Episode 9: "Saldos pendientes"
English subtitles https://youtu.be/HkU7J-Ax7O8
Spanish subtitles https://youtu.be/ei2w-HYaAjc
Noticed on the animated credit titles to PARIENTES A LA FUERZA, two black and white pigs with blue wings? For those who can crochet, FREE "Cu-pig" (cupid pig) pattern could become Chicharron with appropriate color changes. Mini-heart patch might be added to piggie's back https://www.yarnspirations.com/red-heart-flying-hearts-mobile/RHC0234-023194M.html see Valentine day collection below.
https://www.yarnspirations.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-catalog-spinrite/default/dwf7636139/PDF/RHC0334-020509M.pdf
Other FREE pretty patterns for fans of romance include red hearts afghan that looks fun (tho due to current Southern California heatwave--and being very busy with other stuff--won't try it making it myself this year).
https://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/pattern-round-ups/seasonal/valentines-round-up-2022---secondary?pmin=1.00&prefn1=brand&prefv1=Red%20Heart&prefn2=patternSkillTypeString&prefv2=Crochet%7CKnit
Put the stuff above so "spoiler" that follows wouldn't be in preview if anyone wanted to watch video first.
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Episode opens with Juancho walking downstairs past movie posters for George's "Tacos y Tiros" showing guns, setting scene for upcoming events involving pistol play. He will accept blame for danger which in fact was caused by Leticia, who blackmails him by threat to report his family as illegal aliens, and diverts money meant for him.
Aurelio calls Juancho, who cheerfully tells his pal "Ya estoy moviendo todo, todito, cielo, mar y tierra para conseguir esos dolaritos y traerlos para aca". Aurelio makes cryptic remarks that Juancho takes to mean Perrote's men are in Beverly Hills, but phone connection is cut off before either can clarify situation on either side of the (mis)communication.
Lots of crossed or misunderstood messages in this episode: minor, humorous one is when Clio turns down tacos others are eating at restaurant, saying she's fasting. Tenoch misinterprets, says food can be fixed fast. Margarita wonders why; Clio says it's good for the health, but Mama Rosa, coming from place where many don't get enough to eat, doesn't agree. (Similar situation when author of book BREAKING OUT OF BEGINNER'S SPANISH points out, in many countries, "fashionably faded" & worn jeans etc. can be interpreted as poverty, not punk style.)
Carmen comments that convertible sports car Paz drives must not be worth much as it lacks a roof.
When Margarita goes to restaurant to "rescue" her son Pedro ("No te has ido por el camino de mal, verdad?"), Tenoch introduces himself to her by including his middle name "Cuauhtemoc", which is name of Aztec hero (1998 LA MENTIRA twice refers to legend of this historical personage who kept silent about location of treasure, although his feet were burned by Spanish invaders). She says "me cae (fall) la cara de verguensa" for believing gossip maligning Tenoch, which she'd repeated in front of Tenoch, not knowing who he is--and he had jokingly helped add fuel to fire of her fear and outrage. Pedro is horrified to see middle-age pair flirting together, (telling Tenoch privately, "Le anda pedaleando la bicicleta de mi jefa"). But Gina says she thinks they're cute, tells Pedro his mom deserves to be happy.
Photographs of people with eyes hidden are on walls of both Kurt and Tania's offices. Juancho wears pendant of an eye (and some kind of animal--maybe bear, which is depicted on California state flag). Eye reminds me symbol of mysterious organization in books/movie SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, which in turn might refer to sign of Deathly Hallows in Harry Potter (I've long thought might be inspired by warning icon on strong magnets like ones used by some work badges, of line--or exclamation mark--inside a triangle encompassed by circle).
When Clio comes to Tenoch's restaurant looking for Andy and signs autograph, I noticed that although she wears wristwatch on her right hand (people usually wear watch on non-dominant hand), she signs using right hand. I think Leti also wears watch on her right hand, suggesting she's left-handed--which is associated with "sinister" (Latin word for left) behavior, and later noticed that lawyer Camilo Bustillo also seems to write with left hand, unlikely to be just chance. Sherlock Holmes (and Dr who inspired him) noticed small details can mean much.
