The Neighbor
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The Neighbor
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Neighbor is a Spanish superhero comedy series with a familiar genre plot -- a man develops powers and has to navigate his life as a superhero. This show is for adults, though, and is much more a comedy and character drama than a story about superpowers and unlikely heroes. The show's central themes involve finding yourself and building relationships, as superheroes compete over who deserves the "guardian of the cosmos" status. Although some scenes do revolve around acts of moral and ethical responsibilities to society, you can also expect adult drinking and marijuana drug use, sex scenes, some below-the-belt-humor, and profanity used liberally throughout -- expect "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "p---y," and "a--hole." The show does tackle big issues like gender identity and equality, sexism, and sexuality and has strong themes around being true to self and standing up for what you believe in. Characters are shown kissing, embracing, and in bed together; sex is implied, but nudity is limited to above the waist and shots of underwear-clad characters. Episodes also include characters flying, becoming invisible, explosions, guns, and fighting off unlikely villains.
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What's the Story?
Based on the comic series of the same name by Santiago Garcia and Pepo Perez, THE NEIGHBOR follows the misadventures of four friends -- Javier (Quim Gutiérrez); his love interest, Lola (Clara Lago); her close friend, Julia (Catalina Sopelana); and newcomer to their building, José Ramón (Adrián Pino). After the hapless Javi (as he's affectionately called by friends and neighbors) is entrusted with superhuman powers, he uses them to fight evil as Titán, his superhero persona. Some episodes mostly focus on Javier, a lazy, unmotivated guy in his 20s whom you'd least expect to be able to take on the responsibility that comes with obtaining superpowers. José Ramón becomes Javier's sidekick after accidentally learning of his neighbor's superpowers. Lola, determined in her suspicion of Javier being a superhero, sets out to discover the truth, with help from her friend Julia. There are many hilarious situations as the characters learn more about each other and their own potential powers.
Is It Any Good?
Don't expect the Spanish equivalent of a Marvel series; instead, this is an amusing superhero comedy with some questionable humor. The Neighbor's focus is mostly on the comedy that arises when the main characters try to hide (and fight over) superhuman powers, all while discovering the responsibilities (and inconveniences) that come with being a superhero. A familiar plot makes this Spanish superhero comedy series appealing. However, The Neighbor isn't really about the main character Javier discovering his purpose or trying to save the world. Instead, it's focused on the ordinary lives of the four main characters -- neighbors dealing with personal struggles, until everything changes after one of them is given superhuman powers.
Fast action is absent here, as is a super-evil plot that could destroy (or save) the world. In fact, there's minimal action -- some flying, low-drama confrontations, and no bloody scenes. The pacing is slow at the beginning of season one but picks up and becomes more plot driven, with twists and revelations that set up a promising premiere season two.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the superhero characters in The Neighbor. What is different about these unlikely heroes? What is unique about their situation?
How do various actions create conflict for these unlikely heroes? How do personal conflicts affect the heroes' actions in the series?
How do the main characters present themselves to others? How do behaviors and actions affect how others view them or how they view themselves? What questionable actions affect how others view the superhero?
What character traits help each of the characters solve (or create) their own problems?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 21, 2021
- Cast: Quim Gutierrez, Clara Lago
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Superheroes, Friendship
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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For kids who love superheros
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