I thought the first episode was fantastic. The acting especially by the actor who plays Sarp was fantastic, really top drawer. The range of emotions was really well acted, particularly around grief for both Umut and Melek. But more so was the quixotic changes around the love/hate game/reality involving Celal. Now for the (spoilers) couple of things I didn't like...I really disliked that Mekek was killed off. Especially after the emotional roller coaster that the character Sarp goes through, it would have been nice to see him rewarded for all of his sacrifices with a loving relationship. The second thing without giving too much away, I feel like the long scene spent with Celal dragged on and was unnecessary at the end. Frankly, I would have rather seen Melek get a proper grave for the boys to mourne at! Also, Fusun's character really angered me at the beginning. How could she know her son so little that she would think he would that quickly go to work for Celal's organization? I was suspicious and I had only seen him on screen for twenty minutes! It just didn't seem in character. Shame on his mom!
I loved what a good time Sarp and Mert had when they were tied up and things looked grim. The laughing and dialogue between them was really a highlight of the show. Great twists and turns. The writers should really be saluted for keeping you in the story. I'm generally very mello, but they drove me to literally stand at one point and say "I can't take it anymore! I can't watch!" Now that is good writing. Really worth watching. You should see this show. So much better than most of what is being cranked out in Hollywood and what is appearing currently on American TV. Oh! And just in case Netflix or it's equivalent picks this show up...watch the Turkish original with subtitles. It is worth it, some of the actors have great voices. I am thinking of Sarp, Alyanuk, Minik, Kudret (lot's of crazy noises too), etc.
