What it is about

‘Motherland’, a compelling new police thriller series, has made its debut on KAN, evoking the gritty ambiance of 1990s Jerusalem with its dark narrative intertwined with historical nuances.

Why it matters

This series not just revisits a transforming era in Israeli history but also showcases the depth of Israeli television’s storytelling prowess. The compelling backdrop provides an intricate look at the dynamism and vividness of Israeli culture and history.

The backstory

Set in a time before digital connectivity reshaped police work, ‘Motherland’ captures the painstaking realities of crime-solving amidst an influx of Russian immigration. The narrative revolves around Yehuda, a determined Israeli detective grappling with personal and professional demons, and Andrey, a Russian father seeking vindication for his accused son.

The intrigue for viewers

Despite being set three decades in the past, ‘Motherland’ employs a modern storytelling approach, focusing on character development through Yehuda and Andrey’s journey. The series examines faith, duty, and cross-cultural connections, engaging viewers with its evocative intrigue and complex characters.

The central themes

Exploring themes of redemption and resilience, the pairing of Yehuda and Andrey defies language barriers, unifying under their shared determination for justice. Their dynamic reflects broader Israeli tenets of unity and collective identity, historically solidified by immigration and cultural enrichment.

The big picture

Through its meticulous production, ‘Motherland’ positions itself at the forefront of world television, partly fueled by Israel’s growing reputation for creating genre-defining content. This contributes significantly to shaping international perceptions about Israel’s multi-faceted storytelling capability.

What’s next for viewers

Viewers can access ‘Motherland’ via kan.org.il, allowing them the exciting dive into a narrative that leverages historical context with engaging storytelling—further asserting Israel’s centrality in contributing innovatively and diversely to global television narratives.

This story was first published on jpost.com.