Necrotongue

Recently, I caught up with the Romanian series Umbre (series) (2014), and the sensation I got from the contrast between its first and second seasons mirrored my experience watching the opening episode of the second season of this series. It just didn't align with my expectations. The shift away from luxury was entertaining, and the paradoxical revelation of the family's biggest criminal provided an extra layer of amusement. However, unlike the previous season, the plot didn't strike me as entirely believable, which was a shame. For my taste, it would suffice if the creators stuck with what worked last time; attempts to outdo their success often miss the mark.

I'm not surprised that the first season turned out great. I anticipated high quality due to my previous encounters with Hungarian film and television. Hungarians have a sense of humor that suits me and a flair for drama, both of which were present in this show. The first season captivated me not only due to its criminal plot but also through its meticulous treatment of individual characters and the excellent portrayal of the impact of various circumstances on the main "hero's" family. I have become an instant fan, and I eagerly look forward to the continuation. / Lesson learned: With increasing wealth, demands grow, but it usually does not work the other way around.

I didn't think the Hungarians would disappoint me at the very end, and they certainly did not. Quite the opposite, the plot of the eighth and final episode of the first season earned a five-star rating from me. I found it intriguing to witness how far an unlawful way of life could take a second-rate fraudster and how devastating its influence could be on his family. This was precisely why I enjoyed the episode so much. While I've watched many crime series, not all of them place such emphasis on family dynamics. The final combination of a millionaire's villa and expired food was nothing short of priceless :-) / Lesson learned:  The Prodigy - Firestarter (music video) (1996).

While some events in this episode might have seemed far-fetched, I found the plot quite believable. Particularly, the conclusion of the seventh episode confirmed a rule I had figured out years ago: when a group of people with tendencies towards idiocy gathers at a certain moment in a certain place, someone will end up paying for it. The Hungarian creators crafted an interesting plot, well-drawn characters, and a decent atmosphere. The only reason why I'm not giving it five stars is because the previous episode felt more intense. / Lesson learned: Don't overestimate your abilities; you can't surround a larger group alone. 4*+.

What a great episode; it was right up my alley. The Hungarians went all in and earned five stars from me for their effort. Against my expectations, they didn't rely on flashy action or frantic pace but instead delved into the psychological aspects. It was intriguing; the sixth episode dealt with bullet-ridden heads and slit throats, yet the most captivating part for me was the clash between children and parents. It was raw and executed incredibly well. Without a doubt, it stands as the best episode of the first season so far. / Lesson learned: Before diving into family life, carefully weigh those pros and cons.

The plot in this episode didn't quite match the excitement of the previous one, but that doesn't mean it fell flat. On the contrary, I found the fifth episode quite interesting. Granted, illegal business wasn't in the spotlight this time, but I was intrigued by the tour of the Budapest drunk tank... sorry, detox center. Who would've guessed that a missed vacation in the Alps could have such a profound impact on my life? Well, I have to give it to the Hungarians; they've won me over, and I wonder if they will keep me hooked. So far, they're on the right track. / Lesson learned: If truth doesn't take you all the way, you can still crawl to get there.

This family has been dysfunctional from the outset, but the screenwriter really lets them have it as the story evolves. The fourth episode did a number on all four family members, and once again, I can't complain about the story's pace. The creators are incredibly adept at portraying individual character psychologies. The customs office scene was hilarious and made me think of an old joke: On his European tour, David Copperfield encounters a customs officer who asks, "Aren't you the famous magician who made the skyscraper disappear?" Copperfield replies, "Yes, that's me. Do you want my autograph?" "No, not that. I just want to show you something. See those three trucks over there?" "Yes, I see them." "Well, they are transporting cigarettes." Three stamps later, he adds, "And now it's peas." / Lesson learned: Don't get too excited; disappointment will come anyway. 4*+

The third episode finally brought something that had been missing from the series so far. Attila's endeavor to embark on an honest way of life strongly reminded me of the fight against windmills, and his wife made me think of Pavel Zeman in Shut Up and Shoot Me (2005). The plot took on a significantly livelier and more exciting tone in this episode, allowing each family member ample space, which they made the most of. This is the best episode yet, and I'm increasing my rating. / Lesson learned: Don't pee in the pool. Not even in someone else's.

It's a decent show. I had a good time and wasn't left bored. However, I wouldn't mind a more lively plot that aligns better with the wonderfully portrayed personalities of the characters. The second episode continued in a similar vein as the previous one, and while I did enjoy it, there was still a missing element, something special that could push the series into a higher above-average tier for me. Here's hoping it comes along eventually. / Lesson learned: Cause and effect. It's super annoying but undeniably true.

The first episode of the Hungarian series earned my usual, standard opening rating – a score I reserve for first episodes that don't blow me away with exceptional quality but also don't disappoint by glaring creator incompetence. It felt like a typical series kickoff to me, introducing the main characters (or should I say "heroes"), and outlining the story, but lacking that extra something to nudge my rating higher. The family seems intriguing, with the daughter standing out like a white crow among the other members. I'm definitely interested in seeing how things unfold. / Lesson learned: Nothing is for free.