JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
Jun 26, 2024
Table of Contents
We have all heard about Greek tragedies, the most profound and powerful form of storytelling. There are many examples of famous Greek tragedies that many could probably name off the top of their head. However, all the Greek stories we know were written centuries before we were born. Now, Christopher Papakaliatis has gifted the world with a modern version of Greek tragedy in ‘Maestro in Blue’.
From Greece, to Netflix, to the world
The Greek series created by Christopher Papakaliatis is the first ever Greek show to be picked up by a major streaming network to be launched worldwide. The show was initially created for Greek broadcast only, until Netflix decided to acquire it and make it a Netflix Original show. The platform’s investment in the international show not only reached the desired outcome but surpassed it, becoming one of the top 10 shows in multiple countries. After the clear success of season one, the show was renewed for a second season.
The first season was filled with conflict and character dynamics, keeping us on the edge of our seats for most of it. The whole season takes place at an island in Greece called Paxos. As a matter of fact, the island of Paxos is essentially a character in the story. Oretis (Christopher Papakaliatis) is a musician based in Athens, who is hired by a mayoral election candidate (Fanis) to go to Paxos to organize a music festival. Between rehearsals and planning, Oretis quickly gets involved in in the community. From criminal activities and forbidden love to family drama and murder. ‘Maestro in Blue’ is like a soap opera, there is something for everyone. Season one even tackles some heavy topics such as domestic violence, homophobia and sexual assault. They do a great job in leaving us at a bit of a cliffhanger, making us yearn for more. And now we finally have it.
Much like the first, season two never lets you sit back and watch comfortably—it keeps you on edge, always guessing when the next twist will hit. Set between Athens and Paxos, the pacing this season might feel scattered at times, but that chaos mirrors the many intertwining storylines explored. We’re taken on an emotional rollercoaster, following Orestis (Christopher Papakaliatis), Kleila (Klelia Andriolatou), and Antonis (Orestis Chalkias) in Athens, while also keeping up with the characters who remain in Paxos. This season features more criminal activities, deep family drama, and plenty of romance. Themes and topics such as domestic violence, victim blaming, homophobia, hate crimes, postpartum depression, and PTSD are also explored. The show addresses these themes with care, making it not only compelling but also thought-provoking. These issues aren’t just thrown in for dramatic effect—they carry real weight, offering important messages along the way.
Papakaliatis made us fall in love with Greece (more specifically Paxos) in season one. For the second chapter, he will extend it to Athens and the characters in this season are even more developed, merely ready for us to fall even deeper in love with them. Between seasons one and two, this show has some of the most stunning sceneries. It’ll leave you wanting to book your tickets to Greece. The writing is another strong feature this season. Each and every character is multidimensional and has some kind of character arc. Kostas Christides is the series composer and he did such an extraordinary job at making the music a symbol of the overall story and of Kleila and Orestis’ story.
It’s impossible to praise the show without highlighting its exceptional casting. Christopher Papakaliatis delivers a standout performance as the calm and thoughtful Orestis, while Klelia Andriolatou perfectly embodies Kleila’s confident and assertive nature, especially after the events of season one. The chemistry between Papakaliatis and Andriolatou is undeniable, and their nuanced performances breathe life into their love story, making it feel authentic despite the many obstacles they face. The supporting cast is equally remarkable, adding depth and vibrancy to the narrative. Orestis Chalkias and Yorgos Benos take us on an emotional rollercoaster as Antonis and Spyros, warming our hearts, breaking them, and piecing them back together in their troubled yet beautiful love story. Maria Kavoyianni is brilliant as Maria; though a victim of abuse, she portrays a resilient survivor who regains control and gives back to her community. Haris Alexiou, Marisha Triantafyllidou and Fanis Mouratidis add layers to the story, sometimes playing the antagonist, sometimes the voice of reason—especially Alexiou. Their performances enrich the plot, adding complexity to their characters. Lastly, Giannis Tsortekis as Haralambos is simply perfect. His portrayal is so captivating that it’s easy to forget Haralambos isn’t real, leaving you genuinely concerned for the characters’ safety. This ensemble cast truly elevates the series, making it unforgettable.
It might be a stretch to call *Maestro in Blue* a masterpiece or a brilliant work of television. The only real comparison between the show and Greek tragedy may be that ‘Maestro in Blue’ is Greek and tells a tragic story. Yet, regardless of personal opinions, there’s no denying that the drama makes for captivating television. If you thought season one was packed with compelling drama, season two takes it up a notch. It’s worth watching not just for the entertainment and high-stakes tension, but also for the important lessons being taught throughout.
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
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