I have not opened a book for ten days; in fact, I was half-way through reading one, and then... I was browsing Netflix and came across a Turkish series called (in English) Black Money Love. Ten days later, and I am on Episode 82. I admit it, I am totally hooked. Why? Although the kernel of the story is a typical one of two young people falling in love, there are so many other aspects drawing one in (all too successfully!) to binge watching. I find the acting top rate, with no obvious weaknesses; there are a multiplicity of characters, all with the strength and (some very deep) failings. The main baddie is very bad indeed, amoral and immoral; others are on a Richter scale of badness; the three main families involved are full of fascinating, very realistic characters. With so many episodes, the series has time to delve into nearly everyone's character and background and create compelling reasons for why they are as they are. For once, I am going to copy Wikipedia to give the outline of the story's beginnings (it seems such a long time ago!) I have put this plagiarism in italics. I'll admit my weakness here as well: the main actress, Tuba Büyüküstün, is one of the most beautiful women I have ever set eyes on, notwithstanding her uneven bottom teeth!! (which I actually find endearing). Her co-star, Engin Akyürek, is more than a match for her and the chemistry between them is outstanding. It is no surprise that, in real life, they apparently are very close.
The series, divided into 54 long Turkish episodes and 164 short international episodes was one of the most popular and most watched television dramas by that time. Ömer Demir (Engin) is a dedicated and successful detective who lives a moderate life with his small family and he is soon to me married to his fiancé Sibel Andac, who is a teacher. Ömer's older brother, Hüseyin Demir, also works as a detective alongside Ömer's two best friends, Arda Cakir and Pelin Serter. On the other hand, Elif Denizer (Tuva) is a young, free-spirited and accomplished artist who designs jewelry and lives in Rome. Elif is the daughter of the famous and wealthy businessman Ahmed Denizer, who owns Denizer Holdings and his wife Zerrin. Elif has a younger sister Nilüfer and an older sister named Asli. Elif returns to Istanbul to celebrate her 31st birthday with her family and friends. She is thrown a surprise birthday party by her father, who leaves the party early claiming he has an important business to attend to. On the night of Elif's birthay, Ömer drives Sibel home and then heads to the police station about two people who got murdered in a car, a man in his fifties and a woman in her thirties. Ömer accompanies his friends and goes to the crime scene and his life is changed forever. Sibel; is found in the passenger seat next to an older man, both shot in the head. The man's identity is soon revealed to be Ahmed Denizer, Elif's father.
Thus begins the roller coaster of 164 episodes! Only occasionally does there appear to be 'padding' as the twist and turns are fast and furious. The relationship between Ömer and Elif runs the gamut through hostility, suspicion, misunderstanding, growing respect and friendship to outright, passionate love. For this viewer at least, each stage is entirely realistic. There might be too many ardent long-held gazes at, and after, each other (particularly from Ömer), but the chemistry between the two actors is vibrant. This is helped and maintained by a very strong supporting cast - far too many to comment on individually. However, Elif's two sisters each hold their own on screen, with very different characters. Both are spoiled, the elder being under the influence of her 'meds', the younger under the influence of her rather naive emotions, which will cost both her and her family major problems. The common characteristic of both Ömer and Elif, as well as the whole Denizer family and others, is stubborness.
Elif (Tuba) and Ömer (Engin)
All the best and worst aspects of human nature are on display - loyalty, steadfastness, genuine love in all its shapes, integrity; as well as deceit, corruption, cruelty and greed. I have reached episode 82 (just half way!), and I am totally enraptured in the various storylines. It has moved on from just money-laundering, and the whereabouts of diamonds to inter-family conflict, treachery by siblings, lying by just about everyone and venal corruption by those in authority (the police, the prosecutors, medical staff) as well as by the out-and-out villains. I will report on the entire series in another Blog - if I am not comatose in front of the television by then. I must leave a parting bonus - three screen shots of the beautiful Tuba Büyüküstün,
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