Caray, Caray!

[and wearing a bracelet!]

Esmeralda cannot quite believe María Luisa’s offer to abdicate the throne in favor of Sara Kalí, the rightful heiress. Still, SK is not surprised – her mother told her of the goodness of the Queen’s family. The Queen knows that it’s important to reassure SK that she had absolutely nothing to do with the Duke of Albatross’ plans or the injustices against SK’s family, but SK already believes her. The Queen reiterates her support for SK’s ascension, warning the ladies that convincing the Royal Council will be a much more difficult task. Sara Kalí is grateful for the Queen’s proposal – but she does not intend to be the Queen of Spain.

Padre Tomás sits with Diego in his room in the hacienda. PT is impactado to think about how Montero and Mangle died, and hope God forgives them. Diego plops down on his bed, less than concerned - they’ll receive the fate they deserve for all the evil they did. Padre Tomás changes the subject to the delicate matter of Alejandro’s discovery of Diego’s alter-identity as Zorro. PT had always been concerned that Alej would find out at some point, and Diego interrupts him to defend himself – there was no way to get out of telling him! PT reassures Diego that it’s fine, and besides, the city of Los Angeles now has a just, fair governor – perhaps this means Zorro’s mission in the city is over. Diego resists, telling PT that they should always be alert and ready. PT agrees, and suggests that they further prepare by inviting Alejandro to be a member of the cofradía [because those guys are clearly soooooo effective at helping root out the injustice in the city]. In fact, this had been a thought of PT’s since the beginning, including a special chair he always intended Alej to someday pose in, excuse me, occupy [apologies to the Alejandro fans – you can get me back by attacking Don Fer ;>].

Gerardo faithfully spoon feeds his master Olmos and relates to him that Montero’s body – or parts of it – have been found. And Mariángel, Olmos wants to know? Everyone believes Mangle was captured by the cannibals, although…Gerardo haltingly tells his boss that some folks also said they spied a frightening-looking woman with a head with one lock of red hair. Olmos is convinced it’s Mangle, but Gerardo doesn’t believe anyone could survive an attack by the Cala Cala. It’s Mangle, asserts Olmos, returned to take him to hell with her. Buahahahahahahaha!

We see an unidentified figure with a pair of bloodied and injured hands take down the bars to a wooden door. Once opened, an equally bloody pair of bare feet gingerly makes its way over the threshold.

Sara Kalí acknowledges that she is the true queen, but for her to accept the throne in this period might foment revolution. SK knows the Queen is a good person, which satisfies her that the country is in good hands. The Queen accepts this, but insists that her relatives accompany her to Spain, where she will return to them their lands and riches, and Esme and SK will take their rightful place at court. Esmeralda expresses her gratitude, but gently refuses the invitation – life gave her a second chance to be with the man she loves and their son. SK, however, will return for a short while. She wishes to ensure the well being of the Gypsy community. Esmeralda can spare her mother for a little while, but she will be waiting anxiously for her return. The Queen promises that the name Mayorga de Aragón will again be loved throughout Spain.

Alejandro now po…ssesses the Governor’s chair, where he reviews some papers. García enters, curious about the Queen’s interview with Esme and SK. Alejandro confirms that the ladies are enjoying a long-delayed family reunion, and García knows how much they deserve it – they’ve all suffered so much. He was personally witness to what a strong woman, mother [and archer, wrestler, keep-away baller] Esmeralda is. Alejandro thanks García for being such an important part of bringing Esme, and happiness, back to the de la Vega family and invites G to enjoy some wine with him. But, back to business! Alejandro wishes to entrust a large responsibility to García, in the form of his new position as Director of [Homeland] Security of the City of Los Angeles. García is impactado, and quite moved; Alej is delighted with his reaction. García composes himself enough to assure Alejandro that he is equal to the task of his new position. They toast.

Esmeralda has just finished enchanting the Queen with the story of how she and Diego fell in love [did it take her 120 hours to tell it, do you think?], which the Queen finds enchanting. Esme and Diego had to overcome so many obstacles to be together! Even despite the forced marriage to Montero, when Dona Carmen offered Esme an annulment, Esme chose to stay with Montero in order to continue working to free her mother from prison. And that Mangle! Raised as a sister with Esme, but then tried to kill her. And now, the Queen continues, Mangle died like Montero…leaving Esme and Diego widowed. Esme takes the opening to suggest to the Queen that she and Diego would love to be able to marry as soon as possible, despite the requisite mourning period. Now that SK and the Queen are headed back to Spain shortly, Esme wants to ensure that both women can be present at the nuptials. The Queen, believing such a love deserves to break the rules, agrees to speak with Padre Tomás about a dispensation.

