Violetta (2012–2015)
7/10
Intriguing and linguistically interesting however English dub, at times, is terrible.
29 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I came across Violetta on Youtube in its original language: Spanish. I started to watch it. Even though I only understood very little, I really liked the songs and some of the characters and plots within the series. Violetta ignited my passion to learn languages and without Violetta I probably would not be taking Spanish for GCSE.

I've read a few reviews that are on IMDb about the show. Some I agree with and some opinions I consider and respect but I don't completely agree with. I know that, yes, there is a lot of lying involved with the plots of the show and while, yes, it does seem to give off negative messages, I don't think that that was their intention. I think it simply shows some aspects of people and the real world. However I could be reading too much into it, but that is my opinion.

As for the English dubbing... I could not agree more. Some parts do not sound good in English like they do in Spanish and they don't even resemble the actor's real voices. Some songs in English don't even make sense! Literally none! In my opinion, Violetta's character is lovable but by season 3 you start to become a little bored and irritated by her. Yes, she is naïve and young, we understand that, but she doesn't even know how to see through people! You would think that after what happened with Diego she would wise up and be more wary of people.

Another thing which I think becomes a little 'meh' over time is Violetta's relationship with Leon. While they are very cute together and I do like them as a couple, towards the end, their relationship dynamic becomes very predictable and it takes the enjoyment out of some of their plot lines. You can basically predict what the other is going to say when something bad happens.

Also, my mum and I have noticed that through different characters, the subplots of season 3 are very closely, almost exactly mirroring its previous seasons but with very subtle differences. For example with Clement (Season 3). Clement is a member of the Studio but he lies to his father and tells him that he is in business school because that's where his father wants him to go. (Season 1) Violetta hides to her dad that she is a part of the Studio. When she's preparing for the final show, German comes into the auditorium where they are rehearsing. Violetta manages to run and miss him. (Season 3) Clement is in a show to promote the Studio. His father comes to watch the show with Jade. He is seen by his father but manages not to reveal the truth.

I think of Nicolas and Jade's marriage just about resembles that of an arranged marriage. They don't really like each other. Jade is just using Nicolas to get over German. Much like German uses Jade to get over Angie. Luckily he doesn't marry her and ends up with Angie. Yay! With some shows, you can mirror the previous seasons and it can be done so well. Violetta doesn't mirror everything well. Some of the mirroring, when you think about it, is clever, but most of it is just predictable and makes you fed up.

Contrary to all the negativeness, I personally think that the most realistic and best written character is Angie. All of her plot lines make sense. Her reactions make sense. Her feelings make sense. The German and Angie relationship dynamic is romantic but realistic and portrays an adult relationship very well. Angie shows what it is like to be a good aunt. Angie is my favourite because you never get bored of her. :) All in all, the series is very good for learning a language, the soundtrack is catchy and well written, and I still really like to watch it.
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