The Glitz and Grit of Miami's Underbelly: A Review of 'MIA'
The vibrant city of Miami, Florida, serves as the backdrop for 'MIA', a new drama that attempts to delve into the complex world of immigrants, wealth, and revenge. Created by Bill Dubuque, known for his work on 'Ozark', the series aims to explore a serious theme but gets entangled in a web of over-the-top storytelling and cliché characters.
A Tale of Revenge and Immigrant Struggles
At its core, 'MIA' presents the story of Etta Tiger Jonze, a young woman fueled by grief and vengeance after her entire family is brutally murdered by a drug cartel. This tragic event sets the stage for a revenge thriller, but it's a premise we've seen countless times before. What makes this particularly fascinating is the choice to set it in Miami, a city that epitomizes the extremes of the American dream.
Miami, with its flashy wealth and immigrant-driven culture, becomes a character in itself. The city's unique atmosphere, where legality and illegality blur, provides an intriguing backdrop for Etta's journey. However, the show struggles to balance this rich setting with a compelling narrative.
Subtle as a Sledgehammer
One of the major issues with 'MIA' is its lack of subtlety. The first episode, dedicated to establishing the backstory, is filled with awkward dialogue and predictable plot points. The foreshadowing is so heavy-handed that it feels like being hit over the head with a sledgehammer (or, as the source puts it, mauled by a 12ft alligator). This lack of finesse continues throughout the series, making it challenging for viewers to invest in the characters.
Personally, I believe a show's opening moments are crucial for setting the tone and engaging the audience. 'MIA' fails to capture that initial spark, making it an uphill battle to maintain viewer interest.
Unlikely Heroes and Convenient Twists
The protagonist, Etta, is portrayed as a strong-willed woman, but her character development feels forced. Initially, she seems like a typical smart and resourceful heroine, but then we discover she has a photographic memory, a convenient trait that simplifies her quest for revenge. This is a classic example of a writer's cheat code, providing an unrealistic advantage to the hero.
As the story progresses, Etta's journey becomes a series of convenient coincidences. She finds a long-lost aunt who runs a nightclub frequented by gangsters, a perfect setup for her mission. These plot twists feel contrived and undermine the show's credibility. In my opinion, a good drama should challenge its characters, not hand them solutions on a silver platter.
The Bad Guys and the Fluff Factor
The Rojas cartel, the show's antagonists, fall into the trap of stereotypical bad guys. Their sibling rivalry and generic criminal activities contribute to the overall dullness of the series. The performances, including that of Cary Elwes as a detective, fail to elevate the material, leaving the audience craving more depth and complexity.
As the review suggests, the show swings between boring and ludicrous, ultimately landing in the realm of dispensable fluff. It's a shame because the potential for a powerful immigrant story was there, but it gets lost amidst the clutter of uninspired storytelling.
Final Thoughts
'MIA' had the ingredients for a gripping drama, but it falls short due to its heavy-handed approach and reliance on cliché storytelling devices. The show's attempt to blend a serious theme with a revenge thriller results in a mishmash of genres that never quite finds its footing. In the end, it leaves viewers with a sense of missed opportunity, wondering what could have been if the creators had trusted their audience to embrace a more nuanced and subtle narrative.
