In Iran, like the rest of the Middle East, nightly soap operas have become a popular ritual for the month of Ramadan. The idea is that those who fast from dawn to dusk might be too exhausted for late night outings and appreciate some home entertainment. Iran’s state-owned broadcast company spends a lavish budget each year commissioning famous actors and directors to produce several Ramadan specials for each of its channels. These soap operas compete for viewers offering everything from family dramas to love stories and comedy. But it turns out that this year’s surprise Ramadan hit is not a...