too. Arturo is now enraged, and determined to go after Assmore, but Agustín holds him back and reminds him that Nina and Regina need him now. Arturo starts to put all the pieces together- they finished their business deal with Assmore, Daniela saw Assmore at the bar, and now Daniela is dead. Regina approaches him, and with tears in her eyes, tells him that they need him. Father and daughter embrace. More grief shots, including Erick.

Even more Justino and Clara. Now they're at their tennis class. [Ya basta!] FF -->

At some bar, Franco meets with Assmore. Assmore is chugging down a drink, and Franco notices that something is up. Assmore says he had a problem with Arturo. Assmore tells Franco that he needs to close the deal with him because he needs to get out of the country ASAP. He'll send over his son-in-law to represent him and return when things have cooled down. Franco's alright with that, as long as everything is in order before he leaves town.

At the funeral home, the family and friends have all gathered to bid their final farewell to Daniela. Arturo sits alone on a sofa, and prays to God thanking him for allowing him to borrow Daniela for 21 years. He asks God to take care of Daniela. Near the casket, Nina cries and holds a photo of Daniela. From behind, we see that Erick is chugging down some booze from a flask. Regina approaches her mother and embraces her. Then Erick comes from behind and embraces his mother and sister. Regina approaches David and thanks him for the time he spent with Daniela. He tells her that she has nothing to thank him for. Daniela helped him so much when he was so down. Jorge now shows up and hands Regina some coffee. Jorge and David exchange a look before Jorge and Regina walk away to another spot in the funeral home. Agustín sees Gaby and walks towards her, but she walks away. Miguel and Consuelo approach Regina. Miguel doesn't understand what could have happened- why did Daniela do what she did. Regina tells him that they suspect that Assmore is somehow involved. The name Assmore catches Arturo's attention. Arturo walks over towards the casket where Nina is at. The two look into each other's eyes as they both feel the same grief over the loss of their daughter. Arturo walks away from the casket. Julia and Eladio arrive. Julia lets Arturo know that she's there and tells him that she doesn't know what to say. She embraces him. Arturo [rather coldly] thanks her for coming. Then Nina approaches them and Julia tries to give Nina her condolences, but Nina backs off. Nina blames both Arturo and Julia for the death of her daughter. She accuses Arturo of never taking care of Daniela because he always preferred to be with Julia. She accuses Julia of causing Daniela anguish because she wanted to separate David and Daniela and never liked Daniela. Nina tells Julia to leave because she has nothing to do there. Then she tells Arturo to leave too. Arturo reminds her that Daniela was his daughter too. And that's it for it now. Tune in Monday to see what happens next.

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Comments:
Such a sad episode! R.I.P Daniela Montenegro.

Kudos to Marlene Favela. She outshone the others in the grief scenes.
 

In the morgue scene, I swear I saw the white sheet covering Daniela's body move at least twice, indicating someone was still alive and breathing under the sheet. Check it out!
 

That's interesting, Gobluefan from OH. I'll be sure to go back and check that one out. It must be hard for these actors and actresses to lay perfectly still during those "dead scenes".
 

Gracias Mauricio

For once, I was really touched by Daniela's death QEPD

Heroin is such a problem in the US that people are carrying around some injection that has been saving lives.

For a gringo, Assmore has a very heavy Mex accent.

Why was Erick mad at Daniela enough to set her up for Assmore?
 

Thank you so much for taking on this one, Mauricio, and doing such a splendid job of it. It was almost unbearable watching it so I can't even imagine how hard it was to recap it.

I agree that Marlene Favela absolutely shone. Her grief was gut-wrenching (literally) and felt genuine.

Arturo's reaction was carefully modulated and consistent with the character. Did you notice the stony look he gave Julia at the wake? Has the death of a 21-year-old changed everything? I suspect so.

The lesser characters turned in lesser performances, of course. But the real false note here was the insistence on punctuating the main drama with those simpering Querétero scenes. Oh well. You can't have it all.

Thanks again, Mauricio, for this and for all your wonderful work here. You are the best!
 

Mauricio: Thank you for your excellent recap. You write so very well. I thought your summary was perfect in that you let the scenes speak for themselves.

Thank you for "[And we know she means it about helping him destroy Arturo in business, since she's sporting that purple lipstick]" and "TOHIM- The Only Hospital In Mexico" - wry observations that were greatly needed.

I also must give credit Marlene Favela who portrayed Nina's reaction to Dani's death as though she actually inhabited Nina's soul. I was so transfixed with her performance - she inhaled her grief and spewed out her pain as though her heart was breaking. And surely it was.

Jorge Salinas is also to be commended for his performance. It appeared to me he may have hung back a bit emotionally in order to let Nina vent, unfettered her heartbreak.

"Arturo sits alone on a sofa, and prays to God thanking him for allowing him to borrow Daniela for 21 years" made me tear up. Yes, we all belong to God and are only on loan here on earth. What a beautiful sentiment.

"Nina tells Eladio that she'll help him destroy Arturo in business once she is sure that their new business is doing well and that her kids interests are secure…Eladio listens and seems to like what he hears" was upsetting. However, I am going to fervently hope that this revenge plan will be scrapped due to the tragedy.

I liked Regina telling Arturo he must be strong for his remaining children.

I still don't believe Erick knew exactly what Ashmore would do to Dani but his sins are too numerous and savage to be forgiven. At least by me.

Franco will surely put two and two together after seeing the sickening Ashmore down his guilt at the bar.

I sensed a bit of anger and/or coldness from Arturo to Julia? Did anyone else?

Perhaps the switching of scenes between Clara and Justino and Dani’s death spiral were meant to convey the inconsequential versus the only thing of consequence.

I’m sure Regina’s hair being down is meant to signal something, but I don’t know what.

I wish this young woman who had so much to live for did not have to die so Regina and David could be together. I wish David had found someone else, anyone else so this tragedy might have been avoided. We (along with NovelaMaven and others) will be holding a vigil at Dani's table...

Thank you Mauricio. This was wonderful.

Diana
 

"Did you notice the stony look he gave Julia at the wake? Has the death of a 21-year-old changed everything? I suspect so".

NovelaMaven, our comments crossed. Yes, I totally agree that there was a shift in the cosmos. Sigh.

Diana
 

Wow Mauricio. Thank you

"[Duh! Or as Eladio would say "obvio".]"

Marlene was incredible. I also think Irina Baeva did a great job as Dani. The last week or so I could feel the self medicated broken girl and an addicts thinly masked desperation to hold on.

Unfortunately Ashmore knew Dani better than anyone, taking advantage of her weakness.

I can never tell if Erick is laughing or crying with that Chimp mug of his. Maybe it's both. He pretends to cry and is amused he's pulling it off.

I'm with Nina but not her reason, I have no idea why Julia showed up. Perhaps its like a bird that flies into your glass door.

Regina was living with David so Jorge should just give her a key and forget the ring.

 

Thank you, Mauricio, for your recap. Though I had seen the episode, I still found myself devouring your Daniela death scene descriptions, which must be to your credit because I already knew what had happened. I'm in total agreement that Marlene Favela stole the show with her excruciating reaction to her daughter's death. I was truly impressed by the way her face gradually lost its makeup during the episode, making her seem that much more human than her usual whispery, costumy self. Marlene has made Nina far more "accessible" lately. When she slapped Arturo initially, I immediately understood her reasoning, which she expressed later (that Arturo had neglected Daniela in favor of pursuing Julia). All I'm saying here is that whether you agree or disagree with her reasoning, Nina's emotions were totally raw and convincing.

Once again, I was amazed at Telelnovela Land's hospital security protocal. Here the morgue has swinging doors that make it available to to any passerby who'd like to take a look at the latest dead people. Not once did any hospital employee show her/his face (that I recall). Also it's apparent that hospital policy demands that "last come, first positioned." Otherwise how did Arturo know that the covered body in front of him was Daniela's? ("Oh, Mr. Montenegro, it's the first body in the third room down on your left. Oh, and please don't mess with those brown bottles of fluids we always leave on the countertop.") I, like you, Mauricio, marveled at how the makeup people deadened Daniela's face, giving it a slightly greenish-gray cast that contrasted sharply with the rosier complexions of people leaniing close to her. I commented to my girlfriend and fellow viewer that Irina Baeva was doing a great job as a dead body. Not easy to bring off, with so much going on around her: bright lights, actors and cameras moving around, her eyes closed.

Moving along, isn't this the second time that no one has immediately called an ambulance during a Daniela drug overdose. Or is it possibly the third? I was yelling at the TV, "Call a f_ _ _ ing ambulance, someone!" So frustrating. Did anyone say, "Todo va a salir bien"?

I'm glad to report that the last couple episodes had characters coming to conclusions WITHOUT overhearing someone. Gaby put together the unused bed and her husband's yesterday-clothes quite nicely. Now how about having him followed by a PI or just following him yourself (in a rented car) after work hours? In the same manner, Arturo put together "Hmm, business deal blows up with Ashmore, Ashmore shows up where Daniela is, and now Daniela's dead." Wish all the characters had developed such abilities earlier.

