Selena: The Series (2020-2021)

Saw the movie two years ago, which I complained about was too long. Strangely enough, this series, which lasts much longer, suited me a bit better. I don't remember the movie very well, but from what I can recall, that movie focuses mainly on Selena herself, while this series focuses a lot more on her family and other band members and that's interesting too. However, the interactions between family are portrayed very harmoniously. There are fights and disagreements sometimes, but it's all spoken so rationally that it comes across as a bit unbelievable. Another difference with the film is a greater focus on the songs and how they were written, which also appeals to me, also because in the meantime I also became more acquainted with Selena's music, with the effect that the series encourages her to listen to her music more. Overall, I like this series better than the movie. 3*.

Translated from Dutch · View original

Selena: The Series tells the life story of Selena Quintanilla also known as the Queen of Tejanomusic, American-Mexican pop music that originated in Texas. Selena was murdered in 1995 at the age of 23 by her fan club president Yolanda Saldivar over a business dispute. Her death shocked America at the time because Selena was loved in the Latino community but now also with a wider audience.

Season 2 picks up where Season 1 left off and works through a further 9 episodes towards the tragic denouement of the life of the Queen of Tejano music. Where the first season still had quite a bit of momentum because the road to fame was shown, season 2 just keeps on rolling. As a viewer, you really only want to see two things: her last concert at the Houston Astrodome which was the pinnacle of her career and the tragic murder that ended her young life so abruptly. The rest of the time is filled with what for the viewer are at most side issues. At most the commotion surrounding her marriage to guitarist Chris Perez is somewhat interesting to us as outsiders. The soundtrack, which of course contains Selena's own music as well as many well-known early '90s hits from, among others, En Vogue and Ace of Base, is excellent.

Selena The series: season 2 is actually 7 episodes too long and that's why I advise people who are interested in the phenomenon Selena Quintanilla to watch the 1997 biopic with Jennifer Lopez. Same story in less time.

Translated from Dutch · View original