Okay so you know that I like the Mendoza and Isabella relationship BUT you also know that I don’t like it for. A few other reasons. BUT that’s what makes it so fun cause I really have two very opposing opinions for the SAME thing like that’s never happened to me before. So let me analyze them from both sides. The positive stuff (what I like I guess) and the negative stuff (the stuff I don’t like, in a way)
Okay first up is the good stuff
I think their relationship has some good points cause it’s not just a useless romantic relationship just there for the sake of having a relationship, it lets us know more about the characters themselves (help me I’ve said “relationship” too much)
1- So I did like how they didn’t make Isabella a “femme fatale” type of character. Cause although those can be great (like rouge the bat in sonic) it would suck if that were to happen to the only female character. And let’s be honest it could have happened cause when she’s first introduced you can IMMEDIATELY tell she’s gonna end up with Mendoza 😭
So what I liked was how the guys were the ones being the freaks (bro idk how else to say it) while she’s completely normal about everything. Like yes Mendoza’s completely losing it over her while she’s got nothing nice to say to him. Cause I’d be acting like him as well if I saw her let’s be real
2- And then I also liked how the show COULD have set up a love triangle (they had the perfect opportunity) but they… didn’t?? Gaspar was clearly never a choice for Isabella. Ever since the beginning we know they ain’t ending up together 😭 we’re never afraid that it might happen. And then they could have had Mendoza and Gaspar fight over her but they don’t. Their hatred for each other exists since season 1, Isabella has nothing to do with it, nor does her appearance in the show change it. Which is great, cause or else that would mean ignoring everything from season 1
3- Now, i know this is supposed to be about Mendoza and Isabella’s relationship but i also wanna add Gaspar here too cause i just mentioned him. I love that he’s not some weird guy that only likes her cause she’s “hot” I mean yeah he did find her pretty but he was sold once she yelled at him, Meaning he liked her for her personality. Which you wouldn’t expect, coming from someone like Gaspar, cause he’s not a “good guy” (well not yet). The fact that he wanted to buy a weapon for her is so cute like he payed attention to the stuff she was interested in and wanted to get something she’d like.
And then I could go on and on about their friendship cause MAN was that REFRESHING to see. Despite the fact that Gaspar was in love with her nothing weird ever happens (we just see him miserably fail at winning her over) and again Isabella never ever considers him as a potential love interest. And then slowly Gaspars romantic feelings are switched with platonic ones. Seeing a guy and a girl simply be friends was great I love it give me more. And seeing Isabella enjoy his company and see him as a friend was like YES beautiful I love you guys. Okay I’ll make a whole separate post about this or else I’ll never finish this one
4- I do like how Mendoza also payed attention to Isabella but like in a different way. For example, he sees her getting annoyed at the strands of hair falling in front of her face (I relate) and then he pins it back with a flower Ahhhh so cute they’re giving teenagers. Also you can tell that Isabella loved it cause she kept the flower for a long time (the only reason she didn’t have it anymore is because of Zares body slamming her into that rock)
5- another thing I find really interesting is that whole thing about Isabella working for the king of Spain. Yes there are some bad stuff about it but I’m talking about the good stuff (the bad stuff will follow). Okay so firstly I like how we get to learn about Mendoza’s point of view when it comes to freedom of choice
First he offers Isabella the chance to join him and the kids in the condor. At first you might think he’s just making his move but someone such as myself will tell you that’s not the case. Isabella just told Mendoza that she doesn’t really want to work for Ambrosius. She only does it cause her father is dead and he’s the only family she has left (which is reasonable selon moi). But she dislikes Ambrosius cause he’s going too far in his schemes. Mendoza knows she doesn’t wanna be alone so he’s offering her a new family (with him and the kids). And it makes sense cause he knows the sense of joy and fulfilment he got from dedicating his life to helping others (ie the kids) and so he realizes that’s most likely something Isabella would want (and he’s right). But she doesn’t go with him cause bla bla she’s still got feelings for her uncle (which. Makes sense) and surprise surprise, she works for the king
So when Mendoza finds this out (season 4) you might at first think that he’s upset that she’s not going with him. Upset that her king is more important than he is. But that’s not it. The problem here is that she’s letting someone else decide how she’s gotta live her life. This scene is probably seen as their most romantic one (I mean they literally kiss) and yet I think it has nothing to do with their love.
