Rough Justice

Rough Justice, or "Rough Justice: El Año de la Plaga" as it's originally known, is an intense legal drama series presented by WALTER PRESENTS in 2016. Hailing from Spain, this slickly produced show flamboyantly entwines law, crime, and emotion in a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The pilot episode introduces us to Natalia, a passionate, brilliant, and tenacious investigative judge. Natalia is not your conventional judicial figure, she has fire in her belly. She's faire, ruthless, and undeterred by the nasty underbelly of Spain's legal system she fights against. Known for bending rules in the pursuit of justice, her distinguished approach to the law causes friction with her superiors and law enforcement.

The series sets off with Natalia being transferred from her native Madrid to El Hierro, the most remote of the Canary Islands in Spain. Although this move is perceived as a punishment for her impassioned and controversial methods, Natalia sees this as an opportunity to prove her mettle and bring the criminals to justice, her way.

Her challenges are not just external, but internal too. Natalia struggles with her inner demons and attempts to maintain a balance between her professional and personal life. Her role as a mother, her problematic relationship with her family, and her past all play a crucial part in shaping Natalia's character. Still, her inherent trait of being a justice-seeker always takes prominence.

One of the appealing traits of Rough Justice is its dynamic and multi-dimensional characters. While the spotlight is undoubtedly on Natalia, other characters such as her court clerk, police officers, suspects, and victims also contribute significantly to the rich tapestry of the storyline. Every character is beautifully layered with its own set of virtues, vices, flaws, and strengths, making the show an absorbing character study as well as a legal drama.

The narrative of Rough Justice smartly utilizes the unique setting of El Hierro. The island becomes more than a backdrop; it is an entity in itself. Its isolated nature makes it a perfect breeding ground for secrets, crime, and corruption. The show makes good use of the island's scenery, showing both the beautiful and bleak aspects of it to create a perfect atmosphere for the drama unfolding on the screen.

One of the most enticing elements of Rough Justice is its knack for incorporating social and moral issues into the narrative. The series does a commendable job of addressing prevailing social issues like drug trafficking, immigration, corruption, and environmental crime. The line between right and wrong can often blur in law, and the series does not shy away from exploring this dichotomy.

Renowned for her compelling performances, Candela Peña, who portrays Natalia, dominates the screen with her raw energy and charisma. The supporting cast ensemble also executes brilliant performances, helping to maintain the authentic look and feel of the show.

Written by Antonio Onetti, the series promises a gripping narrative that doesn't hold back in exploring the complexities of the legal system and societal issues. ‘Rough Justice’ offers a careful balance of investigative drama, human emotions, and ethical dilemmas.

The cinematography of the series is worth mentioning. Scenes are shot and edited masterfully, utilizing the Canary Island's breathtaking landscapes and enhancing the character interactions, thus successfully creating an aura of tension and unrest. The musical score complements the mood of the show, adding an extra layer of depth to the series.

Expect a unique kinds of thriller from Rough Justice. It's not the regular whodunit fare. The essence of the story is to unravel the depths of the characters' personalities and motives, and in that respect, it delivers impeccably.

In conclusion, Rough Justice is not merely a crime drama. It is a character-driven series that beautifully encompasses the blurry lines between the pursuit of justice and the very human flaws we all possess. It is no wonder why Walter Presents snapped this one up for a 2016 premier. This Spanish series, offering a heady mix of drama, crime, and emotion, will leave you relentlessly guessing and awaiting the next twist in the tale. From the gorgeous setting to the provocative storylines and complex characters, Rough Justice keeps viewers intrigued and invested. It's a treat for any fans of international crime drama.