La Palma has swiftly ascended to the top of Netflix’s U.S. chart, yet the conclusion of this new television series has ignited considerable debate due to a particular narrative choice.
This controversial plot point traces its origins to a 2001 academic study by Steven N. Ward and Simon Day, which speculated about potential volcanic fractures caused by an eruption in 1949 on La Palma in the Canary Islands. While many experts have since dismissed much of this theory, the show capitalizes on this speculative idea to create an exciting, though implausible, storyline. Warning: spoilers ahead!
Criticism Surrounding the La Palma Ending
Viewers have heavily criticized the finale, focusing on the improbable survival of teen Sara (Alma Günther) and her girlfriend Charlie (Jenny Evensen) after an 80-foot tsunami strikes. While suspension of disbelief is a requirement for many shows, this particular scenario has proved too much for a vast audience.
As the wave approaches, key characters in La Palma experience a disheartening split. Sara’s mother, Jennifer (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal), and her brother, Tobias (Bernard Storm Lager), miss their flight from Tenerife. Simultaneously, Jennifer’s husband, Fredrik (Anders Baasmo Christiansen), departs La Palma barely in time. Ultimately, they all converge at a so-called “safe spot”in a bay on Tenerife, which is supposedly sheltered from the incoming tsunami’s force.
Yet, the most shocking twist comes when Sara ends up trapped on a stationary plane as the wave crashes into it. The sequence challenges logical reasoning, as water attacks the aircraft, a situation that would likely be catastrophic in real life. In a surreal outcome, following the tsunami, the cabin appears vacant, with Sara remaining in her seat. She eventually awakens and receives life-saving CPR from a surviving flight attendant, who revives Charlie.
Fan Reactions to the ‘Unrealistic’ Ending
Fans took to Reddit to voice their frustrations, with one viewer asserting that the plot felt “detached from reality,” and remarking, “The character (Sara) was saved from life-threatening situations through clichéd and contrived resolutions.”
Another critic noted, “That tsunami was going to wreak havoc on the American continent, yet the daughter survived it hitting her plane head-on from a distance of about 60 km.” They further questioned, “There’s no way they would’ve survived that. The plane would’ve been gone in the ocean.”
A third participant echoed these sentiments, stating, “It didn’t make sense how she and the stewardess survived the wave hitting the plane while no one else did.”
Viewers also scrutinized the characters’ questionable decisions, particularly their communication failures when the family could have easily avoided separation through text messages. One Reddit user remarked, “It’s as if they utilized cellphones for everything except crucial moments where a simple text would suffice.”
Another critic lamented the recurring trope of characters being unable to communicate effectively until it’s too late, stating, “Okay, so the daughter returns for her love but can’t text her mother she’s on her way back to the plane?” This plot device has drawn ire for its unrealistic execution, creating frustration for many viewers.
Nonetheless, not all feedback has been negative. While acknowledging that La Palma may not rank among the top shows of 2024, some viewers still found it enjoyable. One viewer commented, “I thought it was fine,” drawing a comparison to The Impossible, a film based on true events during the devastating 2004 tsunami. “Watching a fictional family facing a fictional disaster doesn’t hold the same weight, but it’s still somehow compelling despite its unrealistic elements.”
Another supporter stated, “It wasn’t a perfect series by any means, but I still enjoyed binge-watching it.”
If you’re curious about La Palma and wish to form your own opinion, it is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Related Articles:
Jamie Dutton’s Fate in Yellowstone Finale Contradicts Taylor Sheridan’s Rule
18:39
Mayor of Kingstown Renewed for Season 4
16:17
4 Major Spider-Man 4 Insights Revealed: One Actor’s Role Significantly Reduced
12:33
Leave a Reply