It's 'Gossip Girl' with a bit more bite, 'Riverdale' with a bit more edge, '13 Reasons Why' without the unnecessary extra seasons. It's 'Elite', the smash hit Spanish teen drama broadcasted by Netflix, and it's back on the 13th March with a deliciously dramatic third season. In preparation for our return to the halls of Las Encinas, we sat down to talk to original cast members Ester Expósito (Carla) and Itzan Escamilla (Samuel) as well as new addition Sergio Momo (Yeray) about their favourite on-set memories, where they want their characters to end up and how they reacted to the popularity of the unexpected Carmuel pairing in season two.
After Samuel had his heartbroken by Marina's (María Pedraza) death in the first season and Carla's relationship with both Polo (Álvaro Rico) and Cristian (Miguel Herrán) fell apart at the seams, it didn't seem like love was on the cards for either character until they were pushed together in what turned out to be one of the most explosive, chemical and interesting relationships of 'Elite'. Were Expósito and Escamilla surprised by the success of the pairing? "We had high expectations but the reality was even better than we expected", says Expósito. "Carmuel was a hit. People loved them. Even though we weren't expecting such a response, we knew they were a special couple", she continues, citing the "intense connection" that blossomed between the two.
If Samuel faking his own death wasn't already enough to tear this now iconic duo apart, however, the arrival of Sergio Momo's character Yeray to Las Encinas may finish the job. "I have crucifixes in my house and I've put garlic under the door", jokes Momo when talking about how he'll ward off the hordes of angry Carmuel shippers. Yet, the actor does suggest that there may be more to Carla and Yeray's relationship than meets the eye: "To me, this season shows how nobody is in control of their own destiny, nor are they making their own decisions. So I think the relationship between Carla and Yeray is not entirely theirs". Expósito agrees with this assessment: "That's true for both of them. They're conditioned by various things", she says.
For his part, Itzan Escamilla is still holding out hope for a happy ending for Samuel and Carla. When asked how he would like things to end up for his character, the actor says: "It's complicated. In the end I would like I happy ending with Carla", to which Expósito smiles and raises a hand in triumph. Carmuel isn't over yet, folks.
Graduating from Las Encinas
When asked to imagine that this third season was their own graduation from the preppy campus of Las Encinas, the three were quick to consider what exactly they'd take away from their time on the successful Netflix show.
"The moment when they say yes to you!" jokes Escamilla. "And then you start and get to know everyone. I remember meeting various cast members and we were all super nervous...I thought they were going to fire me".
For Expósito, it's the enigma that is Carla that will stick with her long after the doors to Las Encinas have closed. "She's a gem of a character", gushes the actress. "I already know that it'll be one of the most special roles of my life, whatever I do from here on out. I truly have this unconditional love for the character". Like Escamilla, she believes that the relationships formed between the cast and crew also deserve a place of honour in the metaphorical yearbook: "The connection we all have will also remain. We know each other both as people and as the characters". Sergio Momo agrees with their love for the on-set community, stating that "one of the main perks was working with a cast your own age. Most of the crew are people your own age that are going through exactly the same things that you are". Hopefully, this does not include the murder, deceit and betrayal that seem to colour the walls of Las Encinas, but you never know.
'Elite' returns to Netflix for it's third season on the 13th March.
