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Isabel is a Spanish television series that follows the life of a young woman named Isabel de Castilla, who becomes the Queen of Castilla in the late 15th century. This stunning period drama was created by José Luis Moreno and premiered on Televisión Española in 2012. The show gained a massive following in Spain and has since been made available to audiences worldwide on HBO Max.

The story of Isabel begins with the childhood of the titular character, who grows up in the court of her half-brother King Enrique IV of Castilla. After the death of her brother, Isabel finds herself caught in a power struggle between different factions of the nobility who wish to control her and her claim to the throne. Through sheer tenacity and the support of her loyal allies, Isabel emerges victorious and is crowned Queen of Castilla, marrying her cousin Fernando of Aragon. What follows is a gripping tale of intrigue, political maneuvering, and war as Isabel seeks to consolidate her power and defend her kingdom against her enemies.

One of the great strengths of Isabel is its attention to historical detail. The series gives viewers a glimpse into the everyday life of medieval Castilla, from the lavish ceremonies of the court to the brutal realities of life for the peasants. The show's costume and set design are impeccable, with every detail reflecting the art and culture of the period. The series is also notable for its use of the Spanish language, which adds an authenticity and richness of texture to the dialogue.

The central performance of the series is undoubtedly Michelle Jenner, who plays Isabel with a combination of intelligence, strength, and vulnerability. Her portrayal of the queen is both nuanced and empathetic, and she imbues the character with a fierce determination that makes her a compelling protagonist. Jenner is supported by an outstanding ensemble cast, including Rodolfo Sancho as Fernando of Aragon, who brings a quiet intensity to the role, and Ramón Madaula as Juan Pacheco, a scheming nobleman who serves as Isabel's chief antagonist.

Isabel is not without its flaws, however. The pacing of the series can be slow at times, with some episodes feeling overly long and drawn-out. The show's dialogue can also be dense and difficult to follow, particularly for non-Spanish speakers. Additionally, some of the characters can come across as one-dimensional, with their motivations and actions feeling a little too simplistic.

Despite these drawbacks, however, Isabel is a superb historical drama that will appeal to fans of similar series like The Tudors or Game of Thrones. The series is full of intrigue, romance, and sweeping historical events, all brought to life with stunning cinematography and a talented cast. At its core, Isabel is a story about power, and how it can be won, lost, and wielded for both good and ill. For anyone interested in medieval history, political drama, or compelling storytelling, this series is a must-watch.

Isabel is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on March 12, 2021.