Ep: 14 Ready for Religion
- Thelma Annan
- May 6, 2016
- 3 min read
Separate from a typical telenovela, the Grand Hotel has completely refrained from any type of religious reference, until now. In fact within the first 12 episodes of Season 1, religion is barely mentioned. With this episode in particular, religion became center stage— not just from one particular character, but from several, dealing in unrelated events.
Historically, Spain is known to be a religious country. So for the Grand Hotel to purposefully withdraw from this element is somewhat surprising. So what made the Grand Hotel withhold this cultural characteristic? Perhaps to, once again, be universally appealing to its audience, the choice to prolong any type of religious affiliation was the intentional goal. That after 12 episodes into the first season, the viewer has become too emotionally and mentally invested in the characters' and storyline to really care about their religious denomination.
The first instance occurs right as the episode begins, when Angela and Julio wait for the gravediggers to take Cristina's body away. Although Angela vocally expresses her dislike for Cristina to Julio (still disguised as a waiter and not her brother), she continues to light a candle pray for her— out of religious obligation, stating: "She was not a good woman. But even the whore of Bethany received the Lord’s compassion. No should should go to the final judgment without a wake and prayers.”
The second instance comes during a personal moment for Julio. After burying Cristina in a field, he prays over the grave that he dug himself with the Sign of the Cross. What is most interesting about this scene is the camera placement. The camera is positioned in a high angle, looking down at Julio as if to metaphorically represent God or a higher power watching over them. Although Julio's back is not completely turned away from the camera, he is at an angle where the viewer cannot fully see him do the Sign of the Cross (unlike Angela). However his hand motions imply it. The Grand Hotel is known for its absurdly and often times uncomfortably close camera angles, especially in moments of great distress. So for the camera to be so distant during Julio's most heart-wrenching moment supports a notion of the camera taking on the role as spiritual guardian.
Religion being present in ceremonies such as weddings and funerals is almost inevitable. It becomes a sacred element within any culture for people to come and pay their respects. My guessing is because of the important role Cristina had in not only Julio's life, but the storyline overall, this religious emphasis could not be ignored by the show. Especially since it is a practice so rich in Spanish/European culture. However the episode's religious references were not only limited to matters only concerning Cristina's death.
Another religious reference comes from Inspector Ayala, a well-known outsider to the Grand Hotel (not just in occupation, but in social status and cultural awareness). When Hernando ask how they would find another way to examine Cristina's murdered body, Ayala responds with the popular saying: "I know, but ut when God closes one door, the devil opens a window." Whether his reference is a personal or cultural modification is unknown, however he is the third character to make allusions to religion.
In response to Catalina’s personal conflict about concealing the truth about Cristina Olmedo’s death to the authorities because “In God’s eyes it’s a lie” Dona Teresa tells her that God will forgive her. Finally, Dona Teresa continues to utilize religion in her favor, when she pays Catalina off to leave the Hotel. She states: "God lets His will be done when He deems fit, not when we demand it." I found this statement coming from this woman almost comical. Although viewers know very little concerning Dona Teresa's personal history and upbringing, she is known for making things go her way. For her to so willingly relent in the sake of religion seems as if she has an ulterior motive. (Which of course, she does.)
I'm interested to see if the Grand Hotel will continue with this religious cultural element or if it will continue to be infrequent. It seems that as hard as they may have tried, they could not completely disregard their cultural implications/identity. Which in my personal opinion, does not lessen the credibility nor excitement of the series.