The Ministry Of Time

Spanish series have been surprising us for some years with titles that work perfectly; series that attract the general public and that also cross borders. In this article, we talk about one of the most interesting series on the Spanish scene: El Ministerio del Tiempo.

The fiction created by Pablo and Javier Olivares started in 2015 on TVE. Later, thanks to an agreement with Netflix, it was distributed on the streaming platform, capturing the interest of the public and critics. In 2017, we said goodbye to him without really knowing if we would enjoy the trips back in time. Finally, 2020 was the date chosen for his return, and although many of us had doubts, the truth is that The Ministry of Time has given us a fourth season full of emotions.

Two and a half years have passed to return to enjoy the adventures that the series offers us. Two and a half years of a wait that has been worth it. The Ministry of Time has proven capable of entertaining history teaching, going from comedic to tragic in a matter of seconds, and releasing recognizable references to an especially wide audience.

Know the past to understand the present

We have always heard that history helps us to understand our present, but also to avoid falling into the mistakes that were made in the past. Likewise, it helps us to acquire a greater knowledge of the artistic work. For example, if we read a book, watch a movie, or look at a painting, it is interesting to know the context in which the work took place.

The problem is that, at times, it can be tedious to have to remember sequences of historical events full of names and dates. Of course, this depends greatly on the personal interest of each individual, but the truth is that there are few times that we have heard phrases like “history is boring.”

The Ministry of Time has all the ingredients to be to the liking of any lover of history, art or literature ; but it can also be a good hook to immerse the most skeptical in the fascinating events of the past.

Through a patrol of agents working for a secret ministry, we access countless doors that take us to key moments in the history of Spain. Frequently, a problem occurs that could alter our present; the slightest change in the past will have direct repercussions today. Thus, the series has been opening different timelines that show us truly interesting alternative futures and all this without losing a sense of humor.

In addition, El Ministerio del Tiempo brings us closer to some key figures from our past : we meet Cervantes and understand the incalculable value of Don Quixote , Velázquez y sus Meninas , Federico García Lorca, and even darker figures, such as Francisco Franco.

In short, a whole history lesson in an exceptional format that manages to captivate the general public.

The Ministry of Time : humor and science fiction

The Ministry of Time , deep down, is nothing more than a fantasy, a science fiction series. Perhaps, broadly speaking, when we think of science fiction we tend to think of futuristic or even space aesthetics. But in reality science fiction is nothing more than a genre that explores the possible consequences of scientific and technological advances, that imagines possible worlds on a certain scientific basis.

In this sense, we can speak of soft science fiction or hard science fiction . Are they two subgenres? Not exactly, actually, it is a kind of distinction within the genus itself; In other words, we have works in which the description of the scientific component prevails ( hard ) and others in which the universe or elements related to society are explored more ( soft ).

The Ministry of Time could be located in a soft science fiction by not clearly explaining the operation of the doors, for example; However, it immerses us in a fictional ministry in which trips to the past are possible, a very recurring theme in science fiction. Despite this, it can be read as a series of intrigue, even police at times; and therefore, for many, it may have been difficult to recognize science fiction.

It should be noted that, in what is so far its last season, a further step has been taken towards the vindication of Spanish science fiction: that step is none other than the appearance of the anachronópete. As we have said, The Ministry of Time is made up of endless winks to a recognizable past and another a little more forgotten. Many viewers, probably, did not know that the time machine is a Spanish invention, not literally, of course; but yes in literature.

The Ministry of Time has rescued a device known as the first “invention” in literature of a device that allowed time travel, we are talking about the work El Anacronópete (1887) by Enrique Gaspar y Rimbau. Why highlight this fact among so many other curiosities that the series has presented to us? Because if we said that the series is a good history lesson, we can also add that it has managed to spread culture.

The interesting thing is that, in addition, it is broadcast on a public television channel, and if I may express my opinion, I consider that one of the main functions of public television is precisely the dissemination of the culture of a country within reach of all.

The series, in addition, is not without humor. One of its greatest attractions is, in fact, its sense of humor and its excellent use of irony. Many episodes will get us a happy laugh, either for a witty phrase, for presenting a certain self-criticism or for using elements of popular culture in order to make us smile.

The success

I have always considered myself quite skeptical when a series stretches for more than three seasons. Sometimes when a product works well, it is unnecessarily prolonged in time, and what was a quality product ends up becoming boring.

For this reason, before the announcement of the return of the Ministry of Time , I had my doubts; but they soon dissipated when I was faced with a series that still retains its freshness and that manages to make very interesting turns towards humor (see Velázquez’s video).

The Ministry of Time has managed to bring together the great moments of the past with dystopian futures, humor and constant reference to the viewer and even gives rise to a certain criticism of the system, without forgetting self-reference and self-criticism.

Its success has been verified on the networks, the response from the spectators has been truly surprising and, of course, the dissemination campaign has achieved its mission. The Ministry of Time is not only interesting as a series, but also as a product; Pages dedicated to the series have been created, and the social networks of TVE, the series and its creators have not missed the opportunity to interact with viewers.

All this has also translated into the possibility of future adaptations in other countries. And although we do not know if he will return one day, the truth is that this fourth season has left a good taste in our mouths. Be that as it may, for now, it has given us a good dose of entertainment and culture in equal measure.

* Note to creators: If he comes back, we want more Velázquez moments.