Pataclaun
Pataclaun (television series)
Pataclaun was a Peruvian television series produced by the cultural association of the same name. It aired from 1997 to 1999, composed of almost a hundred episodes divided into two seasons. It aired on Sunday nights. It was directed and written by July Naters and starred Wendy Ramos (who also co-wrote most of the scripts with Naters)[1], Carlos Alcántara, Monserrat Brugué, Johanna San Miguel, Carlos Carlín and Gonzalo Torres. Based on the sitcom format, it starred a couple living with their newborn baby in a newly bought house that was haunted by three quirky ghosts. From there on, the family lived crazy situations depending on the episode.
It was a hit in its native country for its unique usage of comedy, by applying new techniques of humor for Peruvian television (such as breaking the fourth wall) and basing a lot of its hit jokes on well-known local slang and references to current Peruvian culture (such as referring to celebrities and politicians)[2]. Improvisation amongst the actors was also encouraged, which led to a lot of the funniest quips in the show.[3]
Story
The opening theme song always offers a summary of the story, which is when Wendy Janet (Wendy Ramos) met and fell in love with Machín Alberto (Carlos Alcántara). After a month of knowing each other, they married, and later on bought a house. What the pair didn't know was that the house was already haunted by three peculiar ghosts: Queca, Tony and Gonzalete; each of them with their own unique quirks and mannerisms. Eventually, Wendy and Machín would accept them as “family” of sorts; even though the ghosts could often land them in all sorts of mischief. In the first episodes we see the birth of Monchi occur, which adds a new member to the family as well.
The series was episodic and didn't have a flowing narrative outside of Monchi’s conception and birth. Most of the episodes centered around the characters getting into new wacky situations, or often Wendy or Machín landing new jobs as the plot demanded. Sometimes a new family member would guest-star (played by one of the main actors), which would lead the rest of the cast interacting with the new character.
Cast and characters
- Carlos Alcántara as Machín Alberto: Machín is supposed to be a parody of the worst aspects of Peruvian men. He’s brutish, violent, swears a lot, doesn’t bathe, and has zero respect for anyone else; especially Wendy, his wife[4] However he’s shown to have a soft spot for his family, from time to time. He’s also a fan of the Alianza Lima Club.
- Wendy Ramos as Wendy Janet: In contrast to Machín, Wendy is a parody of the stereotypical view of Peruvian housewives in the 90s. She’s sweet, innocent, very submissive when it comes to her husband, and not particularly bright. Either way, though, Wendy has shown her wits from time to time; only to be always rejected by her husband and “family”. Even though Tony has tried time and time again to court her, she never falls into his charms (except when it’s time to get back at Machín whenever he dismisses her). Her best friend is her magical rubber chicken with whom she talks. She also claims to be best friends with Queca, though Queca takes advantage of her sweet nature from time to time.
- Monserrat Brugué as Monchi: Wendy and Machín’s daughter, she’s a bright baby girl who usually has the common sense the other clowns lack. She’s very fond of her “uncle” Gonzalete because he’s the only ghost who treats her well (Queca and Tony are fond of insulting her, in contrast). She left for most of the second season on a trip to Italy.
- Johanna San Miguel as Queca: Queca is a ghost that loves to claim that she hails from the finest schools in Europe and New York; but an episode establishes that she originally came from Cajamarca, and just moved to the capital in search of a better life. She thinks very highly of herself, calling herself “doll” and “Peruvian Barbie”, and she’s obsessed over jewelry, men, and affluence. She thinks herself of high society, and despises living in Machín and Wendy’s humble home, but her rough side comes out from time to time. Hates being called old. Has a close friendship with Tony, though they often insult each other as well.
- Carlos Carlín as Tony: The second ghost. Considered the “sexy bad boy” of the show, Tony often calls himself the villain of Pataclaun and acts accordingly. Obsessed with bedding Wendy, he often creates complicated schemes to get rid of Machín so that Wendy is all his. He dreams of making it big as a singer or an actor, but he has not found luck in either venue. He’s the character that gives the most nicknames to the rest of the cast.
- Gonzalo Torres as Gonzalete: The last ghost, and a Spanish priest. Gonzalete comes with good intentions, often wanting to correct the loose ethics of the household; but even he can’t follow through with his plans since he sins very often and in the open (lusting after beautiful women repeatedly). He likes Monchi and is often the most protective of the ghosts towards her.
Reception
The series overall received positive reviews from critics; even getting praise from international review sites like IMDb or FilmAffinity. Imdb gave it a 8.5/10 while Filmaffinity gave it a 7.4/10.[5]
References
- ↑ "Wendy Ramos recuerda a Pataclaun a 25 años de su estreno en la televisión peruana".
- ↑ "Secretos de TV: "Pataclaun" acabó por desconfianza hasta en temas económicos | el Comercio Perú". Archived from the original on 2012-05-27.
- ↑ Dettleff, James A.; Cassano, Giuliana; Fermi, Guillermo Vásquez; Coelho, Thalía Dancuart (5 February 2022). Señal abierta: Una mirada a la televisión peruana del siglo XXI. ISBN 9786123177096. Search this book on
- ↑ "Entretenimiento/Personalidad/Ellos". Archived from the original on 1999-11-10.
- ↑ ""Pataclaun" supera a "Al fondo hay sitio", según crítica internacional: Razones del versus de series peruanas | Cine y series | la República".
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