Mar de plástico is primarily a crime thriller with a focus on tension and character-driven storytelling. While it does feature a racially diverse cast, reflecting Spain's agricultural region, the characters are multidimensional and their backgrounds add realism rather than distraction. There’s little evidence that identity is prioritized over plot or character development.

The show does touch on themes like race, immigration, and social conflict, but traditional values, family, and local culture are depicted realistically, warts and all. While some characters challenge norms, the show neither aggressively undermines cultural foundations nor mocks religion, masculinity, or family outright.

Although the show addresses racism and xenophobia, it avoids one-dimensional villains and gives multiple viewpoints, even unpopular ones, room to breathe. The storyline is tense precisely because it faces uncomfortable truths about society, not because it enforces a single worldview.