Soap opera, pure addiction

I've never understood why the Ministry of Health has never warned about the dangers of addiction and addiction caused by watching soap operas . More than alcohol, drugs, or stormy relationships (very common themes in their stories), this television genre generates dependencies never seen in other areas. But addictions, when managed well, shouldn't be seen as something negative, at least not in my case, and even less so if they're the product of traditional soap operas. Ever since the small screen gave way to this format, which has its origins in radio and magazines, it has established itself there, achieving its reign. And it remains so today. Its way of narrating its melodramas influenced series like Dynasty and now those of Turkish origin. Not even the changes imposed by digital platforms have been able to destroy its original essence. The surest value on TV .

My first crush was in 1986, when Los ricos también lloran (The Rich Also Cry) began airing in Spain, starring the stunning and brilliant actress Verónica Castro. It became a sociological phenomenon. Years later, the same thing would happen with the Venezuelan-born Cristal and La dama de Rosa . The character of Emperatriz Ferrer played by Jeannette Rodríguez was impressive, with her mile-long false nails and hairspray-laced hairstyle . My favorite was always Cuna de lobos (Crown of Wolves ) and Catalina Creel's patch, the most evil and stupid villain , masterfully played by Maria Rubio, that lady of Mexican cinema.

The soap opera is synonymous with success. Why? Because it touches every soul : a girl abandoned by her millionaire mother who gives her up for adoption; a woman abused by her husband; a man who discovers his wife's infidelity with his brother; bankrupt family businesses; double lives; envy; revenge; forced abortions; social inequality; betrayals and evil deeds. Also passion, love, and good people. And best of all: narrated and acted at the height of paroxysm. Remember that scene where one woman yells "damn cripple" at the other? Only that can happen in a soap opera. Whenever I travel to Mexico and have a day off, instead of wandering around the Polanco neighborhood where I'm staying, I prefer to stay in the hotel devouring the soap operas broadcast on Televisa. Stories that captivate. Purists might not consider them, but I think they perfectly reflect what we all want to see: real life, even if it's exaggerated, I admit. That's their charm.

The legacy of the soap opera is more alive than ever. The soap opera isn't the preserve of the last century's gossip. I love watching high school girls chase the latest Turkish heartthrob through the airport . It's true that certain production methods have changed. But the good habit of getting hooked on a soap opera hasn't disappeared.

Put a soap opera, classic or modern, in your life and enjoy it.