About
Mandrake is a young, charming and intelligent Rio de Janeiro criminal attorney specializing in blackmail and extortion cases, particularly ones involving high-society elites who call on him when their secret lives in the city’s sordid underbelly get them in trouble.
He moves effortlessly between two starkly contrasting universes: a sophisticated one of money and privilege (also of corruption and hypocrisy); and the corrupt and dishonest subculture of blackmail artists and opportunists. Cynical and disillusioned with societal conventions and norms, he makes it clear to his own clients – often with biting sarcasm – his disdain for the rich and famous, frequently sympathizing with the fringe elements of society with whom he has to negotiate. From his point of view, the scams pulled off by prostitutes, low-level traffickers and shady private detectives are no worse than those executed on a daily basis by bankers, politicians and businessmen. That doesn’t mean, however, that Mandrake shuns his responsibilities. He charges handsomely for his services and resolves the situations discreetly and without involving the police or resorting to violence, relying instead on his intelligence and his way with words.
Mandrake works out of a small but respected practice with his 70-year-old partner named Wexler, who handles the civil cases. His late father’s ex-associate, Wexler treats Mandrake like a son, but also hassles him over the unorthodox methods he employs. Pessimistic, fatalistic and unassailably honest, Wexler criticizes his partner for his immaturity but trusts in his abilities. What makes Mandrake an intuitive and shrewd investigator is the same thing that makes him irresistible to the opposite sex. Two women are a part of his everyday life: Berta Bronstein, a mature and sophisticated yoga enthusiast and talented chess player who would be the woman of his life if there was one, and 18-year-old Bebel, who is perceptive, slightly childish and stunningly beautiful.
Mandrake’s caseload, love life and aspects of human nature are frequent topics of conversation at the Bar do Ze, where he regularly meets up with colleagues for an afternoon drink.
Cast & Bios
