Caray, Caray!

Questions that won't be answered, just to let ya'll know up front (and I'm sure you can think of more): Where the heck did Clemencia go? Did she ever inherit the finca? What was Raul's personal business? Do Noel and Mariela get married? Did doctorcito marry Rosenda after she had Rod's baby? I have to agree with what everyone wrote last episode, that there were some unsatisfying things about this novela, especially the lack of Juan/Regi time. But I, too, have really enjoyed it - the historical setting, the swashbuckling colorfulness of it. Thanks to everyone. Now on to the recap:

Review of Juan and Regi talking about Juan not going with her to Leonarda's, Regi is so happy he is alive, he came back, he should go see their friends who got married and give them the best present, that he is alive! I love you's.

To Doc Miranda's office, he is thinking about poor Renato, how someone to whom he offered friendship could end up being taken over by his desire for vengeance, killed by it. He picks up the note Regi wrote that says "para Juan", then we switch to the fishermen's huts. The newlyweds are all sitting around a fire talking about how they are happy but would be even happier if Juan were there. Pedro says but I told you all that Juan is always with us, he is in our hearts. Coli says but it would be better if we could see him in person. Remi says we will never forget him, never. Suddenly Juan comes strolling up, saying how come you are talking about not forgetting me when I am right here! Juan, Juan!!! All are overjoyed, hugging all around. He says he came to wish them well on their marriages. They tell him Renato said he was dead, that he had drowned, and Juan tells them Renato is the one who is dead, Arcadio killed him. All impactados.

Noel and Rod are talking at the house of Renato and Leo, Noel is saying Leonarda did everything she did because she loved you. After Leo shut up MdR for all those years and poisoned Constanza, do you doubt she could also have killed Brigitte?

Back to Juan and fishermen, Juan is telling them how he ended up in the same cell at the finca where his mother was held captive. That Rodrigo was going to kill him, but he escaped. Doctorcito comes running up, shouting for Juan - he gives him the letter and tells him it is from Regina. Juan says Regina? and looks puzzled and a little perturbed. We hear Regina's voice reading the letter that tells him that even though people are saying he is dead, her heart tells her he is alive and she will see him very soon. Juan, you have made me the happiest woman in the world, now that I am expecting your child. I want you to know so there is no doubt, that I never asked for our marriage to be annulled, that I never stopped loving you. I have prayed to the Virgin that you will come back and that we can be happy for always. Juan smiles and says Regina loves me! (I thought he already knew that). And the love of Regina is above all hate, our love is above everything, and everyone, thank you Lord.

Rodrigo is telling Noel he had nothing to do with Brigitte's death, absolutely nothing. Noel says his nervousness indicates otherwise and asks him what happened, Rod says nada, nada. Noel says at least you know Leonarda killed the mother of your daughters, Regina and Aimee. Regina chooses that moment to walk in and hears this. What did you say Padrino? What are you talking about? Noel asks her forgiveness, but tells her that Leonarda poisoned Constanza, and Regi says no, how do you know that is true? Noel tells her that MdR told Clemencia before she died. Regi says Dios mio, what kind of family are we that we kill each other? Now all of a sudden Mariela, Don Alberto and Dona Inez are there and Inez asks Noel what he is going to do with the house? He says close it for now, there has been too much tragedy here. Regi says and what about the finca and he says that was the beginning of our tragedies and there is too much bad juju there, too. (What about Clemencia?)

We go to the finca where Rod is with Arcadio, (that guy really does travel at the speed of light). Arca says he has done what he promised and has Rod brought what he promised? Rod asks for the key, and Arca tells him it is the only one to the cell where Leo is. Rod gives Arca a very heavy suitcase and says here is what I promised you. No one is ever to know about this negotiation, understand? Arca says he does. Rod tells Arca to take another exit because it is the most secure. Stupidly Arcadio believes him. He goes back to get the bag of Leo's money and jewels, and heads out the alternate exit. He promptly falls into the shaft that Rod had found before. Arcadio is moaning and saying my legs! Rod leans over the edge, and Arcadio calls him maldito! Rod says after all you have done, did you think you would just get away? Rod goes to leave and Arca says you can't leave me here, you have to get me out of here, traitor!!! Rod walks away.

