Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish

Sure, everyone in our class pretends to hate "Destinos," and I'm sure our Spanish-speaking foreign exchange student is comatose through these things, but I think they're rather fun. The story itself could probably have been played out in a half hour, but they drag the plot out so much it keeps you in suspense. I seriously care what happens to Raquel in the next episode, though it's rather frustrating in how roundabout a way they choose to present the story. One mustn't forget these are, above all, educational, rather than taut thrilling dramas, and they serve the former purpose quite well. I think they really have helped to improve my Spanish, especially my listening skills.

And they're funny. They're not really supposed to be, but they are -- like any soap opera, the acting is bad and the story is a little overdramatic. Throw in Raquel's hideous outfits, the ineptitude of the characters, the repetitiveness, and the number of episodes that are entirely about food or numbers, and you've got some wonderful opportunities for mockery -- and I don't say this disparagingly; it's endearing how cheesy it is.

So, if you're a Spanish teacher or just someone who'd like to improve their Spanish listening skills, I'd give this series a thumbs-up. If you're looking for real entertainment, I'd look for a real telenovela. ; )

Destinos is the best!! We started watching it in school when i was a sophmore and finished it my junior year. It's a show that is just so much fun to learn from. I mean, how many educational videos give you characters you actually care about? And such classic lines as "Don Fernando tiene un secreto importante. El secreto esta en una carta. Una carta importante!" One can never forget the ever greasy Luis or the super-suave Arturo....or even Raquel's horrible outfits! the entire series is just a blast and the best way to learn spanish if you can't actually visit a spanish speaking country. i love it! "Hola Raquel!" "Luis?!"

Yes, that sums it up. It is quite enjoyable to mock the horribly pathetic acting and to laugh one's head off in class. No doubt it teaches us much Spanish subconsciously.

In terms of actual, real entertainment value: the acting sucks, the budget seems to be nil (or less), and the plot is so full of holes that it might as well be plotless.

"Si, la tumba de MIIIIIIIISSSSSSSS padres." That's rich. That, and the mock "Jaws" Theme that plays whenever Luis enters. Bleck. Between Arturo and Luis, I say that really isn't much of a choice, but at least Arturo isn't greasy.

I started watching Destinos last year when i was seventh grade. I hated the thing with a passion. But this year I'm realizing that it does teach Spanish and despite what others may say, I think it's extremely entertaining. Yeah, that acting sucks and it's cheesy in the most annoying way, but it's funny. It's not supposed to be, but, come on, I don't a single person who didn't laugh some time during the show. The only problem with it, is all the repeating. It will show you the same scene what feels like hundred times. You end up practically memorizing the lines. But,nothings perfect. All in all it's pretty fun to watch and it teaches you Spanish. Eh, works for me

OK, I admit it: I love this series. There, I've said it. Sure, it's a cheesy soap opera. But it's a cheesy soap opera that teaches you to understand the language. And it does this job very well, and even enjoyably.

I've read the whole range of comments about this series. Let me deal with each objection one at a time:

Poor plot: As an actual telenovela, it probably fares pretty poorly. However, it seems to me that it's not fair to compare it against programs designed primarily as telenovelas. This is primarily a LANGUAGE LEARNING TOOL. It just happens to take the form of a telenovela, in fitting with the goal of introducing the viewer to Hispanic culture as well as language.

Cheesy: What telenovela isn't cheesy? If you want cheesy, try Rubi or Tres Mujeres.

No budget: Unfortunately, the authors of these comments know nothing about TV/movie production. Filming on location is insanely expensive. And Destinos does it effectively - I honestly want to visit most of the places they filmed.

Raquel's horrible wardrobe: While I agree that her "clown suit" is a little over-the-top, she was pretty fashionable for 1991. Something to think about: ten+ years from now, if you consider yourself fashionably-dressed, what you're wearing today will look as bad as Raquel's wardrobe does today.

Sleazy characters: Luis is supposed to be greasy. Jorge is even worse. But Arturo - a sugar daddy? He's trying to show Raquel his affection in the only way he knows how.

Boring: I think this comment pretty much sums up my view on the series. If you're engaged primarily in mocking, you will be bored. If you accept Destinos for what it is and actually learn from it, I guarantee you won't be bored. You may even learn to love it like I have!