The Turkish series As the Crow Flies (original title Yargi) is a legal drama that premiered on BluTV in Turkey in 2021 and was later released internationally on Netflix in 2022. The series follows the story of Ilgaz, a successful and ethical lawyer, as he seeks justice against a powerful organization involved in criminal activities. As the Crow Flies has become an extremely popular series, gaining high viewership on Netflix and positive reviews for its gripping storyline, high production values, and talented ensemble cast.
What is As the Crow Flies about?
As the Crow Flies centers around the idealistic lawyer Ilgaz, who discovers that his father was murdered years ago by a secret criminal organization known as the Lodge. This dangerous group has connections across society and engages in illegal activities such as drug and arms trafficking. They operate under the guise of being an exclusive gentlemen’s club and use their vast resources and network to cover up their crimes.
After learning the truth about his father’s death, Ilgaz makes it his mission to take down the Lodge and its members through legal means. He assembles a team of allies including his childhood friend Ceylin, a prosecutor named Yusuf, and police investigator Ayse to uncover evidence against the organization. Ilgaz uses clever legal strategies to beat the Lodge at their own game, even as they attempt to intimidate him through threats of violence.
Much of the show focuses on Ilgaz’s complicated plan to prove the Lodge’s involvement in various crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice. However, As the Crow Flies also devotes attention to exploring Ilgaz’s relationships with the women in his life – Ceylin, his fiancee Naz, and Ayse – who all play important roles in his quest. The series balances high-stakes action and drama with quieter character-driven moments.
Main characters
- Ilgaz Koçova – A successful lawyer who makes it his mission to take down the Lodge after learning they murdered his father. Played by Caner Cindoruk.
- Ceylin Atakul – Ilgaz’s childhood best friend who helps him in his fight against the Lodge. Played by Meliksar Kendirci.
- Yusuf İplikçi – An prosecuting attorney and ally to Ilgaz. Played by Burak Deniz.
- Ayşe – A police inspector who provides key evidence to Ilgaz. Played by Macit Koper.
- Naz Ekemen – Ilgaz’s fiancee, whose father is a member of the Lodge. Played by Pinar Deniz.
The series also features the shadowy, villainous members of the Lodge organization. Their ruthlessness provides high stakes as Ilgaz works to expose their crimes.
Release and reception
As the Crow Flies originally premiered in Turkey on BluTV in 2021, airing its first episode on January 7. The series became a rating hit in its home country, gaining an audience of over 5 million viewers per episode.
Netflix later acquired the international streaming rights and released the full first season of As the Crow Flies on its platform in various worldwide markets in July 2022. This move made the show accessible to a much wider global audience.
The series has so far received very positive reviews from both Turkish and international critics and viewers. On IMDb, As the Crow Flies holds an 8.5/10 user rating, indicating its popularity. Reviewers on sites like Rotten Tomatoes praise the show’s tense storyline, high production quality, and strong acting.
Many reviewers singled out lead actor Caner Cindoruk for his emotional performance as the lawyer Ilgaz seeking justice no matter the cost. There was also positive attention given to the show’s unique plot dealing with a secret society of villains.
The series proved successful enough that a second season has been confirmed for release in 2023, continuing Ilgaz’s story. As the Crow Flies emerging as a breakout hit on Netflix signals the growing international popularity of Turkish dramas.
Episodes plot summary
Here’s a brief look at the key events that occur in each of the 13 episodes that make up the first season of As the Crow Flies:
Episode 1
Successful lawyer Ilgaz enjoys a wedding party with his fiancee Naz. Later, he is confronted with evidence that his father did not die by suicide, but was murdered years ago.
Episode 2
Ilgaz investigates his father’s suspicious death and learns he was killed by a secret organization. His childhood friend Ceylin, now a prosecutor, helps him seek justice.
Episode 3
After a member of the Lodge is killed, Ilgaz convinces prosecutor Yusuf to work with him. Ilgaz links the Lodge to a past arms deal.