Finally, I readily admit that I can't stand Erick as a character and am certainly on the Die Erick Die team, So Alejandro Nones must be doing his job adequately. But it seems that the actor just doesn't project required emotions very well in many scenes. I have a feeling that the director tells him, for example, "Show pained embarrassment," and after a take or two, the director says, "Well, that's good enough." It reminds me of that famous Dorothy Parker line, supposedly about Katharine Hepburn: She runs the gamut of human emotion from A to B.

Anyway, thanks again for the recap, Mauricio. After a very long wait, I agree with Kirbo that the MUCH NEEDED ACTION has finally started to arrive. I can only hope that Monday won't be a bunch of hooey about who's everyone arguing over who's responsible for Daniela's death. MORE ACTION/DRAMA/SHOCK please!

Daniel
 

Julia had no business going to Daniela's funeral. She didn't really care for or about Dani and the only concern she had was because of Arturo asking her to.

She could've called Arturo later and comforted David at home. Elation had more reason to be at Dani's funeral than Julia did (Dani's employer, Dani's boyfriend's father, Nina's associate).

And then she was all up in Arturo's face asking how he was and didn't speak to Nina until Nina came up to them. I'm glad Nina told her off. Julia should've come with Eladio, spoken briefly to both Nina & Arturo, hugged David and then left...better yet, don't come at all.

Regina doesn't need to be with anyone right now. She jumped from Joshua to David to Joege without any downtime in between. If she & David got together at this point she'd always wonder if David was with her only because Daniela died.

Marlene Favela rocked the house last night.
 

Thank you Variopinta.

I was also touched by Daniela's death. It was a hard episode to watch.

"Why was Erick mad at Daniela enough to set her up for Assmore?"

I don't think he set her up. He didn't know what would happen. Daniela was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Thank you NovelaMaven for the kind words.

It was a hard episode to watch and to have to recap. During my first viewing, I teared up a little during the grief scenes. The one at the morgue with Nina and Arturo was the hardest one to have to watch and write about.

"Did you notice the stony look he gave Julia at the wake? Has the death of a 21-year-old changed everything? I suspect so."

I noticed that too. I think now he'll realize that he should have made time for his family, instead of working so much, and chasing after Julia. It's sad that a tragic event had to occur for him to realize this.

Diana, thank you for the kind words.

"I also must give credit Marlene Favela who portrayed Nina's reaction to Dani's death as though she actually inhabited Nina's soul. I was so transfixed with her performance - she inhaled her grief and spewed out her pain as though her heart was breaking. And surely it was."

I agree. That's the same way that I felt during her scenes. It was so hard to watch her in so much pain.

I wish this young woman who had so much to live for did not have to die so Regina and David could be together. I wish David had found someone else, anyone else so this tragedy might have been avoided. We (along with NovelaMaven and others) will be holding a vigil at Dani's table...

I feel the same way. I wish the writers would have had her recover from her addiction and move on with her life without David. I'll be there with you, NovelaMaven, and the others, as we hold a vigil for Daniela.
 

Some have been wondering if Daniela had to die so Regina and David could be together. I wonder if, on the contrary, Daniela's death will make it impossible for Regina and David to ever be together...
 

Usually I don't watch telenovelas at night. Too upsetting. Sooo...for some unknown reason I DID watch this and kept thinking Yikes, poor Mauricio! He really got a tough one. But you handled it well my friend. And totally with you on those chirpy scenes at Queretaro being fast forward-worth, or as you so succinctly put it [Ya basta!]

From watching the Ashmore/Daniela scene, I had the impression Ashmore forced Daniela to inhale the cocaine, covering her mouth and gripping her tight until she HAD to inhale (in fact he kept saying 'breathe, breathe" and it was that first high that made her go haywire, escalating in anxiety and fear about David and anger about Erick. It was like watching a rape scene. Dreadful and disgusting. And ultimately fatal.

And yes, the makeup department did a powerful job...with her hair mussed and the greenish pallor. I was horrified but transfixed.

Julia was in a no-win situation. As Arturo's friend, it was her job to go and present her condolences. Plus, as Eladio saw it, she needed to be there for David. But her presence only added to Nina's fury and anguish. This was clearly a time for just the immediate family and whoever was there initially at the hospital.

But a good set-up for more telenovela drama.

I'm as puzzled by some of Erick's expressions as well. Whether the fault of the actor or the director, but difficult to believe he could have been amused last night at the funeral home...yet at one point he appeared to be. Maybe he's supposed to look like a sociopath, incapable of any sort of empathy.

Mauricio...you've had some very tough episodes in the past and you've always handled them well, with a clear, accurate and appropriate account. Thank you, as always, for your hard work.
 

Erick didn't set Dani up with Assmore but Erick also didn't care what Assmore & Dani did, and didn't care about Dani's welfare.

He wanted to keep the fact Assmore was at the restaurant and until Luly & David busted him about it.

Hopefully Agustin will keep his eyes on Erick because there's no way Erick should've been in the same zip code with Assmore, much less the same bar and Arturo & Nina will be too distracted by Dani's death.


 

Thanks, Mauricio. Superb recap of this sad episode.

I couldn’t handle Arturo and Nina’s raw grief so I tuned out a lot. If Justino and Clara’s vacation infomercial spots were suppose to be silly relief, #EpicFail.

Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I’m seeing Arturo and Eladio joining forces to take down Ashmore. Hope he doesn't make it out of the country as he plans. Ashmore looks scared, as if he realizes he went way too far.

Seeing Franco’s selfish reaction to Dani’s death, does Caridad finally see her daughter-in-law would be better off if she told her the truth?

Don’t care one twit about Regina and David getting back together. What can they possibly do to revive interest in their storyline?

I’m having a Margarita at Turtle Boy’s table on the patio. He actually used his head and called for ambulance. He’s a keeper.

My take on Erick is that he thought Ashmore was going to try to woo Dani to be his girl again. He didn't know Ashmore hated Dani and had tried to get her to OD before. But the fact that Erick was quick to blame Luly says it all. And now he's washing down his shame?/sadness? with booze.

Should Julia have come to the funeral home? I can't decide on that, but hugging Arturo without first approaching Nina certainly didn't help.
 

Another thought on Erick. He never took Dani's drug problem seriously. He and Dani use to party together in clubs. He's likely done coke recreationally before too and simply gave no thought that his sister had a real problem with it.
 

I Thank You along with any other human who reads this. WOW. I can't say anything else. I felt sick to my stomach watching this.

I was especially watching the person I plan on murdering, and Erik surely had a faint smirk a couple times in the funeral home. Just as everyone else was not looking he turned his head slightly and nodded down a bit and had a faint smile.

His mannerisms alone will allow me to draw a bead on him with my deer rifle, when I become an imaginary person too.

:-)

kj
 

There is just No Forking Way (NFW) David and Gina will be together now with Dani dead. Right, Right?

"Whew, here light my cigarette, that was something Dave, Honey, Dani, bless your soul, may you Rest In Peace."

I just do not see it happening.
 

Awesome job, Mauricio. Thank you for all your work throughout this whole journey.

I know they were trying to give us some relief from the difficult, grief-stricken scenes, but I felt those corny, yawn-inducing, totally unnecessary honeymoon scenes were soo disrespectful to Daniela, and they felt exactly what they were: the producer giving his newest squeeze her (extremely drawn out) fifteen minutes. Definitely ya basta. I guess the longest irrelevant boda in TN history wasn't enough for her.

And agree with the general consensus - Marlene gave an Oscar-worthy performance; Julia had no business being there; and Chimp Boy's expressions conveyed nothing more than painful constipation. It wasn't the director ... this "actor" (and I use the term loosely) always has these facial expressions when he's trying to be dramatic.
 

Mauricio, such a wondrous job on such a difficult episode. Right amount of pathos and humor.

I had a feeling that an event to cause all characters to either hit rock bottom, show their true colors, or change the course of their lives had to happen in this story. Sad that the death of a 21 year old girl had to be that event.

Arturo's "pardon me" fell totally flat to me. She deserved more than an "I'm sorry" and that look he gave Julia...well I hope what he gives Dani is a future with his other children that he realizes what a mess he made of things. He remained rather clueless until the end even with how Julia fit into his life, at least we started seeing lightbulb moments with Nina.

Speaking of whom, this whole episode gave everyone a chance to do their acting chops (for good or bad), but Marlene was the one who got me the most. Her appearance at the funeral home, for once not caring a fig how she looked was a brilliant touch to show how affected she was. As a mom, I went through a couple Kleenex's watching her.

The next I thought was actually well done was David. I know the screaming seemed much in the ambulance, but being at an accident scene once when a loved one realizes someone is gone and can't be helped, I saw how a scream is all the fear and recognition coming out in one primal moment. But his other scenes of helplessness, almost a sense of shock in his gaze and quiet sorrow were well done. He showed that level of guilt I thought would be realistic.

