The whole country and possibly all Filipino homes around the world watched the finale of “The Legal Wife.” Not since “Walang Hanggan” has a teleserye captivated so vast a viewing audience. They say that on its last five nights “The Legal Wife” earned the highest rating ever in the history of the Pinoy romantic soap opera.
Even now, more than a week later, talk show hosts and entertainment writers are still discussing the final outcome. Many are asking: “Was it the right way to end the series?”
Judging by the moans and groans from the peanut gallery, not everybody is happy about that last scene. The incurable romantics can’t see Monica moving on without Adrian. Others choose to see a glimmer of hope for a possible reconciliation—perhaps some time later, somewhere down the road.
A sequel?
Because it did not end with “happily ever after,” people are now clamoring for a sequel. The protagonists and producers say it’s all over. The End. Die-hard fans want Book 2.
I remember one of my dearest friends, now gone, who loved watching late-night movies on TV. Whenever one ended on a sour note, she would call to ask: “They will get together again, right?”
It was quite a challenge to invent a happy ending just so she could sleep peacefully. She sometimes chuckled at my convoluted imagined conclusions, but loved hearing them anyway.
My dear Lillian! She was always looking for the silver lining, a double rainbow, or love in bloom even in the darkest places. In her heart she was sure that love didn’t end. Once in a while I wanted to believe she was right.
I suppose that separations and sad endings seem too cruel to those who hang on to any shred of hope, imagined or real, of getting back to how it used to be. Some of us live forever in denial because the stark naked truth is ugly and too unkind. Of course we know better. But some of us would rather be deluded.
What was the magical appeal of “The Legal Wife?” The plot was not extraordinary. What could be more mundane and ordinary than infidelity? That someone cheats in a relationship has unfortunately become predictable. I suppose the draw was that it told us the same old story but it did so honestly, making no excuses, holding nothing back.
Confrontation scene
Someone called me right after the famous confrontation scene and commented that the stars had overacted. I disagreed. As I reached for Kleenex to mop my copious tears, I argued: “Not OA at all. In my book it was spot-on.”
True, the ugly fangs showed. Yes it was a catfight, loud with the unmistakable snarls of two wounded animals claiming ownership of their prize. Their pain was visible, the anger raw. But it was real!
For a few minutes there, while the two women screeched and scratched, I think every scorned woman watching was having her “day in court!” She was in there pulling hair, slapping, punching and wrestling with the object of her wrath, and loving it.
Kudos go to Angel Locsin for playing Monica, the legal wife, with such passion and authenticity. Beautiful Maja Salvador was Nicole, once her friend, now “the other woman.” She became despicable to all who watched. So it is safe to say that she, too, did her job superbly well.
This is not a review, just my reaction.
It was a story that was well-told, relevant. It struck a familiar chord in my heart and I will bet in the hearts of several thousand women.
The high-strung scenes allowed those who once chose to withdraw in silence to now vicariously vent our own remembered anger and pour salve over the scars of old wounds. It was precisely this cathartic element that made the prime-time drama rate consistently as the top trending topic in social media.
For the duration of the teleserye, people in the street were asked what they would do in the same situation. The TV bumpers were interesting and often hilarious. Everyone was completely engaged. Celebrities were also asked to weigh in. Yes, even a few men.
Taboo topics
Some old-timers still can’t accept that topics like infidelity, mistresses and broken marriages are today so candidly and openly played out. Why not?
When I was a little girl growing up in a convent school and a conservative home, infidelity and philandering were never discussed in front of the children; only in whispers behind cupped hands, with matching rolling of the eyes.
If there was a child that was the product of an illicit relationship, we were not to mingle as if it was their fault. If we had asked questions, I don’t think the adults would have known what to say.
“The Legal Wife” has been described as a melodramatic story about family, about commitment and betrayal, decisions and consequences, about retribution and karma. I call it a slice of life.
It is a reminder that our journey on this planet is all about choices. We make them freely. No one holds a gun to our head. And we are accountable.
We all stumble and take wrong turns. It takes courage and humility to face the truth, admit our mistakes, and get back on track. Not easy.
The good news is: God gives us a second chance, and then another. Always.