A discreet and functional monologue to end the year

Quim Masferrer lived up to the program's title. In terms of viewership, he certainly did. The monologue of the year454,000 viewers and an overwhelming 26.8% share. It reached, and even surpassed, the figures of its predecessor, Andreu Buenafuente, who had already made his year-end summary a tradition for the network. As for the script, Masferrer and his writers fell into the same trap as Buenafuente's monologue last year: risk-free, highly predictable, seeking easy applause, and choosing the most obvious current events to address without much originality. Catalan politics was avoided to avoid any sensitive issues. Pedro Sánchez and the PSOE emerged unscathed. The only politician singled out was Carlos Mazón, who doesn't require much narrative complexity to be criticized. The emeritus king has become such an easy target for years that the idea, due to its repetition, is no longer funny. Rosalía was the most mentioned figure. Seven times. In fact, the star, both because she was a local and because of her international renown, became a recurring figure. And Lamine Yamal's father had a more prominent role than his own son. The humor surrounding Pope Leo XIV was puerile. There was the obligatory dose of Barça references, and the names of Aitana Bonmatí and the Márquez brothers were mentioned as major sports stars. Sijena was the only conflict, and the blackout and the survival kit were the most outlandish current events. Masferrer has developed this humor centered on a familiar, everyday world, disguised as spontaneity. He's the harmless photographer, employing innocuous irony. He appears deeply fascinated by the human condition and obvious truths with an almost childlike innocence. All of this, for it to work, requires a consensus based on popular opinion. The problem arose precisely when, from time to time, the monologue's humor devolved into a kind of inflammatory, demagogic rally, so blatant about current events that it seemed to be begging for applause. Fortunately, a devoted and suitably stimulated audience responded generously.

The second part of the program was more successful. The central idea was well thought out: to find the grade Catalans would give themselves in 2025. According to the audience, representing the country as a whole, a 7.23. A discreet and functional high mark. Good enough for the times we live in. The testimonials summarizing their personal year were well chosen, with the appropriate nuances that Masferrer handles best with his characteristic style. The StrangerGood people. The emotional stories were meant to bring a tear to your eye, while the spicier ones delved into relationships. Giving the audience the spotlight and asking them to reflect on their 2025 encouraged them to make their own assessments. Like the year itself, the monologue was understated, but above all, incredibly effective.