Caray, Caray!

MONTEVERDE #87, Part 1of 3

Grief is the price we pay for love – Queen Elizabeth

Intertwined lives and loves hang by a thread as danger continues to run amok. Peace, safety, reconciliation and justice is sought; will it be found and by whom? Will forgiveness or bitterness and hate prevail? Will there be happily ever after or fractured fairy tales? And so our finale begins, a life unexpectedly hanging in the balance…

An injured Andres has been recovered and will be fully healed by those who love him.

As Carolina intends to fly to Celeste, Carlos has procured and now brandishes a deadly weapon as hatred rages through him. He tucks the gun in his shirt and walks away.

Father Gabriel and the entire town welcome Angelina, Juan David and their lovely daughters to the church. (Gabriel is feeding one of the girls, it’s adorable). Lucas and Rosalia, Manuel and Gloria, Doris and Cárcamo hug each other.

Padilla is apprehended on the street and put in a police car despite his protests.

Oscar, Carolina, Moises and Andres arrive. “Gracias mama” Andres says as Father Gabriel turns, with raised eyebrows echoing (in disbelief) “mama?” “Carolina” he bellows as she tries to evade him but not so fast. He asks her to explain along with many heavenward glances.

Inside Manuel’s restaurant, there are beers for everyone. A lot of questions are asked about Andres as Hugo works to deflect, proposing a toast.

The road trip to the bus stop for Carolina to return to the convent proceeds. Oscar and Carolina sit in front, the boys and Father Gabriel in the back. When they arrive, Oscar spills the frijoles he has proposed to Carolina. At first the good padre smiles but then says there is one problem, Carolina is married! As they discuss this fly in the ointment, all of a sudden, Carlos himself appears around the corner, screaming. He pulls out and points the gun at Carolina but Oscar stands in front of her as the boys look on in horror. He fires but in that brief and fateful second, Father Gabriel stands in front and is shot! Carlos lowers the gun as the good Father sinks to the floor. Oscar runs up grabs the gun and throws Carlos to the ground. An ambulance is called as Oscar tells Carolina to go to the boys. Carlos seethes as Father Gabriel lies immovable on the ground.

We see a pale and frighted Sara in her prison guard being warned by a guard to be careful.

In the ambulance, Oscar tells Father Gabriel to stay strong.

Carlos looks the worse for wear.

Diana
 

MONTEVERDE #87, Part 2 of 3

Carolina and the boys enter Manuel’s where she heartbreakingly informs everyone that Carlos shot Father Gabriel. “No, no” Juan David cries out in pure pain. Carolina cries as she relates what occurred. Juan David runs out as Hugo rushes after him. Angelina is prostrate as Gloria and Manuel hug each other.

Carolina calls Viviana and explains she isn’t coming and why. Viviana is sympathetic and tells her that Celeste is strong. Carolina dissolves in tears.

At the hospital, Juan David is distraught as Oscar encourages him to be brave. Hugo is supportive and sympathetic to his friend; Lucas and Rosalina arrive, worried and emotional.

Father Gabriel is such a good man Gloria laments as Juanita, Doris and Angelina cry. Angelina prays as the women join in hands together.

Father Gabriel is in the OR…

In jail, Celeste is in a communal room as she reads. The TV is on and she hears the news about the shooting. Stunned, she jumps up and walks over to Aide, lamenting this tragic and inconceivable turn of events. She states that Father Gabriel is a grand hombre. She prays silently, eyes heavenward.

Carlos is thrown in a cell by three angry policemen. As they advance toward him, seeing their threatening and overt hostility, in an effort to fend them off, he tells them he has a lot of money. Their faces clearly reflect their anger; they don’t care about his money; HE shot Father Gabriel!

Juan David is inconsolable. Carolina arrives and Oscar tries to comfort her, asking how the boys are. Carolina hugs a heartbroken Juan David as they hold onto each other.

Celeste is brought into (what I assume is) the warden’s office. Oh no…he has a machine that analyzes fingerprints. She winces as she puts her fingers, one by one on it. It is soon apparent she is not “Carolina Robles” as he stares at her judgmentally.

