El Recluso

I dont expect Netflix to become HBO (although I wish it did!), but small productions like this justify the monthly subscription. Everything about this show is mediocre, but the pace is good and the actors help along with the script to create interesting characters. It is similar to casa di papel in this way, without the beautiful ladies! Not a bad show to spend your time.

What a classic. However, my classics are: Repo Man, Big Meat Eater, Trailer Park Boys . . . the cheesier the better.

The characters are all brilliant. The lip synching straight outta a 60's Godzilla flick. The dialogue is perfect. Plot tight tight tight.

So much to love. Perfect.

The show is ridiculous right from the start, given that Lazaro would even agree to undertake such a mission for...a judge? that he is completeley loyal to and for whose daughter he would risk his life? Why? The acting by some, like the Nazis, and the judge's bodyguard Jack, and the judge's daughter, is often atrocious. However, the show does have some hilarious dialogue that is very Mexican-slang centered, words like "puñetas" get thrown around and there are funny insults and one-liners thrown around mainly by Tavares and by Peniche the prison director, those characters are just...funny. Roxana the sexy assistant and Marcial the prison guard also have their moments -all in all the show has this underlying comedic element that just works in a weird way. The main actor who plays Lazaro/Dante holds his own in an understated way, and Santito does too but he can be too much and you grow tired of his antics. The depictions of the prison living conditions and the MS type gang are interesting although not sure how accurate.

The cast of characters are phenomenal. David chocarro as Santito was a standout and deserves recognition for such a convincing addict and sociopath. I was amazed at his performance and absolutely convinced they Used a real con for his portrayal. His twitchy behavior , facial expressions, mania were spot on.

There are moments where you need to suspend disbelief but the portrayal of the prison no doubt mirrors some reality...hierarchy, gangs, corruption.

Some very brutal scenes, some genuinely funny moments and moments of insight into human nature and the basic good in people who are labelled criminals.

Not a fan of the photography where it seems we are sneaking a peak from behind a shelf or door. Been conditioned to expect something to happen which those shots. Nothing does.

Standout performances by all cast.

Why does everyone compare to casa de papel, it's a completely different story and both unique in their own way. Love the Spanish productions, great talent all around and much deserving of a second season.

Above average nonsense that keeps you watching, despite yourself, manages not to descend into total silliness or incoherence as so many of these shows do. Enjoyable.