‘Celeste’ Creator Diego San José, Director Elena Trapé on Turning a Tax Inspector Into ‘Dirty Harry’

The creative team behind the acclaimed Spanish series “Celeste” is back with a new chapter that shifts the narrative focus from the music industry to the heart of Spain’s cultural identity: soccer. Creator Diego San José and director Elena Trapé have crafted a six-episode second season for Movistar Plus that revisits the earlier days of tax inspector Sara Santano’s career, blending noir elements with social commentary.

Carmen Machi reprises her role as Sara, a tax inspector who previously investigated a Latin music star’s alleged tax evasion. This time, the series rewinds to an earlier investigation involving Figueroa, an Argentine soccer icon whose tax troubles represent the only blemish on Sara’s otherwise exemplary record. The storyline explores the contrasting societal perceptions of the two figures: Sara as a public servant often viewed with disdain, and Figueroa as a beloved sports hero whose off-field misconduct is often overlooked due to his on-field success.

Season 2 serves as a narrative prequel, aiming to delve deeper into Sara’s personal and professional complexities. Unlike the first season, which portrayed Sara as a character who had largely healed, this installment reveals a version of her marked by emotional wounds and vulnerabilities. The storyline also introduces a new dimension by highlighting her strained relationship with her husband, adding a nuanced exploration of love’s dissolution alongside the procedural drama.

San José and his co-writers Oriol Puig and Fernando Delgado-Hierro faced the challenge of crafting a season accessible to newcomers while maintaining continuity for returning viewers. This approach ensures that the new episodes stand alone as a complete story yet enrich the overall narrative arc of the series. The meticulous plotting also addresses previous mysteries and character motivations, offering a coherent and interconnected viewing experience.

The show's distinctive blend of film noir aesthetics with the mundane world of tax inspection continues to define its unique tone. Sara’s character is portrayed as obsessively methodical, with the intensity of a law enforcement agent pursuing high-stakes criminals, despite operating in a bureaucratic environment. This juxtaposition creates a compelling tension that fuels the series’ darkly comedic and dramatic elements.

Rather than casting characters as villains or heroes, the series emphasizes empathy and understanding. All individuals, including those under scrutiny for tax evasion, are depicted as emotionally flawed but relatable, avoiding simplistic moral judgments. This humanizing perspective extends to Sara herself, who is shown breaking her own professional codes under pressure, highlighting the complexity of her character.

Director Elena Trapé emphasizes the subtlety of emotional expression in the series, steering clear of overt melodrama. The restrained performances and carefully calibrated tone contribute to a grounded portrayal of character struggles. Trapé and San José’s close collaboration during production has been crucial in balancing these elements, ensuring the narrative’s depth and authenticity.

“Celeste” Season 1 garnered significant acclaim, winning prestigious Spanish awards such as the Ondas and Feroz for best comedy, along with international recognition at Series Mania. Its success extended beyond Spain, with broadcasts on Arte in France and Flow in Argentina. The second season is set to premiere at Barcelona’s Serielizados Fest on October 26, with international distribution managed by Imagina Sales.

Beyond “Celeste,” the creative partnership between San José and Trapé has produced multiple acclaimed projects, including the series “Yakarta,” which earned Javier Cámara an International Emmy nomination. While future collaborations remain a possibility, both creators express openness to pursuing independent ventures, underscoring their evolving artistic trajectories.

With its fresh narrative approach and complex character study, the new season of “Celeste” continues to challenge conventional portrayals of public service and celebrity in Spain. By turning the spotlight on soccer’s cultural significance and exploring the personal costs of professional dedication, the series maintains its distinctive voice in Spanish television drama.