The original 'Magnificent Century' was so long and ultimately tragic...I was emotionally drained and really skeptical that a new series could say anything new or worthwhile. But after the first episode...I was blown away by this Kosem series!
The story, costumes, scenery, and even music went to another level. The universe felt much broader, with so many different factions and settings (the harem, Janissary barracks, and even rebel camp). It was less soapy and stage-like - more epic in how it flowed and looked.
But what I loved most of all...this series had such a beautiful heart...embodied in Anastasia Tsilimpiou. She had this young, naive, and ethereal interpretation of Kosem. In the theme song, you can see her holding a lamb in an iconic and unforgettable visual. And that symbolizes the great initial promise and question of this series...can goodness survive in the dark world established by the original 'Magnificent Century'?
This is not really a spoiler, but apparently the series suffered from "low ratings". I really don't understand this - given all the incredible advancements mentioned earlier. Sometimes I wonder if some politics may have been involved - given that the lead actress was Greek, and the series aired in Turkey (long-standing geo-political rivals).
Anyways, the series abruptly swapped Anastasia Tsilimpiou for a much more mature and sterner actress in Beren Saat. I've seen Beren in other series, and she was magnetic in those. But in this one, she just came off as the polar-opposite of the character Anastasia had established. The heart was gone - replaced by a colder and meaner interpretation of the character.
If that wasn't enough...the show itself seemed to suffer "cutbacks". The big universe shrank - with the harem receiving exclusive focus. As a guy, both the Janissary and Rebel universes were so interesting - but alas, were eliminated. The show regressed from epic...back to old formulas and stories used in the original "Magnificent Century".
I don't want to dwell on the later regression. Instead, I would urge new viewers to enjoy the Anastasia Tsilimpiou era of this series. It's so visually rich, romantic, emotional, and exciting. Like Ahmet staring at the painting...it's worth just appreciating it for its beauty.
The story, costumes, scenery, and even music went to another level. The universe felt much broader, with so many different factions and settings (the harem, Janissary barracks, and even rebel camp). It was less soapy and stage-like - more epic in how it flowed and looked.
But what I loved most of all...this series had such a beautiful heart...embodied in Anastasia Tsilimpiou. She had this young, naive, and ethereal interpretation of Kosem. In the theme song, you can see her holding a lamb in an iconic and unforgettable visual. And that symbolizes the great initial promise and question of this series...can goodness survive in the dark world established by the original 'Magnificent Century'?
This is not really a spoiler, but apparently the series suffered from "low ratings". I really don't understand this - given all the incredible advancements mentioned earlier. Sometimes I wonder if some politics may have been involved - given that the lead actress was Greek, and the series aired in Turkey (long-standing geo-political rivals).
Anyways, the series abruptly swapped Anastasia Tsilimpiou for a much more mature and sterner actress in Beren Saat. I've seen Beren in other series, and she was magnetic in those. But in this one, she just came off as the polar-opposite of the character Anastasia had established. The heart was gone - replaced by a colder and meaner interpretation of the character.
If that wasn't enough...the show itself seemed to suffer "cutbacks". The big universe shrank - with the harem receiving exclusive focus. As a guy, both the Janissary and Rebel universes were so interesting - but alas, were eliminated. The show regressed from epic...back to old formulas and stories used in the original "Magnificent Century".
I don't want to dwell on the later regression. Instead, I would urge new viewers to enjoy the Anastasia Tsilimpiou era of this series. It's so visually rich, romantic, emotional, and exciting. Like Ahmet staring at the painting...it's worth just appreciating it for its beauty.