Leo is sharing the cell of MdR with some rats and crying. She hears Arcadio moaning and starts to yell for him, Arcadio get me out of here, please! She is shocked when Rodrigo shows up at the door. He looks at her with intensity and says I'm sorry my dear Leonarda, but Arcadio can't let you out, and I have one question. Why did you keep MdR in here for all those years? Leo cries and says I'm not guilty, it was Arcadio, get me out of here, please! Rod says no, you don't deserve to be let out, not only did you kill the love of my life, Maria del Rosario, you also murdered Constanza! She says, no it's not true, Rod says stop lying! Leo keeps begging to be let out, but Rod goes on, and says in addition to that, you stole all of my money! Leo is begging, please let me out of here. Rod looks severe and says would you rather be left in here or go to prison as a murderer? She says, plaintively, you said you loved me. He says I lied, I never loved you, I only used you. The only woman I loved was MdR and you took her away from me. For this you are going to pay and stay here where you kept MdR, and experience the coldness, the craziness, the loneliness!! She continues crying and begging. He kisses her hand, and tells her he has some bad news, he asks her pardon for having to be the one to tell her this terrible news. She stops and listens, what are you talking about? He tells her it has to do with Renato. She says what happened to my son?! Rod says He's dead, he's dead, Arcadio killed him!!! She starts screaming NOOOOOO, he can't be dead, he can't be dead! Rod leaves while she continues screaming, she falls to the floor, screaming and screaming.

We go to the Juan/Regi residence, Regi is in a pink bathrobe, and Juan is very sweetly telling her to take it easy, he wants her to be well so their child will be healthy. He kisses her stomach, and she says I love you so much! He says, I know, you said it in the letter! They are both happy he read the letter. She notices his wounds on his face and asks him how did he get hurt, who hurt him? Juan flashes back to Rodrigo beating him in the cell, but says it's not important. As my mother said it's better to let go of resentment, I don't want to fight with anyone, all I want to do is be happy with you, that is all that is important. He says he loves her and kisses her, and he feels the baby move, they are both very happy.

Beautiful red/purple/yellow sky, and Rod is pacing in his house, realizing he needs money to get out of there. He needs to get back to the finca and get the jewels and money from Arcadio. And suddenly he is there. He walks past the covered furniture without seeing the letter Arcadio wrote detailing his crimes.

At the doc's office, Pablo has just received a letter from Rosenda, He fondly reads "Pablo, mi amor" Mom and I are fine, in response to what you asked me, I wanted to tell you something my father told me once. That Arcadio rigged the wheels of the carriage your uncle was driving so that there would be an accident and it would kill him, by the orders of Rodrigo Montes de Oca. Pablo thinks, Rodrigo Montes de Oca!

Crashing waves and we're back at the finca, Rod is looking at Arcadio at the bottom of the shaft, telling himself he has to find a way to get the money and jewels out of there. He turns around and conveniently there is a large branch which he picks up. He prods around next to the unconscious Arcadio. Arca comes to and grabs the branch, they struggle. Then Rodrigo has a big rock which he throws down on Arcadio, and another rock as Arcadio moans in pain, then is silent. Rod says "maldito." Now Rod is back in his bedroom, we are to assume he somehow used the branch to get the bag out of the hole and was teleported back home.

But, not so fast, Aguacil Breton appears with a search warrant and sets his soldiers to searching the house. Rod shouts, don't touch anything! Breton says this is an official document, go on searching. One of the soldiers finds the pink glove in the drawer - Capitan, look what I found! Breton says, what do you have to say about this woman's glove? Rod says ain't never seen it before and don't know whose it could be. Breton tells Rod he is officially arresting him until this investigation is complete.

