One of Rai's most popular TV series of recent years, "Blanca", has captured the attention of the public not only for its human characters, but also for a four-legged character which won the hearts of the spectators.
Let's talk about Linnaeus, the faithful companion of the protagonist Maria Chiara Giannetta. However, this character hides a secret: it is actually a female named Fiona, a four-year-old American bulldog.
Fiona's career took off quickly and she earned the title of "canine star“, so much so that his return in the second season of the series is eagerly awaited.
The beginning of his story
Fiona was adopted in 2018 by Marco Straccia, an osteopath from Rome. His transition from living a quiet domestic life to the limelight of the television set was gradual but certainly exciting. Fiona responded very well to the training she received, based on snacks and treats as positive reinforcement, always maintaining a playful and stress-free environment for her.
Director Jan Michelini chose Fiona for his imposing physical appearance and for his sweet and tender nature. But if Fiona is a girl, why is her name Linnaeus? The name refers to Carl Linnaeus, doctor, naturalist and botanist of the eighteenth century, and the story of his name is very funny: it was thought to be a boy by the time she joined the series, and by the time her true gender was discovered, the name had already entered everyone's affection.
A special bond with Maria Chiara Giannetta
There wasn't just the training on set: there was a period of time dedicated to creating a bond between Fiona and Maria Chiara Giannetta, the actress who plays the protagonist of the series. They've spent a lot of time together, both on set and off, and they have become inseparable.
Life on set has though raised some concerns among animal lovers: How was Fiona's condition handled during filming?
Marco Straccia, Fiona's owner, he reassured everyone saying Fiona was never left alone. In Rome, she came home with him every night after filming, and in Genoa Marco moved temporarily to always be with her.
The controversy for a dangerous scene
Despite the reassurances, one scene in particular caused controversy among fans of the series. In the series finale, Fiona is badly wounded in a gunfight and is taken to the vet for an emergency operation. This has caused a lot of criticism, with fans threatening not to watch the series again. However, Linnaeus/Fiona pulled it off, and the touching scene between the dog and his mistress soothed the spirits.
In conclusion, the presence of Fiona/Linnaeus added an element of warmth and affection to the series, making it even more loved by the audience.