The morgue...good lord, that's one of the first times I remember seeing a body in a TN really looking dead. It gave so much more credence to the shock of the parents in seeing their daughter for the final time. Filming that must have been hell.

Erick...the actor is horrible. Nothing registered at all with Assmore at the scene...and all he came out with was a look like a kid who's hand got caught in the cookie jar. Someone push him over a high rise balcony please.

Realistically, I want to see a wrap with Julia walking away from both men. next geenerations take over the businesses and both men bow out or blow themselves up, really don't care. Auggie can smooth things over for both young groups. Merge while they area at it. I think they will force a David/Gina pairing as a way to peacefully bring these two families together to stop the feud. Franco and Erick can go wherever. I think Auggie will get the girl....maybe we need a fast forward to show all this. Anything else would be too much too soon?

Daisynjay
 

Remember the momentary second thoughts Erick had after he saw Franco in a beatdown, bloody heap a while back? Erick even started to call an ambulance but of course his self-interest ruled. He's also looked pained/embarrassed when anybody (Arturo, Eladio, Augie, Consuelo) has thrown his murder of Montseratt in his face. If he can have fleeting pangs of guilt about Franco and Montse, I'm sure he's wound in knots about Dani. I vote that what looked like a smirk to some wasn't intended to be a smirk.
 

Such a difficult episode. Kudos Mauricio!!!

You know I was in the Erick didn't intend for Dani and Assmore to meet. But once I saw Assmore signal Erick as he left and his insistence on keeping Luli at the table I have changed my mind. Did Erick mean to cause harm, no, but his reckless stupidity has struck again.

Eladio needs to grab Julia and get out of the funeral. Nina is wrong but her grief is too high, first losing her husband and now fav daughter.

I too thought Art was cold to Julia. Agree tide may have turned.

I couldn't see before how Reg and Dave get together but death does bring to light what is and isn't important. I can see this finally bringing them together. Life too short to play games.
 

NovelaMaven,

"Some have been wondering if Daniela had to die so Regina and David could be together. I wonder if, on the contrary, Daniela's death will make it impossible for Regina and David to ever be together..."

That makes perfect sense. It wouldn't seem right for Regina to get back together with David after Daniela's death. I wouldn't mind if at the end Regina and David go their separate ways- I think that's the path they should both take.

Thank you JudyB. While watching the episode, I knew this would be a hard one to recap. I'm glad that I was able to do a good job with it.

Great observation about Daniela and Ashmore. I admit, that I didn't think that he forced her to inhale the cocaine, but now that you mention it, I do think that, that was what he did. What an awful human being he is.

Anon207,

I also don't think that Erick set Daniela up. I agree that Erick didn't care about Daniela or her issues- that was evident at the bar when Erick wasn't paying any attention to her when she was pouring her heart out to him.

Thank you Niecie in MD,

"If Justino and Clara’s vacation infomercial spots were suppose to be silly relief, #EpicFail."

I agree. The honeymoon scenes were so out of place in this episode. I could have done without them.

"Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I’m seeing Arturo and Eladio joining forces to take down Ashmore. Hope he doesn't make it out of the country as he plans. Ashmore looks scared, as if he realizes he went way too far."

That would be wonderful for them to team up and take Ashmore down. I also hope he isn't able to get out of the country.

Another thought on Erick. He never took Dani's drug problem seriously. He and Dani use to party together in clubs. He's likely done coke recreationally before too and simply gave no thought that his sister had a real problem with it.

I agree.

Thank you Kirbo,

This was a very hard episode to watch.
 

Kudos to you Mauricio for doing such a great job on such a sad episode.

I agree with many/most of the comments so far this morning but not all.

The patio has been clamoring for action and for the story to move along---they got it last night albeit in a very sad way. We all know that David and Regina are meant to be but did Dani have to die because of it? I'm not a writer but as I said yesterday if Dani had been offered the job of a lifetime. Perhaps a supermodel job in Spain that would be just too good to turn down. Dani then goes to Spain and meets
Mr. Wonderful. Ok, it's a thought right?

I agree that Marlene Favela knocked it out of the park last night. The role that she had couldn't have been done any better. I noticed that she put so much into her grieving over the loss of Daniela that she was loosing her right eyelash in one scene.

I also agree that at one point it looked like Arturo had finally come to his senses and realized all of the harm that he selfish actions had done.

Some didn't like the Clara/Justino honeymoon scenes last night. I took them as a welcome relief of happiness in an almost total episode of sadness and sorrow. I didn't FF.

One thing that I didn't appreciate however was the advertisement for the upcoming Yago flashed on the screen in the middle of the moaning in agony over Daniela's tragic death.

Jorge is still fighting to win Regina even during the wake. I noticed that when David got close to Regina at the funeral home, Jorge saw it and quickly moved in.

Carlos from yesterday---You stated that we both are really enjoying this novela. I would add that we both are fond of the color yellow. I think that yellow is a beautiful color whether it be in a Spring pastel, a mid range tone or a somewhat darker, richer golden yellow. All are beautiful looking to me.

I don't think that the next or final PyP is on Monday. I don't think that I heard Lunes. Does anyone know for sure?

must see tv
the gringo


 

The finale has been announced as an epic, three-hour marathon on Thursday.
 

Mauricio,

You handled this tragic and sad episode perfectly with incredible sensitivity and warmth. Extremely well done. Thanks.

The acting in this episode was superior. Of course Nina, Arturo, and certainly Dani shone brightly, but I think everyone else (including Erick) was great.

First about Ashmore... I agree with Judy, while he may not have actually intended to kill her, I believe that he intended to do her severe harm. As he forcibly held the powder to her face he ordered her, "breath!" insuring that a significant amount of cocaine (probably potentially fatal by itself) was introduced. I suspect that it was likely nearly pure (if not indeed pharmaceutical grade).

As for Erick... I agree with Carvivlie and the reasons she stated. I fully believe that Ashmore had prearranged to have Erick lure Dani to the bar. I doubt that it ever occurred to Erick that Ashmore intended her any harm. Erick has always been one of those about whom people say "That boy's not quite right," or "that boy is tetched," and certainly the brain injury with subsequent coma didn't help matters. I think that Erick is playing the part perfectly. He looks perpetually bewildered and confused by the world and people around him and only guesses how he should react in every situation. I think on some level Nina has always known this and hence her overprotective smothering.

The makeup job on the deceased Dani and her expressionless face was startling and extremely disturbing (dare I say dead on ?).

I think that poor Jorge has already realized that his days as Regina's novio are numbered whether or not she and David get back together.

I was a Dani fan from the very beginning but in retrospect I should have realized that she was doomed.

Carlos
 

Thank you Mauricio, for another excellent recap of a tough episode, you do seem to get the tough ones. I did have a laugh with your title because it described this episode to a tee. You always do such a great job describing all the action.

I didn't FF but I do agree that the honeymooners placed in between the horror of a death was just ridiculous.

Gringo, I noticed Nina's eyelashes coming off too which made me chuckle at first but then I realized how much more real it made her grief seem. I applaud Marlene Favela as well, she did an amazing job. I was not at the Dani table but I felt horrible for Art and Nina, to lose a child at just 21 must be awful. Beautiful sentiment from Arturo at the funeral. Great acting all around.

On Thursday's recap I commented that I didn't think Erick set up Assmore and Daniela, but when he forced Luly to sit down, the look on his face really said that it was planned. I agree with Niecie in MD that Erick was just being his idiot self in thinking Assmore meant no harm.

NovelaMaven, you posed a great question as to whether David and Regina can get together after this tragedy. I've believed they will but now I'm not so sure. I think Daniela died so suddenly without being able to forgive, or "give her blessing" that it will make Regina feel guilt and she'll want to stay even further away from David with Dani dead then when she was alive. But since this a TN and they are destined to be together, let's hope a good amount of time passes before Dave and Regina give it a go.

I have to apologize in advance but I couldn't help but giggle when David said Daniela "helped him so much when he was so down" I thought "yea she did". David is in idiot and I still can't stand him for thinking it was ok to hook up with Daniela again. I also laughed when the paramedics ripped Dani's shirt open, it seemed to me that the paddles weren't placed in the right area. And when Regina hugged Dani it looked like a wardrobe malfunction could occur.
Another scene I had to laugh at was when Nina slapped Arturo as soon as the poor guy walks in to the hospital, I don't blame her but that was so intense, the people sitting there got up and ran away!

I wish the final was not on a Thursday, I'm going to have to stay up late cause I wouldn't miss it. Looking forward to reading more comments!
 

That was sad. I was irritated by the Clara and Justino scenes. Why were they important? They're not main characters so why?

I too noticed Arts reaction to Julia-if i took a guess it would be death of his baby girl and she showed up with Eladio.

Mauricio - i said die Erick die slowly.

I feel like Dani had to die - not necessarily for a Reg/Dav reunion but someone had to and between Erick and Franco one will be in jail and the other homeless. I think Franco is too smart to be homeless but Erick is doorknob dumb...just a guess. Death really is too good for them and they need to suffer while Dani needed to be put out her misery
 

That was sad. I was irritated by the Clara and Justino scenes. Why were they important? They're not main characters so why?

