Caray, Caray!

I am already into Pasión withdrawals and Fernando withdrawals but on with the finale -

As I watched the introduction one last time I appreciated the intriguing combination of present, past, future, and fantasy then they added a big dollop of TEASE for us to puzzle over every night throughout the telenovela's run. The Estrada crew must have had so much fun putting this together.

The replay scenes: The archbishop, Gaspar is arguing with Col. Jose Maria that the loss of one more working man in this cellar inside a cave (SanFer is certainly the pits) is injust. JM sticks to the LAW is very clear, but Gaspar chides him to think that the laws are made by men to suit men, what of the higher law which includes piety and compassion. He finds Sebastian a good man and how should they give credence to the vengeful act of LaFont to condemn him. Why should an innocent, perhaps weak, man suffer for the rest of his life. JM resists letting an additional man go free. Gaspar advises him that the wise learn to correct themselves and he leaves.

Once more we see the executioner arrive and swing his axe like a champion batter loosening up at the world series. The unrepentant LaFont curses his daughter and her progeny for seven generations, Ascanio and Nanny comfort her but the great battle axe comes down on the grossest villain known to telenovela land. Great filming with desperate music to accompany the only undeserved lament coming from Manuela. Gruesome but a satisfying finish for this reprobate who did so much damage right up to the end of his days with a head still attached.

Ursula worries that they have lost everything. Sofia corrects that to they have only the dowry she came into the marriage with. She adds that when the new lord of San Fernando arrives they will have to leave the palace. Ever cheerful, Fortunata adds that they will be cozier in a smaller house. Ursula gives her a withering look but Sofia just looks sad. Knocking, the majordomo informs Sofia that Santiago has escaped the prison, he simply disappeared.

One probable causer, make that Ricardo, is bidding the archbishop goodbye in his carriage. Gaspar tells him to behave himself and to get married like God commands. He asks to be advised in time so he can celebrate the betrothal mass. They chuckle good naturedly, Ricardo assures him this will come to pass, while Mario says his goodbyes and thanks his brother telling him that without him this outcome would not have been possible. Jose Maria grins that this is the first time he has organized the escape of an accused man. But who can resist the arguments of the monsenior. He tells Mario to get his life straightened out too. JM mounts his horse, leaves his Criollo Captain in charge at SanFer and off they go. The eager faced Captain asks Ric and Mario if they think Lady Ursula would welcome a visit??? The boys giggle good naturedly, for sure.

Ines is delivering the message that Ofelia has left town early that morning to follow Santiago and she has left the baby Ana Maria in Camila's care since that was Rita's deathbed wish and Santiago's too. She asked you to raise her. Camila is glad to agree with all her love. The Jemena, Ines and Camila all laugh and hug. What happened with Santiago? Was he released, did he escape?? We don't know for sure but it was with a lot of help from Ricardo. Oh Ricardo, of course adds Camila with joy and tears. Ines says, I'll go get Ana Maria.

Camila bursts into Ricardo's room to thank him for what he did for Santiago. Ric demurs that it was justice done. He and Santiago may have fought and struggled for what they wanted but he never bore him resentment. Expressing their mutual love, there is very sweet kissing. You have a new daughter. Who? Ana Maria! How wonderful, welcome to her.

Jimena prepares her bed later that night, she responds to the knock on the door to find an agitated Mario on the other side of it. Is something going on? Well, not anyone else, but yes with me.... She cocks her head knowingly, now you have repented? No, so many people here we haven't had time to talk but if it's too late, I will go. (not so fast buddy) She invites him in, puts on her robe to assume a bit more modesty and he stammers out his love words, he loves her manner of being, her character, her... and he's not poor they can buy lands, start business... his stammering is so endearing. She jumps to guess that, But you're married? No, he steps forward, I was married to a woman who I loved greatly but she deceived me, and I killed them both. For this I had to escape and I joined with pirates. I was very young, Jimena, I couldn't control myself and I couldn't stand it. I resolved never to commit my self seriously to another woman, but you Jimena... She hesitates then tells him he doesn't know what her life has been like. But, I know you are a woman that is valiant, honest and loyal. And you?, she returns, as they sit on the edge of the bed. Will you be valiant, honest and loyal with me?? I swear to you, my love, I swear to you. And we are going to marry?, she presses on. He answers fervently, in front of God, in front of the whole world. And you're never going to abandon me? No never, never, never. I swear it. They start to rip off clothes as we are the lucky voyeurs to the hottest, most joyous love scene. Alas too short....(Our viewing time, that is.)

