South Americans make the best soap operas

The competetion between TV channels is getting hotter. To lure viewers who would like more variety on TV, Sahara TV channel started a new channel called Firangi. This channel showcases foreign language serials in Hindi, claiming that they're 'the world's best stories.' Undoubtedly, this is very exciting to all of us who'd like to broaden our horizons.

I've only been able to catch up with the serial 'Second Chance.' A little info about it:

Original serial name: El cuerpo del Deseo

Country of origin: Colombia, United States

Original language: Spanish

Plot: The story features Pedro José Donoso, a wealthy old man in love with a gorgeous younger woman, Isabel Arroyo. He dies suddenly, but returns to Earth through transmigration (the passing of a soul into another body after death), in the body of Salvador Cerinza, a handsome (yet poor) family man. Pedro José searches for everything he lost, uncovering secrets, truths and deceptions. Ultimately, he must set things straight and save those who truly loved him.

Facts to consider before rating the serial:

1. The plot: Not original but very fascinating and familiar. Reincarnation, past life, and karma are household concepts for Hindus, Buddhists, and some eastern philosophies, but very intriguing to the rest of the world.

2. The message: 'You reap what you sow.' It's always exciting to watch people getting their comeuppance for what they did.

3. Joint family: Although people might be going for nuclear families in real life, they love wathcing shenangians of a joint family. Whatever country or culture, family sagas (like Dallas and Dynasty) are all the rage.

4. Good-looking cast: Another common factor in popular soap operas. Be it is Bold & Beautiful, Melrose Place, or Riviera (France), the cast is always jaw-droppingly good-looking. Raises the pulse, true, but needs to be backed up by a good story and believable acting.

5. Well-done histrionics: The key factor here is sustainability. Although most actors start well with their fresh style of acting, something goes horribly wrong when the series stretch for years and years. Either they're bored, or they're simply burned off by going through the same plots (read emotions) again and again.

Ratings of 'Second Chance:'

1. The plot: 6 / 10 (Not original but interesting)

A beautiful young gold-digger marrying a much older man in love with her and deceiving him is always interesting. How the soul of the old man, now in the body of a handsome young farmer, takes revenge makes the plot more riveting.

2. The cast: 10/10 (In looks)

Just check the smoldering good looks and drooling body of Mario Cimarro (the farmer); the sensual and sexy Lorena Rojas (the wife of Don Pedro); and dignified, blue-eyed Andres Garcia (Don Pedro) and you'll know what I mean. These are just some of the main characters, but everyone in the cast is fascinating to look at.

3. The acting: 6/10

I've always found acting in soap operas a little bit over-dramatized. However, still I would say the actors have done a very good job.

4. Should you watch it?: Yes

The serial is directed very well. The story is fluid. The situations are believable, unlike the staple fare where the main characters sleep with 1000 men in incestual relationships and get away with even murder.

5. When and where to catch it?: Check serial slots on Firangi. Or catch it at Sahara TV from 10 PM to 11 PM (Monday to Saturday)

With this, I sign off for today.

Chao and XO