Antes Muerta Que Lichita

Antes Muerta Que Lichita, a Mexican telenovela series produced by Rosy Ocampo for Televisa, aired on Univision from 2015 to 2016. Its title literally translates to "Better Dead Than Ordinary," inferring to the show's main character, Lichita Gutiérrez, played by Maite Perroni.

The story follows the life of Lichita, who has been working in a prestigious advertising agency named Iconika for several years but remains invisible to those around her. Despite her wholesome instincts, good character, and high professional potential, she tends to be overlooked due to her lack of assertiveness and inability to assert her worth. She begins as a naïve and timid woman who dreams of climbing the corporate ladder but finds herself the subject of mockery by her ambitious coworker, Roberto Duarte, portrayed by Arath De La Torre. However, as the series progresses, Lichita undergoes dramatic changes that redefine her as a person and her role within the company.

One of the main themes of the series is the reflection on how important appearances are in contemporary society. It portrays Lichita's painful but necessary journey from being an 'invisible' woman to becoming a powerful one. This transformation does not come easy or without a cost. Alongside her professional aspirations, Lichita also embarks on a turbulent journey of love, developing a complicated relationship with Roberto. Their relationship forms a drama-filled, emotional subplot involving jealously, misunderstanding, rivalry, and eventually, affection and love.

The show is praised for its unique blend of humor, emotion, workplace politics, and romance. It also provides a comedic meta-commentary about the advertising world. The workplace depicted on the series is full of maneuvering, backstabbing, and ambition, which promises a compelling watch for those interested in business-related dramas and marketing processes. Maite Perroni's portrayal of Lichita is a particular standout, masterfully depicting her character's transformation from an overlooked, simple, career-aspiring individual into a powerful, successful woman.

In the supporting cast, Ingrid Martz manifests as a primary antagonist, Sandra, a distinct character whose duplicitous nature adds complex dimensions to the plotline. Sandra is a strong contrast to Lichita, exhibiting a sense of ruthlessness and ambition, with no qualms about deceiving and manipulating others.

As the series unfolds, the viewers get a deeper insight into each character’s motivations, personal struggles, and their consequent changes, making up for profound character development added with dramatic twists and turns. The fascinating thing is how each character's evolution, particularly Lichita's, is offered respectfully, gradually, and realistically, giving viewers the chance to grow along with her through a course of 129 episodes.

For those yearning for depth and complexity in telenovelas, Antes Muerta Que Lichita doesn’t disappoint. By presenting relatable situations and environments, the series brings out an array of emotions from the audience, making the characters feel real and three-dimensional. The series displaces stereotypical 'Cinderella' stories and offers a modern narrative aligned with contemporary life.

Antes Muerta Que Lichita utilizes humor to project serious messages. It uncovers the harsh realities of corporate culture, gender discrimination, societal pressures, and the struggle for power and recognition in a competitive realm. The show’s strong feminist undertone is inspiring and thought-provoking, connoting that women, much like Lichita, should not be undermined for their humility. They can be powerful, assertive, and successful, transforming their dreams into reality when given a chance.

Furthermore, a distinguishing factor of this telenovela is its texture of realism combined with high-energy performances, all in the garb of a sitcom. In addition to well-rounded characters, the show also features vibrant sets, stunning cinematography, and nimble dialogues that often incorporate local Mexican slang.

Lastly, the music composed by Jorge Avendaño brought an enriching aspect to the series. The melodious themes perfectly complemented the emotional highs and lows, adding depth to the narrative.

In conclusion, Antes Muerta Que Lichita remains a fresh take on telenovelas, bringing a blend of comedy, romance, and relatable realities effortlessly. The show is predominantly an exploration of personal growth and ambition, showcasing how a seemingly commonplace woman can become extraordinary through resilience and determination.