It is only when the producers take you to where it all began and show you how it is done that you begin to appreciate the work put into SABC1’s locally produced series, Montana.
Back for a second season, 52-week run, the entire story rests upon one line which reads: “We all want our piece of the South African dream, what are we prepared to sacrifice to get it?”
Your mind should be taking you places by now as you think of how many people who have tried to achieve that dream in interesting ways. There are those who cut corners and succeeded. Some got caught and went to jail. There are the honest ones who remain dreamers all their lives. They usually pay through the pain of poverty. All these people and more are represented in Montana.
Here is a brief background of the drama: set in Cape Town, it focuses on four families – the Jordaans, the Ntshingas, the Yilis and the Duzes. The Jordaans are set in life. Their tentacles of success reach the commercial and political sectors of their community.
The Ntshingas hope for big things, but the dream is threat- ened by dark secrets from the past.
The Yilis try to survive below the poverty line. Most people will relate to the Duzes, who are affluent, but dysfunctional at the same time.
The many dynamics at play make the show addictive view- ing. Soapie fans will enjoy the affair between Nolitha and her toy-boy Lwazi. Nolitha’s husband is getting closer to the truth and it is only a matter of time before an explosive secret is out in the open.
Some will fall in love with the New Generation Crew, a bunch of dancers who have stories that will break your heart.
Also worthy of mention is the improved set. There will be some dangerous scenes, so that drop of blood you’ll see will look real.
• Catch Montana every Tuesday at 8.30pm on SABC1.