Sofia is entering the eBasement with the majordomo. They open a door, she tells him to open the large trunk. A treasure, Doña Sofia! But it isn't ours. Bring it up to my husband's office and later go to look for Ricardo.

A now constantly smiling Ricardo, sitting in the outdoor cafe is asking Josie-Jay if he is returning to Japan now? And you are not staying for my wedding? Unfortunately, no, I have a boat to catch but I wish you both the best and I am happy you have recovered your son. Just then Sofia's majordomo advances to announce that Sofia wants to see him. He stands and gives that great pirate farewell, arms crossing to opposite shoulders. They wish each other luck and good fortune. See you soon.

Next we find Ricardo viewing the big trunk full of jewels in Jorge's office Sofia says I suppose this is yours? He fingers a truly large green gem and admits it is. He figures that her husband and LaFont divided up the treasure because he saw Lisabeta with the necklace that he recognized. Sofia generously says, carry it away. He says it is better if he leaves it for her to divide among her poor. She says, but it belongs to you. Not any more he avers. I want to give it to you for your sorrow of losing your husband. She graciously says thanks. He tells her she is a great woman, noble and generous and it would be an honor for him if she would attend his wedding to Camila. With great pleasure, when will it be? Within one month. He kisses her hand gallantly.

And what grand finale can avoid a grand wedding? Certainly not this one. The next scene a month later shows Camila descending from a flower laden open carriage in a honey and crimson gown so beautifully complementing her hair. She walks the short distance to Ricardo with triumphant and joyful waves to the adoring crowd. She joins Ricardo in front of the church. The archbishop conducts the ceremony. The smiles and the radiant bride and groom and the grinning children, friends and family are touching. They conclude by going into the church for a mass.

Ahhhh, the wedding boudoir dripping with white flowers and candles. He is the happiest man in the world. She tells him she never expected from that day when she arrived captive on La Mariana and the first time she saw him and the pirate that looked at her with so much persistence would become the love of her life. He agrees that he maybe he didn't think it would happen but she moved many things in him and now they are to be together for life, for destiny and for God. You are my wife and I love you, I love you. Unfolds the hottest most passionate love scene between these beautiful people. What sweet dreams they created for all...
************

Ursula is draping herself in the doorway when the majordomo tells her she has visitor. She says sulkily, if it's Captain Enrique, tell him I'm not here. No, it is someone else who came to call on your father, he calls himself John Foreman. Ursula nearly knocks over this gentle giant of a servant in her rush to primp and spray herself with enticing scents. Love the way she dotted each breast. She stops the run down the stairs in time to see John smiling up at her. She tells him if he came to see her father, he died months ago. John responds with condolences, but adds that he came to search for her. For me she says coyly, why? Didn't you tell me that you would love to travel see other lands and live adventures with me? There is a momentary blur of blondness melting together but we shift to Sofia's hands taking the fateful birthday necklace from the birthday jewelry box then see her sad fond smile. Ursula bursts in with teenage exuberance, John Foreman has come for ME!! Mother, I think he is the man of my life. Don't oppose it. Remember that Father gave me the liberty to choose my own husband. Sofia hears Jorge's voice saying those exact words. Yes, Sofia agrees. And Tita?, asks Fortunata. Ursula cries, she has never been a good mother, you know that better than I, Mother. Tita would be better off staying with you two. I am going to ask her if she wants to come with me but if she prefers to stay with you, could she? Sofia, cries, yes, it would give them something to live for. Thus the third great love scene of the night progresses as mother and daughter hug in tears and Fortunata looks lovingly on nearby.

Downstairs John waits. The three ladies come down. Sofia starts right off, so you want to carry my daughter away. John tells Sofia that he knows she doesn't have a very good opinion of him but now he has retired from the life that he had. Pragmatic as always, Sofia says let's sit and discuss this. You are not a very recommendable son-in-law, she challenges. Yes, but I have money, I own my ships and a rich sugar plantation. Ursula is the only woman I know that will never bore me. Sofia advises, Ursula is not an easy woman. He takes hold of Ursula's hand and says he has always liked challenges and that is precisely what has always attracted him to her. Impatiently, Ursula, please Mother, what am I going to do here in this village? Let me go to live my life. It's what I want. Are you sure? Yes, I am sure. Fortunata is still beaming smiles, a loving aura floods the room.

