Hot off the press: Alberto Guerra, renowned for his performances in ‘Griselda’ and ‘The Accident,’ has been confirmed as a regular in Peacock’s forthcoming crime drama centered in South Florida, named ‘M.I.A.’ Besides, Edward James Olmos, remembered for ‘American Me’ and ‘Stand and Deliver,’ Billy Burke of ‘Maid’ and ‘Twilight,’ and Sônia Braga recognized for her roles in ‘The First Omen’ and ‘Shotgun Wedding,’ will be making guest appearances.
Complementing the already impressive lineup of regulars including Shannon Gisela, Brittany Adebumola, Dylan Jackson, Maurice Compte, Danay Garcia, Cary Elwes, Gerardo Celasco, and Marta Milans, the freshly revealed additions further inflate the anticipation for the new series. The complete cast is expected to bring an interesting dynamic to the table.
‘M.I.A’, a blueprint of Ozark creator, Bill Dubuque, encapsulates a unique narrative where the drug trade becomes a family business for protagonist Etta Tiger Jonze, portrayed by Gisela. Facing unforeseen threats to her family enterprise, her world takes an unexpected turn upside down, pushing her into a life unanticipated.
The usually calm existence of Jonze is tarnished, forcing her to traverse through the dark circles of Miami’s criminal enclave. She must resort to her cleverness and quick thinking to thrive in this dangerous terrain and stay afloat. The sudden shift in her life brings forth a narrative filled with suspense and a constant fight for survival.
‘M.I.A’, not only refers to the notion of being ‘missing in action’ but is also a clever acronym mirroring the airport code for Miami. It teases at the crux of the show, centered around the underbelly of South Florida’s areas including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties.
This forthcoming series is a production from MRC studio, lauded for ‘Poker Face’, and is graced by Karen Campbell’s executive production and showrunning. Campbell holds notable credits from ‘Outlander’ and ‘Dexter’ under her belt and will bring her expertise to this series.
Contributing to the creative core behind the series, Alethea Jones, known for ‘High Potential’ and ‘Mrs. Davis’, will grace the show with her direction and executive production. Episode 101 of ‘M.I.A.’ will be penned by Dubuque himself, adding his personal touch to the series.
Dubuque is not alone in scriptwriting and executive production; he is joined by Campbell and Jones, who will also be directing the show. The blending of their individual styles and narrative flair stands to make ‘M.I.A.’ a captivating watch for television enthusiasts.
‘M.I.A.’ contributes to a long line of television series exploring the dark aspects of South Florida. It joins Chris Brancato’s ‘Hotel Cocaine,’ a series based on Maurice Compte’s father’s life, which is scheduled for release on MGM+.
In the list of shows providing viewers a peek into SoFla’s murky side, Netflix offers two noteworthy contributions. Firstly, the Sofia Vergara-led ‘Griselda’ delves into an equally intriguing narrative. Another addition is the initial seasons of ‘Narcos’, focused on the infamous Pablo Escobar.
Both ‘Griselda’ and the aforementioned seasons of ‘Narcos’ are marked by their esteemed executive producers – Eric Newman, Doug Miro, and Carlo Bernard. ‘Narcos’ also holds the distinction of being co-created by Brancato.
Another famous series to highlight the rough side of Miami is ‘Dexter.’ Originally aired on Showtime, its intriguing storytelling and distinct narrative have found a place in the hearts of many viewers across the globe.
Picking up on the popularity of ‘Dexter’, its prequel spinoff series titled ‘Dexter: Original Sin’ is also based in Miami. Showtime, in collaboration with Paramount+, brought this prequel to the audiences, intending to build up on the legacy of the original show.
The glut of shows highlighting Miami and SoFla’s darker side through various narratives indeed seems a narrative trend. Yet, each series offers unique storytelling, distinct characters, and intricate plots that distinguish them from each other.
As we wait for the release of ‘M.I.A.’, the audience will be keen to explore the unconventional narrative it brings. The talented ensemble of actors, paired with a unique storyline against the backdrop of a crime-riddled Miami, makes it a much-anticipated watch.
In final thoughts, these series resonate a common thread – showcasing the gritty reality of life beneath the sun-drenched façade of Miami and South Florida. But each captures this essence in their unique way, contributing to the broader tapestry of narratives centered around Miami’s criminal underground.