VALERIA: Should You Stream It or Skip It?

VALERIA: Should You Stream It or Skip It?

VALERIA: Should You Stream It or Skip It?

Opening Scene: The TV displays news about a taxi protest in Madrid as the camera pans over a writer's desk adorned with books, including Jane Eyre. Despite having her laptop open, the writer needs help to produce any words.

Overview: Valeria Férriz Henares (played by Diana Gómez) is an aspiring writer working on her first novel. After winning a young writer's award, she secured a contract for the book. However, she has repeatedly extended the deadline and now has only a week left to finish the first portion. To make ends meet, she considers a security guard position at a museum, which her photographer husband Adrian (portrayed by Ibrahim Al Shami) encourages her to take for financial stability and to help Valeria escape her mental block.

As Valeria struggles to find inspiration and succumbs to various distractions, she reaches out to her friends by leaving a lengthy "podcast" message for them. Each of her longtime friends has challenges to navigate. Lola (Silma López) is involved with a married man named Sergio (Aitor Luna), finding excitement in the forbidden relationship. Carmen (Paula Malia) harbours a crush on a handsome colleague named Borja (Juanlu González) but lacks the confidence to approach him. Nerea (played by Teresa Riott) resides with her parents as she diligently pays off her master's degree while concealing her true identity as a lesbian from them.

Despite their struggles, Valeria's friends are supportive and discourage her from attributing her writer's block to impostor syndrome. Lola invites everyone to a party hosted by her friend Victor (Maxi Iglesias). However, Valeria's plans take an unexpected turn:

• Nerea misses her train.
• Carmen finally secures a date with Borja.
• Lola becomes preoccupied with Sergio.

Valeria connects with Victor, a charming and flirtatious individual who captivates her attention. Although married, she finds herself drawn to him, and they come close to kissing on the way home. Victor suggests that Valeria should write an erotic novel which leaves a lasting impact on her.

Our Opinion: Valeria, based on Elísabet Benavent's novels and adapted for television by María López Castaño, primarily tells the story of a young woman seeking profound connections in all aspects of her life. The show's setting in Madrid becomes as significant as its human characters, showcasing the city's diverse neighbourhoods, vibrant nightlife, and colourful personalities. The series sometimes resembles a millennial version of Sex and the City, with the protagonist also being a writer. However, the fantastical elements in Valeria, such as the affordability of the characters' apartment, stretch the boundaries of realism.

What stands out is the fully realized performances by the cast right from the start. Lola embraces her sexuality and does not shy away from being involved with a married man, unconcerned about potential consequences. Despite her stylish appearance and successful career, Carmen remains insecure and socially awkward. Nerea exhibits unwavering loyalty, even at her own expense. Valeria, while grounded, yearns for life just beyond her grasp. Valeria's contemplation of leaving her husband for Victor is the only aspect of the first season that raises concern. Unless further episodes reveal deeper issues in her marriage or depict Adri as truly unpleasant, Valeria's potential decision to leave him for a newcomer like Victor might seem hasty and unjustifiable.

We anticipate delving further into the stories of all four women, with a particular interest in Nerea's journey, as she remains the most enigmatic character after the initial episode. However, Valeria will undoubtedly take centre stage, and while her romantic choices may not always be ideal, the journey promises to be engaging.

Sex and Intimacy: A scene alludes to a sexual act between Lola and Sergio, although no explicit nudity is shown.