The most important line here is from Mendoza who says “le monde est vaste et nous appartient, nous n’avons nul besoin de maître” (English version: the world is vast and belongs to us, we have no need of any master). I mean it’s so obvious that he’s telling her to ditch the king and do what SHE WANTS. He’s NOT telling her “ditch the king and come with me”. He wants her to do what she WANTS and he KNOWS that she DOESN’T want to be with Ambrosius, nor spy for the king, despite what she says. And this is why there’s some conflict here (and has been here from the very start). It’s easy for him to drop whatever he’s doing and help or hinder whoever, cause he’s always been the type of guy that looks out for himself. In season 1 he’d constantly go from one person to another, never being loyal to one person. But Isabella clearly isn’t like that.
I’m gonna talk more about that line specifically cause I like it so much. First it’s extremely interesting to me that he uses “us” and “we” meaning that he includes the both of them in this message. Yes he’s telling Isabella to write her own story but he’s also including himself meaning that it’s something that he already understands and does (we know this just by watching season 1). He also says “we have no need of any master” and back in season 3 (when they first met) he would refer to Ambrosius as isabella’s master which made her VERY angry and I think that’s the first sign showing that she doesn’t like working for someone else. And Mendoza probably went “hey I relate to that”. Another sign is that they both wanted to stop Ambrosius from enslaving the people in Patala. I mean it was clear from the beginning that Isabella doesn’t like Ambrosius’ methods.
So all in all. Mendoza helps Isabella understand that it’s okay to choose herself (in fact it’s better for the plot (and herself) if she did). And through their relationship we get to see that Mendoza hates people forcing others to do stuff they clearly don’t want. Just cause you’re rich or your someone’s father doesn’t mean you can tell them what to do. You don’t own this planet, we should all be able to walk on it freely and just idk do what we want. We all gotta be our own people
6- I think This will be the last point although it is connected to my previous point. I love love love JUST LOVE how their relationship ends. So we remember that scene where they kinda “plan out their life”, if that makes sense? Absolutely none of what they said there was related to how a “conventional” relationship between a man and woman should be like. What I mean is, we typically think of stories ending with “and then they got married and had kids”. I’m not against that but you have to agree that it would be extremely out of character for the both of them. First, Mendoza already has kids. Second, just because Isabella is a woman doesn’t mean she would want kids (some people don’t get this…). Third, her mom died in childbirth idk if she’d be up to that. And then let me say this again THEY ALREADY HAVE KIDS.
Given the context the story is set, you would expect them to end that way. But we know that mcog is like “forget about traditional families!” Remember that Esteban rejected the chance of getting adopted by a nice Christian family so that he could stay with his 2 adopted siblings and single father.
I think the fact that Mendoza and Isabella want to go on their own adventures and then tell each other about their day is another way of showing us how they reject the conventional lifestyle. If society tells them to do one thing, you best believe they’ll do the complete opposite. I mean have you heard of a couple that DOESN’T wanna spend time with each other 😭
And again it’s just, really in character for them, I’m so glad the writers didn’t forget how to write their own characters (this happens in a lot…)
I guess in a nutshell It’s just about wanting To live life how you want to live with whoever you want to live it with...... That's why when Mendoza and Isabella are planning their life together, he says that they'll go on their adventures and then come back home and tell each other about it..... so they're not really tied down to one person but are still free to go out and be themselves..... Instead they CHOOSE to come back to each other..... That's powerful love..... and I love that cause it goes against the idea of mariage seen through the eyes of the Catholic Church in 1500's....... Like how you're supposed to be tied down to one person your whole life....... But none of them want that for the other....... Mendoza made it really clear he always saw isabella as her own person and him wanting her to join them wasn't cause he wanted to be with her it's cause he wanted to give her a chance to do what she wanted to do..... oh it all circles back to freedom again..... lovely...