Babies and nannies are strewn about the lawn in a happy array of gentle chaos as Camila and Jimena chat and eat fruit in the sunshine. Jimena asks, does Conchita still think she is Pedro's mother? No. She loves him so much but she loves the others too. And does your husband know what has become of his cousin and auntie? NO and I don't think he wants to. It was their fault that we almost lost our son. Jimena says if it had been up to her, they would have been cast into jail. Camila laughs and says God will judge them.

The next scene only shares the bright sunshine. The doll in tatters is pulled by a string by the disheveled Fran with a broken umbrella, streaming filthy hair with no trace of the prim roll we have come to expect. She looks like she just stepped out of a Fellini movie. Madness flares from her red eyes, her parched lips repeat a forlorn Lisabeta, Lisabeta. She approaches a small family of country folk with a burro and wagon. She asks them if they haven't seen her niece, a woman very pretty, she is blind. Have you seen her. No Lady, the woman says. The man repeats we are sorry but we haven't seen her. The woman kindly offers her a taco from their little cooking area in the dust. Fran can just muster a look of absolute disdain but she grabs the taco and turns so they cannot see her cram it ravenously into her mouth. She trails off stumbling and still calling Lisabeta, Lisabeta.
******************
Tita runs into the room ahead of Ursula followed by Sofia and Fortunata. Ursula gets on her knees to ask if she saw the gentleman that came to see her. Tita says, yes she saw him pacing on the patio. Ursula pushes on, I am going with him very far from San Fernando because I believe he is the person that can make me truly happy. That is to say, I don't want to influence what you say but I want you to do what you feel. Do you prefer to come away with me or do you prefer to stay here with your grandmother and your aunt Fortunata? The wise little child says, I want to stay here. Ursula grasps Tita in a hug and says, it's fine, it's fine. So it will be. This is a world that is very unjust to women. Even though men can live in whatever way pleases them, women must fulfill the man's desires and serve them. But I want you to know, it is important that you always fight for what you want. My love, I know that now you don't understand what I am saying to you but one day I know you will. I am going to write you long letters and speak to you of many things. When you want to come to me, the doors of my house will always be open to you. I will understand you, and support you. They cry and Sofia comes forward to add that all that all these words apply to her and Ursula too. They all cry and hug.

Now the misfortune and hand of destiny that should have tasted so sweet is snatched from us as the tragic figure of Lisabeta crawls barefoot, still in her fancy light green grown now grimy, dried blood streaked across her face crawls in blind helplessness in the desert. She calls out pathetically over and over for Tia, Tia...

Camila is packing the babies' clothes as Ines comes into the bedroom carrying a letter from her mother Ofelia. She asks Camila to read it calmly. Ines quickly leaves. Camila unwraps the letter which contains the green scarf all clean and neatly folded. The letter read to us in Ofelia's voice says Dear Camila, I know this letter won't be a surprise to you because Ines will have brought it to you. Santiago has left the penal colony in San Benito largely thanks to Ricardo's efforts and by the kindness of Gaspar. Santiago is in a congregation near Santiago de Compostela. I live in a village very near but I can visit him every day. We see Santiago in monks' habit in a beautiful monastic setting in the Gallician countryside. He has devoted himself to the care of the vegetable garden. He likes it a lot. I pray and believe that truly it has always been his desire and his destiny to serve God. He loves to attend to the people, talk with them and teach the word of God. Now he is a novice but in a little time he will be consecrated. I feel that he is happy. Back to Camila and the letter in hand she takes up the scarf and wistfully remembers the innocent love she felt as she put that green scarf around Santiago's neck so very long ago. She folds the scarf with care as if to gently but forever put away that chapter of her life.

Camila is sleeping beauty as Ricardo comes in and takes off his sword and coat, washes in the basin while she wakes up to greet him with laughter and kisses. You have returned. Guess what? I have bought us a plantation with a beautiful house for you and for our children, like we have dreamed of. Do you regret leaving your town and your family. NO. She giggles then tells him she is pregnant. He is happy as he says well, we augment the family. They tumble happily into another love scene.