I too noticed Arts reaction to Julia-if i took a guess it would be death of his baby girl and she showed up with Eladio.

Mauricio - i said die Erick die slowly.

I feel like Dani had to die - not necessarily for a Reg/Dav reunion but someone had to and between Erick and Franco one will be in jail and the other homeless. I think Franco is too smart to be homeless but Erick is doorknob dumb...just a guess. Death really is too good for them and they need to suffer while Dani needed to be put out her misery
 

Mauricio, thank you so much for an excellent recap! What a tragically sad episode. I actually cried tears watching Dani as she was assaulted by Assmore. Marlene Favela was absolutely mesmerizing in her grief scenes. She had my heart in shreds throughout and I have to give props to Irina Baeva who was fantastic as well. I can't imagine how hard it must have been to just lay there as Michelle cried hysterically over her and then Marlene and Jorge. It may have been difficult to not breathe, but she did a fantastic job and yes, props to the makeup dept also. Stellar!

Did anyone notice after Nina threw up in the sink her right false eyelash was about to fall off? It was just dangling there as she came back to whisper/coo over her lifeless "princessa" *tears*. It was hard for me to not fixate on it. I kept hoping that it wouldn't fall on to Irina/Dani.

Jorge Salinas, was good. I'll give him props. His grief was there, restrained in comparison to Marlene's but understandably so. Nina has already lost so much, she was completely gutted by the loss of her daughter. Arturo came off as shocked and helpless/guilt ridden. I think he would have come off as comical if he'd given more into hysteria. Nina played it like most mother's would be..destroyed at losing one of her babies. Special "Oh hell yes!" to Nina's forward and then backhand slap to Arturo. He had it coming and I wish she would have kept going.

After watching that bar scene a few times, I don't think Erick knew what Assmore had planned. As far as he knew Ass had left. Later when Assmore came out of the bathroom and gave that little wave to him and Luly, I think it was just a more final wave. I don't think Erick has any idea that Assmore was in the bathroom assaulting his sister w/drugs. Erick is guilty of just being a stupid ass older brother who didn't pay more attention to his baby sister and the relationship she had with Assmore. Dani's choice to do drugs, regardless of why she took them was her choice. She also chose the wrong person to do them with and Assmore used that weakness/addiction to destroy her.

Franco's reaction to Dani seemed fitting. Shock for a brief time and then on to business. Franco is all about self preservation and what Franco saw of Dani was that she was just as cunning and manipulative as he is. She was all about doing what was best for Dani and he knows that she she would step on him if she needed to. Cold as it is of him, he should be relieved she's out of the way, she could have been problem. He's keeping it consistent and real.

Assmore really tipped his hand when he admitted to a problem w/Art and needing to get out of town for awhile. He may as well have painted a sign on his forehead that said "I am involved in Dani's OD" Franco is gonna be all over it now, unless Art/Aug get to him first. I would love it if it was Nina who opened the can of whoop ass on him.

Julia and Eladio's appearance later was controversial and I think out of respect for the family, perhaps not the best idea. I understand that they both felt helpless and that because their son was intertwined with Dani, they needed to go in person to give their support/condolences, I just wonder if perhaps they needed to take that pause in life and think about how Regina/Nina might have felt having Julia there. They blame her for Art blowing apart their family understandably so. It was in poor taste for her to go straight to Arturo and just further rubbed salt in the wound for Nina.

Arturo's expression to Julia, whatever it is, he needs to look at himself in the mirror. Julia told him to stay away, he didn't. She told him to get things right with his kids, he didn't. Julia could have been more forceful in rejecting Art but no matter how many times she tried, he didn't listen he didn't hear. He pushed and pursued, even ignoring Aug's advice to pay attention to his family.
 

Knowing Dani, I'd betcha if Dave even looks at Regina there will be a ghost with plastic parts floating around nearby.

Stay away, David, far, far away. Gina has already been half-shelled, no mortal should go there.
 

Delilah63, I just rewatched this episode and I agree with you on the bar scene. Eric's fear of being caught with Assmore at the bar was that his dad would find out about his business deal, had nothing to do with Daniela. I go back to my previous belief that Assmore just got lucky that Dani and Luly showed up and he saw the opportunity to exact revenge. Eric denied seeing Assmore in the hospital because again he was afraid Arturo would find out about his shady dealings.

I also agree with you that Daniela had to be put out of her misery. She was pathetic. I strongly objected to Nina accusing Arturo and Julia at the funeral. First, they're supposed relationship started well after Daniela was already an adult and already partying hard. I think Luly should feel more guilty, she could have followed Dani all the way in to the bathroom and stopped her but instead she hung back to make a phone call. Daniela made her bed. She was selfish, evil, and chose to take drugs. She knew she was a b*tch and that's why she believed no one cared about her. LOL Kirbo, I think Dani would haunt them too. She was adamant to the end that she didn't want Regina and David to get back together.


 

Thanks Again Mauricio, you are a better man than me.
What made Nina and Art's grief so gut wrenching was partly that maybe they got a bigger anvil than they had earned. They have both made selfish mistakes at the expense of their family, but not heinous crimes.

We have all chastised Art for his silly one-uppmanship with Eladio and his singleminded pursuit of Julia. But when he looked up and pleaded God, Forgive me, I truly felt his pain and remorse, knowing his part, percieved or real, in this tragedy.

I think any Mother, if given a glimpse of a possible future, as in A Christmas Carol, would be a better Mother. But Nina did not see the future coming and paid a high price. Too High.

If this is the reward for their, by comparison benign sins, we had better fasten our seatbelts when anvils with an F or an E start falling.

If anyone thinks that Gina will pull a Clara and hook up with a deceased loved one's survivor, think again. To quote Nandicta, "Only in Bizzaro World".
 

Delilah63, your opinion on Franco's reaction to Daniela's death was spot on and very well said. I am very disappointed that Daniela took his secret to the grave, what was the point of her finding out if she never got to say it?
 

Hi Lily, *waving* welcome to the Patio! I had a soft spot for Dani. She was a little rich girl who had been spoiled and coddled way too much by Nina. Truthfully, she was insecure and hid behind all of that exterior shell (hair,makeup, skimpy clothes) because the real her didn't measure up in her mind. She felt she was in Regina's shadow and maybe even Erick's. I think she even felt inferior to Miguel, he was intellectually head and shoulders above everyone in that family and she knew she could never relate on his level, so just knocked him down. She mastered being a party girl and having boys chase her. So sad.

I love Danilo/Franco, he has been an absolute joy to watch and he knows how to strike the right notes with his character. Mileage varies, but I see Franco as a psychopath. He isn't without empathy, it's just that it doesn't rule him. He turns it on, then just like that it's off. It's an emotion that is necessary at times, but not there involuntarily like with most people. He's cold. I don't think he has an attachment to anything, not even Mateo. The baby is just an extension of him and in his mind greatness.

There has been discussion that Nina is a narcissist, but I disagree based on her growth and evolution as a person and mother. The narcissist in my opinion is Franco.
 

Delilah and Lily,

While as I said, I don't believe that Erick realized that Ashmore planned to do harm to Dani, I still firmly think that Ashmore conspired with Erick to lure Dani to the bar. True, when Dani went to the bathroom Lulis lagged back and checked her phone, then Erick engaged her in conversation. Lulis looked up and spotted Ashmore as he came out of the restroom and felt that she should go check on Dani. At that point Erick grabbed her arm purposely (at least it seemed so to me) detaining her. I don't think that he was really interested in where she bought that dress. In addition, Ashmore was watching Dani as she came in, followed her into the bathroom and besides he was prepared with the sack of pills and sack of cocaine. I suppose I could be wrong but it seemed clear to me that Ashmore had pre-planned the whole encounter and took advantage of Erick's stupidity.

Speaking of which has anyone here ever heard of this American way of closing out a business deal by exchanging dollar bills?

Carlos
 

Carlos, I see where you are coming from, but if it's as you assume that Erick/Assmore has the encounter with Dani planned, then why didn't Assmore just stay there and hang while Erick made the call to Luly? Ass said he had to go because he had some business to do. He said an official goodbye. Erick then casually drank and made the call to Luly asking if they were on their way. It would have made sense then for Erick w/Ass still at the table to say "Yeah they are on their way, you should go hang up at the bar until they arrive, I don't want my sister to see us together" It just makes no sense to me that Erick/Ass made a whole production of saying farewell to each other.

Erick fawning over Luly's dress? I've got nothing for you on that one, other than Erick is an idiot, and fawns over anything that is female and breathes. Besides that, Luly's is a beautiful girl. Certainly at the top of anyone else in this TN. As far as I'm concerned she has a lot of game and should have gotten way more attention than she did in this TN. I'd have rather had more screen time with her than that useless unappealing turtle boy Bore-je.
 

