Will & Grace

A cult show that succeeded significantly more in its home country than it did overseas. And it is hard to say what most stands in the way of its success among Czech viewers, whether it's the significantly failed translation for dubbing or a barrage of homophobic comments hidden behind the omnipresent "I don't mind gays, but..." And because the average Czech viewer still cannot get over certain boundaries, the show, where one of the main male characters openly flirts with one guy after another and twists and grimaces in various ways, is mostly met with misunderstanding or more or less forced tolerance. But because this character is Jack McFarland played by the irrepressible clown Sean Hayes, I had no defense, and ever since the pilot episode I have been giggling along with this group, and from the third season on, I was openly roaring with laughter. But it's not just Jack's doing, it's also the increasingly likable, lifelike, and genuine Will, the sharp-witted Karen, who can have any man for breakfast and still give an innocent smile, and last but not least, of course, the titular character Grace, who is the most similar to all of us due to her habits, transgressions, and peculiar life decisions. Will & Grace simply deserves to be ranked alongside the most beloved sitcoms because it works exactly as legendary comedies should. That is, you don't have to understand the circumstances (see the brilliant episode inspired by The Sound of Music) and yet you can't stop laughing. Or that you wish Grace happiness, no matter who she is currently trying to have a relationship with. Or that when Jack enters the room, you desperately want him to start singing or dancing. Those who are not afraid of literally rapid-fire dialogues in the original English should not hesitate and enjoy W&G from the beginning. This foursome is worth giving a chance, no matter what you may have thought after a fleeting glimpse during the afternoon TV lineup. The revival from 2017 is then only cautiously semi-canonical, as it denies some of the most important events of the second half of the series, but the basic eight seasons are an eternal legend. It's funny cause it's sad... (25/03/2014)

A little bit of a restart, a little bit of an unexpected continuation, a bit of a "midquel", and to my great disappointment, the ignorance not only of the recent episodes of the original series but also several of the latest seasons. That's why the prayed-for revival deserves a completely separate profile from the ninth season onwards, or at least a subtitle, like "The Lost Episodes" (copyright by novoten) or "Karen's Drunk Dreams" (copyright by Tom Riddle). Despite the difficulties in accepting all the accompanying circumstances, however, it is a perfect barrage of sketches that can confidently measure up to the golden age. Only one series in a hundred has such chemistry among all the main actors. (17/04/2018)

While a year ago I let myself be carried away by the return of the legend, now I see a few mistakes, but each time they are overshadowed by dead-on timing and perfectly cast supporting characters. Except that the more serious echoes I had grown accustomed to are not present, despite the surprisingly serious topics. (14/10/2021)

The Swan Song, which for many reasons is disappointing. Most of all its ending, which though it was far more successful with the audience than the one fourteen years earlier, made me yawn more than once. It aims only and solely at certainty, ending exactly as one would expect from an average sitcom, but Will, Grace, Jack, and Karen have been anything but average sitcom characters throughout the different periods. The on-set situation when Debra and Megan clashed adds another bitter note and tarnishes the image of the four inseparable friends. Surprisingly, the biggest joy for me was Demi Lovato in her first role after her nearly fatal collapse. The rest is above average when it comes to TV shows in general, but when compared to the previous ten seasons, it is undoubtedly the weakest. In the event that I rewatch it, therefore, one of my favorite comedies will for me consist solely of those original eight seasons because this unsuccessful ending arouses the feeling that if the reboot had never been made, I wouldn't have missed anything significant. And that's what surprises me the most after its amazing start. (14/10/2021)