One of the doctors greets the Father’s family of the heart. I believe she says Father Gabriel’s condition is serious but it seems he will live. Juan David goes in and quietly calls his tio. I think he asks if Father Gabriel can hear him which I don’t think she can confirm. He talks with his beloved uncle, little of which I can translate except for his cherished daughters. He grabs his hand and emotionally pleads that he doesn’t leave him alone. As Juan David continues to hold Gabriel’s hand, he feels pressure on his hand! Gabriel opens his eyes but then joy abruptly turns into heartache. All of a sudden the EKG monitor goes flat. The medical staff rush in telling Juan David to leave as the defibrillator is brought out. The paddles are applied once but there is no movement. Again, but no response. To my utter shock (and horror) and sorrow, we are told Father Gabriel passed from this life to the next.

Diana
 

MONTEVERDE #87, Part 3 of 3

Out in the waiting room, Viviana calls Carolina and tells her the switch has been discovered. Both Carolina and Oscar look thunderstruck. Juan David emerges, taking off his mask and gown telling them Father Gabriel died as he leans against the wall. Rosalina collapses in Lucas’ arms as Oscar hugs a devastated Carolina.

Fast forward, we see Father Gabriel’s car arriving at the cemetery. Angelina and Juan David alight, she wearing a lovely lavender dress, Juan David, a suit. They walk to Father Gabriel’s tomb where Juan David bids him good morning. He shares news including the fact he has been elected president of the municipality. He thanks his beloved uncle for everything.

Project Genesis lives on as another busload of women arrive in Monteverde. Padre Guillermo alights as the women are welcomed and asked to partake in a meal prepared by Manuel. The Father looks around Monteverde and smiles.

The courthouse is well attended; Madre Gustava, cool nun and others sit in the gallery when both Carolina and then Celeste are brought into the courtroom, Viviana by their side. Oscar and Andres are also front and center. Finally, Carlos enters as Andres shrinks back, nestling into Oscar’s arms.

The judge arrives. I can’t be sure of the amount of time the sentences involve but she addresses Celeste first and I believe she gets a few months; Celeste blesses herself as she and her sister hold hands.

Next is Carlos, who is found guilty and sentenced to many years in jail as Oscar puts a protective arm around Andres. On his way out, Carlos gives Carolina a look that could kill.

Last is Carolina who is found innocent of fraud; she hugs her son and thanks Viviana for everything. Manuel’s restaurant is a hub of activity as everyone celebrates.

Six months later, Carolina, (in a pretty short white dress carrying a bouquet of flowers) and Oscar (in a dark suit looking dashing and very happy) emerge from the church. The gathering of happy family and friends throw rose petals as they call for besos. Among the crowd, we see Lucia in a headscarf and Rosalia and her baby. Angelina and Juan David with their beautiful babies also shine.

Following the wedding, Carolina and Oscar go to the cemetery to share and profess their love and joy for each other and for Father Gabriel. They grasp hands, looking lovingly at each other as “FIN” appears. With that, our journey with the citizens of Monteverde comes to a close.

The untimely demise of Father Gabriel has rocked me to the core. I had a very hard time concentrating afterward. By the time the courtroom scenes ended, I believe there was less than five minutes for the wedding we’d hoped for and waited for. Little if any closure for much else. I will need to process this…more tomorrow.

Diana
 

MONTEVERDE

First and foremost, my heartfelt thanks and praise to Jarifa…

Whether translating a tender love note or a bible passage, your superlative language skills added so much heart to this story. Your razor-sharp perception highlighted even the vaguest nuance and gave it life and breath. Your wit, wisdom and insight consistently enlightened, enhanced and delighted.

What a joy it was to work with you on this! Once again, I’ve learned so much from you. For your oh so generous time, kindness and dedication, I can only say thank you amiga.

I appreciate those who commented including Liz, Kat, Babachita, Susan and others. Your kind words kept me going on many a night.

Diana
 

MONTEVERDE Extras Página 1

The man selling Carlos the gun tells him to be careful with it. Carlos assures him that he knows how to use it.