Diego has come to see his father, who is companionably enjoying his wine with García. Diego takes the opportunity to thank García for all he did for Esme; the only thing G wants in return is to be able to visit Esme and the de la Vegas sometimes. Diego reiterates what Esme had promised, that García is another grandfather to them. It’s time for García to leave and take care of the preparations for the medal ceremony. For whom, Diego wonders? Esme, Sara Kalí, and best of all, Zorro. The Spanish Crown itself will recognize Z as a hero. With another swig of wine, García departs and Alejandro looks at Diego proudly.

OPENING CREDITS

Esme and SK walk through town. Esme still can’t believe the Queen’s offer – or her mother’s refusal. Is SK sure of the decision she made? Absolutely. The only thing SK wants is to be with her daughter and grandson. She’s even had an opportunity to confront her painful past – in the form of a run-in with Fernando Sánchez de Moncada. Esme is immediately worried – what did he say, did he threaten her? [ulcer #1] No, he actually asked SK’s forgiveness, but SK couldn’t bring herself to do it. It does seem he’s changed, and became a monk. Still, thinking about it now, SK believes she may eventually want to free herself of the bitterness she holds.

Almudena waits in María Pía’s cabin when Fernando arrives. The siblings embrace lovingly after a long separation. Almudena has come to speak with Fernando because she’s worried about MP [ulcer #2]. She doesn’t want MP to leave her family and go away so far with Fer. Though Fernando vows not to hurt MP, Dena can’t help but doubt. He’s hurt the woman in the past, and he’s been obsessed with her for so long, how can Almudena believe that he’s truly changed as he says? Fernando protests Almudena’s reasons, but ultimately tells Almudena that she can tell MP anything she wants, she can do anything she wants, but if the situation calls for violence, he won’t hesitate – María Pía is coming with him. Almudena is impactada as MP walks into this tense exchange. Seeing Dena’s teary eyes, MP worries that Alejandro has told her something unfavorable [ulcer #3]. With Fer’s eyes shooting daggers at her, Almudena fibs and tells MP that everyone in the house is very happy for her, but…Fernando decides to leave the women alone and give Dena a pleading look as she tearfully caresses his face. Almudena tells MP that Alejandro is considering MP’s situation with Fer, but he’s worried [ulcer #4]. Why don’t Fer & MP stick around for a few days, until after the wedding? MP doubts that Alejandro will ever give his consent, if he hasn’t yet.

Diego and Alejandro continue their conversation. Although knowing Zorro’s identity brings disadvantages, it also has its benefits, and one of those is acceptance into a secret society of powerful and well-connected men in the cofradía who support and guide Zorro – and Alejandro has earned his right to be a part of it [careful, Alej – these sorts of things usually require a “donation” of some sort]. Alejandro doesn’t feel worthy to accept such an invitation simply because he’s Zorro’s father – but that’s not why, Diego insists. Alejandro has shown that he is devoted to justice. That’s a reason Alej can accept, and he vows to make the city a safe and just place. Diego welcomes his father into the Knights of the Broken Thorn.

Tobias nurses a glass of wine when Agapito arrives at the town cantina. Tobias lives there now, before he makes the final step of leaving the city for good. Tobias orders another glass of whine. Agapito is sorry about confusing T for Z, but it’s too bad he’s not the masked hero. Strange things are still going on in town. Agapito just treated some travelers who thought they saw a strange woman monster…

The figure with the bloody feet limps and heaves its way to a bathtub, and Mariángel flashes back to being attacked by the cannibals. She grunts in pain as the hot water touches her wounds.

The entire de la Vega household gathers to toast the happiness of Diego and Esme. Esme thanks everyone and explains the reasons for the rushed wedding, although Diego jokes that they always wanted to marry quickly, but got interrupted by a couple of pesky obstacles [currently being digested by Southern Californian piranhas and Cala Cala Cannibals – they hope]. Diego and Esme share a kiss.

In front of the Governor’s Palace, a soldier [forgot his name] announces the honorees. Catalina joins the townsfolk listening to the announcement, but when she looks behind her she locks eyes with Tobias. She shakes her head at him tearfully and walks away. Tobias looks down sadly.

Alejandro talks to Diego about “the María Pía Situation.” Alejandro doesn’t want to be involved in her decisions about Fer, despite the fact that society gives them the right [excuse me a moment while I vomit]. Diego feels sure that Fernando wouldn’t have murdered Toypurnia/Regina had he recognized her – but that doesn’t absolve him of the other murders he committed against innocents, and he definitely doesn’t agree with MP and Fer getting married [um, is this really an option?]. If Fernando has truly changed, Diego will believe it, though Diego isn’t interested in speaking to Fernando just yet, and wants to wait at least until the wedding is over. Alejandro promises to support Diego in any decision he makes about Fer.

The man in question is staring into the fires [of hell?], skeptical with MP about Alejandro and Diego’s consent. She urges him to be patient and to expect to speak with the de la Vega men after the wedding. Annoyed, Fer doesn’t understand the hurry for the wedding, especially as no one has found Mangle. MP makes him impactado with a series of hard facts: 1) Judge Quintana annulled the wedding, 2) the wedding was never consummated, and 3) Mangle’s baby was Montero’s.

