Episode 3: Battle of the Classes

Episode 3 continues on the mysterious and dramatic rollercoaster that is the Grand Hotel and its guests. What intrigued me most about this episode in particular, is the blurry division between class— specifically that of the Alarcon family, the hotel workers, and city outsiders who are unfamiliar to the unwritten rules of Cantaloa.

The first instance that caught my eye was the interaction between Sebastian (the bar owner whom Javier owes money to) and Javier. Unannounced Sebastian comes into the hotel, clearly upsetting Javier. It is obvious that Javier does not wish to be associated with someone of Sebastian’s status in broad daylight, especially at his place of residence. At first, Javier roughly grabs Sebastian’s arm, demanding to know why he is here, “using the main entrance.” Without batting an eye, Sebastian responds that he will break Javier’s arm if he ever grabs him like that again. Immediately Javier let’s go and takes him to a private area to talk. Sebastian wants Julio to fight for him in his bar to make him money. When Javier asks what to do if Julio says no, Sebastian reminds him that Javier is his boss, and if he doesn’t get Julio to do this, Sebastian will tell the police that Javier was the last person seen with Jimenia (the prostitute’s body was discovered near the lake that morning). Even though Javier comes from the most well-known, successful families in Cantaloa, it is clear Sebastian, a mere bar owner has the upper hand over him.

Javier finds Julio in conversation with Pascual, (Julio’s latest lead to Cristina’s killer). When Javier interrupts, demanding to speak with Julio, Julio initially ignores his request. It isn’t until Pascual verbally reminds Julio that Senor Alarcon must always come first that Julio goes with Javier hesitantly. In a friendly manner, Javier tries to convince Julio into fighting, saying that he would make more money than he currently makes at the hotel. Of course, Julio refuses. When Javier reminds Julio that he “owes him one,” Julio responds that Javier too, owes him one making them “even” and begins to walk away. To be suggested as being at the same level as the help, Javier visibly becomes upset, resorting to blackmail— firing a maid and butler until Julio changes his mind. This is the second act of defiance from Julio, something that is not expected from the help/lower class. Javier’s reaction is clearly a power move to remind Julio of his server position at the hotel, meant to do his “bidding.” However, the fact that Javier did not just fire Julio as he did with the maid and butler to ‘make examples of,’ clearly shows that while he is in a position of power, he is still at the mercy of Julio’s aid. But that is not something he will tell Julio.

Julio invites Andres to the bar fight to bet on him, so Andres can double his saved money to buy Belen an engagement ring. When Javier tells Julio to lose the fight, Julio not only wins, but demolishes his opponent in honor of his promise and friendship to Andres. Furious, Javier threatens to fire both of them, only for Julio to physically grab him and threaten to expose his gambling activities to Dona Teresa if he does so.

Javier’s last name may be Alarcon, but he receives the least amount of respect compared to others of his status. Whether that is due to the fact that he is a well-known drunkard with a drug habit and a like for prostitutes, or because he is not in charge of Grand Hotel business is not directly known. From my perception, it seems to be a combination of both. It is clear that Javier’s habits have made him a disgrace the Alarcon family, but it seems that his disgrace and lack of authority extends beyond the family line, prompting others to take advantage of him.

There have been several instances of class rift between lower-class workers and the higher class; although most actions of defiance have been performed by characters not native to the Cantaloan city and Grand Hotel lifestyle. Besides Julio and Sebastian, only Cristina seemed brave enough to take on the Alarcon family. However, as we learned at the end of Episode 1, that may not have ended well for her thanks to Dona Teresa. Perhaps it is because of their rough upbringing, or because they realize that Cantaloa is a place of small significance compared to other Spanish towns is a topic for another day.