Today : Feb 13, 2025
Arts & Culture
13 February 2025

RTVE's New Thriller 'Internos' Captivates And Provokes Audience

The series explores the challenges faced by early female police officers against the backdrop of 1970s Spain, blending action with societal reflection.

RTVE's anticipated series, "Asuntos Internos", premiered last night, igniting excitement and controversy among viewers. This six-part thriller transports audiences back to Spain's late 1970s, where the introduction of women police officers shakes the foundations of law enforcement. The series stars Laia Manzanares as Clara Montesinos, the story's determined lead, who navigates the perilous waters of corruption and drug trafficking.

Set against the backdrop of Vallecas, "Internos" dives deep to explore the struggles of these early female officers. Clara Montesinos and her allies, depicted by well-known actors like Silvia Abascal and Marta Poveda, confront not only crime but societal resistance as they establish their place within the forces. The storyline is framed around real historical events during Spain's Transition period, emphasizing the tensions and breakthrough moments experienced by women entering male-dominated spaces.

The series marks significant milestones not only for representation on Spanish television but also for its ambitious production, featuring a substantial budget of over 5 million euros. This budget demonstrates RTVE's commitment to high-quality content. Intriguingly, each episode cost approximately 890,000 euros to produce. Early metrics indicate the series captured 11.8% of the total viewing audience on its premiere night, drawing over 1.1 million viewers—a promising start for any new show.

Manzanares, previously celebrated for her roles spanning theater and television, reflects on her new character with admiration. "It's an incredible show, with stunning scripts and cast," she stated. This newfound role as Clara is pivotal for her career, allowing her to engage with themes of resilience and strength, which resonate deeply within contemporary narratives.

Despite its success, the premiere not only received praise but also faced viewer criticism, particularly revolving around its delayed schedule. Many expressed dissatisfaction over the series starting 20 minutes later than originally promised. Reactions poured onto social media, with sentiments ranging from enthusiasm over its gripping storyline to frustration over logistical issues. Even with these bumps, the excitement surrounding "Internos" hints at its potential to engage and entertain over the course of the coming episodes.

At its core, "Internos" is more than just another crime thriller. It delves deep, examining the harsh realities of drug trafficking as Clara Montesinos battles against time and systemic corruption. It is expected to draw viewers not only for its thrilling narrative but also for the societal reflection it presents. This balance of entertainment and thought-provoking content positions "Internos" as one of the standout series on Spanish television this season.

Overall, "Internos" stands as both a retrospective on women's empowerment within law enforcement and as compelling drama with significant socio-political relevance. Its narrative is rich with potential, promising to keep viewers captivated as it continues its run on RTVE.