"Hola!"

by Dr. Booker


Dame Julie Andrews said it best: "Let's start at the very beginning."

It was only three minutes long, but it was historic: the first scene of Pepa and Silvia.

The scene begins as Silvia is preparing to target practice, and Pepa hits six bulleyes in a row. Is this a preview of Pepa being named the "best shot in San Antonio?"

This is a surprise reunion for Silvia. In this brief exchange we find out that the women knew each other when they were "kids" and that there was some kind of incident. Pepa asks for forgiveness and it is clear that Silvia is not holding a grudge.

They have a the funny exchange of kisses (their second in eight years). When they break away from the hug, we see Don Lorenzo and it is obvious that he hates Pepa--again another mystery.

There are three critical moments that happen pretty quickly:

#1 Silvia has both of her hands on Pepa's shoulders and she does not immediately remove them once Don Lorenzo has come into the gallery. Now that we know about the incident (kissing under the table at Sara's communion) we can appreciate the significance of Silvia not being in a rush to remove her hands in front of her father.

#2 As Don Lorenzo is leaving, Silvia looks at Pepa and she does a little eye lift--not a wink or a blink--and she simply gazes at Pepa.

#3 Pepa is at the door, looks back and smiles at Silvia. We haven't seen Silvia this happy in a long time. She has this wonderful turn where she does a little jump for joy. It is slight, but it is there. Trust me, it's there.

Now let's talk about the much discussed beauty of Marian and Laura. In my opinion, we stop breathing when we look at Marian and Laura simply stops traffic. Both amazingly beautiful, but uniquely different.

At the start of this scene, Silvia takes off her glasses and ear protectors and we gasp at how beautiful she is. While Pepa (she's a rebel* and doesn't need protection) looks like Pepa Smurf who just got out of bed. This was not Laura's finest hair day, but the next time that Pepa and Silvia are together (at the family dinner) she looks like the woman we adore.

*(Piper's note: Rebel, kinda like Dr. Piper in her film "Rebel Without A Clue")

Most of this first scene is what we don't know about PepSi and it sure made viewers curious. It gave us promise of wonderful things to come: star gazing, dance lessons, tentative kisses, and the exchange of golden rings on a beautiful sunny day.

Dr.Booker

Silvialogy 3x21 / Part 2

by Dr. Pied Piper 


LHDP 3x21

(If you want to watch the episode without downloading it, the link is at the end of the post)

Lucas and Paco are interrogating a punk kid suspect when Silvia comes in to tell them that they have the wrong guy.

The real killer is a clean-looking kid who has now drugged substitute teacher Mariano. Paco and Lucas realize that their bud is in danger so they run out to the school to save him. Some funky martial arts fight scene in complete episode.

Back at the Pacos' lair, Silvia is leaving Lola's place at the same time Lucas, with a big bag, is leaving his. Of course Silvia asks Lucas what he's doing.

Lucas says that he knows Silvia is only trying to help and that he really can't tell her anything. She asks if he's saying sorry, he says he is, then they hug. Ugh! Silvia, let it go already!

Then Silvia tells Lucas that she's pregnant with Montoya's baby. Lucas is genuinely surprised but has to ask her anyway if this is good news. I guess you never know with Silvia...

Silvia says Claro and that for the first time in her life, she's come to her senses, she feels centered, focused. And that she's always imagined being a mother. Then they hug again.

Despite the divorce, bed-burning incident, and frequent petty fights, you can tell that Lucas and Silvia, deep down inside, do care for each other. And it seems that they are better off as friends anyway, because the love of Silvia's life is still in Sevilla and Lucas has NOTHING - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, on her.

Mariano sees them hugging through the window and who knows what's going on in that mind of his? I guess we'll find out next episode.

Then Lucas proceeds to leave with his big bag and Silvia asks him if he's meeting with Eva Escobar's people. She adds that it is crazy for him to go by himself. He asks her not to worry, that nothing will happen to him, blah blah blah. Not even 10 seconds after Lucas left, Silvia does the 360-degree eye rotation, signifying that she's being sneaky, then decides to follow him.

The meeting place, as in all nefarious meeting places, is in a desolate area under a bridge. Silvia parks her car probably 100 yards from where Lucas is waiting outside his car.

Silvia gets out of the car holding a tiny gun to spy on Lucas. At this point, you probably want to reach through your computer screen to smack her upside down, because I do.

The bad guys arrive in 2 vehicles, then emerge with guns drawn and pointed at Lucas who gives them his bag with the 20 million euros he found in his father's villa. (He just wants to give it to them so they can leave him and his sister alone.) But Chief Bad Guy is upset because Tomas Fernandez stole 130 million euros(!), so they proceed to beat Lucas and shoot tranquilizer up his neck. At this point, Silvia, all by herself and armed with only a tiny gun, jumps out and yells "Stop! Police!" to the 5 burly bad guys, all of whom are armed. Because, you know, they can respond to Silvia in 2 ways: a) they can cower, let Lucas go, and surrender with their tails between their legs, or b) they can shoot her. They choose b.

