Caray, Caray!

This week’s summary has to be brief since I did not have any time to do in depth written translations. And, I have also taken a new look at this series as follows. It is a fictionalized account of certain historical events that lead up to the formation of Colombia. The writers have taken literary license in putting words into the mouths of the characters and in creating the situations in which they supposedly said them. True history for these pages is above reproach. So I feel we must take what is ours to digest with a grain of salt. But, fiction is fair game.

The revolutionaries, as I have called them, debate amongst themselves the issues of what and how they will develop a constitution, run the state, generate funds, and most importantly who will become the first president.

Don Camilo Torres and Don Jorge Tadeo present themselves as the front-runners. They each campaign to win the votes of the members of the junta/council with promises of economic favors if they win. We know more about Don Jorge’s character through past events than we do about Don Camilo’s, but, it now appears that they are both unscrupulous and will stoop as low as they must to promote their own agendas.

Don Jorge Tadeo, pompous and self-centered, prepares the constitutional document. It is his baby and he wants it approved.

And, by the way, only the junta/council is going to be able to vote on anything. The people remain in circumstances even more desperate than they experienced during the reign of the viceroys. Their future is uncertain and daily lives are lead in fear.

The junta announces that they are seeking comments about the constitution before they approve it. Nariño shows up much to their disdain. He points out its weaknesses and makes suggestions for change. He is not in favor of the approach taken in the United States. He also points out to them that about 60% of their population is indigenous, mestizo, or black. The council, in particular Don Jorge, is offended by his remarks. He is invited to leave, and just about admits defeat to his family.

The junta keeps Carbonel in jail long enough to defuse any situation or opposition he could create among the citizens.

While all that is going on, Pola and Vivianito see that Alejo has been arrested – by bootlicking Iglesias of all people. Alejo is charged with desertion and later sentenced to six month in the brig. When Pola goes to the cuartel to find out about him, she is given the bum’s rush, but at that moment she finds out that Carbonel has been taken prisoner. Did I mention that Alejo had followed Pola to Santa Fé? Well, he did.
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Anyway, she runs into Arcos by happenstance. They just happen to run into each other on the street by pure chance. The novella gods have helped her out.

She writes a letter to Alejo (which I wish I had time to translate). Arcos delivers it to her. It was a beautiful letter in which she concludes that if he is there he must love her and her cause and that their time to love will arrive.

The impact of the letter on Alejo is overwhelming. He writes an equally moving and beautiful letter to her pledging his loyalty to her and the cause. She shares her joy with Doña Matea.

In sum, Alejo and Pola are back together – even though he is in jail. They are united in spirit.

I almost forgot Guaduas. The Cata drama continues. She now has Acacia holding an umbrella over her head when she walks down the street. Through their conversation, we learn that Acacia might be pregnant. She hasn’t had a “visita” for a while. Cata calls her a degenerate negro. Anway, Cata will arrange for Acacia to see the midwife.

In Popayan, Francisco and María Teresa deliver the news to Ignacia that Alejo will not return. He is with the mestiza. She had gotten all dressed up for his visit and goes bonkers when she hears the news. Her wedding plans are once again foiled. She escapes over the wall of the convent and is later recovered by her cousin and Francisco who could care less about what happens to her. He just doesn’t want her to return to the manse with him.

After Francisco and María Teresa return to the manse, Governor Tacón pays them a visit. He considers Francisco to be his most trusted ally and friend and tells him that they are on the brink of war. He must be demented because he brings trunks full of his personal fortune for Francisco to safeguard for him. Francisco tries to open the trunks after the governor leaves and is caught in the act by María Teresa.

Alejo is released early because the army needs all soldiers to head to Popayan to fight. He is forced to declare his loyalty to the king by raising his hand along with the other soldiers at a pre-march-to-war rally called by the new colonel in charge. He manages to visit Pola the evening before his departure. They squeeze in one kiss before Doña Matea catches them and declares it a night. Too bad. They also share their political views which are beginning to converge, and Alejo of course doesn’t want to kill his own countrymen.

Pola is concerned about Alejo’s going to Popayan because she is afraid that Alejo will see María Ignacia. After all this, don’t you trust me, asks Alejo. I trust you, she says, but not her. (Pola used a descriptive word for María Ignacia that has just slipped my mind. If you know it, please share.) Alejo is looking for a free country where they can marry and where their love will not be forbidden. Pola thinks that will happen soon.

Ending: How many episodes will it take for Alejo and Pola to get down to business?

Labels: LaPola