The Cleaning Lady

I don't think I've ever seen this premise before - an illegal immigrant forced to become a crime scene cleaner for the mob. In this case, our cleaning lady is also a doctor, which is a lot more common for immigrants (legal or otherwise) than most people think. So I'm giving points for a premise that is both original and very plausible.

The first episode had plenty of action and a bit of suspense, and a little social commentary in providing a small taste of what it's like to be an immigrant worker in the service industry.

I did not care for the cinematography. Cutting off the actor's faces when they are speaking is not art; it's annoying. A shot showing half of a face (and this happened several times) in no way adds to the drama - it just looks like someone screwed up the shot.

The first episode held my attention, and I will definitely continue watching.

Update: 6 episodes in and I'm giving up on this one. It just hasn't lived up to its potential.

And I have to say I am horrified by the way they are portraying illegal aliens. I imagine we can all can sympathize with someone who ignores a border to give their kids a better life, but cleaning up murder scenes? And that's the least of what this show's illegals are doing - others are dealing drugs and selling their kids' organs on the black market. Who can sympathize with that?

This season pales in comparison to the brilliance of seasons 1 and 2. Frankly, the show should have concluded with season 3, following Arman's passing.

The absence of the original creator this season is deeply felt. With a new showrunner and new writing team at the helm, it feels like they should have launched their own series rather than capitalizing on the success of this one.

The decision to kill off Nadia and recast Luca, it feels like the very essence of the show has been dismantled. These characters were the final connections to Arman, and their loss dismantles the essence of what made the series compelling. Perhaps, in a bittersweet way, this might be a blessing in disguise, saved the from disgrace.

Its been 2 and 1/2 seasons. It started off above average and is not sinking to the telenovela meets the worst soap opera possible of impossible scenarios. While the actors and production overall are certainly top notch, the continued same story line regurgitated with no end in sight is making it unbearable to the point where if it was not for the rest of the family wanting to see where it goes, I would have stopped in the middle of the previous season. I don't see why a more realistic script is not provided however it simply could come down to pandering to the very low expectations of the mass audience or the writers simply are not that good.

I am surprised at all the negative reviews. Granted some of the plot is somewhat questionable, such as the FBI's role. Also, I would suspect a criminal gang already would have a "cleaner." Anyway, my wife and I are enjoying it; haven't quite finished.

EDIT Nov 30/22: Had to up my rating again to a 9/10. Wow this second season is night and day compared to how this show started, especially from episode six and on. Whatever changes you guys have done with the writing, you finally got it right - near perfect episode after episode. Keep up the great work everyone.

EDIT Feb 28/22: My original review was after watching 3 episodes. Now after seeing episode 8, I have to say, I'm hooked. The plot thickens, and there's actual suspense and thrills. I still find the FBI agent's character phony and annoying - he's too aloof to be an FBI agent. I'm also getting bored of Elodie Yung's tough-girl demeanor and monotonic dialogue, and her accent is still unconvincing. But Adan Canto shines, and the main reason I want to keep watching. His performance for his character is spot-on. Also bringing Thony's husband performed by Ivan Shaw into the picture has added more conflict to the story, for the better, as his performance is also spot-on. I'm glad to see the writers have upped their game, as episode 8 imo was the best thus far, and was left at a shocking cliff-hanger. My new rating now jumps up to an 8/10.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: Jan 24/22 Title: Meh, cliched, uninteresting and forgettable.

Elodie Yung steals the show, and Adan Canto tries his best with the flimsy writing, but the rest of the cast's characters are written in like a Telemundo daytime soap opera. The FBI agent's character is cringeworthy - bringing his baby to an operation lol? Then the whole divorce/child issues being so easily discussed with someone he's investigating or trying to get to co-operate is beyond laughable. Three episodes in and I'm already losing interest. It's a great concept, but the writers ruined it with the wishy-washy writing. Typical Fox flop fare. It's a generous 6/10 from me all going to Yung and Canto.