Shahmeran

Just started this series, so I don't know how it will end, but I like the atmosphere, the sense of magic, the delightful images and the charm of the lead actors. I can see why it's too slow for some, and a bit cryptic, but it's this legend style that makes it appealing, actually. Like a bedtime story.

That's all I wanted to say, but it looks that a review has to be longer, that's not a good idea, cause let's face it, how many of us have the time to read all these long reviews?

But let's see, I can add that some things shoud' ve been worked out better: that mysterious character that is supposed to be scary, that is rather funny, so it failed in creating the necessary threat.

I watched this series in two days and I really enjoyed the story. The scenery and actors. Beautiful mythical story which I never heard of before. Just like Atiye, a story what makes you think about women and history.

The story is about coming to terms with the past, accepting destiny. Getting to know your own heritage and embracing your own.

It is also about how to deal with mental illness and trauma, family positions, culture and folklore.

I loved the costume designs of the actors as and the way the houses were decorated.

Thank you, the developers, for getting me aqainted with this part of Turkey and the myth of Sahmaran.

The 2 leads are top notch and their chemistry is palpable. Despite a slow burn in episode 1 the story starts to hit its stride in episode 2. Production values are very high and the blending of contemporary gender themes with mythology is clever and ambitious. Some of the supporting cast are a bit hammy but overall this is another impressive show out of Turkey. If you enjoyed The Gift then this is a natural progression. The first season is set up for a return and I really hope it does for Season 2! I wish Netflix would invest in second seasons like they once used to!

On a side note, the myriad 1 star reviews for this show feel like a set up and are ridiculously harsh.

Seeing so many 1 star reviews (ONE star, y'all, that's saying this is among the WORST that all of television has to offer, and The Golf Channel exists, for reference) is baffling for a show that's not only "not THAT bad" - it's really not bad. Here's my guess. The low ratings calling out cringe either don't know that English audio dubs are rarely reflective of the show's intended tone. They don't just translate the language into English which subtitles already accomplish, they Americanize the story. Ever notice how the English audio and the English subtitles rarely match 1 to 1? Watch the show again with just subtitles and just see if you still think it's as bad as "School of Golf."

I do not understand why people rate this as cringe or stupid. This is a very beautiful and romantic piece of art, where a modern woman meets an old legend.

Both main actors are stunning in their own way. Their love is, as the legend tells, foreseen and as they meet, there is an undeniable magnetic atmosphere between them.

And they are acting actually great and quite convincible. And it is nice to see a bit of the turkish culture, such as festivities with music or dancing.

It's full with quite beautiful pictures and scenery all along.

All in all I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next season.