Authentically South African and filmed in Alexandra township, "Heist" is like a high budget 'lokshin biscop'. I say high budget because the production boasts of not only a high quality picture, but a cast ensemble that features some of South Africa's leading talents as well. However, the 'kasi' production design and lifestyle portrayed by the storyline gives the series the 'township vibe' we often see in most 'truly South African' sets.
In the first episode, we are introduced to the legendary Jerry Mofokeng, who ironically plays Talent, somewhat of a township legend. He has the gift of discovering the best talent in people and has uncovered some of the country's biggest talents. Although, not as iconic as Jerry; actors Meshack Mavuso, Kenneth Nkosi, Warren Masemola and Jody Abrahams have certainly made a mark in the industry and thrived in some of the continent's greatest productions. It is refreshing to these experienced actors mingle in the same circle as young performers such as Sayitsheni Mdaki, Mbali Ka Ngwenya, Phumeza Mdabe and Wright Ngubeni. It creates a perfectly blended generation representation of the South African nation and a series that can be enjoyed by viewers from all ages.
"Heist" starts off on humble beginnings in episode 1, and I assume that this is because the characters and story line are still being introduced at this stage. The intensity of a story that could be SA's most captivating tale yet to be told, is still crawling on its knees as we await for the moment it comes to full bloom. Even the actors are not given much to work with yet, a frustrating thing to watch when we know the kind of 'slayage' that these performers can serve on screen. A suicide makes the most (subtle) dramatic scene of the show's first episode which leads us to a kick-start of the main thrill and drama as Talent and 5 Bob (Wright Ngubeni) start planning a heist of an upcoming Justin Bieber concert after Irvin (Jody Abrahams), a stadium manager, fired Talent. Although the first instalment introduced us to some of the characters, we haven't yet seen how they are all going to come together for the show's climax action (the heist) and that should be the rollercoaster ride that etv's "Heist" is setting us up for, for the next coming weeks.
The production has much potential and though based on true events, if the writers lined-up their cards right, they should have found a way to account the chronicles of this tale in the most thrilling and action packed way. The cinematographer does a good job navigating his cameras in the cramped spaces of Alexandra and the dusty yet HD quality lighting creates the perfect picture and mood for the show.
"Heist" airs on Tuesdays at 9:35pm on etv.
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