New character Rick wears ring on middle finger... His character seems inspired by real-life movie and music moguls such as Tommy Mottola and Emilio Estefan who both married Latin music/acting superstars. When Kurt asks if he'd like to see audition tape of Carmen "un diamante en bruto", he responds in English: "Show me".
Mama Rosa tells Clio she looks prettier in person than on screen; Clio wryly quips, "Thanks, I'll fire my makeup artist" (hint that attempts to improve something by artifice can't cover up reality?) Kurt orders Tania to work on damage control for aftermath of Clio's internet escapades. After initially refusing to help (I'm not her nursemaid"), she is frightened when he points out her clients--and her own--careers are in peril because conservative investors have pulled out from George's movie. She commands Clio & Andy attend press conference pretending to be "the royal couple of decency and modesty" in order to promote movie project as "romantica y familiar" suitable for family viewing (in next Ep. Tania calls soberly dressed pair "Barbie & Ken Godinez"--suited middle managers).
"Hotel espectacular" where George takes Carmen for their "escapadita" (romantic getaway) is the InterContinental in downtown Los Angeles--over $300 per night. Like Cruz mansion in Beverly Hills, hotel decor has lots of cold grey, black & white and (to me) is "too large"--reason George's late mother said she left Beverly Hills mansion to live with his brother in East LA. I prefer colorful cozy Jurado home in San Miguel and "magical" restaurant of Tenoch. Pretty orange & purple flower arrangement (matching her skirt) may appeal to her more than posh room.
73 story hotel is tallest west of the Mississippi, and is also both similar to and contrasts with La Parroquia towers in San Miguel de Allende, where Carmen saved George from falling. In hotel with view where "On a clear day, you can (almost) see forever", George tries to save Carmen's family from debt collectors by writing blank check. (George's self-centered ex-wife and twin kids treat him like an ATM--a reason for gold, silver & dollar-green furnishings? He confessed to Carmen he feels it's his fault they're spoiled, but she tells him he worked hard to give them everything.)
My favorite room in Cruz home is George's study--not just all the books I long to browse thru, but because it has lots of live greenery inside and outside large windows which let in natural sunlight. Contrast with artificial neon lights in the twins' bedrooms. Next fave room is the kitchen--but only when Jurados are cooking delicious family meals. I'd like to see floor plan for Cruz home & play set version of shopping plaza where Tenoch's restaurant is like https://www.target.com/p/kidkraft-brooklyn-39-s-loft-wooden-dollhouse-with-25-piece-accessory-set/-/A-82802956#lnk=sametab
Overlook/"mirador" where Tommy takes Lara is stressed as being "highest point in Beverly Hills". Even Lara realizes that her happy tour for Larilovers isn't reality; when he complements her, she tells him he doesn't have to be nice now video is ended (going back down to earth). Tommy first takes her on picnic in park, sitting on very green lawn under tree--even metal of bridge is painted green, which may signal simple, natural setting could serve as bridge of true understanding and a healthy relationship. (May supposedly be Griffith Park, site of Observatory featured in movies REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE--James Dean-like painting is in Cruz family home--and LA LA LAND.)
Tommy then changes his approach, trying to impress her with expensive, "chilly" restaurant (I'd prefer casual, relaxed picnic or Tenoch's unpretentious family restaurant full of savory aromas and food "para chuparse los dedos"--finger-licking good!) On subject of more fun places for dates, Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier is where George took Carmen in Episode 2. In movie THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB, couple goes on date in late, great Acres of Books--I also loved wandering with flashlight in labyrinth of rooms like an Indiana Jones movie.
(Austen fans may enjoy recognizing versions of her heroines in novel THE UNBEARABLE BOOK CLUB FOR UNSINKABLE GIRLS by Julie Schumacher, modern version of city of Bath, England becomes public swimming pool in USA.)
I used to spend a lot of time a five minute walk away from where INTERCONTINENTAL hotel would be built; virtual tour can be seen online at https://www.lapl.org/branches/central-library/docent-tours-central-library )
Locations in Los Angeles reminded me of Wizarding world (long before theme park was built): imposing hill-top "castle" built of warm colored stone, the Getty Center Museum, where I poured over jewel-like illuminated medieval manuscripts; down-town LA subway (below sky-scrapers) was as fast and jerky as underground bank vault carts of Gringotts. Central branch of LA Library dates in part from 1926--year Newt Scamander visits New York City; some of its striking interiors evoke both Magical Ministry offices hidden in NYC & Paris. Downtown LA also has 1930's architectural gem, Union Station, site of 2021 Academy Award (Oscars) ceremony.
