Iosi, el espía arrepentido

I love spy thrillers and 'Yosi The Regretful Spy' is up there as a favourite! It's one of those annoying series that draw the viewer in and then keep them hooked with the 'cliff hanger' after an hour or less of each episode! Let's be clear, it's not '24' or 'Lost' but it is well acted, scripted and shot.

Yosi is the main protagonist who works undercover for the Argentine government. The main story centres around the 1992 bombing of the Israelis Embassy and how Yosi integrates himself deep into the Jewish Community. Series 2 develops what happens after the bombing and the serious consequences he faces from some of his choices.

I found it a bit difficult to keep up with the chopping of time lines but it's worth watching despite this. I highly recommend it.

I am only 3 episodes in but this is turning out to be a very good little spy "thriller" (more so drama). The first segment of the premiere leads you to believe it will be an action packed thriller due to a fight scene. It also leads you to believe it will be shot in one timeline but shortly into the episode you realize the series will flash between 1986 and 2007. It is telling you the story that led up to the worst terror attack in Argentina in the 90's. The later storyline focuses on the main character "Yosi" who is a young intelligent officer tasked with immersing himself in the Argentine,Jewish community in hopes to discover different secrets. The storyline that takes place in 2007 is Yosi, 21 years later trying to get protection from the DA by sharing all the stuff he has learned about the largest criminal orginazition in Argentina's history. This organization includes politicians, terrorist groups, and important figures from all over the world. The viewers quickly learn that he was involved with some dangerous organizations because he is not safe and many people are working to stop him from sharing these secrets. This premise leads one to believe this series will be a high octane thriller. In some ways it is, but there is a lot more depth to it.

After the initial fight scene, the series slows down a little and it flashes back for the first time. The initial flashback made me realize that I was in for a much more in depth character portrayal. Yosi is a child of an affair and has resentment towards his Jewish biological father. His disdain towards Judaism is highlighted quite a bit before he learns he is going to be asked to infiltrate the Jewish community. As the series continues, you see Yosi navigate genuine relationships as he infiltrates this community. The writers are doing a thorough job showing how these relationships might develop into genuine connections. Yosi might be on a path to discover his own heritage and in doing so becoming a practicing Jew. The first few episodes are foreshadowing a change in how Yosi views the religion. More importantly, they are leading the viewers to believe Yosi is realizing he may need to rethink his hatred of all Jews because he is now seeing how that hatred impacts their community. It's eye opening to see a person experience racism & bigotry from the other side of things.

I love anything spy related and am thoroughly enjoying this series. Some parts give me feels from the show "The Americans" but it's most likely the portrayal of the 80's. If you are a fan of series like The Americans & even Homeland you will dig this show.

I have never posted a review for any series or movies before. I hope others discover this new Amazon series so I can discuss this engaging new spy drama/thriller!

Review of Season 1:

"Iosi, el espía arrepentido" is a captivating Argentinean TV series that truly stands out in the realm of espionage dramas. Set against the backdrop of Argentina's complex political history, this Amazon production delivers an engaging narrative that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. The series excels in both acting and script, with a stellar ensemble cast that brings their characters to life with depth and authenticity.

I truly enjoyed Natalia Oreiro's performance, despite her supporting role. Known for her more lighthearted roles, Oreiro's portrayal of a dark and complex character in "Iosi" is a revelation. She effortlessly navigates the emotional nuances of her character, adding a layer of intrigue to the series that keeps viewers guessing. To me her transformation is a testament to her versatility as an actress.

"Iosi, el espía arrepentido" not only offers top-notch entertainment but also serves as a thought-provoking exploration of Argentina's history and the shadowy world of espionage. With its exceptional acting, well-crafted script, and Natalia Oreiro's standout performance, this series is a must-watch for fans of both thrilling spy dramas and those interested in a fresh perspective on Argentina's tumultuous past.

It's a good premise to start a series. Personally I thought it might be more of a historical reference but the series is more fictional than a docudrama.

The time jump edits are an interesting way to back up character plots but there are too many and the plots remain unanswered and confusing. Even for some (like myself) that follow middle eastern politics and Israel's history in the region.

Yosi is a likable character. The actors do a good job with acting. The issue is the script itself. Deeper political research and character analysis were needed to help viewer understand choices made.

I just watched season 1. Not planning on watching season 2.

Yosi is a sympathetic character despite being naive about the context of his world which is his undoing. The flashbacks and forward scenes around a pivotal event make it difficult to follow the storyline of a secret surveillance operation of the Jewish community in Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Well developed characters and suspense keep you involved despite the fractured timeline. Best to read about the historical facts before watching the film.