Episode 4
Ilgaz uses legal maneuvers to force the Lodge’s leader Mesut to testify about the arms deal. A tape linking Mesut to the deal disappears before it can be used.
Episode 5
The Lodge intimidates Ceylin to drop the case. Ilgaz arranges a trap to get a Lodge member’s DNA as evidence. Yusuf begins a relationship with Ilgaz’s fiancee Naz.
Episode 6
Police inspector Ayse provides Ilgaz with key evidence recovered from the Lodge’s garbage. Ilgaz uses this to force corrupt officials to resign.
Episode 7
Ilgaz convinces Ayse to go undercover with the Lodge. Naz’s father Sabahaddin tries to broker a truce between Ilgaz and Mesut.
Episode 8
Ayse shares information on the Lodge’s human trafficking network with Ilgaz. However, the Lodge kidnaps Ceylin to stopped the investigation.
Episode 9
The Lodge tries to blackmail Ilgaz into halting his crusade by threatening Ceylin’s life. He pretends to agree but continues secretly.
Episode 10
Ilgaz’s allies rescue Ceylin from the Lodge. Naz breaks up with Ilgaz after learning he manipulated her to get information.
Episode 11
Yusuf presents the full case against the Lodge in court. Ilgaz realizes Mesut plans to have him killed.
Episode 12
Ilgaz survives an assassination attempt and uses the event to convince the court the Lodge attempted murder.
Episode 13
On the day of the final verdict, Ilgaz learns the Lodge kidnapped Naz to blackmail him. After Naz is rescued, Mesut is found guilty. But Ilgaz’s vision goes dark, leaving his future unsure.
Behind the Scenes
Here are some key details about the making of As the Crow Flies and the Turkish television industry:
- The series is based on a novel Yargi by Ayşe Kulin originally published in 2019, which became a bestseller in Turkey.
- Acclaimed Turkish screenwriter Raci Şaşmaz adapted the novel version into the As the Crow Flies script.
- The show was produced by Istanbul-based OGM Pictures, one of the top production companies in Turkey.
- Director Ali Bilgin helmed the series. He is known for projects like Şahsiyet and Ezel.
- Shooting took place in late 2020 and lasted around four months.
- The series had a budget of around $1.5 million per episode, very high for a Turkish show.
- With over 330 million subscribers, Netflix brings Turkish series like As the Crow Flies to a large global platform.
As the Crow Flies stands out for its cinematic quality and higher production standards compared to most Turkish television series. From its fast-paced plot to strong acting performances, the show represents the best of the thriving Turkish TV industry.
Significance of the series in Turkey
Beyond being an entertaining and binge-worthy show, As the Crow Flies has deeper significance in Turkish pop culture:
- The series tackles topical themes in Turkey like government corruption, impunity of elites, and the struggle for justice.
- With its relatable hero Ilgaz fighting back against exploitative powerful figures, the show touches on the public distrust of institutions in Turkey.
- As the Crow Flies echoes other popular Turkish dramas about stand-up heroes challenging the system from within.
- The show’s critical and commercial success points to the high quality of contemporary television series coming out of Turkey.
- The rights acquisition by Netflix signals that Turkish shows can thrive internationally as streaming breaks down borders.
Through its timely themes and gripping storytelling, As the Crow Flies has resonated with both Turkish and global audiences. The series showcases the storytelling potential coming out of Turkey’s vibrant television industry.
Conclusion
As the Crow Flies stands out as an exemplary Turkish drama, featuring a tense storyline centered on a lawyer hero facing off against a secret criminal empire. Backed by high production values and compelling performances, the series has earned strong viewership and acclaim within Turkey and internationally on Netflix. Beyond being engrossing entertainment, As the Crow Flies also subtly explores contemporary issues in Turkish society through its darker plot elements. The success of the show both domestically and abroad points to Turkish television’s expanding role and quality productions in the streaming age. For those seeking a gripping drama about determination for justice, As the Crow Flies delivers an impactful and cinematic viewing experience.