"30 Coins" (2020 release from Spain; 8 episodes) brings the story of Father Manuel Vergara. As Episode 1 opens, we are in "Geneva, Switzerland", as a guy walks into a bank, shoots everyone in sight and manages to retrieve a coin from the bank's vaults. We then go to "Pedraza, Spain", a remote village where we are watching as a cow is giving birth. Inexplicably and shockingly, the cow births not a calf, but a baby boy, to the utter consternation of the small group there. They hastily call the village mayor, who in turn decides to call on the local priest, Father Vergara... At this point we are less than 15 min. Into the opening episode.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from veteran Spanish writer-director Alex de la Iglesia. Here he brings us another story mired in the supernatural-fantastical genre, but with a a decided dark humorous side to it. The opening episode runs 80 min. (whereas future episodes are about 60 min. Each), and covers so much ground, it makes the mind twist and dazzle. Of course when a story is as plot-heavy as this turns out to be, it would be inexcusable to reveal more than just the opening scenes, which I described earlier. By the time we reach of end of Episode 1, I thought to myself: 'wait, how did we get from the opening scenes to this point?', and that is actually a plus, as it tells me that the story is chock full of twists and turns. It is clear to me that no production expenses were spared and the special effects are impressive. I can't wait to see future episodes!
"30 Coins" premiered in November on HBO Europe, and is now showing here in the US, with new episodes airing on Monday evenings at 9 pm Eastern, and then made available on HBO On Demand and other streaming services. If you are in the mood for a fast-evolving story set in the supernatural-fantastical genre, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
*UPDATE 1/6/21* I've now seen Episode 2, and this remains pleasantly entertaining, frankly more than I had expected. Episode 2 is where the Vatican becomes involved... And lots more rollicking story advancements!
Couple of comments: this is the latest from veteran Spanish writer-director Alex de la Iglesia. Here he brings us another story mired in the supernatural-fantastical genre, but with a a decided dark humorous side to it. The opening episode runs 80 min. (whereas future episodes are about 60 min. Each), and covers so much ground, it makes the mind twist and dazzle. Of course when a story is as plot-heavy as this turns out to be, it would be inexcusable to reveal more than just the opening scenes, which I described earlier. By the time we reach of end of Episode 1, I thought to myself: 'wait, how did we get from the opening scenes to this point?', and that is actually a plus, as it tells me that the story is chock full of twists and turns. It is clear to me that no production expenses were spared and the special effects are impressive. I can't wait to see future episodes!
"30 Coins" premiered in November on HBO Europe, and is now showing here in the US, with new episodes airing on Monday evenings at 9 pm Eastern, and then made available on HBO On Demand and other streaming services. If you are in the mood for a fast-evolving story set in the supernatural-fantastical genre, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
*UPDATE 1/6/21* I've now seen Episode 2, and this remains pleasantly entertaining, frankly more than I had expected. Episode 2 is where the Vatican becomes involved... And lots more rollicking story advancements!