The television show Elite has enjoyed a successful 3 season run on Netflix. The show has been renewed for two more seasons, but these seasons will reportedly feature a new story with a new cast of characters. This has led to mixed feelings among fans. While many are excited to see more from this show, others are worried about the way the next installment will compare to the original story.
Though anthology seasons have become increasingly more common, with shows like American Horror Story, Black Mirror, and Miracle Workers boasting huge followings, these shows aren't without their flaws. There are typically certain storylines that are better received than others. In order to ensure that the next segment of this show is as popular as the first, here are 5 things we want from season 4 of Elite and 5 things we don't want.
Don't Want: A Repeat
Sometimes anthology series fall into the trap of retelling the same story with new faces. It can be easy to rely on a formula that has brought success to a series in the past, especially where characters are concerned. But relying on similar characters and events would be a huge mistake for Elite.
One reason the show was so well received was that it was different. Many of the characters were well-developed, nuanced individuals. The central mystery was interesting and engaging because it kept fans thinking. Even the most despicable characters had their moments of strength and viewers were invested in watching them grow. Any similarities between this storyline and these characters with the next segment will end up feeling like a cheap imitation.
Want: Lu and Nadia
Lu and Nadia started off the show as adversaries. Eventually, they realized they could identify with each other and formed a beautiful bond. The development of this friendship is one of the most rewarding relationships in the show.
At the end of season 3, these two characters are on their way to New York City to attend Columbia University. They are sharing a scholarship that will assist in their expenses, but it is clear that these two are going to have to make some sacrifices in their personal lives to be able to afford their housing and miscellaneous expenses. One way the show could give fans a new set of characters and still keep some of the original characters is to have the new seasons follow Lu and Nadia in college.
Don't Want: Malik
Malik was introduced in season 3. It seemed like he primarily existed to create drama between Nadia and Omar. He originally appeared to be the ideal man for Nadia, one that could keep her moderately happy and satisfy her parents. Fans quickly learned that Malik was portraying a persona. To fan's disappointment, Malik began fooling around with Omar behind Nadia's back.
Omar was set to travel to New York with Malik at the end of season 3, but at the last minute, Omar turned around and went back to Ander. Lu, Nadia, and Malik moved forward with their travels to New York and walked through security together. Although Malik will also be in New York, if the show does choose to follow the dynamic duo of Lu and Nadia in New York, fans would prefer they leave Malik out of it.
Want: A Central Mystery
Each season of Elite had its own central mystery. What made these mysteries so successful, setting the show apart from popular shows such as How to Get Away with Murder, was that these mysteries all connected to the first murder that occurred.
Although fans also enjoyed the drama, complex relationships, and character development, these mysteries were the major hook of the show. Ultimately, Elite would not feel the same without a riveting central mystery.
Don't Want: More Rich Kids
Elite focused heavily on the impact socioeconomic status can have on the lives of individuals. The class struggle played a major role in the relationships between the students and Marina's murder.
While this story is one worth telling, Elite already handled it well the first time. Fans don't want another rehashing of spoiled rich kids bullying poor kids.
Want: Same Narration Style
Elite's narration style is one of its strong points. The show regularly jumps back and forth between the present and the future, showing audiences a glimpse of what happens after the crime of the season. These jump forwards typically occurred at the beginning and end of each episode and often included interviews between the police and the teenagers.
This allowed fans to create their own theories, adjusting as new information was revealed. Seeing a glimpse into the relationships between characters and their mindsets made it fun for fans to speculate about the actions leading up to the final events. This stylistic format has become increasingly popular in mystery shows and is present in both How to Get Away with Murder and Big Little Lies.
Don't Want: Corrupt Police
Such is the case in many mystery/thriller shows, the police in Elite was both corrupt and incompetent. The corrupt motivations of the police force factored heavily into the events of the show. Had the police done their job correctly the first time, none of the injustices in the second and third seasons would have taken place.
The unjust police system made sense within the plotline of this story, putting a spotlight on the way wealth and connections impact the criminal justice system. This theme was one worth exploring within the confines of this story. But constantly portraying corrupt police on television shows has become commonplace and fans would like to see something more interesting out of Elite in the future.
Want: Diversity
Elite featured a diverse cast of characters with many minorities represented. There were gay and bisexual characters, Muslim characters, and individuals from different economic classes. The show also featured diverse sexual themes, such as polyamorous couples and incest.
Several difficult topics were touched upon including poverty, HIV status, cancer, teenage pregnancy, addiction, and sexual assault. Differing parenting styles were portrayed as well. This allowed Elite to tell stories that aren't often heard and contributed heavily to Elite's success. Fans hope Elite continues to include diverse characters in the future seasons.
Don't Want: Sexual Assault
The portrayal of sexual assault has increased and is particularly common in this genre. However, these storylines often aren't handled appropriately. Unfortunately, Elite included many troubling scenes in which characters weren't forced to take responsibility for their indiscretions.
Some examples of this include Guzmán almost recording and assaulting Nadia, Polo's coercion of Christian, and Lu's use of revenge porn to shame Nadia and Guzmán. To avoid making mistakes like this again, it's best that Elite stick to consensual relationships from now on.
Want: New Location
It is difficult to imagine how Elite could take place in a similar location and tell a drastically different story. To bring something fresh and new to the series, fans would like to see Elite take place in an entirely new location.
This could be a rural area, a big city, or a new country. It could also involve a change in landscape, such as a beach vibe or a mountain resort. With a totally new location comes new adventures for the characters to explore.