Outside of the church with all of the couples and holding one of the twins, the good father knows that more babies are to come. Thanks to the arrival of that bus Monteverde has become a different town that is happier and more fortunate. He proclaims that Project Genesis has been a total success. Rosalía says it is all due to the efforts of him and Sister Celeste. Everyone agrees.

Padilla offers the police a bribe but they aren't interested.

The good father tells Oscar and Carolina that since they have no time to explain to him what is going on, he will ride with them to Zacatillo so they can explain the whole mess to him on the way and why they lied to him.

The good father asks the boys that they didn't think of saying anything to him either. Moisés says that when he is told not to say anything, he doesn't. It is better not to open his mouth. That gets a laugh out of Oscar. The good father cannot believe it when Carolina tells him that it was Celeste's idea to change places because she was so very depressed.

Recognizing how much in love Carolina and Oscar are, the good father says when Carolina first came to town they couldn't stand each other. They were like like cats and dogs. He says there is no doubt: love makes the world go round. The boys look on smiling from the SUV. Carolina assures the good father she will be getting a divorce ASAP and once that is done, she would like him to marry them. The boys give their sign of approval. The good father says they can count on him. He is so happy and satisfied that above all love has triumphed. It will be an honor for him.

Carlos appears informing them he is going to take Andrés with him. The good father tells him that his son doesn't want to be with him. Carolina answers that he is not going to be allowed to take Andrés. He asks her if she is going to stop him and dares her to try. Oscar steps up saying that he will stop him. Carlos sarcastically says the hero has arrived. Oscar tells hi to put down the gun. Carlos is incensed being told what to do and reminds him that Andrés is his son. Oscar answers that he doesn't deserve a father like him. He has only hurt him. Carlos tells Oscar to shut up and shoots as the good father steps in front of Oscar to shield him.

Carolina drive back to Monteverde with the boys to let Juan David know what has happened.
 

MONTEVERDE Extras Página 2

The prison guard warns Sara to be careful. Kidnappers do not do well on the inside. She advises her to keep a low profile.

Oscar tells the unconscious good father to hang on.

Oscar tells Juan David and Hugo that the good father saved him.

Gloria admits that Monteverde won't be the same without the good father.

A policeman pushes Carlos into a cell. After Carlos offers them money to let him go, an officer tells him to go rot with his money. Shooting the good father was unforgivable.

There was scene that was cut some where with Carlos behind bars yelling to the guards and anyone who will listen about Celeste being the twin they have in custody and not Carolina.

Celeste is told that she is reporting for a "routine" prison requirement: checking her fingerprints.

The surgeon tells Juan David that the good father remains in critical condition but they are hoping for some improvement in the coming hours.

The doctor doesn't know if his uncle can hear him but tells Juan David to tell him everything he wants to. It is a fact that patients do better when their loved ones are at their side. He tells his uncle that even though he might want to, he cannot go and leave him all alone. They have so many things to experience together. He has to baptize his daughter, see them grow and bring them to school which will be filled with other children just like he always wanted. He has been the best of fathers. The good father squeezes his hand and smiles at him before closing his eyes one last time.

There was another scene cut(maybe from yesterday's episode?) where Julieta calls Franco and asks if he wants to baby sit while she goes on a photo shoot in Asia. She will arrange to drop off the baby with him on her way. He is happy and excited.

ONE MONTH LATER
Juan David tells his beloved uncle that another bus load of women and a new priest aare arriving today because Oscar León insisted that his Operation Genesis mission continue. It is now like Operation Genesis 2.0! Angelina says what they would give for him to see how much the girls have grown. Juan David adds that they miss him so much. He is always in their thoughts and prayers.

A smiling Father Guillermo wonders where Oscar is. Erika says he had to take care of some business in Mexico City so she and Moisés were there to represent him. Moisés pipes up with the fact that Oscar is his godfather!

In court, Celeste is found guilty of identity fraud and its cover-up. The judge remarks that in all of her years practicing law, this is the first time she has ever experienced a person who was willing to go to jail to protect another person. It is a crime but it is also a grand act of generosity. Taking that into account and that Celeste's previous conduct had been impeccable, she is sentencing her to community service once a week for six month at the women's prison.

