While 'The Cook of Castamar' largely respects traditional character development and period storytelling, there are moments where emphasis on themes like class and gender appear to overshadow established norms of the era. Diverse characters and certain social dynamics sometimes feel inserted to inject modern sensibilities, but don't completely derail the narrative.

The show features subtle challenges to traditional gender roles, depicting independent female characters and occasionally questioning existing power structures. Religion and family are present but not outright undermined; however, there's a clear alignment with modern values that sometimes feels at odds with the historical setting.

Most characters align with contemporary views on gender and class, with little in the way of robust debate or pluralism. Traditional perspectives are rarely explored sincerely, but the show doesn't entirely villainize these views, just comfortably sidelines them.