Now that was all cute and lovely (and long) but there are some stuff I don’t like about them. Unfortunately
1- First up Isabella clearly only exists to be a love interest. She didn’t have to be but she doesn’t have much going on for her. Even though there is a lot of POTENTIAL to make her independent of her relationship. It’s unfortunately not explored enough
2- Mendoza sometimes acts weird and out of character due to choices made when writing the relationship. I’ll make this clearer later on
3- also their relationship is quite useless to the plot. Doesn’t add anything at all
4- they tried to do some uhh enemies to lovers but it didn’t work cause they’re barely enemies at the start bro
5- their relationship feels VERY weak cause we never really know WHY they even like each other? Cause Isabella saved the kids? Oh please make it clearer. At least Gaspar and Isabella spend time together and become friends. Mendoza and Isabella barely interact as normal people or friends. They either fight or kiss. They do have some convos BUT THEY BARELY KNOW EACH OTHER. Talk about the weather or something??? Isabella doesn’t know anything abt Mendoza I’m pretty sure she doesn’t even know his name 😭
6- Mendoza randomly being sexist was soooo annoying to me like what do you mean you’re not gonna fight a woman???? Didn’t he fight an Amazon warrior in season 1. I’ve thought (ever since season 1) that Mendoza wouldn’t be prejudiced in any way (despite being European) cause that would mean missing out on making potential allies that might help him in his goal. If you’re an opportunist you CAN’T afford to be sexist or whatever. Can you imagine how his plan would’ve gone if he never listened to a thing Zia said cause she was a girl. Yeah no. Or not accepting help from the incans or Mayans cause idk they’re not white. Come onnnn I know we’re in the 15th century but historical accuracy has never been a part of this show
7- another thing is the double standard Mendoza has towards Isabella.
I mean first she “betrays” him (season 3 finale) and he gets mad at her. Mind you, she TOLD HIM she was on AMBROSIUS’ side. How can she betray you if she’s not on your side. Where’s the logic sir
And he’s still mad at her despite her helping the kids and saving their lives MULTIPLE times. And then when she apologizes he doesn't believe her immediately.
And then when he learns she works for the king he gets REALLY mad. But THEN when Gaspar reluctantly joins their team, HE'S OKAY WITH IT???
despite the fact that Gaspar tried to KILL HIM AND THE KIDS MANY TIMES AND WILLINGLY WORKED WITH AMBROSIUS
VS the fact that Isabella. LITERALLY TOLD MENDOZA that she didn't WANT to work with Ambrosius, it's just that he's her UNCLE AND SHE HAS NO ONE ELSE
ALSO LIKE. Mendoza saves Gaspar's life at the end of the show. And Gaspar gets really mad at that cause he's never gonna live that down. So Gaspar is like "nooo why did you do that???" And Mendoza replies with "well, l've become attached to you" HUHHHHHHHH
Gaspar never ONCE DID ANYTHING TO HELP ANYONE
And yet Isabella doesn't gain his trust that easily????????
HUH?????
Not to mention Gaspar also works for the king basically and Mendoza had no problem with that????? Instead he SPECIFICALLY POINTS OUT ISABELLA?????? WHEN GASPAR IS ALSO RIGHT THERE???? Like I know that in the Isabella-Gaspar duo she's the one who decides what they're gonna do with the artifacts but like.
Mendoza insults HER and only HER with the " like a good little soldier" thing. And only duels HER
It's like......
