M.I.A. is a Miami-set revenge thriller that, on the surface, seems like a promising concept. However, it falls short of its potential, leaving viewers with a meandering and somewhat underwhelming experience. The series, created by Bill Dubuque (known for 'Ozark') and showrun by Karen Campbell, introduces us to Etta Tiger Jonze, a young woman with an eidetic memory and a thirst for revenge. Her journey is accompanied by a cast of characters, including her Haitian immigrant siblings, Stanley and Lovely, and a colorful array of supporting players.
What makes M.I.A. particularly intriguing is its exploration of the intersection between youthful criminality and adult contemporary music. The show cleverly uses the yacht rock genre, with 'Ride Like the Wind' becoming a pivotal song in the narrative. This juxtaposition, however, feels forced and lacks the subtlety that could have made it truly impactful. The creators, in my opinion, missed an opportunity to delve deeper into the psychological implications of this contrast, instead opting for a more superficial approach.
The series' main character, Etta, is portrayed as a bit of a one-dimensional revenge-seeker. Her lack of urgency and the show's tendency to meander make it difficult to invest in her journey. The supporting characters, particularly the cartel brothers, Mateo and Samuel, are underdeveloped, failing to evoke curiosity or sympathy. Their involvement in human trafficking, a serious and sensitive topic, is handled with a lack of depth and nuance.
One of the show's strengths lies in its guest stars, with notable appearances from Mike Colter, Paul Ben-Victor, and Loretta Devine. However, even these talented actors couldn't save the series from its narrative slack. The introduction of Lena, played by Tovah Feldshuh, and her connection to Etta's family history adds an intriguing layer to the plot, but it's a bit too late in the game to make a significant impact.
In conclusion, M.I.A. is a series that shows promise in its concept but fails to deliver a compelling and nuanced narrative. The creators could have delved deeper into the psychological and cultural implications of their themes, but instead opted for a more superficial approach. While the show has its moments, it ultimately leaves viewers with a sense of disappointment, wondering what could have been if the creators had taken a more thoughtful and introspective approach to their storytelling.
