Storytelling at its best

It’s been a while since a show wowed me, but this gem did just that.

Besides being an excellent commentary on racism, corruption, and human nature, it also hits all the right notes of excellent storytelling. The hero (handsomely and charmingly played by Omar Sy) is flawed and operating on some misguided beliefs. But he is also sympathetic, clever, and proactive. His backstory is doled out bit by bit in skillfully placed flashbacks which garners the audience’s growing support.

As a thriller, it keeps you in suspense with fair misdirections and pacing. The reveals are satisfactory and releases the tension you might not even know was built up in you.

Story one ends with the bad guys (who are also shown with sympathy or some good points to make them more human and not one-dimensional) getting their comeuppance, wrapping things up in an appropriate but open-ended way so that the audience can expect more adventures to follow.

I’m currently reading a number of books on how to write good stories and this show and I can’t help but insert scenes from this show in my mind as examples of what was done right.

Plus, I really love that while it’s an action thriller, there’s not excessive violence/blood or gratuitous sex (at least not in the first story). It’s mainly all about perfect storytelling.

If you’ve not seen it yet, you’re missing out!

P.S.: Season/Story 2 is not as tight and well-written as 1 but it’s still pretty fun to watch.

P.P.S.: I love how the show emphasizes the joy of reading and importance of books.