NCIS: Los Angeles
Season 3, Episode 1 "Lange H."
Network: CBS
Setting: Black Sea beach and beach home.
The Special Projects Team travel to Romania and delve into an old feud between two Romanian gangs that have been at each other's throats for many generations.
First of all, although the episode is set in Romania, the actors cast to play Romanian characters are not Romanian nor do they speak the language. Because of that, the pronunciation is really awkward. I am aware that for the general, non-Romanian viewer this aspect makes no difference but I believe they could’ve at least made the effort to try and cast natives. This way the portrayal would’ve been a lot more authentic and more people would’ve been able to hear what Romanian really sounds like.
Furthermore, when Romanians speak English, they have that “Romanian” accent that no one ever seems to get right.
When it comes to the characters the usual stereotypes are present.
Hilariously enough, there is this one small character named Dracul, meaning “the devil” in Romanian and it’s no mystery that the name was inspired by Count Dracula – only the first thing anybody thinks of when they hear Romania. In reality, though, that is not a common Romanian name – at all!
The country itself is portrayed as a place where traditions are still widely respected. Agriculture plays a huge role and people still know how to make things like “dulceata” (jam) by themselves, in their own homes. “I learned this from my mother and her mother from hers and so on.”
The concept of ‘family’ and community seem to be much more important than individuality.
It is a place where nature blends in with a slight hint of modernization.
"Romanians love their cell phones!" (~31:20)
"We are on honeymoon in...Romania.(ridiculous) Romantic Romania...look at this place, it's perfect!" (~18:30)
Then, does that mean Romania is this paradise-like place where people can enjoy some peace and quiet and relax in the company of their loving families? Wrong!
The first episode of season 3 introduces the Comescu family to us, a dangerous gang that wreaks havoc around them. So is Romania this rural, underdeveloped place or is it filled with law breaking, dangerous people and corrupt officials who help them prosper? Well, according to this episode of NCIS, both and much more!
“The Comescu are in the human trafficking business, they pay corrupt officials to keep them informed.” (~35:50)