While Silvia falls to the ground - very gracefully, may I add - the bad guys leave with unconscious Lucas.

As they drive away, Silvia lies on the ground bleeding, alone in the middle of nowhere, with a bullet in her stomach. Did I say she's bleeding? And alone? In the middle of nowhere?

At this point, you are probably thinking what the hell Silvia was thinking. Because no matter how much you love someone, you simply don't go out armed only with a tiny gun and take on 5 big badasses. You call for backup, you follow them to their secret place, then call for more backup, or maybe, you just don't follow your ex but instead go home to your cozy apartment and call someone in Sevilla. But this is LHDP, where rhyme or reason is simply an inconvenience and always to be trifled with.

Watch clip in HD

Piper's commentary: I cannot even begin to say how dumb this plot line is. How could Silvia, who's very concerned about Lucas' on-going involvement with Caso de Uriarte, follow him to this dangerous rendezvous alone? Even a love-sick Silvia wouldn't do something this irrational. Silvia is the voice of reason for Lucas, Silvia lives her life with a parachute according to Montoya, Silvia doesn't like surprises and is most comfortable in the safety of her lab. The Silvia we know would never have done anything this dumb! But I guess the writers liked writing dramatic dying scenes for MA.

Okay, so they needed to get rid of the pregnancy, liberate Silvia from her Lucas fixation, blah blah blah. Was shooting her the only way they could do that? Or maybe MA graduated first in her "Dying 101" class at Drama School and wants to showcase her unique talent. I don't know. What I'm certain of is I couldn't feel much sympathy for Silvia because what she did was really really stupid. But at least Silvia lived (and we were given the Pepa storyline). Probably because no one performed surgery on her with a spoon.

AN AMERICAN IN SPAIN

by Dr. Booker 

To: Television Writers and Producers
From: An American Network Television Executive
Re: Some Basic Guidelines On How Women / Lesbians Can Be Portrayed On Network Television

Women can dance together if they are doing the hokey pokey or if they are 75 there are other people around

Women can touch hands if they are mother and daughter / doctor and patient talking about dry skin

Two women cannot kiss for longer than two seconds and there can be no open mouths unless one of them is in a dentist's chair

Two women cannot be naked in bed unless the world has come to an end

This is the memo that I imagine has been read by people in television industry, because that is what we see on American network television.

Spanish television has broken all the rules. LHDP is not the first show to have positive gay characters and it certainly won't be the last. When I first started watching Hospital Central, because of Maca and Esther, I kept thinking "This is Spain?!" Now, after watching LHDP, I know that this is Spain and I am very impressed. It is absolutely stunning and thrilling to see how one country has recognized gay men and women as viable characters on television.

The producers of LHDP said that they were going to treat Pepa and Silvia as any other couple on the show. That meant that they were going to actually have a story line and air time. And what did we see? We saw two women fall in love. We saw an established popular character question everything she ever thought about herself. We saw Pepa and Silvia kiss, make love, laugh, cry, work together, and yes, we saw them fight.

All over the world, viewers fell in love with Pepa and Silvia as Pepa and Silvia fell deeper in love with each other. It wasn't just Americans who loved their story, but people from Britain, France, China, the Philippines, Canada, The Netherlands and too many nations to mention. We were willing to watch a show in another language and wait for subtitles just because we were mesmerized by this story line and these wonderful actors.

Here is a little parade of scenes that showcase the unspoken love and moments of intimacy between Pepa and Silvia. Rarely have we seen this kind of demonstration of love on American television, and maybe in other countries as well. I am sure that there is a Hollywood search party still looking for scenes like these. These are some brief moments of adoration, trust and forgiveness.

***** in the hangar, Silvia looks at Pepa as they "walk in the park"

***** in the van, Silvia reaches out her hand to Pepa

***** in the hospital, Silvia watches Pepa sleep and then later Pepa turns Silvia to her

***** eyes and hands connecting over a croissant

***** outside the apartment house, on the stairs, Silvia rests her head on Pepa's shoulder

There are too many scenes to discuss in one lecture, and isn't it amazing to know that there are so many to choose from?

These moments were written, directed and acted by a team of professionals in Spain. These are people who believe in Pepa and Silvia and their story. Not only did they write wonderful dialogue, they created quiet moments--which says volumes about their commitment to Pepa and Silvia. I applaud them for going where no one had gone before. And I say a very big thank you to the people of Spain. The viewers of Spain proved that if you respect the intelligence and hearts of your audience, you can tell new stories about love.

There is a lesson in all this, and I wonder if anyone is listening.

Dr. Booker

Silvialogy 3x21 / Part 1

by Dr. Pied Piper 


LHDP 3x21

Back story: It's the evening after the wedding and Don Lorenzo is crashing at Lola's sofa bed. Paco gets in bed and he and Lola have a little nooky. A loud little nooky - that keeps DL awake especially since the whole house seems to be shaking. Needless to say, he is NOT happy. And you can just imagine the Yuck Factor- your daughter having loud, energetic sex with your son-in-law who happens to work for you. Eeewww!

