Introduction
The story begins with the arrival of three working-class students—Samuel, Nadia,
and Christian—at Las Encinas, Spain’s most elite private school. They’ve
received scholarships after their public school collapsed due to faulty
construction funded by a wealthy businessman. This introduction immediately
sets up the primary tension: the clash between the elite, privileged students and
the newcomers.
Key Characters and Their Arcs
1. Samuel García
Samuel is quiet and principled, determined to fit in despite the hostility of
his wealthier classmates.
He falls in love with Marina, who reciprocates his feelings. However, their
romance becomes complicated when Marina is also drawn to Samuel’s
older brother, Nano.
Samuel’s sense of loyalty to his family puts him at odds with Marina as
Nano becomes embroiled in Marina’s secrets.
2. Nadia Shanaa
Nadia is an ambitious and intelligent Muslim girl who faces constant
discrimination and challenges due to her hijab and strict upbringing.
She clashes with Guzmán, a wealthy bully, but over time, he develops
feelings for her. This relationship tests Nadia’s values as she struggles to
reconcile her cultural identity with her feelings.
Nadia’s determination to succeed academically and socially is a central
theme in her storyline.
3. Christian Expósito
Christian is outgoing and attention-seeking, eager to rise above his
humble background by fitting in with the elite crowd.
He is drawn into a bizarre relationship with Carla and Polo, who use him to
spice up their stagnant romance.
Christian’s desire for status blinds him to the manipulation he faces,
ultimately making him a pawn in larger schemes.
4. Marina Nunier Osuna
Marina is Guzmán’s rebellious younger sister, who feels out of place in her
wealthy family.
She hides her HIV diagnosis from most people and is deeply affected by
her family’s involvement in corrupt business practices.
Her relationship with Samuel is sweet but overshadowed by her growing
connection with Nano, which becomes pivotal to the murder mystery.
Marina possesses a stolen watch containing incriminating evidence
against her father, making her a target.
5. Guzmán Nunier Osuna
Guzmán starts as a stereotypical bully, mocking the scholarship students
and upholding his privileged status.
His relationship with Nadia reveals a softer side, as he becomes genuinely
infatuated with her. However, his arrogance and impulsiveness create
tension.
Guzmán’s overprotective attitude toward Marina causes conflicts,
especially when he learns about her relationships with Samuel and Nano.
6. Carla Rosón Caleruega
Carla is polished, calculating, and used to getting her way. She dominates
her boyfriend, Polo, and manipulates Christian for her own amusement.
Despite her icy exterior, Carla plays a critical role in covering up Marina’s
murder, showing her darker side.
7. Polo Benavent
Polo is insecure and overshadowed by Carla’s dominance in their
relationship.
His jealousy and desperation to maintain control culminate in the shocking
act of murder. Polo’s guilt becomes a central theme in the later seasons.
8. Ander Muñoz
Ander is Guzmán’s best friend and the son of the school principal. He
struggles with his sexual identity and begins a secret relationship with
Omar, Nadia’s brother.
Ander’s storyline highlights the challenges of coming out and dealing with
societal expectations.
Plot Details
Flashbacks: The School Year
1. Scholarship Students vs. Elite Students:
o Samuel, Nadia, and Christian are outsiders. They face bullying from
Guzmán, Lu, and their clique but gradually start forming
connections.
o Nadia impresses teachers and students with her intelligence,
earning Guzmán’s respect.
2. Marina’s Secrets:
o Marina’s HIV diagnosis is revealed early on. This, combined with the
stolen watch, isolates her from her peers.
o Her relationship with Samuel begins as a means to escape her
family’s expectations, but it evolves into genuine affection.
However, her growing bond with Nano complicates things.
3. The Love Triangle:
o Marina’s attraction to Nano stems from his rebellious nature and her
desire to break free from her sheltered life.
o This causes friction between Samuel and Nano, straining their
already complicated relationship.
4. Christian, Carla, and Polo:
o Christian becomes involved in a risqué threesome with Carla and
Polo, initially enjoying the perks but later realizing he’s being used.
5. Omar and Ander:
o Ander’s romance with Omar is one of the few pure relationships in
the show. However, Omar’s conservative family adds tension.
Present Day: The Murder Investigation
The season begins with Marina’s murder, found dead by the school’s pool.
As the story unfolds in flashbacks, every character’s secrets and
motivations are explored, creating a list of suspects.
The police interrogate each student, revealing lies, betrayals, and
shocking truths.
The Murder
The Crime: Marina is killed by Polo in a fit of rage during an argument
over the stolen watch. Polo strikes her with the school trophy, causing her
death.
The Cover-Up: Carla helps Polo hide his crime, using her manipulative
skills to protect him.
The Fallout: Samuel and Nano are devastated. Nano is wrongfully
accused of Marina’s murder, leading to unresolved tensions.
Themes
1. Class Divide: The sharp contrast between the privileged students and the
scholarship students drives much of the conflict.
2. Secrets and Lies: Deception is at the heart of every relationship, from
friendships to romances.
3. Identity and Acceptance: Characters struggle with cultural, sexual, and
personal identity, often clashing with societal expectations.
Cliffhanger
The season ends with the murder unresolved for the police, leaving Polo’s guilt a
secret shared only by Carla and him. The questions of justice, loyalty, and
morality set the stage for Season 2.
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