I hope that the EMTs collected the bag of powder and the bag of pills and I hope that someone thought to call the police.

Carlos
 

If Assmore is smart, he'd be booking the first plane smoking back to the U.S.

But he's not, he will dilly dally, Arturo & Nina will swear out a denunciation of him and he won't be able to leave Mexico without detection.

Arturo should also be thinking about Assmore telling him he was going to take away what Arturo held most dear to him. If not Arturo, then Agustin who heard the threat.

Consuelo should be telling Miguel and/or Arturo about Erick threatening the baby, or at least secretly recording their conversations.

Sometimes parents favor their weaker children. Dani was more needy and not as book smart as Regina and Erick is clearly unintelligent. Nina favored those two because those two needed her more than Regina. Regina will be ok. Dani was not and Erick will not.

There was really no reason for Julia to be at Daniela's funeral. It wasn't appropriate, it was highly disruptive. Let's put it this way: if David died and Caridad came running in the funeral and was all "Oh Eladio, I'm so sorry for your loss etc" Julia wouldn't be amused either.

Rule of thumb: if you don't like/don't care for the person being funeralized, having interpersonal problems with emir family members and YOU are not related to them in any way, skip the funeral. You can send a card or call on the family later.
 

Delilah,

I see what you are saying and if Ashmore did conspire with Erick you would think that that would have been made clear. But it certainly seems overly coincidental that Ashmore was all set to go and that Erick would have invited Dani to the just bar to apologize and make peace with her (does that sound like something Erick would decide to do?). I was thinking along the lines of Ashmore telling Erick that he wanted to make peace with Dani but needed him to get her there for that. I'll be very disappointed if Erick isn't forced to answer a lot of questions about his meeting with Ashmore regardless of what the truth may be.

Carlos
 

Mauricio, You did a fine job with an impactful episode. Bless you for ff'ing the Clara Justino scenes. Weird editing that makes me wonder if the message from Televisa was 1) people with more modest humble means are happier and more appreciative of their lives and / or 2.) too much emotion cannot be handled by the viewing public.
Totally agree with many comments such as Julia should not have gone to the funeral and greeted Arturo, morgue makeup was spot on, and Nina's grief was touching and a bit of a tearjerker. I did not get the impression that Ashmore was planted by Eric. It appeared to me to be opportunistic on Ashmore's part. Eric was just clueless in providing the opportunity. I believe Dani told Luli Ashmore had been stalking her. Art asked Eric why he didn't get Dani out of the bar when he saw Ashmore but Eric couldn't respond because it didn't occur or really matter to him. He was thinking about being the clever calculating businessman. Eric is DENSE and sadly has no idea.
Daniel and Anon 207 - Totally agree with your comments.
Final lighter comment to the patio peeps - Dr Phil table still open for anyone who wants to experience less permanent anvils in the final capitulos.
 

YIKES

Thank you so much, Mauricio , for taking on the task of recapping this very sad episode. Like Judyb, I immediately thought of you having to take this on.

I do not have much to add to all the insightful conments except that losing a child is an incredibly painful experience , and Marlena certainly gave her all to convey the emotions of a mother going through this experience. I listened , but I could not bear to watch most of the time. It brought to mind my beautiful cousin David 'S funeral. We were both 26 when he died driving drunk. His mother wailed out his name and collapsed during the viewing which was packed with peoplej.

As for Erick, I will repeat myself...dumb is dangerous.

Poor Jorge..he has been nothing but devoted and responsible in his love for Regina. What's so bad about being a good guy?

And those promos for Fiesta America..."Yes, life can be sad sometimes..but let Fiesta America and our pools , tennis courts, and horsies take you away from all that ..."

 

Gosh I just hope the next anvils we can ..umm..enjoy them, as in Erik and Franco.

Can't we?
 

Great work Mauricio. Funerals are often difficult to cover.

I was scratching my head at the honeymoon scenes but it occurred to me that this is the beginning while Daniela's death is an ending. It could have been much worse in that if someone else had produced this series there would have been highly inappropriate comic relief.

Great performances by all the actors although I still wondered whether Nina's messy hair and constant wailing was designed to make this All About Me. Arturo's more restrained grief was totally correct for his character as a captain of industry who has to restrain his emotions to the degree that showing them almost becomes more difficult than not doing so. He did, however, display more grief than a typical US equivalent and there is no question that he is hurting in the worst possible way.

I agree with everyone that Julia and Eladio should not have been there. She should have called Gaby to ask her to bring David home right after the funeral. I also agree about Franco's utter coldness at the news of Daniela's death. He is a sociopath and the discovery of that will kill Eladio and Caridud.

Nobody has mentioned this yet but Augustin, David, and Regina still share the secret about the hotel room. I think they will hurt and feel guilty over this but at this stage saying anything would be turning in the knife, which none of them would want to do. It is clear that telling Nina and Arturo wouldn't have made any difference at the time due to their having no legal right to commit Daniela against her will. It may have made the situation worse if Daniela retaliated by escalating her drug use.

As to Erick's possible role in setting up Daniela, I'm agreeing with Carlos.

Erick knew that Daniela was boinking Assmore and that he was giving her drugs. That alone should have prevented him cooperating with Assmore's plan to see her. Nina knew that Assmore had been giving Daniela drugs; since Erick lives in the mansion I can't imagine Nina not having vented to him about this. I'm trying to remember whether he was present when she slapped Assmore. If he was he needs to be held responsible.

The makeup department should also get credit for aging Nina effectively. She has been looking older in the last week than before. Learning the rest of the truth about her simian son will age her even more.
 

Thank you very much Mauricio!

Delilah: Marlene Favela needs an Oscar for a good performance last night.

Felt very sad for Purple Lips: now we can expect her to finally embrace Miguel (whom she despised since he was 4 years old) & Regina.

Erick needs to DIE: I believe he was smiling at the funeral.

Kirby: Daniela was still an evil person. Let's be honest, Ashmore put her out of her misery because she was adamant about not wanting David & Regina together.

UA: Julia had NO business being at the funeral. I'm shocked that Purple Lips didn't cold-cock her hard.

Eladio sat there watching Purple Lips spewing anger at Julia. David & Gaby sat there too.

Susanlynn: Regina letting her hair down is a telling sign. Jorge will be disappointed in the end because he's nothing but 2nd fiddle.

Mena: Now we can anticipate Arturo kicking Ashmore's butt!
 

Thanks for the wonderful recap Mauricio. As others have mentioned, you handled a really difficult episode very well.

I agree with all those who felt that Marlene Favela knocked it out of the park. Her grief was so real.

While I can be naive, I think the honeymoon scenes were meant to off-set Dani's death. Though not the most appropriate choice, I think that was the intent. As UA noted, in another producers hands, it would have been very bad comic relief.

Also I'm with Carlos and UA regarding Eric. Yes he's stupid but that level of carelessness, though very consistent with the character, is unbelievable. I tio will be very disappointed if Erick isn't finally made to be accountable.

Diana and NovelaMaven, Art may have finally grown a brain but I'll have to see it. Dani's death has subdued him but he seems like he'll be running Julia down again soon. Perhaps, the waning days of the tn may mean he'll own up to what he has done.


 

Karen: Ashmore should've booked a plane ticket back to the United States!
 

I just watched Premios TVyNovelas 2016 and was so happy to see Colunga win for his work on PyP and was even more happy when PyP won best Telenovela! It was awesome that Susana was recognized for her work in Sombra. I know many many not agree with Fabiola winning, but I won't begrudge her, the girl has done some outstanding work in Yo No Creo, and she was also great in De que te quiero as the bratty Bridgette. I actually like that she doesn't feel the need to be over the top with the campiness. I think she's got a great future ahead of her.

I thought everyone looked great, Marlene and Susana were so elegant and beautiful.
 

Erick has so much to be accountable for that the writers of this series couldn't dare let him get away with it. Some of his crimes are not punishable by law, but the ones that are are sufficient for life without parole.

He could end up being the main prag in a nasty cell block if he doesn't decide to hang himself.

 

Lets see, the American Ind1ians used to tie you to an ant hill, right? Or was that just a cartoon? Whatever ! Anyway, the idea being that the ants move you into their mound one antmouthfull at a time. Guaranteed to take For Ev Er, right? The idea being to prolong your agony as long as possible.

I am just trying to dream up a punishment for Erik and stay traditional. Even pushing him out of an airplane ends too soon. Yeah he does have a few minutes to repent, but then Puff. Over.

I don't even hold hope for a long prison term. Our luck Erik would decide that Marco, and Julius, and Rothello, and Anthony, etc, etc are actually cute and he is actually a lucky guy to have so many 'friends'.

I DO like savegery or accidents which sever/disable major body functions but leave the recipient cognizant of his deformities. IE: blind w/ no hands and/or feet comes to mind as a starting point. Rudimentary, but effective.

See, I do not harbor any silly thoughts of rehabilitating Erik. Like when you back out of the garade and right over your phone. Just one look and you know it is GONE. You don't take it to Sprint with "Can you fix this?" They would take your card out of it's mangled chassis and hand you a new phone with a big "YES"..

