Friday, April 27, 2018

Argentinian Threads


I have been watching on Netflix an Argentinian soap opera-mystery  and last night after seeing episode 5, I noticed the uncommon complexity and depth of the plot.  There are two principal characters and about six main characters and as many regular supporting characters.  The two principal characters each pursue their projects one of which converges in this episode, while at the same time we follow the plot threads of the remaining six main characters who are in one way or another related to one of the principal characters. You'd think that following the plot and subplots would be annoying and confusing but the series flows smoothly and engagingly.

I compare this to a Scandinavian mystery series I saw recently where there are half as many characters and the story could not be more confusing (as noted by several viewers in  the series' reviews.)  This is because much happens offscreen and is described by the onscreen characters referring to the absent characters  whose names are confusing enough to the viewer.

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