The impressive looking carriage arrives with a splendid retinue lead by standard bearers. Ohhh, could it be? Who is this solemn young man sitting in the carriage leaning forward with uneasy anticipation? Quick switch to our favorite majordomo bringing in the news that the new Lord of San Fernando has arrived. The ladies come nervously down the stairs. Sofia observes that he is just a boy as Fortunata says he is the young man who killed Don Alvaro Fernandez de la Cueva. Just then they are addressed by our favorite young galan who gallantly introduces himself as Claudio Fernadez de la Cueva. Once more majordomo approaches to announce that Ascanio Gonzales has come from the administrative palace to see her urgently. Sofia says to explain to him that I can't receive him at this moment. Claudio speaks up and says please tell him he can come in. Ascanio comes in and rushes to embrace Claudio. Claudio explains that he was jailed for his crime but he appealed to the king and was not only freed but given a position of honor and the dominion of Salvatierra was returned to him as well as adding San Fernando. The ever gracious Sofia takes the staff of San Fernando and says we knew a new Lord would be coming. It makes me happy that at least you are someone who knows this village and its people. She hands him the staff. She adds and don't worry about us. I have another property and we can move there today and leave you the palace. No, I am not throwing you out. On the contrary what will I do with this huge palace all alone? Fortunata, asks, do you want us to stay? Well, I have no one. I have lost my mother and brother there is no other family. And I don't know how to recieve people, here, they know you, respect you and love you.
Sofia responds there is only me, my neice and my ten year old granddaughter. My daughter has gone away with her fiance. But if you want... Yes, yes.... they hug and Sofia says it will be as you wish. Ascanio and Fortunata look on beaming smiles. Fortunata adds the warm words, we are going to be like a family again.
**************
The celebration party for the new Lord. The palace gardens are full of people we have never seen before until Fortunata questions Manuela and Ascanio about their wedding. Manuela says it will be in six months when the mourning period ends. Ascanio confirms that it will be hard work for him to wait that long. Justo comes down the stairs with Sofia as they discuss how very young Claudio is, too young to live alone and Sofia says they are happy to have him in the house. Fortunata starts to ask if Justo has news from Ofelia and Santiago... but we pan instead to Ines and Vasco who are bombarded by Pacho and other children. Ines laughs at the mischievous children, she and Vasco grin and hug and Ines, says I have a surprise for you. Huh?? She whispers into his ear, he reacts with joy, Are you pregnant? Oh woman, my woman! He whirls her around.

Pancho tells La Paisana that he knows she has wanted to retire. She asks if he has forgiven her yet. He hugs her, telling her that there is nothing to forgive. The three Salamanca babies are paraded through the party and Ricardo beams when Claudio makes comment about his numerous family. Ricardo counters with telling Claudio he salutes him for his decision to take in Sofia and he assures Claudio that she is a kindly woman who will help him greatly grow into his position.

Mario and Jimena stand as if alone like lovers in the moonlight hardly able to wait to escape from the obligations of this big party.

Ricardo stands with Justo and Claudio and Camila telling that he and Camila will leave very soon for the plantation in New Orleans. Justo says it pains him that they are going so far away. Ricardo doesn't look pained but graciously says they will come to see him and certainly he is welcome to visit them. Claudio wishes they could all stay in San Fernando too. Such is life says Ricardo, each person has to continue his own family. Paco runs up to break up a stiff scene and flings himself against Ricardo reminding him of that ride on the ship he has been waiting for. Ricardo picks up his nephew and tosses him up in the air telling him now he is going to complete his promise and magically he comes back down to Ricardo's arms and they are transported to the ship sailing toward New Orleans (gee I hope they told Paco's parents they were kidnapping him). On the beautiful ship, on the beautiful sea, Ricardo lets Paco steer while he walks along kissing and hugging his children. Camila holds little Pedro and remarks that now she sees why Ricardo loves the sea so much. He waxes philosophic that all life comes from the sea and they have to love it and respect it. And when their son is old enough he will tell him that it is really love that moves the universe, for sure. The nannies bring little Manuel and Ana Maria for Ricardo to hold. The five of them sparkle in the setting sun as we fade with the Pasión ballad to - FIN -


BUT WAIT, There is more: Below are the final comments from some of your intrepid Pasión recappers:

1.) From Jardinera -
What a wonderful excursion into Fantasyland! Disney has nothin' on Carla and Company this time around. I've not read the original in Spanish, but this Maria Zarattini yarn might be considered right in league with good ol' James Fenimore Cooper's for my money; and neither dreary Daniel Day-Lewis nor the likes of Johnny The Drip Depp can/could ever compare to Fernando Colunga's on-screen and larger-than-life heroic personage of Ricardo de Salamanca –even if they could speak Spanish! Jollywood execs, call your office. We have a blockbuster of a story here if you could only get your worthless, proverbial act together.
--Thanks, the Jardinera!