Just some thoughts. Toodles for now. k
 

Both Arturo & Nina have realized, or are realizing, that Erick is irredeemable. And I would imagine that's a hard thing for any parent to realize. Eladio will realize it with Franco, soon.

I think Erick will be up in prison while MIGUEL ends up the heir to Grupo Montenegro.

I think Franco will end up dying, his hatred is consuming him and he will try to go after various or all members of the Vallado family, and Eladio will end up killing him. Caridad and Marintia need to have massive punishment, too.

Sadly I think Franco & Marintia would've been a good married match if he weren't so consumed with social climbing,
 

Almost no parent is willing to believe that his/her child is irredeemable no matter what s/he has done. Daniela's demise will not make this any easier for either Nina or Arturo.

Eladio will have to face this about Franco and it will be hell for him because he sees himself in Franco, but Caridud will have a harder time of it. She has a fairy tale in her head that he doesn't.

What if:

-- Franco had never found out about his parentage? Would he have been any different? Would he have still married Gabriela?
-- Nina had not raised Erick to have the sense of entitlement he does? This is the 21st century where no child of anyone with this kind of money should expect to inherit everything. Would he have done better in school than we think he did? Would he have actually done work that was good enough?


 

Steve - yes Assmore should buy a ticket but he needs to suffer the consequences of harming Dani.

UA - interesting questions. Per Franco, even if he hadn't found out his parentage, he was still raised by Julia and Eladio. Between their abusive relationship and all that wealth he saw but couldn't get, I don't see him being all that different. If he were not raised around such wealth, he may not have been such a social climber and perhaps not as mean spirited.

If Erick weren't raised as an entitled jerk, expected to perform in school, and not guaranteed an inheritance, he could have been someone completely different. But like Franco, I think he would have to have been removed his household for that to happen.
 

WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! The comments on this novela are the best that I have ever read. PyP really brings it, love, hate, deep character analysis as well as story line analysis. Throw in differences of opinion and what we have is a 5***** blog.

I was going to single out some that I liked and agreed with but there are so many that I'm afraid that I would leave someone out.

I earlier wrote that I thought that the Clara/Justino honeymoon scenes were a welcome relief from all of the weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth but almost no one agreed with me. Then I thought that throughout the novela, no one liked Clara or Justino anyway---uninteresting, useless characters, just filler I often read. I had thought that they were a nice couple and that little Luista was adorable. I also reasoned that it was nice for Consuelo to have such a good friend, someone that wasn't part of the family.
Someone mentioned that while one life had ended, two others were beginning so to speak---I liked that. It was a nice way to put those honeymoon scenes that kept popping up while we were all saddened by Dani's death.

Kirbo---LOL Daniela's ghost keeping Regina away from David.

I'm in agreement with several commentators that there probably will be, has to be, a time jump for Regina and David if they are to get back together.

Carlos---You asked about the dollar exchange at the end of a deal or to seal a deal.
I have never ever heard of that. When I saw it and heard Ashmore say that it was the American way, I said what??? When did this start???

Earlier in the series there was a lot of discussion as to whether Nina was a Villain or wrongly perceived to be one. Fernando Colunga won last night for best villain. I was glad that he won an award because he's been fantastic but then I was thinking how is this guy a villain? Yes he was very mean and a control freak to Julia his wife earlier in the novela but villain? Can someone explain? Well there are three hours left, maybe at some point during those three hours, he'll go off the deep end but???

Thursday is a long wait for
must see tv
the gringo


 

The way I understand it, gringo (albeit having missed something like 90 episodes or so), Eladio was positioned as the villain from the beginning of the series--not a full-blown mustache-twirling slimeball villain like the FEA (Franco, Erick and Ashmore), but a control-freak jerk of a villain to Arturo's flawed but basically good guy. And then somewhere along the way he went into therapy and started getting actual growth while none of the other adult/parental characters did, while Arturo apparently just sort of focused on Julia and then his job and the FEA rose to evil prominence without being hit by a bus/plane/meteor/sinkhole, and here we are.
 

gringo,

Eladio was very abusive mentally to Julia for many years. He also raped her and kept her a virtual prisoner. He was cruel to David and never acknowledged him as his son. I think it is fair to say his behavior and actions were that of a villain.

Many here believe he has been redeemed.

I am not commenting on whether he should or will be forgiven or comparing what he did as opposed to anyone else. I am just trying to answer your question.

Diana
 

Also, I was happy Colunga won last night as well.

I was even happier Susana Gonzales won. She looked absolutely beautiful.

Jorge Salinas was front and center and looked thrilled for his co-stars.

Diana
 

I couldn't rewatch the episode; the first time around was hard enough! Many thanks, Mauricio, for masterfully recapping such a difficult episode! I echo everyone's sentiment about the superb acting and the supremely annoying filler. Could the PyP Gods please take the WTFs and give us back Daniela or Gisela or even Montzorrat? Please, please, pretty please? I'll even throw in Caridud (Cheers for this, Kirbo! You churn out the best nicknames!), the Mouthbreather and Boreje (most suited apodo ever for Turtle Boy, Delilah!) as a bonus!

I can't believe that having that insufferable Chimp Boy under their nose the whole time, the writers chose to kill off Dani! I'm still mad three weeks after seeing the episode! Bloody numpties with zero imagination! How to fix the couple the writers themselves ruined and that virtually nobody gives two flyin' forks about? Let's kill off Dani! Apparently, "we can't be together because you boinked my dead sister!" somehow alleviates the very serious issue of "we can't be together because you boinked my sister!" *rolling my eyes so hard I can see my brain*

Have a great Sunday evening, everyone! :)
 

Mauricio, heartening episode, good recap. Thank you. I was not exspecting this particular death right now. But this Is the end and somebody was gonna kick it. I thought maybe assmore by dani's hand. I did give some thought about maybe her but I was kind of hoping not, but there she goes. The greef scenes were really good I could feel the pain of the parents for the lose of the child. Now I wasn't that crazy about Dani Because She interfeared with David and Regina with reginas help, but they really need to get that male bitch that did this to her because she did not deserve that.

And as for as Eric's grief is concerned they can flush it down the toilet cuz I really don't give a flying fig. As far as his caring goes its as if he held his sister down for that bastard to pour that poison down her throat. He can really die, he's Useless. The death and greef scenes were the best parts of this episode everything else was just filler. Nina blaming juls is not the way to go. I can't blame her for not wanting her son with a adict. Thats every mothers nightmare. Maybe After theres calm nina will realize that. Ok, monday all the feathers will fly.

By the way, it ends monday right, starts at 8:00? Just makin sure. Two hours ? Thanks Mauricio you done good. :-)
 

I think assmore would have went after Dani no matter who she was with. It didn't matter that she was with David because he wanted to get back at arturo for breaking the deal and he wanted hit him where it really would hurt and he did. He killed his daughter and it didn't matter who she would have been with, david or someone else. When arturo threw him out of his office and he saw Dani and he said to himself he's going to come at him with what he loves and he did. He killed his daughter. Coldblooded bastard!! Somebody ought to take him, franco and erick put them in a sack and drop em in a pit of fire ants. Butnaked!!!! Man, I can think of some weird stuff when I vent.
 

Nina: I agree 100%

See some of my charming party favors above that I came up with before I had coffee this morning. (grumpy)

I try not to get banned and I still make you look like an amateur when it comes to unadulterated hate for Erik. And Franco too.

:-)
k

 

David can get the ghost whisperer to come and talk dani down. Go into the light and let the living get on with living their lives. Jorge can get with luly. She seems nice. They'd make the purfect nice couple along with auggy and gaby.
Perfect
Only time laspes can get david and regina back together.
 

Nandicta: Calling Nandicta: OK if you were Dani and pushing up daisies and David and your surviving sister overcame their grief enough to resumeboink...would you haunt her/his ass?

I know I would. They would not just suspect there is maybe a ghost. They would wonder what the H E hockey sticks a ghost is doing in their bed..three's company.

I'd do me a 8 ball of ghostcrack and figure it aint gonna kill me you know? And get to work. You know you don't have to turn all goody two shoes just cause you're dead.

Just saying....


:-)
k
 

We can make objective statements and speculation on anything the characters don't see. After years of Regina hearing "I'm more woman than you will ever be" from both a mother and a younger sister it's not unrealistic to think that Regina would go through the rest of her life wondering how she compares to either and whether David is closing his eyes and thinking of Daniela.

She needs to watch the 1993 Corazon Salvaje.
 

What great comments, everyone! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Thank you tofie,

"I also think Irina Baeva did a great job as Dani. The last week or so I could feel the self medicated broken girl and an addicts thinly masked desperation to hold on."

I agree. This was my first time watching Irina Baeva and I hope to see her in other novelas in the future. She did a great job here!

Thank you Daniel. I'm glad you enjoyed the recap.

"I was truly impressed by the way her face gradually lost its makeup during the episode, making her seem that much more human than her usual whispery, costumy self."

