Bertan is still married to Hazal S.
As someone who's seen more than his fair share of TV shows and films over the years, I can confidently say that Modern Masallari is a disappointing attempt at blending folklore with modern-day storytelling. What could have been a fascinating and unique exploration of Eastern myths and traditions falls flat under the weight of a disorganized plot, shallow characters, and an overall lack of direction.
From the very beginning, it's clear that the show doesn't know what it wants to be. It has all the makings of a modern fantasy with a twist - combining elements of traditional Eastern tales with contemporary settings. Yet, despite these interesting elements, the execution is sorely lacking. The narrative meanders aimlessly, with episodes feeling more like random scenes pieced together than part of a coherent, cohesive story. There's no clear progression, no development of tension or intrigue. The episodes feel more like disconnected vignettes rather than chapters in an unfolding story, which makes it impossible to truly engage with any of the characters or their struggles.
The lack of a solid, well-thought-out plot is a huge detractor. In fact, the storyline seems almost nonsensical at times. You're left wondering whether the writers had a clear idea of what they were trying to convey or if they were just throwing things at the screen in the hopes that something would stick. The scenes often feel disjointed and unconnected, jumping from one situation to the next without any real reason or development. You can't help but feel that the entire series is trying too hard to be "artsy" and "symbolic" without actually understanding what those things mean. It's like watching a jumbled mess of ideas that never quite come together to form anything meaningful.
As for the characters, they're far from engaging. Instead of feeling like fully realized individuals with depth and motivation, they come across as flat and one-dimensional. You never get a real sense of who they are, what they want, or why you should care about them. In a show like this, where the characters should be key to the emotional connection and the unfolding drama, this lack of development is a major flaw. The actors, too, struggle to bring these thinly written characters to life. Their performances feel stiff and unconvincing, leaving the audience with little to invest in emotionally.
What really frustrates me, as someone who appreciates good storytelling, is how the show squanders its premise. It could have been an intriguing exploration of Eastern mythology, a fresh take on old legends set against a modern backdrop. Instead, it feels like a missed opportunity - a half-baked attempt at blending the old and the new without ever fully committing to either. The fantasy elements, which should have added depth and intrigue, are either underdeveloped or so poorly executed that they end up feeling out of place rather than captivating.
The pacing of the show doesn't help its cause either. It drags on for far too long, with long stretches of dull, meandering scenes that go nowhere. The story lingers on moments that should feel significant but instead come across as filler, wasting precious screen time on scenes that add nothing to the overall narrative. As a viewer, you quickly become frustrated, as the show never seems to get to the point or offer any payoff for the time invested.
I wouldn't recommend this show to anyone seeking a well-crafted, coherent narrative or strong character development. If anything, it's a reminder that some ideas are better left unexplored or, at the very least, better executed. A missed opportunity, to say the leas.
