Photo credit: movieweb.com
Some television series set a high standard, and Lost continues to be a benchmark for many. However, a new show has arrived to fill the void for fans of 2000s sci-fi adventure dramas. Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue, which debuted on MGM+ in March, may just have the elements to pique your interest.
The series is crafted by Anthony Horowitz, a renowned author celebrated for his contributions to the James Bond franchise with titles like Trigger Mortis (2015), Forever and a Day (2018), and With a Mind to Kill (2022). Commissioned by the Ian Fleming estate, Horowitz has successfully brought 007 into the contemporary era. He also penned two novels featuring Sherlock Holmes, The House of Silk (2011) and Moriarty (2014), along with the popular Alex Rider spy series.
While Lost amassed 54 Emmy nominations and held an impressive average viewership of 11 million per episode, expectations for Horowitz’s latest venture are understandably tempered. The original series set a formidable precedent, but Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue shows potential, leaving ample opportunities for progression should it secure a renewal.
Plane Crash Survivors Are Marooned Again in ‘Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’
The narrative in Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue offers a tragic and poignant storyline reminiscent of Lost. It delves into the lives of plane passengers whose hopes for rescue are thwarted by uncontrollable circumstances. The series begins with a helicopter arriving at a Mexican military base, transporting nine bodies retrieved from a plane crash site. Accompanied by the iconic song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics, the story then rewinds to introduce the ten individuals aboard the doomed flight, including both the pilot and stewardess.
Initially, everything appears to be in order until the plane is plagued by fuel shortages and mechanical failures. The anxious pilot records a video message, documenting the distress before steering the aircraft into the jungle. The aftermath sees the stewardess perish and the pilot seriously injured, while the remaining passengers manage to escape largely unscathed. Horowitz skillfully presents the characters through crisp dialogue, and the engaging cinematography by James Mather immerses viewers in the perilous beauty of the Mexican jungle, complete with alarming visuals of snakes highlighting the dangers that lurk.
As the story unfolds, flash-forward scenes at the military base establish that nine of the individuals met their end, leaving the fate of the tenth character in suspense. Mysterious deaths among the survivors ensue, hinting at the presence of a possible killer among them—potentially the very person whose absence remains a critical question.
In a twist, the character portrayed by Ólafur Darri Ólafsson showcases a shift from his usual roles as antagonistic figures to that of a calm, politically inclined family man desperate to return to America, raising questions about trust and innocence among the cast.
The Similarities Between ‘Lost’ and ‘Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ Stretch Beyond the Plane Crash
The initial episode of Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue mirrors the pilot of Lost in striking ways. Both series depict a crash in remote, lush environments that complicate rescue efforts. Following their descent, several characters grapple with the pilot who reveals unsettling information about their mechanical issues, suggesting that the crash may have been orchestrated under dubious circumstances. In both cases, the pilots fall victim to an unseen assailant shortly after sharing this critical information.
The cinematography shines as it accentuates the vibrancy of the natural surroundings and the character designs, while also emphasizing survival tactics. The survivors navigate through their dire circumstances, devising clever methods to preserve essential resources, while also forming bonds and acquiring leadership roles. As these dynamics evolve, their backstories are gradually unveiled.
Moreover, both narratives employ non-linear storytelling, enhancing their complexity with flashbacks and foreshadowed events that weave a unified plot. Tension mounts as viewers are kept in suspense regarding the identity of the adversary, with each episode strategically concluding on cliffhangers.
Thus, Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue stands as a suitable successor for those nostalgic for the intensity of Lost. While it lacks some of the fantasy elements, it still possesses a strong character-driven narrative. The choice to explore a murder mystery angle distinguishes it from its predecessor, offering audiences fresh twists and revelations.
‘Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ Isn’t Anthony Horowitz’s First Dance on Television
While Anthony Horowitz is predominantly recognized for his literary work, he shares a parallel journey in television writing, akin to creators of notable shows. Starting in the 1980s, his early television ventures included the children’s anthology series Dramarama and episodes for the fantasy series Robin of Sherwood. He also helmed the series Crossbow and Adventurer.
The shift towards murder mysteries became evident in the 1990s when Horowitz contributed to ITV’s acclaimed adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Poirot and created the anthology series Murder Most Horrid for BBC Two. Following these, he crafted The Diamond Brothers detective series and delved into the sci-fi genre with Crime Traveller. Throughout his career, he also contributed episodes to the enduring series Midsomer Murders.
The 2000s marked an era of significant success for Horowitz, particularly with Foyle’s War, a WWII drama that became his longest-running television project. He later turned to creating Collision, followed by adapting his novel Magpie Murders into a miniseries aired on BritBox and BBC One.
While Horowitz has yet to achieve a major television hit in the U.S., Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue holds the potential to change that narrative. This latest endeavor promises a visually captivating experience, filled with dark humor and plot twists that are characteristic of Horowitz’s storytelling style. The engaging performances by the cast contribute significantly to the show’s dynamic, enhancing the intricate interplay among characters as they navigate their trials. Although it seems to be crafted as a miniseries, successful viewer engagement could lead to its extension—hopefully maintaining the momentum and intrigue akin to Lost during its peak.
Source
movieweb.com