Gassal (corpse washer) TV show is the latest in culture wars

I started watching Gassal, and it was better than I expected. In some ways, it can be classified as more artsy than mainstream. However, because the public TV channel produced it, it was immediately trapped between opposing political circles. Apart from the content, this one seems to follow another public TV product, Leyla ile Mecnun—conservatives like a controlled surrealism. It is also the return of Ahmet Kural, who was partially canceled after domestic violence allegations.

More information about the show:

Concept and Theme

The series revolves around a gassal (corpse washer) named Baki, exploring themes of death, mortality, and isolation. This premise is considered highly original, as one reviewer noted it’s “not a common topic”[1]. The central question “Who will wash me when I die?” is seen as thought-provoking and emotionally impactful[6].

Tone and Storytelling

Gassal skillfully blends different tones:

• Emotional depth: Many reviewers describe the show as deeply moving, making viewers “cry, laugh, and contemplate life”[1].
• Black humor: The series incorporates elements of dark comedy, creating a unique viewing experience[6].

Cultural Authenticity

The show is praised for its realistic depiction of Turkish life. One reviewer appreciated that “Turkish people do not live love games in luxury villas in suits or mini dresses”[1], suggesting the series offers a more authentic portrayal of everyday life in Turkey.

Production Elements

Music: The soundtrack, particularly the song “İçim Yanar,” is highly praised for enhancing the emotional impact of scenes[1][6].

Visuals: Reviewers noted the striking opening images and theme song as standout elements[1].

Short Episode Format

The approximately 30-minute episode length is seen as a positive aspect by some viewers, distinguishing it from longer Turkish dramas[1][6].

In summary, Gassal’s unique blend of emotional depth, dark humor, cultural authenticity, and thought-provoking themes centered around death and isolation make it stand out as a distinctive entry in Turkish television[1][3][6].

Citations:

1. The Gassal Series Reviews on IMDb
2. Anup Jalota and Sumeet Tappoo’s Melodic Bond Shines in Legacy
3. Gassal: Here’s Why Tabii’s New Turkish Series Became a Major Hit
4. Reddit Discussion on “The Good Place”
5. April 2024 Highlights in IEEE JBHI
6. First Episode of Gassal Series Draws Criticism, Nears 4 Million Views
7. Mismatched Wikipedia Page
8. Nature Article: Scientific Report
9. Gassal Series Translations on The Movie Database
10. University of Pennsylvania Library Guide: Best TV
11. IMDb User Review for The Gassal
12. Nada Ghazal Jewelry Instagram Reel
13. Turkish TV Club Instagram Reel
14. Atlassian Corporation Stock Upgrade News
15. Alamein Hotel Review on TripAdvisor
16. Türkiye Today Instagram Reel
17. TESDA Training Center Link
18. YouTube Video: The Gassal Trailer
19. TikTok Discover: “What is the order to watch XO, Kitty?”
20. PMC Article on Biomedical Research
21. The Gassal Series IMDb Page

Here’s a summary of the main reviews:

Positive Reviews

Emotional Impact
– Many viewers describe the show as deeply emotional, with one reviewer stating it “makes you cry, laugh, and contemplate life”[1].
– Another reviewer mentioned, “First 10 minutes you laugh every second. Last 10 minutes you cry every second”[1].

Acting and Performance
– Ahmet Kural’s performance is consistently praised, with reviewers calling it “excellent” and “undisputed”[1].
– The entire cast is commended, with one reviewer noting, “All actors especially Ahmet Kural put a very undisputed performance”[1].

Unique Concept
– The show’s premise, focusing on a corpse washer (gassal) confronting mortality, is described as unique and intriguing[2].
– One reviewer appreciated that it depicts realistic Turkish life, stating, “Turkish people do not live love games in luxury villas in suits or mini dresses”[1].

Music and Cinematography
– The soundtrack is highly praised, with reviewers mentioning how well it matches the emotional scenes[1].
– The opening theme and images at the beginning of episodes are also appreciated[1].

Mixed Reviews

Pacing and Structure
– Some reviewers found certain episodes to be mediocre or containing repetitive scenes[1].
– The short duration of episodes (around 30 minutes) is seen as a positive by some viewers[1].

Emotional Intensity
– While many appreciate the emotional depth, one reviewer cautioned that sensitive viewers might find the series deeply emotional and dramatic[1].

Critical Points

Predictability
– Some reviewers felt that episode titles and images sometimes gave away the ending[1].

Inconsistent Quality
– A few reviewers noted that the quality varied between episodes, with some being excellent and others less engaging[1].

Overall, Gassal has received predominantly positive reviews, with an IMDb rating of 8.3/10 based on 5,100 ratings[2]. The show’s unique premise, emotional depth, and strong performances, particularly by Ahmet Kural, are its most praised aspects.

Citations:

1. The Gassal Series Reviews on IMDb
2. The Gassal Series IMDb Page
3. What is the Plot of The Gassal Series? Who Are the Actors?
4. Dam El Ghazal IMDb Page
5. The Gassal Season 1 Overview on MyShows
6. Irsa Ghazal Wikipedia Page
7. The Gassal Reviews on Simkl
8. Dam El Ghazal Review on TV Guide