Now we are at the prison and Cpt. Breton is showing the glove asking if anyone recognizes it? Phillippe recognizes it, it is Brigitte's! I gave those gloves to her as present before we left for Mexico. Rod says, this dude is lying, and asks him for proof. Phillippe says of course I have proof. When we found her body she had on the other one, and I kept it. He pulls it out of his pocket and hands it to Breton, who holds them up and says they are the same, what do you have to say now, Rod? He says I didn't kill her! It was Leonarda, she killed her out of jealousy! Horrified gasp from Phillippe! Breton says but this glove in your bedroom proves you were in on it. Rod says I'm not going to say one word until Leonarda gives her declaration. Breton says we will do that, but for now, you are the only one implicated and he tells the soldiers to lock him up.

Breton goes to the finca and finds the letter written by Arcadio. He confronts Rod with it and says here Arcadio detailed your crimes, and we also accuse you of the murder of Leonarda. Rod says it's a lie, let me be! Breton says, everything implicates you, confess, for the great love you had for Maria del Rosario, confess!! Rod leans against the wall repeating, Maria del Rosario. Okay, yes, I did it, I did all of it, I killed the older doc Miranda because we were afraid he would squeal, yes we tried get rid of the bastard, and I also asked Leo to ask Arcadio to kill Rosenda because no way am I going to recognize that I am the father of her child! I helped Leo get rid of Brigitte's body, that is all. That is what I am guilty of, leave me in peace. Breton says, Rodrigo Montes de Oca, for all these crimes you have confessed, you will be imprisoned for life. He locks Rod in a cell, and he has his turn with the rats.

Dramatic sky, and we are at Juan and Regi's. Noel is eating dinner with them and says how delicious it is. Regi says Juan prepared it. Noel asks what they wanted to talk to him about. Juan says since you are Regina's closest relative, I want to ask for her hand. Noel laughs in surprise and says, of course, of course! Juan holding a ring, asks her if she wants to return to being married to him. She says, of course, my love, with all my soul. Juan then puts the ring on her finger with her wedding ring. She shows Noel how beautiful it is. They kiss and Noel says may good bless you, and with all my heart I hope you are very happy.

We go to Rod dreaming in his cell, remembering everything that happened, Maria del Rosario and Juan Sr. MdR saying I would rather you kill me! He tosses and turns remembering his cruelty to Regina, and MdR telling him she forgives him for all the pain he caused. In the dream she is telling him he, too, needs to ask forgiveness, forgiveness from all those he hurt, while he still can, so he can live in peace. Rod wakes up groaning, looking around saying Maria del Rosario, his hair is not a in pony tail now. He keeps his new hairstyle and he has asked to see Noel to ask his forgiveness. He begs Noel's forgiveness and tells him he recognizes what a good and noble man he is. Noel says if he is truly speaking with his heart, he forgives him because he wants to live in peace and because he knows that Rod will be suffering in his soul with all the pain he caused. Noel starts to go and Rod says before you go, I want to ask you a favor. Noel says what kind of favor? Rod holds up the key and says after a month, not before, go to the cell where MdR was held. Noel says why? There is a strange present I want to give you there. You will be free to live as you want to, to be happy with the person you want to be with. Noel says I don't get it. Rod says you will. Go after a month has passed, not before.

Next to enter is Regina, she starts to try to touch Rod, to comfort him but he won't let her touch him, he says he doesn't deserve it. He tells her he begs her forgiveness for all the pain he caused her, that he knows he was a bad father, he always favored Aimee, and he is also guilty of her dying in the way that she did. Regi has been crying throughout this. She says I have nothing to reproach you about, nothing to forgive you for. She kisses his hand, he kisses her hand and says he never recognized her nobility, her generous heart. She says she wants him to know she loves him with all her heart and soul, Rod is crying now, too, and holds her to him. He thanks her and says he wants to tell her one more thing and then will let her go.

