Foreign Body

Foreign Body is an intriguing web mini-series that debuted in 2008. Produced by Vuguru, an independent studio founded by former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, the show exemplifies a new breed of online entertainment, merging television production values with the unique interactive advantages of the internet.

The series offers audiences a gripping journey into the world of global health-care tourism. Following the trail of curious college grad Ravi Patel, it explores the hazards lurking under the shiny prospects of affordable medical tourism in India. Imbued with elements of suspense, drama, and romance, Foreign Body provides a sophisticated, riveting storyline packed into bite-sized chunks ideal for web consumption.

Ravi Patel is a well-rounded and intriguing protagonist. Following the untimely death of his older brother, Ravi leaves behind his comfortable life in California and ventures to India, where he steps into his brother’s shoes at an outsourcing company called Miracle Life. As he adjusts to his new surroundings and responsibilities, Ravi stumbles upon a world previously unknown to him – the booming industry of medical tourism. He becomes entangled in company's dubious affairs and begins to look past the surface of this seemingly beneficial industry, which offers cheaper medical alternatives to patients from more developed countries.

The show creatively uncovers the dark side of medical tourism, which, while seemingly beneficial, might harbor appalling secrets. As Ravi delves deeper into the company's operations and the sector as a whole, he begins to understand the ramifications of his fallen brother's mysterious plea for him to continue his work in India. While dealing with corporate conspiracy and corruption, Ravi also becomes romantically involved with an American patient named Sydney West, adding a different flavor to the series.

The talented cast elevates the storytelling of the series. Sendhil Ramamurthy, who is known for his role in Heroes, skillfully plays the role of Ravi Patel, capturing the character’s initial naivety and subsequent growth throughout the series. Other notable cast members include American Idol alumna Katharine McPhee as Sydney West, and versatile actors such as Sarita Choudhury and Anupam Kher. These performances add a depth of authenticity to the narrative, immersing the viewer in the series' unique setting and complexly woven story.

Releasing episodes of around nine minutes each, Foreign Body respects the unique viewership habits of online audiences, managing to not overwhelm the watcher with the intensity of the plot. Foreign Body maintains a steady narrative progression throughout its 50 episodes, with each installment offering enough suspense and growth to consistently make every click worthwhile.

One commendable aspect of the series is its well-researched portrayal of India's healthcare industry as well as the detailed representation of Indian culture. Filmed on-location in New Delhi, the series effectively uses its setting to enrich the narrative and enhance the viewing experience.

Moreover, the innovative use of the internet as a platform takes the engagement a notch higher. The initial preview episodes were designed to create hype for the series with behind-the-scenes footage, character sketches, clues, and interactive elements. The show also developed a multi-platform approach across social media profiles and websites to enrich the narrative with related content, making the experience more immersive for viewers.

In conclusion, Foreign Body represents a milestone in web-based entertainment by tellingly pushing the boundaries of content, production, and delivery. The series successfully balances a compelling narrative, well-rounded characters, and an eye-opening premise with the convenience of online consumption. Plus, it effectively uses the advantages of the web to create an engaging, multi-dimensional experience for the audience. Whether you're a fan of suspense, drama, international travel, or health-related issues, this boundary-pushing show offers all that and more.