I was impressed by that as well. It made everything seem so much more realistic.

"When she slapped Arturo initially, I immediately understood her reasoning, which she expressed later (that Arturo had neglected Daniela in favor of pursuing Julia).

I felt the same way.

Moving along, isn't this the second time that no one has immediately called an ambulance during a Daniela drug overdose. Or is it possibly the third? I was yelling at the TV, "Call a f_ _ _ ing ambulance, someone!" So frustrating.

It's the second time, I believe. The other time, David and Regina dragged her down to rehab, but that was after they wasted precious time not really doing anything to help her. I always find it so frustrating when no one calls an ambulance immediately and instead cry, scream, etc.

Did anyone say, "Todo va a salir bien"?

I did hear someone say it. It was either Regina or David.

Thank you gringo,

"I'm not a writer but as I said yesterday if Dani had been offered the job of a lifetime. Perhaps a supermodel job in Spain that would be just too good to turn down. Dani then goes to Spain and meets Mr. Wonderful. Ok, it's a thought right?"

It's too bad you aren't part of the writing team, gringo. I like that scenario. It's so sad that Daniela had to be killed off.

"Some didn't like the Clara/Justino honeymoon scenes last night. I took them as a welcome relief of happiness in an almost total episode of sadness and sorrow. I didn't FF."

Good point. I see what you mean. I actually didn't FF either. I always watch every scene, even if it's filler. I just say "FF" when I see that a scene is not worth going that much into detail in the recap.

"Jorge is still fighting to win Regina even during the wake. I noticed that when David got close to Regina at the funeral home, Jorge saw it and quickly moved in."

I noticed that too. Jorge wasn't at his best in that scene.
 

Thank you Daisynjay,

I loved everything about Marlene's performance. Her acting, her appearance, etc. It was perfect. The others were good too, but she was the one who was able to convey the most pain, I thought.

Thank you Carvivlie,

"Eladio needs to grab Julia and get out of the funeral. Nina is wrong but her grief is too high, first losing her husband and now fav daughter."

Yes, I think that is what he should do. It wasn't a good idea for either to attend the funeral.

Thank you Anon 1:26 for the info. I don't think Univision has ever done a 3 hour finale before. I'm so glad that we'll be getting the full finale instead of a condensed version.

Thank you Carlos for the kind words,

I actually missed the "breath" part before, but went back and heard it. I'll add it to recap.

"The makeup job on the deceased Dani and her expressionless face was startling and extremely disturbing (dare I say dead on ?)."

I agree. I have never seen a "dead body" made up like that in a novela before.

Thank you Lily,

"Beautiful sentiment from Arturo at the funeral."

I agree. The scenes at the morgue and then when he was alone at the funeral home were very sad.

Thank you Kendra,

"Mauricio - i said die Erick die slowly."

He certainly deserves it after he accused a deceased Daniela of lying to get attention. What an awful thing to do.

Thank you Delilah63,

"I actually cried tears watching Dani as she was assaulted by Assmore."

That whole scene was so hard to watch. Just awful. I sure hope Assmore gets his anvil soon.

"I would love it if it was Nina who opened the can of whoop ass on him."

Me too!

Thank you Mena,

"I did not get the impression that Ashmore was planted by Eric. It appeared to me to be opportunistic on Ashmore's part. Eric was just clueless in providing the opportunity."

I agree. I also think that Daniela was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Thank you Susanlynn,

"And those promos for Fiesta America..."Yes, life can be sad sometimes..but let Fiesta America and our pools , tennis courts, and horsies take you away from all that ...""

Good one. I wouldn't be surprised if that was what the message was.

Thank you Urban,

This was actually my first time covering a funeral and I'm glad that I was able to do a good job with it.

Thank you Steve,

"Now we can anticipate Arturo kicking Ashmore's butt!"

It does look like that will happen. That is, if Agustín lets him, and doesn't hold him back.
 

Thank you Karen,

"I agree with all those who felt that Marlene Favela knocked it out of the park. Her grief was so real."

I agree. Out of everyone, I felt that Marlene's performance was the most realistic.

Thank you Bill C. for stopping by and helping to answer gringo's question.

Thank you Nandicta,

"I can't believe that having that insufferable Chimp Boy under their nose the whole time, the writers chose to kill off Dani!"

So true. If anyone had to be killed off, it should have been Erick.

Thank you Nina,

The finale is on Thursday (4/28) from 8PM - 11PM Eastern Time. It will run for 3 hours.
 

I've just updated the recap a little to add Assmore telling Daniela to "breath" during the bathroom scene. I've also added that Arturo was rather cold with Julia at the funeral home.
 

My take on Erick- I do think he was affected by Daniela's death, but that the actor wasn't really able to convey that emotion, like the others were.
 

Mauricio, I disagree about Alejandro Nones in your latest comment. He is perfectly capable of crying on camera, but I don't think Erick feels remotely as much for Daniela as we initially thought. My take on this was that he didn't expect her to die here and either hasn't quite taken it in yet or that he is shrugging it off... and blaming someone else, as narcissists almost always do. Since he knew that Assmore supplied drugs he should never have allowed him to meet her and therefore had to have known of the risk when meeting with them back to back.

Also, this is the third series I've seen this actor in and he is typically typecast as irresponsible and selfish.

This is one of the most difficult funeral episodes I have seen. The actors all did well. As for Arturo being cold, I think he was getting numb by then. He was starting to feel guilty when he shouldn't while trying to be strong for his family.

The 3-hour finale is a first as far as I can recall. Whatever happens it will be exhausting. I think this is because there is a retrospective on Friday in the normal time slot and the new series begins on Monday.
 

A big thank you to MAuricio and all our wonderful recappers for all the recaps you provided us with for this telenovela. It has been a wacky, wild, angst filled ride. Who's staying for the next ride?
 

I've been thinking about that look on Erick's face. Mauricio, I agree that he was affected by Dani's death. I think that look was one of a person feeling queasy and trying to hold back vomit. I guess we'll see tonight more of what's going on in Erick's head.
 

I think at the funeral Die Erik Die was thinking how disappointed he was that he didn't get Dani's shares. With that doofus we really need thought bubbles.
 

This is the same smelly turd who unabashadly threatened to kill his own tiny baby who owned NO shares. His ONLY remorse with Dani was 'Timing'. He had not had enough time to get her shares.
D E D

 

I don't think we need to worry about whether Ape Child will get away with this. He has too much to answer for.

If Televisa ever allowed a villain like this to get away with murder, kidnapping, rape, and the various other things he's guilty of I don't think the viewers would ever forgive the network.
 

I don't know Urban. Is it different if its a comedy/drama? In Antes Muerta Que Lichita the villain basically killed his brother, let him die, and he spent a nano second in jail in the finale and then escaped. I was super disappointed with that ending.
 

OMG, I never saw that.

In MCET the villainess got away with several attempted murders and emotional abuse of children. I was livid at the ending, but realized that she got away with these things because most of those crimes never came to the protagonists' awareness.
 

Yeah in MCET I was hoping she would go to jail for something. But since her looks were what she cared about most, after money, I guess she got her anvil. Didn't she eat herself to death? Or that's how I took it.
 

No, she was still alive, fat, and flat broke at the end.
 

Thank you Bill C. and Diana for your answers to my villain question. I understand what you both are saying and agree with your explanations. I don't know, I guess that in my mind when I hear the word or heard the word villain, I was thinking of a low classed person killing, torturing and possibly destroying things. I wasn't thinking of a well respected businessman in an expensive suit. And besides, even though Eladio started the show as a terrible control freak, he has since made great strides to reform. I guess that is why I was surprised when he, Fernando Colunga won the best villain award.

Ok, it's a new day and I have another question or at the least a thought on the subject of Dani and her death--murder? First, two things---I don't in any way like, condone, or support the "evil" gringo. I don't ever want to be like him. Nor do I take drugs, so I know pretty much nothing about them, only what I have read. Dani was on the road to recovery when she was ambushed/attacked and told to breath the white powder--cocaine. I'm sure that she did get some up her nose before she was able to break free from her attacker. I would have to go back and look at that part again but didn't Daniela come out of the ladies room seemingly ok after her ordeal?
Shaken but ok. Then didn't she go back in and take the pills? She put the pills into her mouth, not Ashmore. Yes he gave them to her but she on her own took them. Couldn't Dani have thrown the junk away? I guess that the temptation was to overpowering for her and the result was her demise. So the pusher did kill her indirectly but not directly right? I don't know what the law would say in this case.
Does anyone have some thoughts concerning this?

The on-screen tv guide has Pasion y Poder listed at 9 to 10 tonight. What gives?

Anyway when we get the full three hours on Thursday night, I'm thing that a time jump will be in there somewhere.

the gringo
 

Gringo - Ashmore forced drugs on Dani, pressing a handful of cocaine on her nose. At the least, that's an assault charge. At the worst, attempted murder as it's a deadly substance. The district attorny could also argue that the forced drugs put Dani in a state of mind to go back in the bathroom and take that fatal hit. With his money and influence though, who knows how Ashmore could manipulate the justice system.