The judge finds Carlos guilty of fraud. He will return all of the money to those who were defrauded. He has also been found guilty of kidnapping and first degree murder. His prison sentence is 60 years and one day. The judge has him removed.

Carolina is found guilty of identity theft and breaking the order of her house arrest. She is not guilty of fraud due to the recent evidence submitted to her by her lawyer. Carolina is sentenced to three months at the women's prison to be followed by another six months of community service. She will be notified where that community service will take place. Carolina dares to ask if she can request where it will take place. Celeste rolls her eyes. The judge says that isn't usual but she could take it into consideration. Carolina smiles and says she would like it to be in Monteverde. The judge smiles, too.

The lawyer tells Carolina she will be seeing her while she is in jail because she will be working on her divorce.

SIX MONTHS LATER

Oscar tells the good father that Monteverde is the town that he always dreamed of. Carolina quotes the good father: Love makes the world go round.
 

MONTEVERDE

Diana, you are very welcome. Truth be told, I never would have done anything with this novel if I had to recap it night after night scene by scene so I want to thank you for taking on that responsibility night after night scene by scene for all 87 episodes. In the mean time, I got to do what was the fun part for me. The writing of this novela was beautifully done and I was glad I could provide a taste of it here and there.

I will have a lot more to say mañana.
 

Monteverde

Thank you so much Diana for this lovely recap, and Jarifa for the excellent extras!

I didn’t join you on this patio because I watched each episode one day later – I was out of sync! Tonight of course I had to watch it when it was broadcast.

I can’t imagine why they put this light, family-friendly telenovela in the 10:00 slot. It was a pure delight – every cast member was outstanding in their part. Weren’t the little boys amazing? Real naturals! My tip-top favorites were the padre and the suegra, probably because theirs were the most comedic parts.

The plot was great fun, and the writing terrific. I enjoyed the setting. I was all ready to give this show a 10 out of 10 and then they killed the padre! How could they do that? He was already pure goodness, he didn’t need to be martyred too. What were the writers thinking? I wonder what their meeting went like when they decided on that plot turn. It was a jarring change from the tenor of the show. My review: boo.

Since I haven’t been reading the recaps and comments, I don’t know how much was cut from this show. It didn’t feel cut until recently where some loose ends weren’t tied up and we rushed to the end.

 

"MONTEVERDE"
Diana: Awesome job with the recap of last night's Gran Final. I do have one question: Whatever happened to Ana Patricia Rojo's character ?

 

MONTEVERDE

Jarifa, thank you for your splendid "extras" that filled in sensationally.

"He is so happy and satisfied that above all love has triumphed" encompassed all that is/was good, kind and loving about Father Gabriel. Selfless and self sacrificing to the end, he embodied the epitome of all that we humans strive to be. His legacy will live in the hearts of Monteverde residents for years to come.

"The judge remarks that in all of her years practicing law, this is the first time she has ever experienced a person who was willing to go to jail to protect another person. It is a crime but it is also a grand act of generosity" was so important. Celeste's unwavering love and support for Carolina was an exercise in love and devotion. So inspiring!

Thank you for "Julieta calls Franco and asks if he wants to baby sit while she goes on a photo shoot in Asia. She will arrange to drop off the baby with him on her way" which happily indicates he will be able to spend time with his beloved daughter.

After a sleepless night, I have decided that I will not allow the ill conceived finale to taint my love for this show and all the episodes that preceeded it. These characters will long live in my mind and heart. I am grateful for them, their perfectly flawed existence and their love and devotion for each other.

Jarifa, thank you again for everything.

Diana
 

MONTEVERDE

Maggie, thank you so much.

"My tip-top favorites were the padre and the suegra, probably because theirs were the most comedic parts" is exactly right!

Your comment "He was already pure goodness, he didn’t need to be martyred too. What were the writers thinking?" was perfect and mirrored my thoughts exactly. Simply bewildering.

I loved the actors portraying Moises and Andres too. Little scene stealers both are so talented.

