If you enjoy period pieces like Bridgerton, this Spanish comedy set in Madrid during the late 1880's will entertain you. The lovely Elena starts right off by breaking the fourth wall, talking directly to you, giving her opinion of what to expect, and what not to expect from the love story that she is about to be a part of. If you read the basic plot summary of this series, you already know the gist of what it's already about, so I won't bore you.
This is why I enjoyed it:
I loved the colors selected for the wardrobe. Ranging from vivid corrals contrasting with intense turquoise, and chartreuse. I'm sure that liberties were taken with what people actually wore during that period, but it creates a frivolous fantasy that is very opulent.
Flower arrangements are splashed in every decor and the outdoor landscapes and gardens are lush with blooms. Even the carriages can be colorful. Picture a sky blue coach drawn by a team of prancing chestnut horses. Sigh.
The sets are done in some Spanish mansions on location, and are lavishly decorated to the hilt.
The outdoor countryside parties are gorgeous, and the food and drinks cover every possible table setting.
These rich people love to eat and drink in excess, no matter where they are.
You never really see any downtrodden poor people, as in some other series.
There are not as many indoor balls as Bridgerton, but the ones that occur are filled with some well choreographed, modernized ballroom dancing accompanied by classical versions of modern day hits. Some of the soundtrack features memorable hits preformed by artists in the 70's and 80's.
Nothing is off-limits. It's humor is quick-witted, and there is a lot of back and forth sarcastic put downs between various romantic couples. It's light and spicy. The drama is never really tense, but there is just enough intrigue, hidden secrets, and plot twists to keep you interested. Flashbacks fill in critical plot holes going back hours or a few days, but happen in later episodes, to keep you guessing. Many times you will follow one plot, only to have Elena break out, and tell you that that's not what happened, and then proceeds to correct the plot. She constantly let's you know what she's thinking about. It can get a bit repetitious, but that's her charming self. I'm sure that Netflix is counting on a successful series rating, and already has season 2 in the works.
