The Next ‘Lost’? ‘Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ Is Here!

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Certain shows are unbeatable, and “Lost” is one of them. Occasionally, though, something somewhat comparable emerges. At this moment, MGM+ offers such a series for those yearning for the sci-fi adventure dramas from the 2000s. The intriguing show titled “Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue” made its debut on their streaming service in March.

The concept behind it is that of Anthony Horowitz, a well-known author who penned the recent James Bond novels such as Trigger Mortis (2015), Forever and a Day (2018), and With a Mind to Kill (2022). The Ian Fleming estate commissioned Horowitz for the task of updating Agent 007 for contemporary times. He is also the writer of two Sherlock Holmes novels, namely The House of Silk (2011) and Moriarty (2014), as well as the Alex Rider series of spy books.

The original show “Lost” was consistently nominated for 54 Emmys throughout its broadcast and attracted an average of 11 million viewers per episode, setting incredibly high standards. Given these impressive figures, it’s fair to say that Horowitz’s new series may not reach such lofty heights. The bar has been set impossibly high. Nevertheless, the upcoming thriller series shows potential, and if renewed, there is ample opportunity for improvement.

Plane Crash Survivors Are Marooned Again in ‘Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’

The narrative unfolding in the story of the nine corpses found in a Mexican morgue is as heartbreaking and impactful as that of “Lost.” This drama revolves around the passengers of a downed plane, whose dreams of rescue are dashed by factors beyond their grasp. The series commences with a helicopter landing at a Mexican military base, bearing bodies retrieved from the crash site. Following this, we’re serenaded by the popular theme song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics. Subsequently, the plot takes us back in time to present the lives and backgrounds of the ten individuals on board that tragic flight, encompassing the stewardess and pilot among them.

The situation appears to be smooth sailing, but unexpectedly, the aircraft encounters fuel shortages and mechanical glitches. In a panic, the pilot swiftly records a message before guiding the plane towards an emergency landing in the forest. Tragically, the flight attendant perishes, while the pilot endures severe injuries. Remarkably, most passengers escape unscathed.

Horowitz skillfully introduces his characters with succinct descriptions and apt dialogue. The camera, under the masterful lens of James Mather, immerses us deep into the dense Mexican jungle, offering Nat Geo-like shots of serpents serving as a reminder that this environment is treacherous.

Moving forward at the military base, it’s clear that nine out of these individuals perished. The enigma lies in the fate of the tenth individual: what became of them? As time passes, those who survived start succumbing to strange and unexplained deaths. Suspicion arises among the living, with whispers of a potential killer lurking among them. Could this mysterious figure be the tenth person, who was missing when the bodies were found?

Could it be that the culprit, amidst these delightful and seemingly innocent individuals we engage with, is actually hiding in plain sight? Horowitz always has a knack for skillfully concealing the truth. Your gaze may gravitate towards Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, due to the sinister nature of his characters on screen. Yet, this series presents an intriguing contrast to his previous roles as unruly, violent, and ill-tempered men. Instead, he portrays a steadfast MAGA enthusiast who yearns for his family to return to America.

The Similarities Between ‘Lost’ and ‘Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ Stretch Beyond the Plane Crash

In a similar vein to the pilot episode of Lost, the initial installment of Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue features a plane crash in a remote, verdant area, making rescue efforts challenging. Survivors abound, and some characters endeavor to question the pilot, who subsequently discloses that there were mechanical problems or irregularities with the aircraft. In the MGM+ series, he implies that someone (or something) intentionally caused the crash to ensure they couldn’t be easily found. Meanwhile, in the 2000s sci-fi show, he suggests that they had veered off course upon crashing, making it difficult for anyone to locate them. Shortly afterward, both pilots meet a grisly end at the hands of an unidentified assailant.

In this setting, the camera skillfully showcases both the stunning surroundings and the characters’ wardrobes, emphasizing the cinematography. Moreover, survival tactics are meticulously addressed as the survivors grapple with finding escapes from their dire circumstances while also ensuring they don’t exhaust essential resources. Simultaneously, we witness the formation of alliances and trust issues among them. Some bond over shared experiences of hardship, while others find common ground in strength and mutual understanding. Over time, each character’s background is progressively revealed.

Apart from sharing similar themes, it’s important to note that both series employ unconventional storytelling techniques. They use flashbacks and flash-forwards effectively, weaving a seamless narrative. Moreover, they are characterized by an element of intrigue and tension, with the identity of the villain slowly revealed over time. Each episode leaves viewers on edge as it ends with a suspenseful cliffhanger, prolonging the anticipation for the next episode.

The nine corpses in a Mexican morgue offers an engaging experience for those yearning for the excitement reminiscent of ‘Lost’. While it lacks the supernatural and futuristic elements, it delivers intriguing characters and a coherent narrative. Crucially, its selection of a murder mystery plot sets it apart from the hit ABC series, providing fresh elements to captivate audiences.

‘Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ Isn’t Anthony Horowitz’s First Dance on Television

Anthony Horowitz is primarily recognized for his literary works, however, similar to George R.R. Martin and Stephen King, he has also contributed significantly to television productions. Starting in the ’80s, he delved into screenwriting with the children’s anthology series Dramarama. Additionally, he penned several episodes for the widely acclaimed fantasy series Robin of Sherwood. Subsequently, he developed Crossbow and Adventurer projects.

In the 90s, Horowitz started gravitating more towards murder mysteries and began writing for shows like ITV’s hit series ‘Agatha Christie’s Poirot’ and the BBC Two anthology ‘Murder Most Horrid’. Following this, he developed his own detective series, ‘The Diamond Brothers’, penned its novelization soon after, and later worked on the science fiction show, ‘Crime Traveller. In his spare time, he contributed episodes to ‘Midsomer Murders’ as well.

In the 2000s, Horowitz achieved even more significant triumphs. His longest-running series was Foyle’s War, which took place during World War II. He went on to develop the ITV crime drama Collision. Later, he converted his novel Magpie Murders into a television miniseries that premiered on BritBox and BBC One.

The creator of the Alex Rider series hasn’t had a successful American TV show yet, but let’s cross our fingers that “Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue” changes that. This series offers an aesthetically pleasing and cynical mix, seasoned with a lively, playfully complex taste only a storyteller of his caliber can provide. The cast, all talented actors, seem to enjoy dancing around each other while occasionally working together. Based on its plot, the MGM+ production appears to be heading towards a miniseries, but when viewer interest is high, these series tend to grow. Here’s hoping it does and may it maintain its momentum, unlike “Lost” in its later seasons.

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2025-04-08 02:02