Velvet

The visual content of this series is superb. The fashion, architecture, cars are evocative of the period the series takes place in. The formal mannerisms, impeccable clothing, beautifully curated dresses and accessories lend an elegant high end look to the production. The wonderful regional Spanish accent imbues the dialog with a true time and place.

Even though the arc of the storyline is well thought out and the intrigue well peppered throughout, the main love story falls flat for me. You want to reach in and slap Ana and Alberto and tell them to get some balls and act like adults. This is especially true of Alberto. He seems childish emotionally but the series makes you believe that he is an accomplished person without really giving the audience a way to reconcile the two.

Some of the minor love stories work better. They come and go, ebb and flow to keep the story moving. They can be funny and sweet even if frustrating at times.

Beautiful, yes. Outstanding, it could be; but it falls short because of the relationship of the main characters.

Most of the actors did a good job in this TV series. However, there are 2 actors who really stood out.

Manuela Velasco played the role of Cristina Otegui and was outstanding!

Asier Etxeandia played the role of Raul de la Riva, the fashion designer, and was outstanding!

SHS(fnpshs@gmail.com)

If you like this era (late 50s/early 60s), you'll love Velvet. I love the look and feel of this show: the clothes, the cars, the music, the cocktails. I even love the sunglasses the lead character sports in a few episodes. But nostalgia aside, it's a terrific show. The crux of the series is a great once-in-a-lifetime love, a love that should be the destiny of the boy & girl. But of course, everything is against them: their parents, their class difference, and financial issues. The two actors who play the leads couldn't be better. Both are gorgeous to look at AND terrific actors - what more could you ask for? Besides the main story, a number of secondary plots, both comic and tragic, will engage you. I just finished watching the first season in less than 2 weeks. And I'm about to watch all 15 episodes again because I love this show so much. Whether Spanish or American, this is one of the best shows I've ever seen.

By accident on Netflix, I came across this series and was instantly hooked. I'm currently rewatching it with family members who as well are hooked and without a doubt like me are waiting anxiously for Season 3. One thing I would've wished for is for the music to be more culturally and scene associated. There are some beautiful Spanish boleros and Pop selections that in our opinion would've made the scenes more profound and connected. The English selections were a huge disconnect for me and my family who are all of Latin origin and bilingual. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful series filled with an engaging mixture of love, drama, and comedy. Season 3 hurry up and arrive to Netflix, Please!

Very light amusing distraction. Stuff for watching before bed with the wife. (Avoid the follow-on Velvet Collection - which is trash)

In the same genre - Spanish sloppy stuff - Grand Hotel is better.