The never-ending battle between adaptations and original content resurfaces, with the new Shahid original series Moftaraq Toroq making a notable entrance. Starring Hend Sabri, Eyad Nassar, Maged El Masry, and Huda El Mufti, this series brings an Egyptian twist to the acclaimed American show The Good Wife.
That said, while the show's premiering caught viewers off guard, it definitely got some of the attention it deserved. And here's why:
Hend Sabri's Hiatus
After a two-year hiatus from television, Hend Sabri's return as Amira marked a significant comeback. Known for her versatility, Hend has successfully breathed life into The Good Wife's Alicia Florrick. Her performance has been highly anticipated, and she has once again proven her ability to master any role she takes.
The Rise of Legal Dramas
Lately, there has been a rise in Egyptian legal dramas, from Hala Khasa to Suits Bel 3araby, which showcases the overall taste and craving of the audience for such shows. Even with only a couple of episodes out, the show kept audiences on the edge of their seats with its intriguing cases. Despite being a lengthy series spanning forty-five episodes, the fast-paced events have set high expectations for future episodes.
Plot & Cast
Moftaraq Toroq centres around Amira, a woman who has dedicated 15 years of her life to her family. Her world is turned upside down when a scandal involving her husband threatens his public position and shakes the foundations of their marital and family life.
The trio of Eyad Nassar, Hend Sabri, and Maged El Masry has emerged as one of the most dynamic ensembles in recent drama. While it's still early to fully assess the characters' chemistry, their interactions are promising. The strong performances by the cast have been instrumental in bringing the complex characters to life.
Adaptation Process
The initial episodes of the show have quickly risen in popularity, trending on search engines and social media. Audience interaction with the series has been significant, with many discussing the differences and similarities between the Arabic adaptation and the original American version.
There have been major applauds for this adaptation process as it tailored the story to fit the Egyptian and broader Arab context. While the core themes of scandal, legal battles, and personal resilience remain, the series has been modified to resonate more deeply with its target audience. This includes adjusting cultural references, societal norms, and the nature of the legal issues addressed.
Comparisons to The Good Wife
Moftaraq Toroq closely mirrors the storyline of the American series The Good Wife. Hence, the premiere of Moftaraq Toroq has sparked comparisons with the original show. Hend Sabri mentioned in an interview that she watched the original series and believed it would be fitting for an Arabic adaptation.
Her background in law, similar to her character's, further convinced her of the role's suitability. While other cast members, such as Maged El-Masry and Eyad Nassar, made sure not to watch the original series to avoid being influenced by it, focusing instead on bringing fresh interpretations to their characters.
