#it all started hitting me the moment simoun fell to the floor

[aguyfromtheinternet]

[SPOILERS FOR MARIA CLARA AT IBARRA EPISODE FEB. 21, 2023]

In the original novel, Simoun died completely alone. He only had Padre Florentino by his side and in the end, he only committed suicide to escape the Spanish authorities; an escape plan for a failed mission. But in Maria Clara at Ibarra, he committed suicide as an atonement for his sins as Simoun after recognizing the error of his ways. This only happens because this Simoun had a support system, which led to him dying surrounded by the people who care about him. This is arguably a better (as in less tragic) end to Simoun. But what exactly is the cause of Simoun having a “better” ending? What factor made things work out differently so that Simoun had a support system? Klay.

Because of Klay’s numerous interactions with the novel/s, Simoun was able to have a functioning support system. 

Because of Klay, Simoun grew a closer bond with Basilio 13 years ago as Crisostomo. 

Because of Klay, Elias was able to survive, leading to him being present to witness his boyfriend dear friend’s demise. 

Because of Klay, Juli was able to survive, which means Basilio is in a better mental capacity to regret joining Simoun in his dangerous plans of revenge, and chase after Isagani instead of just disappearing from the story from then on. 

HECK, I’m convinced Klay is the reason why Fidel, an OC made by the show who didnt exist in the novels at all, is dragged to all of this mess in the first place. 

Simoun died atoning for his sins surrounded by the people who care about him, instead of dying alone trying to escape the aftermath of a failed plan, BECAUSE OF KLAY. While Klay was unable to prevent the general dreariness and tragedies of the novels and other characters, she WAS able to at least provide a better ending for Simoun and by extension, the other characters close to him.

So in a way, Klay DID succeed in changing the story for the better. She DID succeed in making the novels a better place for its characters.