Soccer Idol's Past Tax Case Reopens Old Wounds

The critically acclaimed Spanish comedy "Celeste" returns for its second season, shifting its focus from pop music to the world of soccer. The new season, premiering Oct. 26 at Barcelona's Serielizados Fest, revisits tax inspector Sara Santano's past. It centers on Figueroa, an Argentine soccer star whose tax case represents Sara's sole professional setback.

Season 2 serves as a prequel, exploring Sara's earlier career and personal life. Creators sought to portray a more vulnerable Sara, one with "wounds and cracks," making the Figueroa case a narrative pretext to delve into her personal story. This season particularly examines the end of love and the quiet distance that can grow between partners.

The series expertly blends the mundane reality of the tax office with the high-stakes tension reminiscent of film noir. This approach, according to creator Diego San José, aims to give everyday settings an "adrenaline and muscle" rarely seen, creating a unique collision of the ordinary and the explosive.

"Celeste" is noted for its sympathetic portrayal of characters, understanding their motivations rather than judging them. The creators emphasize that all characters, on both sides of the investigation, are emotionally complex and relatable, driven by understandable interests and internal struggles.

With Season 1 having garnered multiple awards, including Spain's Ondas and Feroz awards for best comedy and best actress for Carmen Machi, the team aimed for increased maturity and depth in Season 2. Director Elena Trapé described the new season as having a "solidity" and an "expanding universe," feeling like a significant growth from its predecessor.