Mangle’s scarred but less bloody feet and legs carry her into her father’s bedroom or study, where she pulls a pistol from a drawer and packs gunpowder in the barrel.

Esmeralda and Sara Kalí arrive at the medal ceremony [SK receives the gold for Long Distance Spousal Imprisonment, and Esme gets the bronze]. In the crowd, Ana Camila and Renzo, now living as “gadje,” find Azucena and Jonás, who’re overjoyed to see them. The Queen restores SK’s and Esme’s nobility. Gerardo, also in the crowd, reads the banns announcing Esme and Diego’s wedding and figures there won’t be a better to time for him and the pirates to attack the city. Zorro prances to the party on Tornado and receives his own medal of honor of the Knights of the Royal Family, and is named Gentleman of Compassion. The Queen also makes sure to whisper her thanks to him for her life. SK asks Esme where Diego is, and is told that he must surely be somewhere in the crowd, since he’s a big fan of Zorro, like Esme.

In the crowd, Agapito again ponders with Tobias how he ever mistook T for Z. They swap stories about the grotesque ends of Montero and Mangle, and Tobias reckons he should’ve been a writer. With all of the crazy things that happen in this town, years from now people will still read about what happened in Los Angeles, only their books will be magical boxes of light, where the chapters are written every night, or at least just feel that way based on some plot developments and surprising characters, and the citizens who watch the magic boxes will wonder why they can’t seem to stay away…

Mangle’s cloaked figure observes Zorro’s medal ceremony through a spyglass from a room high in the Governor’s Palace.

Gerardo confers with the pirates and Olmos. Gerardo doesn’t understand how DiEsme can be married if no one has found Mangle’s body, but Olmos knows that Angelenos likely believe her dead. Olmos feels in his burned, indestructible bones that Mangle has returned – the woman is the devil.

TWO DAYS LATER…

Dololes supervises the household staff’s preparations for the wedding reception, and Almudena and Sara Kalí gush over the bride Esmeralda. Almudena wishes Esme all the luck in the world, as does SK – Esme overcame everything to be with the man she loves. Almudena assumes SK alone will accompany Esme to the church; after all, she’s her mother. SK insists, however. Almudena is Esmeralda’s mother, and cared for her, and protected her from Fernando. They will BOTH escort Esme to the wedding. Esme believes God has filled this day more than any other with love for her and the three women share a hug.

In Diego’s room, Alejandro and Bernardo attend to the groom, who reflects that he never felt he was meant to fall in love with anyone until he met Esmeralda. Alejandro wants to know what will happen with Zorro – as a single man, Diego could take any risk and face any danger, but he’s about to be married, and has a child. Diego agrees that things have quieted down in Los Angeles since Montero’s demise, and he’s even spoken with Padre T about hanging up the sword and the whip – though maintaining his ideals. Alejandro wonders if Diego’s really sure- he is. The three gents hurry to finish and get to the church

Meanwhile, on the other side of town – Gerardo gives the pirates the last details of the search for the Woman with One Red Hair, which essentially involves assaulting any woman with red hair [be it flame red, auburn, fuchsia, or Clairol #49].

Catalina helps her father prepare for the wedding. The Judge reminds us that he agreed to the annulment because everything indicates that Mangle is dead along with her lover Montero. Catalina remembers what a good…dresser Mangle was, and wonders what happened to all her fine frocks. The Judge thinks Catalina shouldn’t remind anyone of her friendship with Mangle, especially since Cata may already be the subject of conversation because of her separation from Tobias. Catalina concludes that Tobias just may not be the man for her, and the father & daughter head to the wedding. [Did you get the sense that this was the episode in which NOTHING happens at all just so we can be set up for EVERYTHING to happen in the final episode?]

Back in his old house, a servant shows Fernando the bloody footprints leading into the room with the guns. The servant has heard tales of a Woman with One Red Hair frightening folks in the city. Fernando suspects it’s a badly-wounded Mangle, and upon checking the drawer, finding the guns gone, and hearing the church bells, Fer runs out, intent on making it to the church before Mangle does something crazy at DiEsme’s wedding. [ulcer #5]

The [completely anachronistic] wedding march plays as Alejandro leads Esme down the flower petal-strewn aisle. Diego, in a grey/black pinstripe suit, receives Esmeralda as Amor Gitano plays over the smiling faces of the guests [including Agapito with lovely Raquel, the barmaid]. At the very rear of the church, a figure in a thin black cloak wheezes to the back pew. Mangle holds the fabric over most of her face while her eyes seethe:

“Damn you, Esmeralda. Smile. Enjoy this moment…it’s going to be your last…because today you’re gonna die…”

END OF EPISODE
Ulcer Count: 5

Thanks to Marycelis for letting me sub for her, and all the recappers for their wonderful summaries, which made watching - and reading - this novela an amazing experience. It’s been SOOOOO much fun!

Labels: Zorro