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When George and Carmen enter the huge hotel suite, she exclaims, "No manches, es en serio? Esta enorme! George: Ven, quiero que veas la vista...Carmen: Nunca habia estado tan arriba en un edificio. No manches, se siente la panza aqui. George laughs at her amazement, then notices her becoming sad: "Que pasa, nena? Te veo triste. Carmen: Pues yo aqui, toda feliz por la vista y lugar todo bien maravillosa y mi familia pasando mal. George: Mi amor, tu te mereces esta vida. (says in English) I've got an idea (does she mistake his English for "agarra" (grab?) or "aguacate"? Refer to book BREAKING OUT OF BEGINNER'S SPANISH).
Seeing him take out his checkbook and write, Carmen catches on, and shakes her head. George offers to pay her uncle's gambling debts: "Es un cheque en blanco. Pon la cantidad que necesites para pagar la deuda de Juancho. No me importa. Salgamos de las problemas de tu familia ya.
Carmen: Obvio que eso me salvaria la vida porque lo necesito, pero no me siento comoda si lo acepto. Hay algo aqui (puts her hand near heart) que no me deja. Me entiendes?"
George tenderly tries to explain: "Entiendeme algo, nena. Nada de lo que yo tengo valdria la pena si no podiera compartirlo contigo. (She smiles a little.) Tu y yo somos dos perros con pulgas. Asi me dijiste, verdad? (they laugh) Carmen: "O sea, ya vas a ser un gringo con un toque de pueblo?
George smiles: Umhm (he looks into her eyes seriously) Yo te amo. A mi lo unico que me importa es tu felicidad."
("Their song" plays in background "No me cansaria estar en tu esquina, de ser tu garida y remanso de paz, ser tu mejor quia, calor que te abriga, para siempre--tuya para siempre") Playful lovers laugh together (not looking at spectacular city view out window). George: Eres lo mas hermoso que he visto en mi vida. Eres perfecta para mi.
Carmen: Y tu eres perfecto para mi".
Noisy kisses on her shoulder may deliberately underline how real life is not as elegant as "reel life" of similar scene with fake kisses in Singin ' In the Rain "silent movie" within a movie; when re-shot in first attempt made with "sound track" on wax disk, smacking kisses are noticeable, actors and crew not yet having realized how sensitive recording equipment is. In this classic film about making films, wonder if director's repeated order "Roll 'em" to cameraman may be partly inspiration for visual & verbal references to wheels in PARIENTES A LA FUERZA.
Am also wondering about reason for Mexican slang term "fresa" (literally strawberry) used for a sheltered, wealthy person (usually a pampered girl). Is it reference to fact that fruit is more delicate than, say a thick-skinned orange? Or might it be visual likeness to reddened fair sunburned skin and freckles? In 1998 LA MENTIRA, bare chested Demetrio suddenly looks very tanned after wedding night spent close to brilliant sun of Veronica. In similar scenes in PALF, George doesn't seem to have body makeup to cover up his freckled skin. In novel THE PRICE OF PARADISE (Spanish title EL ENCANTO) by Susana Lopez Rubio (set in pre-Castro luxury department store in Havana), moles (lunares) and freckles of female protagonist interested in astronomy are likened to stars and constellations she studies.
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When unarmed Juancho bravely faces pistols of debt collectors, Leti's face beams with happy relief that says "my hero!" But her look suddenly changes to bafflement when he tells them "I'm the one you're looking for". When men mistake her for his "mujercita" (wife/ex-wife, that is, that Juancho is ex-husband she mentioned, whose home they are in which doesn't belong to her), she repudiates this strongly: "Ni muerta!"--famous last words?
After initially refusing blank check (literally white), Carmen is forced to accept when Yuli frantically phones her that armed men are demanding money. Note her reflection in bathroom mirror while she's telling/not telling whole truth.
