The filmmakers behind the Spanish film El Desconocido, announced some time ago that they are working on a series for Movistar+, about an anti-terrorist unit from Spain. When I saw the trailer, my expectations grew. It was released a few days ago and the result is a powerful, high quality thriller.
Dani de la Torre and Alberto Marini sought the advice of the national police to develop the series. They wanted to bring enough realism to the series. That the police unit pursuing the terrorists would be credible. They managed to make a flawless production.
The series starts strong: During an operation to rescue some Spanish girls recruited by a Jihadist organization, the leader of the organization, the most wanted terrorist in the world, is also captured in a hiding place. This puts Spain in the sights of the terrorist's son, who takes command and orders retaliation. He counts on a terrorist cell to carry out an attack in France. The three members of the cell are ordered to enter Spain to carry out an attack. The unit is required to devote itself full-time to the investigation. The mission is to discover the plan and stop them before they execute it.
The series has six episodes, something in its favour. Because the story is better condensed, the pace is fast, it is not necessary to lengthen the story beyond what is necessary. It has also allowed them to better invest the budget in the technical side. The series is on a par with any other American series on terrorism.
The story also gives space to get to know the personal side of the characters. Although the head of the unit and the husband, who is also part of the elite group, have bigger scenes about their lives. The other characters have their share. We see how work affects them in their daily lives. The lack of time to be with the couple, with the children. Plus, how the atrocities committed by the terrorists affect them emotionally.
It's not just the police who are affected. The collateral damage to families, victims and loved ones is also shown during all the chapters. The terrorist's family, whose community rejects them. The innocent victims of the attacks. The pace of the investigation and the emotional moments are well balanced.
The characters are well constructed, thanks to the selection of great actors of the Spanish cinema and television. Impossible to name them all, it's too extensive.
Nathalie Poza, a well-known actress, was nominated five times for a Goya award, which she won in 2017 with the film "I don't know how to say goodbye". She plays the head of the anti-terrorist group, Carla Torres, daughter of a policeman who fought ETA terrorism. The investigation reaches the moment when she decides to separate from her husband and a breast cancer.
Michel Noher, an Argentine actor, plays Marcos, Carla's husband and a member of the unit. One of the best men. He will be affected by the separation, but it won't stop him from leading the operations to neutralize the bad guys.
Luis Zahera, this great actor, winner of the Goya for the film "El Reino", is a luxury secondary for any production. He plays Sergio, one of the police officers in the unit. Excellent cop with good intuition. He needs to be seen more on screen for next season.
Actress Marian Álvarez, who won a Goya in 2013 for the film "La Herida", is Miriam, better known in the unit as "Pepinillo. She will be given the responsibility of being in charge of the investigation of a drug trafficker, who apparently has connections with the terrorist group. I really liked the character and I was looking forward to seeing more of her.
Second season? Yes! Dani de la Torre and Alberto Marini announced that they are working on the scripts for the second season. The series has been well received. We will see the same characters again, also some new ones will be included. But with a new case to investigate. If they manage to maintain the same quality in the next one, they could easily extend it to a possible third season. Terrorism and the choral cast, are favorable to bring out many stories.
My Score: 4.3/5
Trailer