Mendoza: Isabella has to show that she really wants to help us or else l'm not gonna believe it
Gaspar: I don't wanna help you, but Isabella does, so l'm coming along
Mendoza: ok sure no problem with that!!!!!! Your motives aren't relevant at all!!!!! Doesn't matter that you wanna kill me!!!!
Also it's not just Mendoza. It's EVERYONE.
EVERYBODY has a problem with Isabella. Not a SINGLE PERSON seems to care about what Gaspar does. Reminder he tried to kill them. His sole purpose in life IS TO KILL MENDOZA
Also I like Gaspar | mean he also went through character development and I'm not saying that they should not trust him or work with him but the fact that he easily gets in but Isabella doesn't.
Is crazy to me.
Gaspar doesn't even WANNA BE THERE. But he DID want to join Ambrosius. Like willingly. And it's not only cause he wanted to be closer to Isabella.
The only reason Ambrosius hired him is cause Gaspar hates Mendoza. Like whaaat. And Isabella is only there cause she's HIS NEICE AND MENDOZA KNOWS THIS
It's just.... Isabella really didn't do anything bad ever and yet..... Mendoza is so judgy and petty about it season 1 would never. Ok to be fair
season 1 Mendoza would be horrible in a relationship but still idk it's not sitting right with me!
No matter what Isabella did, Mendoza has done far worse and the show never even acknowledges that. Mendoza himself seems to have forgot everything??? And it's not a new thing. Right after Zias dad died in season 1 he acts like he was this perfect person since forever. Like girl be for real!!!!
It's so crazy that even Pedro and sancho notice and then Mendoza gaslights them and is like ohhh I like the kids so l'm nice now. Pretty sure it doesn't work like that
And same for Gaspar but honestly it's not that bad cause we see some character development and he's not actually that bad of a guy. Like he just wants to get even with Mendoza that's all does he really wanna kill him. Ok yeah. But he does have a reason I think. Like he was just chilling as a teacher in Japan like that's it. He's not lying or manipulating people like Mendoza was. Or betraying people like Isabella has APPARENTLY done
8- also Mendoza acting all petty is both very funny to me I love that scene but I also don’t cause omg 😭 she’s like “you know what I can’t betray my king, bye” and he’s like “but what about meeee” girl shut up you barely know her 😭 why not respect her decision idk. also him mocking her was too hilarious for me to hate. But also. Grow up man 😭
Another thing that got me was when he goes in the nef to “save” her but she’s already saved herself. And then she talks about something Ambrosius is doing (idk I don’t remember) and Mendoza goes “hm and you think this might interest your master?” Mind you he JUST found out about the king of Spain thing and he was sooo slick with it it’s so funny this was SO MESSY 😭 he’s acting like he just caught her cheating
Oh yeah then he’s like “so where you ever gonna tell me” first of all 1) you have practically no relationship, you’re not entitled to anything and 2) I don’t think she’s even LEGALLY allowed to tell you. But Mendoza’s never been one to care about the law hah
8- last thing. Isabella really doesn’t care for Mendoza as much as he does for her. He’s constantly worrying about where she is, if she’s okay etc. That’s cute! But then we cut to Isabella and she’s having the time of her life 😭
While he was worrying about her, she was entertaining the idea of going back to Spain with Gaspar and getting payed for all the artifacts. Never once did she think about Mendoza. And she was seriously considering it by the way. She wasn’t just playing along with Gaspar for funsies. Cause Gaspar says “the king will make you a duchess” and she replies “And you, a duke” GIRL come on. She’s like. Yeah you can come too it’ll be fun. Okay I know it is kinda a joke but this was their plan until Mendoza showed up again
Also we never see Isabella being worried for Mendoza by the way. I’m pretty sure. Like I can’t remember seeing that. Someone tell Mendoza to calm down
Also like when her and Gaspar were about to die (in the Olmec cave, season 4) Mendoza wakes up from his sleep with a jolt like he got some telepathic message that she was about to die yet the same never happens to her