All four Netflix episodes were wonderfully written and acted. Jorge Perugorria is a major talent as Conde, the lead police detective. Carlos Almirante shines as his sidekick. Perugorria is also notable as the washed up boxer-father in "Viva"(2015) which is also on Netflix. The relationship of Conde and Manolo reminded me of Inspector Morse and Sergeant Lewis of PBS-BBC fame.
The episodes are held together by an exceptional cast of oddball characters who make a shoddy side of Havana appealing. Despite the poverty and disillusionment of these older revolutionaries, there is deep affection and communication. This tends to overshadow the murder investigations at times, but in a good way.
I am undecided about the realistic and earthy sex scenes. On the one hand, the sexuality is unadorned and more realistic than most portrayals in glossier media. On the other hand, it does not really enhance the stories in my opinion. Homosexuality, a hot-button issue in Cuban macho culture, was well handled in a complex and intriguing way in one episode. The relationships of various characters to religion are explored in interesting ways as well.
I would like to see this series return in some form. With the changes in U.S.-Cuba relations, there is a lot of potential for a fascinating evolution of the characters and subject matter.
The episodes are held together by an exceptional cast of oddball characters who make a shoddy side of Havana appealing. Despite the poverty and disillusionment of these older revolutionaries, there is deep affection and communication. This tends to overshadow the murder investigations at times, but in a good way.
I am undecided about the realistic and earthy sex scenes. On the one hand, the sexuality is unadorned and more realistic than most portrayals in glossier media. On the other hand, it does not really enhance the stories in my opinion. Homosexuality, a hot-button issue in Cuban macho culture, was well handled in a complex and intriguing way in one episode. The relationships of various characters to religion are explored in interesting ways as well.
I would like to see this series return in some form. With the changes in U.S.-Cuba relations, there is a lot of potential for a fascinating evolution of the characters and subject matter.