2.) From Capitana J.R. -
* With most soaps and novelas I've watched, they go
with the rule of "miss a week, don't miss much." With
Pasion, it was totally reversed "miss a day, miss a
lot, miss a week and I'm totally lost."

* Wondering why we were tortured for so long with
Rita and her complaining before she died and then, in
the end, our main villian men Jorge and Alberto are
arrested and killed off in the same episode?

* Watching "Pasion" has been one amazing, wild
adventure, one that won't be forgotten for a long
time.
Jody "J.R./Capitana J.R." :)


3.) From Margaret -
I looked back at some of the old posts and discovered that we have been waiting for this novela for A YEAR! And I think for the majority of us, it didn’t disappoint. The acting was not uniformly strong but there were enough excellent actors in a variety of roles and the production values were so much better (on location shooting!) that it just rises way above the quality of most of the telenovela productions I’ve seen.

Another of the marvelous things about this show was how much detail went into it. Every outdoor scene is teeming with life—tons of extras who aren’t just standing around--they are doing something. Although there were some anachronisms, there weren’t too many. Lots of research seemed to have gone into this and it will be fun to watch it again sometime just to notice all the little details. I loved how all of these ex-pirates ended up plantation owners in New Orleans. That’s pretty historically accurate too.

The last episode was a solid effort at tying off the loose ends. So many times, they ruin these endings with last minute fake drama. Nice touch to have Claudio back as the lord of SF. (I would guess he hooks up with Tita in 7 or 8 years. Say he’s 18 and she’s 10. That was no problem back then.) Ursula’s fiery feminist speech was a good antidote for all the abuse of women on this show. Somehow, though, I think Tita is going to be less wild than her Mom. She clearly loves her mom but if at 10 she already knew she’d be happier with grandma and auntie, she’s one wise child. Lis and Fran still alive but crazy and penniless? I wonder if they will ever run into each other. Santiago is one good looking monk and seems happy, finally too. They said he was in Santiago de Compostela. I would guess they mean the original one, in Spain. That’s a long way away! And the scarf even makes a final appearance! When Camila unwraps it--that was a tear jerk moment.

So, from pirates to babies! That was so sweet! It really seems like the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for a lonely guy who had no real family (and a dysfunctional extended one at that) to having a houseful of kids. It would be funny if they did Pasión: the next generation. We could see what became of LaFont’s curse.


4.) From Julie -
I feel like I just stepped off of a roller coaster -
overwhelmed and disoriented, but wishing I could get
back on and ride it again right away instead of
having to wait for the next great telenovela roller
coaster to come around.

I have plenty more to say about the last episode, but
I suspect we'll discuss that in the comments; what
I'm nearly speechless about is what a pleasure it has
been to recap this show. It was often a challenge,
but it was worth it! And it was just as much fun
reading the other recaps and all the comments.
Nothing in the story ever happened the way I expected
it to, and our conversations brought so much more to
the experience than I could have hoped.

And as rewarding as this experience has been, it has
also been intense. These 20 weeks of Pasion have had
more action than all the other telenovelas I've
watched put together, including the 50 or so weeks of
La Fea that I saw (and the first ten weeks I missed).


But with fun comes exhaustion. I am pooped! I don't
know how or if Fuego will measure up to Pasión, but
if it's lighter and fluffier, I won't mind at all.

I know some of our readers will wander away in
despondent Riclessness, or they'll be off enjoying
summer plans, or watching something else on
Telemundo, or rewatching Pasion on DVD. I can't say I
blame you, but I'm going to miss you. I've
appreciated all the wonderful, thoughtful, and
supportive comments, and I thank you for reading my
recaps that always seemed to grow longer the more I
tried to keep them short.

I'll also miss the recappers who are going on break.
It has been a great pleasure being on your team, and
I hope you will join us again soon!

And to Carla Estrada, wherever you are: Thank you for
a spectacular masterpiece of telenovela art!


AND From CherylNewMex -
See you all around the Blog. This has been a wonderful story
Actually, I have decided to let Willa have the last 1000 words:

Labels: Pasion