I wish you had been able to watch with us. What a wonderful experience this show has been.

Diana
 

MONTEVERDE

Steve, thank you.

Unfortunately, Eva never returned despite her declaration that Franco meant so much to her. Neither did Nestor which broke Rosalia's heart.

Diana
 

Monteverde

I cried!!!! What a horrible thing to do to the good Padre. It was a shot in the stomach, not his heart. How many times do these TNs have victims recover from a stomach wound, but they kill the best character!

I really expected the father of Moises to be revealed. I guess they just let that remain a mystery. Also, I can't believe Nestor and Lucas mother never returned. I guess those actors found work in a different show. I appreciate you telling us about Julieta . Too bad they cut that scene.

I was always surprised the other 3 or 4 women from the first wave of project Genesis weren't paired up with minor characters. And now a fresh wave of half a dozen women come to town.
I wanted to see how much time Padilla was given for his trespassing charge. I guess he is the one who stole the info from Viviana. It seemed strange that Carlos didn't have a separate sentencing hearing, unless that was the culmination of a trial that Viviana and the twins brought against him. I would have thought the Murder charge would have been its own trial.

Diana and Jarifa, many thanks. Maggie, you should have joined in, even if you were a day late. I agree, this show should have aired earlier. The boys, especially Moises, were excellent actors!
 

Monteverde

Eva! I forgot her name while I was typing my comment. And I had no idea what her real name is so I couldn't respond to Steve's question. That's the first time I've seen her in a show.
 

MONTEVERDE

Kat, thanks.

I share your sentiments about Father Gabriel. "It was a shot in the stomach, not his heart. How many times do these TNs have victims recover from a stomach wound, but they kill the best character!" was a great point.

I also thought there was more than a chance Carlos was Moises father. In retrospect, it is fitting that remains a mystery as Oscar is his father in every sense of the word.

This show was a gem and it was a shame more didn't watch.

Diana
 

MONTEVERDE

Happy St.Pat’s Day to those who celebrate if they be Irish or not! ☘️

Thoughts

At least, Father Gabriel died knowing that his Project Genesis mission had been fulfilled. His job was over but it would have been better if he could have enjoyed its success.

Cannot we have a novela without death and serious diseases? At least we didn’t have to go through a Father Gabriel funeral and six months later Lucía looked to be on the mend.

What a surprise that the former curmudgeon Oscar pushed for Project Genesis 2.0!

I liked Father Guillermo. He seemed a worthy good-natured successor. Does anyone know what actor played him? He looked so familiar but I could not place him. Too bad we didn’t see him baptize the twins or marry Carolina and Oscar.

Lucas’ western shirts were fascinating in their color and designs. He seemed to be the only one wearing those colorful ones.

Juan David so looked the mayoral part in his suit.

The casting was excellent.

The characters were very true to life; nobody was perfect.

Néstor disappearing was a good thing since he made it clear that he never wanted a daughter. There are people like him as well as the mis-guided Eva.

There was so much good comedy. A favorite comedic scene was Gloria and her supper with Father Gabriel ending up with them dancing. Another was Juan David the stripper. Then of course there was Moisés and his mouse/rat.

I enjoyed the evolution of Mother Gustava. She turned out to be so different from her initial appearances.

I liked the intermittent short plot lines like Néstor, Eva, Erika’s wicked mother. Done and gone!

Following the seven (?) women was just enough for me. I actually enjoyed all the subplots.

This will go down as one of my favorite novelas ever.

Now if Univision/Televisa would just realize there is a market for dramadies and comedies. It doesn’t have to be all drama all the time.

I am still liking these shorter novelas. It promotes good storytelling.

That is all for now.
 

MONTEVERDE

Jarifa, I echo your "It doesn't have to be all drama all the time".

I'm hoping Sabor a Ti, Lucero Suárez’s newest TN that will feature many actors from Monteverde will fullfill that and much more...

Diana
 

monteverde

Thanks to Diana and Jarifa and everyone for all the great recaps and comments.

