"When I was in prison I repeated to myself that everything I'd done since abandoning my son was for him to live in a freer world" explains international spy Amelia Garayoa. Peacock's Mistress of War (Dime Quien Soy in its original Spanish) follows Amelia as she experiences some of the most harrowing events of the twentieth century in pursuit of a freer world. At once startlingly original and unflinchingly authentic the series is easily one of the most engrossing and informative entries in the espionage genre. Through its depiction of one woman's journey through history the series aptly portrays the cost of freedom and the toll of war. For an espionage tale that is at once emotionally resonant, educational, and nothing short of explosive join the mission with Amelia in Mistress of War.
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| From Russia, Spain, Germany, and Poland with love |
The story begins with Spanish publisher Javier receiving a file from MI6 detailing the turbulent life of one of its most unusual agents, Amelia Garayoa. The series then flashes back to 1934 as Amelia enjoys a life of luxury amidst the backdrop of political tensions in pre-civil war Madrid. When Hitler's rise forces her father to close several of his German factories her family finds itself on the brink of financial ruin. In order to rescue the family business she agrees to marry her wealthy friend and admirer, Santiago, despite her lack of romantic feelings for him. Following her marriage she remains restless, however, and becomes active in the city's communist political circles. When she meets French revolutionary Pierre she is immediately smitten and soon agrees to follow him to Argentina, even at the cost of abandoning her parents, husband, and infant son. Upon arriving in Buenos Aires she soon learns that all is not that it appears to be and that the man and cause she dedicated herself to may not be as worthy as she first thought. The series then follows her across two continents, nine countries, and sixty four years as she witnesses history unfold and fights for for a freer tomorrow every step of the way.
Mistress of War explores the familiar themes of the spy genre and then subverts them to relate an entirely original tale that pays apt tribute to the real life freedom fighters who have shaped history. Rather than focusing upon the narrow perspective of one side of a single event the series depicts an array of international conflicts from varying points of view. For example, while Amelia acts as an agent for the British during World War II, she works with underground resistance networks in France, Poland, Italy, and Greece, highlighting the unique struggles that each nation faced under German occupation. Similarly, her relationship with German doctor turned Wehrmacht officer Max ensures that both sides of the war are portrayed with humanity and nuance. In this way the series brings a variety of historical events to vivid life while keeping the impact upon those who lived through them firmly in focus. The series also sets itself apart through its unflinching, view of history. For instance, while several episodes focus upon the horrors of Nazi Germany equal attention is afforded to the devastation of communism through the series' portrayal of the Soviet Union's gulags and the surveillance state of East Germany. The script particularly shines in its balanced depiction of the Spanish Civil War as it highlights both the Red Terror unleashed by the Spanish Republic and the fascist oppression imposed by Franco's Nationalists. Even in the midst of sweeping historical drama the series' greatest lure is its heroine, Amelia. The series chronicles her growth from passionate idealist to hardened, but still determined, agent with subtlety, authenticity, and emotional honesty. The script's willingness to embrace her weaknesses and mistakes as well as her strengths and triumphs ensures that Amelia transcends stock spy characters to become one of the most complex and memorable heroines to grace modern television. Through its nuanced approach to history and compelling leading lady Mistress of War rises above Bond-style spyjinks to relate an intelligent, thrilling, emotionally resonant and startlingly relevant journey through one of history's most tumultuous centuries.
The series transports viewers across countries, cultures, and eras thanks to the brilliant work of its ensemble cast. Oriol Pla deftly conveys the roguish charm and casual callousness of Amelia's French communist lover, Pierre. Maria Pia Calzone infuses Amelia's friend and mentor, Italian opera singer Carla with warmth, humor, and magnetism. Will Keen personifies decency as he exudes humility, quiet strength, and empathy in his performance as British journalist Albert. Stefan Weinert is chilling in his sinister turn as SS officer Ulrich Jurgens. Pierre Kiwitt perfectly captures the inner conflict of loyal German Max while still infusing his performance with leading man charisma. Even in the midst of the massive and talented ensemble cast the series belongs to Irene Escolar as Amelia. Escolar's performance is nothing short of electrifying as she portrays Amelia's journey from naive idealist to steely spy with intelligence, vulnerability and grit. In Escolar's hands Amelia is neither sinner nor saint as she alternates between confounding, sympathetic, frustrating, and inspiring all while remaining entirely relateable.
Mistress of War is far more than the average espionage story. In place of seductive spies, explosive action sequences, and gadgets galore the series offers a sweeping journey through history that viewers will be hard pressed to forget. Through its expertly written script the series showcases the devastation of war and serves as an apt reminder that freedom is never free. The uniformly superb performances bring the diverse cast of characters to vibrant life and transport viewers across an array of political ideologies, cultures, and decades with ease. For an espionage tale that is guaranteed to stir the mind and heart fight the good fight with Amelia in Mistress of War.
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| Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! |
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