Some pilots hook you instantly, others take time to build momentum, and then there’s Welad El Shams—somewhere in between, not bad enough to quit, but not good enough to rave about.

It tries to blend thriller, mystery, and action, but does it actually work? Still undecided. The story isn’t groundbreaking, nor is it painfully cliché. It just… exists. And can we please stop introducing characters through voiceovers? Show, don’t tell. It’s a visual medium.

As for the acting? It’s okay.

Mahmoud Hemeida is effortlessly great, Taha Desouki is—well, himself.

And Ahmed Malek? While this role feels like a shift from what we’re used to seeing from him, he’s clearly pushing himself outside his comfort zone. It might take a few episodes for him to fully settle into it, but his effort is there.

And then there’s the soundtrack. The opening titles were decent, but the rest? A weird blend of Egypt and Cyberpunk 2077—and not in a cool way.

The Story Stalls, and the Abs Take Over

The pacing takes a hit in the middle with a fight scene that lasts way too long without adding much to the story. It’s just Ahmed Malek’s abs for three minutes. We get it.

With that said, I’m not the target audience for these abs, but good efforts, mate.

Also, let’s talk about the love interests. Sahar and Souad? The two most cliché Egyptian TV names. At this point, we should just start a tally.

The Acting is Decent, but the Characters Need Work

Mahmoud Hemeida plays the most intriguing character so far, but we don’t see enough of him yet. The journalist character makes zero sense—why is she investigating a story right after getting fired? And as for Ahmed Malek, I’m really trying to see him in this role, but I still don’t fully grasp the character. We’ll have to wait and see.

Maybe it’s just the abs that’s off putting….

That said, the characters have interesting dynamics, which might be enough to keep people engaged.

There’s Just Enough to Keep Me Watching

For all its flaws, the episode did enough to keep me till the end, and I’m curious to see what happens next. The mystery element has potential, and the cliffhanger was decent. The pacing works for the most part, but when it slows down, it drags.

Great Visuals, but Enough with the Drone Shots

The cinematography is solid—4/5 stars. The set design is well done, and the locations in West El Balad and Old Cairo add authenticity.

But please, can we chill with the drone shots? Not every other scene needs an aerial view.

The Score Tries Too Hard

Did the music add to the experience? Not at all.

The opening titles were the best part, and even they weren’t that great. A good score should elevate the scenes, not distract from them.

A Slow Burn in the Making?

There’s no meme-worthy content yet, but with Taha Desouki, I predict at least one viral moment. The show might trend just because of its cast, but whether the story itself is memorable remains to be seen.

Final Verdict? I’m Sticking Around (For Now)

Would I recommend it? Not yet. But I’ll stick around for a few more episodes to see if it finds its footing. There’s definitely potential for a good show here—it just needs to prove it.

Rating: 3/5