I was very worried once the revolver was introduced. I was worried that Celeste or the Padre would be shot. It turns out it was the Padre. I wonder if they had to have Carlos do something unforgivable so he would lose his parental rights. They easily could have had Carlos shot dead by police for some reason and left the Padre alive to enjoy his growing town!

But, it’s entirely in the padre’s personality to save someone. Not finding out the parentage of Moises seems ok. There is plenty of love! Some never know their parent. I wanted more about the Padre in his bullfighting era!

Loved Africa in dual roles! Please no more of her as a villain!

What a great tale! More of these, please!!!

Babachita
 

Monteverde
I'm sorry I didn't go along on this ride. Things werea little complicated here when it began ,and it was on so late. In adfition, I was,watching Papas and Dominica . I am glad that you had a fun time,and I am sorry the writers,made the decision to kill off the beloved priest in the finale! What is up with TN writers these days??? Do they think there can be too much happiness,?
Any idea what show you guys will watch next? Susan
 

OT

Susan, Hermanas begins tonight in place of Monteverde. If I go to sleep before 11 I'm awake at 3 and can't get to sleep so I don't mind the 10 p.m. slot. I don't want to recap that slot though because it takes me over 2 hours to do a show and sometimes I fall asleep before midnight. I get up nlt 6 a.m., usually earlier because my old dog wants to go out, so staying up past midnight isn't the best life choice I can make! I'm also currently watching mi verdad oculta and it's pretty good. No dedicated recappers there but it's on at 8. I forget who is watching that one. I'll put something up for it once in a while.
 

MI verdad
Kat, I am still watching " MI verdad." I am also still watching " MI rival." If I start to watch the new 10. Pm show , I will have to record it ...Susan
 

Monteverde

Thanks so much, Diana and Jarifa, for all your great work faithfully turning out great recaps night after night. This was a great show, and I saved a special dessert to enjoy with it. I never dreamed our beloved priest would got shot and die, many tears went in my gelato! All along I’ve thought this was a perfect show, no killings, just fraud and a kidnapping, mostly happiness and fun. Then on the last night they kill my favorite character. I will never understand their reasoning for that.

Jarifa, thanks for the information about Julieta. I’m glad Franco will get to spend time with his daughter. It is strange that Eva never returned.to be with her son. She had made progress with him. But once again she put love, and the same man, ahead of her son. I also hoped Nester would have a relationship with Rosalia. At one point he did seem to care. They’re both grandparents now, but they don’t even know it.

This might be a show with a part two, with a new priest in town!

Liz
 

MONTEVERDE

Thanks Babachita. This was a great show and I'm really going to miss it.

Africa is a marvelous actress. "Please no more of her as a villain!". Yes, I am completely with you there. Forgive me if I've already mentioned this but the first time I saw her was in La Malquerida which was the first TN I helped recap. She had a heart of gold and was paired with Osvaldo de Leon, and they remain one of my favorite couples ever. I was so surprised to see her as a villain in roles that followed. She did a good job but when she is good she is better!

Diana
 

OT
I’m watching Mi Verdad and enjoying it. I half watch Mi Rival but the mom, Paloma, is more like a desperate woman throwing herself on Renato. I just can’t see her as a rival with her daughter. The scenes where she’s with Renato are uncomfortable.
Liz
 

MONTEVERDE

Susan, thank you.

I know you would have so enjoyed this but its late hour made it difficult.

Next, I'll be looking for Corazon de Oro with Gabe Soto, also Sabor a Ti. There may be others that pop up that I'll be interested in. I had thought about watching "Hermanas" but it seems rather dark and I don't want to watch another late TN now.

Diana
 

MONTEVERDE

Kat, thank you for your kind words.

You are right in that this was mostly a happy story and that is what I am going to choose to remember. Father Gabriel, Madre Gustava, Carolina/Celeste, Oscar, Moises and Andres will always be very fond memories.

Apparently Nestor was as cold as he appeared although I can't find any rationale as to why Eva stayed away. She seemed genuinely happy to find Franco again and he was starting to let her back into his life. You're very right in that neither knows they are grandparents. Their loss indeed.

Diana