Son Yaz (the Last Summer) is a Turkish television series that explores themes of crime, justice, family, and personal transformation. The story revolves around a prosecutor combating organized crime and a young criminal who agrees to testify. The series emphasizes the internal conflicts of the characters and examines their social roles.

Plot

At the center of the series is Akgün, the son of crime boss Selçuk Taşkın, who comes under the protection of idealistic public prosecutor Selim Kara. Akgün agrees to provide information about his father’s illegal activities, but on the condition that he lives under Selim Kara’s protection. During this process, Akgün moves into Çeşme Justice Site and shares the same environment as Selim’s family, resulting in transformative experiences for both parties. The series focuses on the conflict between justice, crime, and family relationships, highlighting individual change.

Themes and Narrative Features

Son Yaz questions the application of justice and the impact of crime on personal lives. Akgün’s criminal past and connections clash with Selim Kara’s professional ethics. This conflict drives both characters’ personal transformation and offers a critical perspective on societal values. The series emphasizes that criminals can also experience moral reflection, and the pursuit of justice is often intertwined with personal sacrifice. Akgün confronts his past, while Selim navigates family-related challenges—forming the core dynamics of the narrative.

Main Characters

• Akgün Gökalp Taşkın (Alperen Duymaz): Son of a crime leader, raised in a criminal environment. Under state protection, he interacts with new social circles and encounters different values.
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^{Akgün Gökalp Taşkın (IMDB)}

• Selim Kara (Ali Atay): A public prosecutor dedicated to his professional ethics. Balances responsibility to the law with his family obligations while protecting Akgün.

^{Selim Kara (IMDB)}

• Yağmur Kara (Hafsanur Sancaktutan): Selim Kara’s wife, whose identity and values are challenged by Akgün’s presence in their household.

^{Yağmur Kara (IMDB)}

• Selçuk Taşkın (Arif Pişkin): A crime boss whose past actions directly impact his son and those around him.

Production and Broadcast

The series was directed by Burak Arlıel and premiered in 2021. Most scenes were filmed on Türkiye’s western coast, and the locations reinforce the series’ atmosphere. The narrative is character-centered, including psychological analyses. Music, composed by Tuna Hizmetli, supports the emotional and suspenseful scenes.

Awards and Nominations

In the 2021 Altın Kelebek Awards, Son Yaz was nominated in multiple categories:

• Best TV Series
• Best Actress (Hafsanur Sancaktutan)
• Best Actor (Alperen Duymaz)
• Best TV Couple
• Best Director (Semih Bağcı)
• Best Screenplay (Deniz Dargı, Cem Görgeç, Cenk Boğatur)
• Best Music for TV Series (Tuna Hizmetli)