Ma Ekhtalafna is a sketch-based comedy series where the quality of each episode largely depends on its writer. With multiple writers contributing to the show, some sketches turned out well, while others fell flat. This inconsistency affected the overall experience, making the series a mixed bag of creative ideas and forgettable moments.
One of the strongest aspects of the show was the direction. As a comedy sketch series, the director did a fantastic job. The smart choices in directing the actors, as well as the well-thought-out camera angles, elevated the comedic timing and effectiveness of many scenes. It was evident that the director has great potential, and I hope to see their skills applied to future projects.
Compared to traditional Syrian sketch-based series, Ma Ekhtalafna felt like a departure from the usual formula. The production was on a much larger scale, and this was clearly reflected in the high-quality locations and impressive production design. The investment in set design and aesthetics was noticeable, adding a polished feel to the show. The director also made good use of these resources, enhancing the visual storytelling.
The cast was another highlight, with an extensive lineup of actors and actresses, including fresh faces. Despite the large ensemble, the performances were well-balanced, and no one felt out of place. Bassem Yakhour stood out as the star, delivering multiple roles with strong performances.
However, the biggest drawback of the series was the writing. Almost half of the episodes felt like filler content, seemingly written just to meet the 30-episode requirement. If the creators had been more selective with the concepts, the series could have been shorter and more impactful. Additionally, some promising episodes suffered from unnecessary scenes and repetitive moments, likely included to stretch the runtime to 35-40 minutes per episode. While this is understandable from a production standpoint, it negatively affected the pacing.
The editing was another strong point, with well-executed cuts and transitions that enhanced some episodes. It was evident that the director, cinematography team, and editors worked in sync to create a visually appealing show. However, the visual effects, though minimal, did not match the overall quality of the series and could have been improved. The title sequence and opening credits also felt poorly executed, which was disappointing given the high production value of the rest of the show.