My TV listing is showing PyP airing at it's regular time tonight.
 

Hey Gringo,

Though Ashmore didn't force the pills on her, the assault did some serious damage. The drugs she inhaled feed her paranoia about no one caring for her and lead to her taking the pills. So while no one forced those pills down Dani's throat, but I believe if she hadn't been assaulted, she would still be alive. Hence for me, Ashmore is guilty and needs to pay.

Also regarding your earlier post about the writing, ITA w/you. I love viewing tns with our fantastic blog friends but often loath how women seem disposable and men can be redeemed from almost anything (how the male protagonist can rape his wife and be a nice guy while female protagonists aren't given that type of leeway). Whether the writers actually have David and Regina get together, the fact that Dani has died to possibly make that happen is infuriating to me. As you said, she needed therapy b/c honestly David was just a new drug and something to hold over Regina so I doubt she really loved him. Once she was sober, she could land a great job and find a nice guy.

At this point, death is too easy, IMHO, for Franco and Erick. Having to live out the rest of their days in jail, knowing that others know about how awful they were/are is a fitting end for them. Eladio should be alone because as Diana noted, he's done awful things to Julia and David. Yes, he has reformed but similar to other tns with this arc, I think its because its Colunga as Eladio. If Eladio were played by one of Televisa's noted villians, the writers would not give us the impression that the character could be redeemed.
 

gringo,

"...didn't Daniela come out of the ladies room seemingly ok...?
Then didn't she go back in and take the pills?"


Yes and no. She came out of the bathroom very agitated and clearly not OK.
After convincing herself that David was with Regina and wasn't coming to her rescue, she went back into the bathroom, locked the door, and took what looked to me like a single pill. She was found unconscious on the floor when the door was finally unlocked by an employee.

The cocaine that Ashmore forced up her nose certainly played a part. Pills take a bit of time to absorb. We didn't see her ingest anymore cocaine or other pills but she certainly could have.

If that was very pure cocaine the initial dose could have been enough to cause her death and even if not it certainly altered her mental state. I don't think that she would be dead had he simply handed the bags to her or put them in her purse. In any event Ashmore provided the drugs and forced her to inhale cocaine so he is guilty of crimes (at least assault with a deadly weapon and trafficking in illegal drugs) that directly resulted in Dani's death.

The contents of those bags definitely need to be tested to determine their lethal potential.

Carlos
 

Niecie and Karen,

I see that we are thinking similarly about Ashmore's guilt.

Niecie,

"With his money and influence though, who knows how Ashmore could manipulate the justice system."

Yes, but he has the disadvantage of being in a foreign country and will be going up against not just the justice system but up against two wealthy and influential families (don't forget Nina's previous judicial influence) as well.

Carlos
 

Didn't Fabiola Guajardo win one of the major awards from TVyNovelas Awards over the weekend ?
 

Carlos: Daniela also sniffed nearly half of the cocaine too.
 

Steve she won best supporting actress.
 

Gringo,

Daniela, was on road to recovery but she was not recovered an addict of any sort never fully recovers. Dani clearly still had the cravings and was trying to work through them, day by day. In her right frame of mind she could resist, it was a struggle, but she was coping with support and therapy. It was completely cruel what Ashmore did, it's exactly why he forced it on Dani. He assaulted her and forced it back into her system knowing that by doing so, it would break down any mental and physical barrier she had begun to put up. She had that hit and all bets were off, she consumed more and the fatal mistake was that she downed it with the pills. Her heart clearly couldn't take it. It was her heart attack that did her in.

He is completely liable for what happened to her.
 

Niecie in MD---You said that with Ashmore's money and influence he might be able to manipulate the system.---Not a spoiler but I don't think that he will live long enough to get into the justice system. But if he does, Carlos has a good point that with Ashmore being a foreigner, his wealth and influence probably wouldn't be enough to help him

Karen---Good point about female protagonists not given that type of leeway and not able to be redeemed. I think that for the most part today, attitudes are changing.
As for Colunga? Well he's Colunga--what can I say. I think that he's so big that in many cases the writers would write the story in a way that pleases him. I mean that he probably has a lot if influence over the storyline.

Carlos---When I said that Dani seemed to be ok, I meant that she wasn't in need of medical assistance, at least not at that point. Of course se was shaken up from the attack and wouldn't have been 100% because of the cocaine but she didn't seem to be near fainting, shortness of breath or something to that affect.

YES!!! Life prison terms for Erick and Pretty Boy Franco.

the gringo


 

Why didn't Dani bite the shit out of him and run rinse her mouth out? And SCREAM to high heaven. I taught my little girl from early, like 5 years old to fight, bite and scream. Like stop, drop, and roll. You can hear her several blocks away, girl has a set of lungs.

I suppose if Dani had we wouldn't have had our award winning funeral. Oh well.
 

Delilah63---Yes he's liable but I don't think that a full murder charge on him would stick. Yes it's as you said, he broke down her will of resistance but I think that Carlos might be correct with an assault with a deadly weapon but more likely drug trafficking.

Why do we have to wait so looong to Thursday. I might expire from expectation from
now to then. It's not fair! What is Univision doing to us?

must see tv
the gringo
 

Dani's most fatal mistake was that she didn't stay in rehab. She thought she could do it on her own, that combined with the obsessive and paranoid thoughts that unless she was right there to intercede, Regina and David would reconcile. If she had just put her health first, learned to love herself first, she would have been mature enough to realize that she needed to stay in rehab, where trained experts could have helped her with the tools to be stronger in the face of temptation. Instead she set herself loose and in the path of a demon like Assmore who was waiting and ready to pounce. It's a sad tale, but very real.
 

Kirbo---Good one. I was thinking a spiked heal smashing down on Ashmore's foot. But you're right. She probably could have bitten his finger half off. If she couldn't bite his finger, after he released her she could have screamed her head half off.

the gringo
 

Carlos, yes we are on the same page regarding the horrible Ashmore. Thanks for reminding me about Nina's judge but hopefully he won't be necessary.

Delilah63, ITA. I so wish Dani and Nina had made her health the priority. And yes this tale is so very sad and all too real.

Kirbo, thank you for mentioning Dani not screaming. I know I was (kind of) screaming when evil A assaulted her. What happened to her was horrible and she seems so out of sorts, she didn't even say anything when she returned to the table. Glad you taught your daughter to fight back as my parents taught me.
 

gringo,

"Why do we have to wait so looong to Thursday."

Don't despair, we still get an episode each night until Thursday. Enjoy.

Carlos
 

Carlos - It would be nice to see the clout Ashmore is use to wielding be useless against Arturo's and Eladio's power and connections.

Karen and Kirbo - I don't want to go back and check the scene, but in my mind I remember Dani yelling and putting up a good struggle against Ashmore in the bathroom. I was hoping she'd step down hard on his instep with her spike heel shoe. Once she couldn't help but inhale though, it seems embarrassment and paranoia got the best of her because she certainly should've told Luly what just happened and Luly would've called Arturo (since she was seeing Erick was useless).
 

Mr. Gringo said: "Why do we have to wait so looong to Thursday. I might expire from expectation from now to then. It's not fair! What is Univision doing to us?"

I submit that we have a lots of people to kill. These things take time, Son.

 

I said it a few days ago, that Daniela being in residential rehab would at least protect her from Assmore. I don't recall that creepo making any threats directly to her, to Nina, or to Arturo. However, somebody should have thought of this.

The tragic truth is that since her parents had no legal authority over her they could not force her to stay there. She was still young enough to consider herself invincible, which is one of the core issues to deal with in substance abuse.

Somebody said a few days ago that Daniela probably started out with the party drugs and got in deeper later. I tend to agree. There was a point at which she stopped telling Nina everything and that's when she doomed herself.
 

Gringo: RE screaming. In real life people DO scream, sometimes. There used to be this drunk couple down the street and I could hear her with the windows and doors shut all the way down the block. Sometimes he beat her to a pulp, sometimes she beat him. Seemed they were right for each other, and it gave the donut munchers something for their status reports.
 

UA: Translation: Daniela brought this on herself!
 

Delilah: Erick is obviously responsible as well for causing Daniela's death.

I sense that he's going to go after Connie & Miguel once again!
 

Thank you Mauricio. Im Glad they are going to give us Americans the full finale. Usually when we get it , Its all chopped up into one hour and they time lapse the hell out of it giving us I suppose what they think are the most important part but this is good I'm going to enjoy this, this is a first for me. Thank you mauricio fot your great recapping, and all the other recappers that take on the task of retelling us non-spanish speaking people these great stories.

gracias! gracias! gracias!
 

Thank You Mauricio for your recap in this episode...it was done in a very sensitive and caring way...Because of Dani's death we got to see another side of Nina... It was hearbreaking.. it left me in tears.. I love this telenovela!
 

Ooooooh my God i feel sorry for her may her Saul rest in peace

 

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