Necrotongue

I'm not very fond of series where the protagonist isn't exactly a good guy because the creators often decide on a fairy-tale ending, perfectly ruining their prior efforts—much like they did with  Dexter (twice!). So, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that this show took a different approach. I wanted to give it three stars, but I had to add a fourth for the original conclusion. / Lesson learned: Physiotherapy can work miracles (personal experience).

Childbirth has apparently become a fun family event, where the extended family gathers to support the mother with their presence, offer various advice from the internet, and enthusiastically take photos and videos throughout. While I have noticed this trend, it doesn't mean I ever desire to be a part of it. However, Hungarian filmmakers ignored my wish and subjected me to almost fifty minutes of complicated and action-packed home birth. At times, the absurdity reached levels that had me laughing out loud. Otherwise, it was a "masterpiece" in which all secrets were revealed and all misunderstandings explained in a casual way. In other words, / Lesson learned: Always bring the keys to an expensive car for childbirth.

The episode was eventful, no doubt about it, but it didn't draw me in as much as the previous one. Nonetheless, the creators crafted a decent atmosphere, introduced several intriguing twists, and maintained a sense of humor — especially when they transformed Mira into G. I. Jane. This episode also proved wrong all those who claim that you can't be sure of anything in life. You can always be sure that someone will betray you.

It annoys me how, in almost every American action movie, a woman weighing around a hundred pounds fights a tough six-foot guy and ends up winning the fight. That's why I was genuinely pleased with the fifth episode. Mira, whom I had only negative remarks about in the third season so far, really blew me away. This was pure hopelessness and coincidence. Except for that Turkish execution, of course. I also liked the rest of the episode, so I'm giving it five stars. / Lesson learned: When you have the monkey's paw, be careful what you wish for.

In the previous episode, there was some improvement that continued into the fourth episode. In both cases, however, I didn't like the way the creators developed Mirina's storyline. Sure, almost anything is possible, but it feels extremely unnatural and contrived to me. On the other hand, the return of Muslim refugees to Serbia was absolutely hilarious. Considering all the pros and cons, the fourth episode was the best of the third season so far. However, it's still not enough for me to give four stars. 3*+

I'm still struggling to tune into the events of the third season. The third episode turned out to be the most boring of the first three, and I was initially inclined to give it a higher rating, but the events around Mirina felt almost like a parody. I'd be lying if I said that was the only thing that bothered me. So far, what I've seen from the third season seemed overly complex, and the lightness that I got used to in the previous seasons isn't there anymore. It's a shame to change something that works just to make it "bigger, better, faster, more."

It's not hitting the mark yet, I guess. Both previous seasons seemed more believable; the plot of each episode and the overall story really got me hooked. However, after two episodes of the third season, I'm not sure what to think. The main focus is on the righteous Mira (well, except for the destroyed pub), politics, and the billion-dollar business. However, I'm missing an insight into the lives of average criminals with all their futile efforts and intricate family relationships. I can't say that I was bored, but so far, the Hungarian filmmakers haven't offered me anything in the third season that I would consider above average. / Lesson learned: Children are a lifelong joy.

I want to comment on the third season as a whole, despite the fact that I haven't noticed the slightest hint of a plot yet. In my opinion, the second season had much better opening credits. The first episode didn't fully convince me with its storyline. I don't know if I simply enjoyed the struggle for a "better" life of the Miklósi family. The creators somehow failed to captivate me this time, even though (or maybe precisely because) they provided the family with financial means and political ambitions. I don't know; I just wasn't feeling it. Hopefully, my opinion will change as the story progresses.

If the first movie doesn't appeal to me, a second installment usually won't do much to change that. Of course, there are exceptions, but the sequel to Tajemství staré bambitky isn't one of them. Again, the dialogue was rather pathetic. I'm not a big fan of constant singing in fairy tales, and here the lyrics bothered me as well. The little princess wasn't very convincing, but at least she demonstrated that progress is unstoppable because zipping up her mouth was simply magical :-) / Lesson learned: Don't pour water over a tea bag that has already been used.

Throughout this series, I've mentioned that I liked the first season better. Even though the individual characters and family relationships were portrayed better in the first one, there were great episodes in the second one as well. This is not a breezy series for long, lazy afternoons; it forces you to think. Even though the Mézga family had problems, they lived a charming life compared to the dysfunctional Miklósi family, which is a paradox, but all the better. / Lesson learned: Life keeps bringing new challenges.