'Popland!' Delivers Big Drama In Episode 1

By Michael Lopez

You know your novela is off to a good start when there are tears, cop chases, and naked people in the first episode! And that's exactly what Popland! delivered with its big debut on Tr3s this week. Setting up what looks to be a fascinating story, it's got a sexy cast, a great soundtrack, and a nail-biting cliffhanger keeping us anxious for episode 2!

As the story kicks off, we meet Carla, a play-by-her-own-rules kind of girl who's eager to leave the small-town life behind. The problem is, the small-town life doesn't want to let go! She's got that needy boyfriend Diego and "Missing" posters popping up everywhere that beg for her to return.

The only thing is, Carla doesn’t want to go back. She split to the big city and happened to catch a ride with a very influential person. Katherine (or "K" as she likes to be called) runs the chic tabloid Popland! and happens to see quite a bit of potential in her new stowaway.

It's clear that Carla wouldn't mind mixing her photography skills with the celebrity world, but she's determined to make her own way. Eventually, she lands a gig as a hotel maid and hopes to first establish herself as an independent young woman.

The trouble is, Popland! keeps calling and sooner or later you know those worlds are going to collide. We get a hint of what's to come towards the end of the episode, when Carla takes some "revealing" snaps of a celeb at her hotel. After a dramatic chase (and scenes that are WAY too hot for American TV), we find her in the middle of quite a jam.

It's not a bad setup for Popland! #2 and a great way to introduce the characters. Star Sara Cobo has some celeb potential of her own and we get the feeling this show could be a major launching for an international acting career. Manuela Gonzalez also does a killer job in her role as K. Is she good? Is she bad? We can't wait to find out.

And best of all, Popland! has an awesome set of songs that play along during the action sequences. There's emo jams, alternative punk riffs, and even some English bands that'll get your feet tapping. Stay tuned for more episodes on Tr3s and grab your hankies. We're sure this novela will be one heck of an emotional rollercoaster.

What did you think about Popland’s premiere episode? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Manuela Gonzalez, Novelas, Popland, Sara Cobo, Television, Tr3s shows