Necrotongue

The holiday episodes were a bit of a letdown. Paintball used to be a guarantee of a hilarious episode, but nothing lasts forever. When I found out there would be paintball again and saw the great opening credits, I got all hyped up. Turns out, my excitement was short-lived. The whole thing turned into a senseless and unnecessary plot that left me scratching my head. And did they really need to stretch the episode by eight minutes just to squeeze in a stand-up routine at the end? / Lesson learned: Beware of maintenance workers.

Here we go again—another prime example of what the creators often pull off here. The episode kicks off teasing us with the prospect of a well-crafted plot and a heap of jokes. But let's face it, it's just another one of those Potemkin villages they love to build. Even the tenth episode, with its intriguing start, nosedived into a snooze-fest of aimless chatter and a barrage of Abed's nonsense. The best part was definitely the ending. / Lesson learned: No matter how steep the prices, always fill up the tank.

The creators truly hit their stride in the sixth episode, allowing the main hero to relish the simultaneous falling apart of both his lives, not just one. That's the downside of living two lives. The rest of us are spared from such experiences. The episode's plot was undeniably eventful, and even though the main hero shared the spotlight with supporting characters, he certainly didn't fade into the background. Personally, the visit to the school had me hooked, but why fixate on the particulars when the whole thing works so seamlessly? / Lesson learned: Never underestimate old folks with dementia.

This time, I found myself teetering between awarding four or five stars, but in the end, I leaned towards generosity and rounded up. My slight hesitation stemmed from a sense that the fifth episode may have lost some momentum, or perhaps Relu isn't adapting well to the role of a homeless person, which didn't quite sit right with me. However, despite these minor reservations, I still appreciated the plot, and the creators did not forget about the atmosphere they had meticulously constructed since the first episode. Nevertheless, this episode didn't have as strong an impact on me as the previous ones. / Lesson learned: When you're trying to trick someone, you're taking a risk. 5*-

I simply love this TV series about the adventures of a Bucharest taxi driver. The creators set both of Relu's lives on parallel trajectories from the beginning, making it evident that they would eventually intersect. In the fourth episode,  it happened in a spectacular way, and I suspect that smudged mascara won't be the sole consequence. For the fourth time in a row, the Romanians delivered a well-crafted atmosphere, a briskly paced plot ingeniously weaving the private and (unofficial) professional life of the main character, all complemented by intermittent, subtle sparks of dry humor. / Lesson learned: Don't be too secretive.

Here we go again with one of those utterly bonkers episodes, as the "Save Greendale Committee" members turned into students in the ninth episode, but at this point, I'm not even surprised. The episode was surprisingly funny, so this time, I could give it a higher rating. Nevertheless, the undeniable truth persists that Douglas Reynholm was the primary source of humor for me. Although he had a different name here (what was it actually?), Matt Barry will always be synonymous with that character for me. / Lesson learned: The internet is full of grifting professors.

In this episode, they were at it again with the filmmaking. The primary shift introduced by the eighth episode was Abed's decision to take one for the team. It was nothing special, but I'll give credit where it's due—I found myself entertained in certain moments. Despite all the negatives, it could have turned out better, but the creators couldn't resist their trademark arrogant, pseudo-profound dialogue. / Lesson learned: Beware of copyright laws.

After my third trip to Bucharest, I'm content. The series' creators stick to what has worked so far and occasionally throw in a little extra. They manage to gradually unfold the main theme, take good care of the plot's development to keep it engaging, create a fantastic atmosphere, and skillfully blend both aspects of Relu's schizophrenic life to avoid any potential boredom. I was particularly delighted to realize that Romanians have a sense of humor that resonates with me. I picked up on the first hints from the very beginning, and now I'm absolutely certain. / Lesson learned: If someone is holding your testicles, take their words very seriously.

I've got a feeling that I've stumbled upon another quality series. The creators pulled off something special. I usually don't harbor warm feelings for shady characters, but Relu has somehow won me over. It's probably because he exhibits his sense of humor and other emotions in the style of the Terminator (the first one). It wasn't just a coincidence that I loved the first episode; I genuinely enjoy the taxi driver's story. The atmosphere was great again, and I realized I forgot to praise one significant aspect last time. The opening credits. They're beautifully done, and while with most series, I fast-forward through them after the first viewing, these are worth seeing repeatedly. / "Do you like Rachmaninov?" "I'm driving. I don't drink." / Lesson learned: Don't let your work distract you from life in nature.

Appearances can be deceiving, I get it. But after just one episode, I'm vibing with this. I've dabbled in Balkan cinema before, mainly getting my kicks from the Serbs. Romania, though, that's a new dance for me. The main character, a mix of dad and tough guy, seemed interesting. The plot reeled me right in, and the creators conjured up a top-notch atmosphere. After the first episode, I'm more than satisfied and itching for what comes next. / Lesson learned: Be kind to taxi drivers and treat them with respect. Just to stay on the safe side.