Eva Longoria from Desperate Housewives is back with a witty, fun new show that is the TV equivalent of a beach read. Apple TV+’s family dramedy, Land of Women, is funny, romantic, emotional, and even suspenseful, with cliffhangers that left me impatient to get to the next episode as soon as possible!
The only downside? It’s much too short! Six episodes are just not enough of this delightful, zany show to go around. It’s the perfect summer escape with its light-hearted yet engaging storyline.
RELATED: Lancelot in Merlin (BBC): 10 Reasons to Love the Romantic Knight
For some reason, Land of Women has fallen under the radar. But if you love shows about women, family, and community and appreciate gorgeous scenery (and I’m not just talking about Santiago Cabrera) and hilarious screwball scenarios mixed with tender moments, this is a show you don’t want to miss.
Official Apple TV+ Synopsis of Land of Women
“Land of Women” is a dramedy starring Eva Longoria as Gala, a well-to-do New Yorker, who has her life turned upside down when her husband fails to repay a debt to the wrong people. With dangerous criminals searching for her family and now vanished husband, Gala is forced to leave the city with her aging mother Julia (Carmen Maura) and teenage daughter Kate (Victoria Bazúa) to her mother’s hometown in northern Spain — a place that Julia fled 50 years ago — to start life anew and hope their identities remain hidden. But gossip in the charming wine town quickly spreads, unraveling their deepest family secrets and truths.
Land of Women Story
Gala, besides dealing with her husband’s betrayal (James Purefoy) and finding herself in the small Spanish town of La Muga, where her mother is from, crosses paths with the grumpy but handsome Amat (Santiago Cabrera), whom she really can’t stand—at first anyway.
Meanwhile, her mother’s long-held secrets start to come out, her daughter Kate wants to run away (while still dealing with transitioning), and some dangerous criminals are after her and her family.
Land of Women Review
Land of Women (Tierra de Mujeres) was a pleasant surprise! It’s based on Sandra Barneda’s bestselling novel and adapted by Ramón Campos and Gema R. Neira —the same writers behind such Spanish drama hits as Grand Hotel, Cable Girls, Velvet, and High Seas. So, if you’re familiar with the addictive and high-quality of these shows, you kind of know what to expect when watching.
Like their other series, this one features a mix of high drama, swoony romantic moments, fast-paced dialogue, hilarious scenes, emotional sequences, and cliffhangers that will keep you wanting more.
RELATED: Grand Hotel Review – An Addicting Romantic Series For All Period Drama Lovers
What also intrigues me is the authenticity of the languages used. Sometimes, the characters speak in English, and other times, they speak Spanish. It’s all about how and when a character would talk authentically in certain real-life situations and locations. So, there are no Spanish characters who only speak English with a Spanish accent. The characters, including Eva Longoria, mostly speak Spanish while in Spain.
Of course, the characters (like the two bumbling criminals played by Amaury Nolasco and Jim Kitson) who don’t know any Spanish speak in English. It’s quite refreshing!
Heartfelt Family Moments
One of the series’ highlights is the relationship between the generations of women: grandmother, mother, daughter, and even a little bit of Gala’s aunt.
The grandmother Julia, brilliantly played by Carmen Maura, struggles with slowly progressing dementia while keeping the secret of why she originally left La Muga and who Gala’s birth father is. With her sudden return to her home village, she must face all the people she abandoned, including her sister Mariona (Gloria Muñoz).
Surprisingly, there’s a touch of the period drama genre included, as Julia has flashbacks of her youth and relives significant moments that changed her life, leading to her leaving everyone she knew behind. Maura’s scenes will leave you both laughing and crying.
RELATED: Romantic Moment of the Month: Jane and Rafael in the Beautiful ‘Jane the Virgin’ Finale
Gala, on the other hand, carries the burden of their tragic circumstances. She worries about her mother and daughter while trying to find a way to save everyone she loves. She also faces her husband’s betrayal and deals with a new attraction.
Kate is your typical teenager who must come to terms with her father’s abandonment, a problematic relationship, bullying, and a complicated relationship with her mother.
Together, the women work to find their way through these difficult circumstances—and all with a lot of humor and heart.
The Romance
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Gala and Amat’s budding romance! The chemistry between Santiago Cabrera and Eva Longoria sizzles onscreen, with memorable romantic moments and promises of what’s to come in a potential second season.
Overall Thoughts
Land of Women is worth checking out if you love shows like Jane the Virgin and Grand Hotel (the original Spanish version). Eva Longoria is back in fine form, and Santiago Cabrera is as charming as ever.
RELATED: Moonflower Murders PBS Review – A Sophisticated Treat You Need to Watch
Carmen Maura’s Emmy-worthy performance will have you in stitches one minute and in tears the next—and you won’t want to miss one second of her onscreen!
Overall, Land of Women is the most fun I’ve had watching anything all summer!
You can watch the new series on Apple TV+.
Content Note: TV-14
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Apple TV+ Press
PIN THIS ARTICLE! AND MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST.
