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Patria is a powerful drama produced by HBO Europe that tells the story of two families torn apart by violence during the Basque conflict in Spain. Set in a small town in the Basque country, the series explores the devastating effects of terrorism on both sides of the conflict.

The show begins with a heartbreaking scene in which a woman named Bittori walks through her quiet town, struggling to come to terms with the fact that her husband, Txato, has been murdered by ETA, a Basque separatist group. Years have passed since his death, and the town is still haunted by the violence that tore it apart. Bittori, who was forced to leave town after her husband's death, returns hoping to confront her past and find some peace.

As she returns, the show highlights the divisions that exist in the community, with some supporting the separatist movement and others opposing it. Bittori's return causes tensions to rise, and the community is once again faced with the question of how to move forward in the aftermath of violence and tragedy.

The series does an excellent job of exploring the personal toll of political violence, showing how it affects not only the victims and their families, but also those who perpetrate the violence. It delves into the complicated web of loyalties, beliefs, and emotions that shape the choices people make, and offers no easy answers. Instead, it challenges the viewer to confront the reality of political violence and its human toll.

In Patria, the two families at the heart of the story provide a compelling lens through which to explore the conflict. On one side is Bittori and her family, who have suffered greatly from ETA's violence. On the other side is Miren and her family, who have a complicated relationship with ETA, with some members of the family being involved in the movement, and others adamantly opposed to it.

Through the experiences of these two families, the show explores the emotional and psychological impact of political violence. We see characters grappling with grief, guilt, and rage, struggling to find a way forward in a world that has been shattered by violence.

Patria is a visually stunning show, with beautiful cinematography that captures the stark beauty of the Basque country. The score, by Fernando Vel

Patria is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between September 27, 2020 and on HBO Europe