At the Comisaria's briefing room, the whole crew is there and DL is appearing remotely. Montoya first suspends Curtis and Quique for their fuckup about letting Badass into Pove's Bachelor's party. He and Ruth then start giving the 411 on today's case about murders in a local school where the victims are stabbed in a most peculiar pattern with comic artwork drawn on their chest. DL, who is still in Lola's house, gives orders via webcam. At some point, the camera tilts downwards and the crew see that their esteemed Jefe is wearing boxer shorts to go with his suit and tie. Everyone laughs while Silvia is visibly bothered.

After the meeting is over and Montoya has turned off DL's video feed, DL starts talking to Lola about her and Paco's nocturnal activities. Unfortunately, the audio feed is still on, so everyone hears this little exchange (with amusement, of course) about Lola & Paco's sex life.

Silvia is in the lab with Montoya and the Pacos to view the body of the killer's last victim. They look at the drawings on the body and the patterns of the wound and conclude that this is all very strange.

Mariano is designated to infiltrate as a teacher while SAitor are going to be students in Mariano's class. Of course they don't fail us and act like total brats, but whatever.

Later on, Montoya comes to the lab to share something about the case with Silvia. They exchange meaningful smiles and Montoya says that Silvia looks much happier and prettier. He's rewarded when La Pelirroja smiles.

Paco joins them in the lab and Silvia shows them what she found out about the victims' strange drawings and stab wounds. The designs are borrowed from a series of comic books and the dates of previous killings coincided with the dates of past issues. The next issue in the series was dated 21 de Junio 1997, which happens to be that day!

Montoya asks Paco to inform Lucas and Mariano immediately, but he says Lucas is not available because he's in the interrogation room talking to Internal Affairs Eva. Silvia is visibly perturbed by this and Montoya is visibly dismayed at Silvia's reaction.

Silvia runs to the interrogation room and listens to Lucas asking Eva about the case and asking for someone to contact. When he leaves the room, Silvia is waiting for him outside all upset.

Silvia asks him what the fuck he's doing, asking for contacts, etc. Lucas disses his ex-wife's concern, who tells him that he cannot take on these people by himself, that he needs help. Lucas says he doesn't need her advice, blah blah blah.

Silvia, almost in tears, walks out.

End of Part 1

I was going to finish this post last night, but I got drunk. I'll complete this before the long weekend is over.

Silvialogy 3x20

by Dr. Pied Piper 


LHDP 3x20

(If you want to watch the episode without downloading it, the link is at the end of the post)

Rita and Pove's wedding day and the girls are still getting ready. Rita is on the phone texting her heart away and Sara says she's just waiting for her ex-lovers. Silvia is wearing only a robe and her undies. She's holding her dress and thinks she's fat.

Then she thinks her boobs have gotten bigger. Lola can only laugh at her sister's giddiness.

Lucas knocks on the door with Carlota in tow. Lola opens the door and Lucas sees Silvia half naked and is taken aback - not the he hasn't seen this (and more... or less?) before. Silvia, still being silly, invites him to come in for a better view.

He introduces Carlota to everyone and Sara is stumped, thinking that Lucas has a new and younger interest. Actually, Lola and Silvia are kinda surprised too. Lucas asks Rita if he can take Carlota to the wedding.

Mariano comes in looking for Paco and he runs into half-naked Silvia.

Rita asks if Lucas has taken Carlota shopping and what is she going to wear. Sara, in a gesture of "I don't care if you have a younger and prettier new GF because I'm cool", steps in and offers to lend Carlota one of her slutty outfits.

Montage of the girls all dressed up and Pove still handcuffed to Badass guy. The song Lo Quiero Todo de Ti which Pove wrote when he proposed to Rita, is playing in the background.

Back story: Everyone is now at the church, but Pove is nowhere to be found because he's still handcuffed to Badass somewhere near Portugal! So the idiots Curtis and Quique, instead of telling Rita, ask Pove's twin Antonio to "stand in" for his brother while Pove is still missing. They try to stall by hitting the priest on the head rendering him unconscious. Lola takes charge and asks if there's a priest among the congregation.

There's a priest so the wedding goes on as planned. WITHOUT THE GROOM! But this is LHDP, so whatever. The wedding march is the song our girl band Los Cachis was practicing 2 episodes ago - Cada Dia. Rita walks to the altar in Paco's arms. The real groom found a ride back to Madrid but won't make it to the ceremony, so he's phoning it in (literally).

While the bride is approaching the altar accompanied by Los Cachis, furtive glances between current and ex-lovers. (Montoya's date is Ruth)

Watch clip in HD

Piper's Commentary: I don't think I know of any show that has made a mockery of weddings than this one. Its record is really dismal: Rita & Pove, Sara & Lucas, Pepa & Silvia - not one was without blood. Not one! Which leads me to this question: what is it about marriage that the writers abhor so much? Or do they subconsciously associate weddings with disaster? I really thought that they wouldn't go 0-3 with PepSi's, but I guess I was wrong.

Also, were Rita and Pove really married? Were Rita and Antonio?