We are back at the J/R house and Juan says your father wants to talk to me? Regi says yes, but you aren't obligated to. I imagine how difficult it would be for you, so I release you from any promise to do so. We go to the fort and Juan is talking to Rod through the door. So you are asking for my pardon, for all that you have done, and here you are in the same cell where my father suffered so much because of your deeds, your orders. Rod says I know I've done terrible things, but the only thing I can say in my favor is that I did it for love, the love of your mother. Juan says but love does not destroy, love is noble. Rod says, yes I know, I see that now. Juan says because of the child we are expecting, I do forgive you. Rod says thank you, thank you for your nobility and compassion. Juan leaves and Rod walks slowly into the cell, saying forgive me Maria del Rosario, forgive me. He clutches his heart and collapses into the hay, pulling it down, and we see where Juan Sr. carved Ma. del Rosario into the wall. Rod cries, forgive me, clutching his heart, collapses to the floor and dies beneath her name.

Now it is a month later. Noel is slowly walking through the caverns at the finca. He smells something terrible, and opens the door to Leo's cell with the key. He just about falls over from the stench. We see rats on top of Leo's dress and what is left of her body. Noel realizes it is her, it is the body of Leonarda. He puts a cloth over his nose.

Clouds in the morning sky and we are at the notario office. Lulu is saying to Phillippe, do you really think you can make a living this way? He looks like the Burger King king in drag, wearing a ballerina skirt, toe shoes, and a crown and the sound speeds up so it's Spanish with a French accent in chipmunk. Lulu says what makes you think you can do this? He says he was such a good dancer at the pescadores wedding, and at the casino, he goes on talking about how wonderful it will be, dancing around her.

Happy get together is going on at J/R's house of all the newly weds, talking about their honeymoons, thanking Juan for the money to pay for them. Juan reveals that he and Regi are getting married anew. Everyone all happy and laughing. We go through time to the day of the wedding and Jimangela, Lulu and Jacinta are telling Regi how what a beautiful bride she is, which indeed she is.

Fulgencio is out for a stroll before the wedding on a promontory. He is telling himself how he is going to the wedding and no one will ever know what he has done. He lists everyone he has killed, congratulating himself. We hear ominous music and suddenly he sees a blue opal jewel on the ground. He picks it up saying he has heard that opals are bad luck. But he doesn't believe in superstition. He puts it in his pocket telling himself he is a very lucky man, a very lucky man. He walks a few steps further, trips on a rock, falls and cracks his head open on another rock. We see his blood dripping down the rock as his open hand holds the jewel. Pretty lame, if you ask me.

By the waves crashing on the rocks we know it is a transition, and Juan's wedding posse is riding in on horseback - Juan, Gabe, Remigio and the pescadores galloping along the beach all dressed up. Then we see Noel and Regina in a carriage, the town is all decked out and Juan and posse are riding along with them to a cheering crowd. Juan and Regi blow kisses to each other, everyone is cheering, the wedding party waving to the crowd, all of this to the theme song. Noel is escorting beautiful Regina with a huge train on her dress down the red carpet, followed by the other newlyweds, and doctorcito with Phillippe. While Juan is waiting for her at the alter, he looks up and sees a pair of white doves, he is moved, he knows who they are, very sweet. The Priest speaks, brothers, we are united today for the sacrament of marriage, it is what unites two people in a real love as in the case of Regina and Juan, who after all of their suffering, come to this day of triumph, to reunite with the blessing of God. This love to which we are witness is an example for all couples, remember that love is not selfish, love is courageous, it does not rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in truth. Truth, like love, cannot be hidden.

As the theme song plays, they exchange rings, and we see the doves superimposed on Juan and Regina as they are touching foreheads. Jimangela and Gabriel put the lasso around them, we see them exchange coins. Noel is thinking may God bless them and may they be happy. He turns around to see Mariela and nods to her, thinking he is sure that what will be is love. Juan and Regi stand up for everyone to applaud and they kiss, real, deeply. Then as they are walking out, Juan picks up Regi and they kiss again. We zoom out to see Veracruz from the air, then see them kissing on the Luzbel, and the narrator comes on saying - this was the story of the great love of Regina Montes de Oca and Juan de Dios San Roman, a love that overcame hate and vengeance, this is a grand story of love, the story of a Corazon Salvaje. We pan out to see the ship on the water - FIN.

Ivy

Labels: salvaje