We have seen a surge in high-quality adaptations of popular international shows, and Moftaraq Toroq is no exception. This Egyptian adaptation of the renowned American series The Good Wife has captivated audiences, garnering impressive viewership rates and stirring up considerable buzz among drama enthusiasts.
But what makes it stand out, especially when compared to its original counterpart? Let’s explore the key differences that have contributed to its success while staying authentic to our society.
Adapting The Good Wife
The Good Wife is a critically acclaimed American series that spans seven seasons and over 150 episodes, telling the story of a wife who returns to her legal career after her husband’s political scandal. The show has been adapted in various countries, including Korea, India, and Russia, each adding its unique cultural flavour to the narrative.
The Challenges of Adaptation
One of the most significant challenges Moftaraq Toroq’s creators faced was condensing The Good Wife’s extensive storyline into a more concise format since the Egyptian version is compressed into just 45 episodes. The showrunners acknowledged that in today’s fast-paced world, audiences are more accustomed to shorter series, typically ranging from 10 to 15 episodes.
This posed a challenge for the writers, who had to ensure that the extended format didn’t bore viewers. Also, screenwriter Sherif Badr El-Din emphasised that adaptation is not merely about transferring the plot and characters to a new location but involves meticulously aligning the story with local sensibilities and viewing habits.
The Addition of Hana
One of the most notable differences in Moftaraq Toroq is the introduction of new characters who were not part of the original series. Among these new characters is Hana, played by the talented Noha Abdeen. Unlike the original series, where side characters had minimal impact on the central plot, Hana’s character plays a pivotal role in driving the narrative forward. Initially perceived as a side plot, her storyline eventually leads to a jaw-dropping conclusion that has left many viewers shocked and impressed.
Focusing on the Younger Generation
Another significant departure from the original is the emphasis on the lives of the children in the Egyptian version. In The Good Wife, the children’s stories were more peripheral, focusing primarily on their reactions to their parents’ tumultuous lives. However, Moftaraq Toroq brings these younger characters to the forefront, exploring their experiences with cyber blackmail, first loves, and other teenage challenges.
This focus on the children also introduced a fresh wave of young talent to the screen, such as rising stars like Judy Masoud and Youssef Suleiman, who portray Amira’s siblings. And, of course, Nadine Essam, who plays Menna, has quickly become the talk of the town on social media.
The Expanded Role of the Grandmother
Another significant change is the expanded role of the grandmother, a character who played a much more subdued role in the original show. In the adaptation, veteran actress Laila Ezz El Arab portrays the grandmother who takes in her divorced daughter-in-law and grandchildren after her son is imprisoned, unlike in the original series, where the grandmother’s appearances were sporadic. Her character provides emotional support and a sense of stability in the chaotic lives of Amira and her grandchildren.
Customising the Courtroom Drama
The legal cases depicted in Moftaraq Toroq are another area where the show diverges from its American predecessor. While The Good Wife dealt with issues such as abortion, technological privacy concerns, and other US-centric topics, Moftaraq Toroq took a different approach. The legal cases in the Egyptian version are carefully chosen to reflect the societal and cultural issues relevant to its viewers.
This adaptation ensures that the series resonates more deeply with its local audience, offering a narrative that is not a carbon copy of the original but a story rooted in the realities of Egyptian life.
