AMC sold the rights to this on the condition that Univision remain faithful to the original. And boy, did they!
Production values: Great. if you've seen ever seen a typical Spanish serialized drama, you know the cinematography can be pretty uninspired. But here they've spent a lot of money and time planning out the shots; I don't know if they are using a RED camera but it must be that or something similar. Great job on the camera-work.
Acting: Leads are very strong. Diego Trujillo is pulling off the part really well so far, and props to Roberto Urbina and Julian Arango for their performances as Jose (Jesse) and Henry (Hank). Some of the minor characters have been noticeably weak though, especially the 2 drug addicts who stole the ATM.
Adaption: Excellent. They are now in Colombia where there is no clown culture of lawyers, so "Better Call Saul" is toned down. They use a school bus since RVs are not common, and a bunch of other changes they have made are very appropriate. Finally, the decision to do this series at all deserves a big hand, since typical Telenovelas are exaggerated good guys/bad guys stereotypes much like U.S. TV used to be in the 60s and 70s. To do such a complex character arc like Walter Blanco (White) is very unique.
Criticism from the peanut gallery: Some people are upset that Univision didn't just dub the AMC version or subtitle and stay 'true' to the original. Well, gee, why didn't the U.S. just run "The Office" - without subtitles, mind you - since it was an English show? Honestly, the list of shows that have been adapted from other countries is enormous (Ugly Betty, American Idol, Three's Company, etc etc etc). It's been done for decades with little controversy. I don't know why this one deserves any scorn. They wanted to do a good adaption, and they have! Love it!
Production values: Great. if you've seen ever seen a typical Spanish serialized drama, you know the cinematography can be pretty uninspired. But here they've spent a lot of money and time planning out the shots; I don't know if they are using a RED camera but it must be that or something similar. Great job on the camera-work.
Acting: Leads are very strong. Diego Trujillo is pulling off the part really well so far, and props to Roberto Urbina and Julian Arango for their performances as Jose (Jesse) and Henry (Hank). Some of the minor characters have been noticeably weak though, especially the 2 drug addicts who stole the ATM.
Adaption: Excellent. They are now in Colombia where there is no clown culture of lawyers, so "Better Call Saul" is toned down. They use a school bus since RVs are not common, and a bunch of other changes they have made are very appropriate. Finally, the decision to do this series at all deserves a big hand, since typical Telenovelas are exaggerated good guys/bad guys stereotypes much like U.S. TV used to be in the 60s and 70s. To do such a complex character arc like Walter Blanco (White) is very unique.
Criticism from the peanut gallery: Some people are upset that Univision didn't just dub the AMC version or subtitle and stay 'true' to the original. Well, gee, why didn't the U.S. just run "The Office" - without subtitles, mind you - since it was an English show? Honestly, the list of shows that have been adapted from other countries is enormous (Ugly Betty, American Idol, Three's Company, etc etc etc). It's been done for decades with little controversy. I don't know why this one deserves any scorn. They wanted to do a good adaption, and they have! Love it!