Carmen tells George "la verdad" (partly) that someone's come for payment, which she will take, making him promise to stay at hotel without revealing it's to keep him out of harm's way, quoting saying "dando y dando, pajaro volando" (an exchange made simultaneously), and she will be back soon, suggesting he relax in tub while she's gone. "Dando y dando" is also name of pawn shop in shopping center by restaurant.(Another bird expression is when Mama Rosa says "Ay Maguita, te parece que no conoces a Pedro. Se sabe cuidar muy bien el solito. No necesita de una mama galina". (mother hen) BTW, Margarita is Spanish word for "daisy", name like Mama Rosa from a flower. Meaning of Carmen is may be "garden".
Others might find this site helpful (tho it seems mostly stuff I knew already, tho not part about bird/2 wings in expression) https://spanishskulduggery.tumblr.com/post/74583415607/idiomatic-expressions-with-dar-darse
I love scene where bewildered George expresses his puzzlement and pleads with Carmen wordlessly, using body language, facial expressions--so amusing and adorable!
Poor things, having their amorous "momento bien maravioso" interrupted by phone calls. Tania guilts George into coming to help Andy out of tight spot. He tells her he almost didn't answer phone, as he's taking "un break creativo...Estamos tomando un descanso--a proposito, muy merecido" (after tense family negotiations of previous day). She snipes (sour grapes envy, guessing what happy couple are doing) "A mi me importa un camote* que tu y tu noviecita estan jugando a la luna de miel. Despues les pago un hotel de cinco estrellas para que se cumplan todas sus fantasias".
*Vague memory of footnote (perhaps to Shakespeare play) for origin of expression "don't give a fig" lead to thread including citation from Oxford English Dictionary (I remember when libraries had separate book case for many- volume set bound in "Oxford Blue"--by the way, gray tweed jackets George has worn were likely chosen by Leti to make him look like a distinguished professor, rather than a less "intellectual" Hollywood hack in comfortable athleisure wear of sweat pants, t-shirts, hoodie and tennis shoes or canvas slip-ons he may prefer). https://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/47/messages/499.html
BREAKING OUT OF BEGINNER'S SPANISH cites phrase "me importa (minor foodstuff of your choice)". But came across definition of "camote" as slang for something that's not a sweet potato or Freudian "just a cigar".
I hope Paz & Tommy Cruz (among others) in "Alta sociedad" (high society--or as my abuela used to say "alta SUCIEDAD", sordid/dirtiness) discover they are NOT the peak of perfection. Paralyzed Robert (who had previously laughed when his rich father died) is already learning who are the people of true worth because of their kind, loving hearts. After re-birth, he's growing like baby in new family, spoon fed, learning to communicate, etc.**
Robert also reminds me of a character in movie THE WIZARD OF OZ. Watch it again, and see if you can guess which one--and why--film may evoke for me. Not so obvious perhaps are several others, and the qualities they need and seek.
**By the way, another crochet pattern that fits PALF themes is "Rainbow ripple" baby blanket by Celeste Young (looks like wall art in Tenoch's restaurant) FREE pattern on www.ravelry.com which includes version in Spanish.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rainbow-ripple-baby-blanket
In his very influential book, Writing Screenplays that Sell (and lectures available as audio e-books from public libraries), screenwriting guru Michael Hauge states that audiences watch movies "to experience emotion....All filmmakers, therefore, have a single goal: to elicit emotion in an audience".
Leticia knows that to achieve her aims, she needs to sway her "audience". In Ep. 8, she assures her dubious kids that Carmen will decide in their favor, as she is obviously "sentimental" (tapping place where her own heart would be--if she had one). In Ep. 9, Leti puts on pitch perfect performance, reaching loving young woman where she lives, by mirroring what is most important to Carmen: "Lo que tu familia me ha ensenado es que lo mas importante es estar unidos, juntos, y hoy estamos sanos y estamos a salvo". Carmen: "Si, gracias a George y a un milagro".
Earlier, Leti gave another glib speech that may come back and bite her (or she may--"sadder and wiser"--come to see the worth of true repentance and forgiveness): "Me pones en tus zapatos y creo que tienes toda la razon en poner te asi en enojarte. Lo que hizo tu tio Juancho a mi parece que estuvo muy mal. Pero tambien creo que somos humanos y tenemos derecho a equivocarnos y recomponer y pedir perdon".
For complete capitulos go to www.Telemundo.com All entire episodes of PARIENTES A LA FUERZA (so far) can be seen On Demand with www.NBC.com app.
