Exploring Season Three of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! – A Nostalgic Glimpse into the 90s: What Surprises Awaits in Season Three?
The Russian TV series Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! made its debut with the third season on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER platform, captivating audiences with its intricate portrayal of the 1990s. This retro drama serves not just as a coming-of-age narrative, but also as a social commentary and romantic saga, encapsulating the myriad complexities, hopes, and tragedies of that era. Spanning eight episodes, each lasting 52 minutes, it promises to immerse viewers in a vibrant world full of intense emotions, challenging choices, and unavoidable contradictions.
Plotline: Love, Poverty, and the 90s
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1996, an era when Russia was grappling with economic disarray and societal upheaval, the plot follows the main character, Sanka Ryabin (played by Yegor Gubarev). Sanka stands at a crossroads in his personal life; he is wrestling with the memories of his first love, Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina), trying desperately to forget her while seeking solace in a new relationship with Ksyukha (Alexandra Kromova). Ksyukha, the spirited daughter of a former police officer, is passionate about music and champions freedom, qualities that both intrigue and terrify Sanka. His days are spent working at a kiosk selling audio cassettes, where he dreams of a brighter future.
Meanwhile, Sanka's friend Vovka (Yegor Abramov) faces his own trials in navigating family life, which proves to be a challenge even in more stable times. The drama escalates when Zhenya returns to town with a modern suitor (Fedor Fedotov), igniting a storm of conflicting emotions within the group.
Criminal Drama: From Despair to Hope
The narrative weaves in elements of criminality, a staple of the genre during this era. Sanka’s old friend, Alik (Yura Borisov), re-emerges, alive but burdened by the weight of his past choices: he is free while Vitek (Nikita Pavlenko) remains imprisoned. The evolving dynamics in the city unveil a new breed of 'gangsters' who operate by their own rules, led by the wheezing Vasya (Evgeny Tkachuk), who only adds to the chaos.
Alik finds himself at a moral crossroads as he strives to embrace goodness, despite the gravitational pull of his former life. Concurrently, Vovka teeters on the edge, faced with the decision of whether to stay clear of the criminal underworld or to plunge headlong into it.
Family Dramas: Prison, Hopes, and Shattered Dreams
Sanka's mother (Ksenia Katalymova) finds herself in a pre-trial detention center, awaiting a verdict that could land her a decade behind bars. His father, Fyodor (Stepan Devonin), portrays a listless and ineffectual character, offering no support to the family. In this turbulent environment, Sanka attempts to juggle his feelings, responsibilities, and aspirations for a better life.
Capturing the 90s: Music, Decor, and Nostalgia
One of the show's standout features is its meticulous attention to the details of the era. The soundtrack, filled with hits from the 90s reimagined in contemporary arrangements, helps to transport viewers straight back to that period. Every single detail, from the sets to the wardrobe, vividly reconstructs the realities of the time, which is particularly appealing to audiences who grew up during this transformative decade.
Nostalgia becomes a significant undercurrent that links generations together. For those over 40, the series triggers memories of youthful experiences during those challenging yet unforgettable years. Young actors like Yegor Gubarev and Alexandra Kromova embody the spirit of the 90s, making the characters relatable and authentic.
Strengths and Weaknesses in the Script
While the atmosphere is undeniably magnetic, the series' script leans towards predictability. The writers (Alexander Belov, Pyotr Vnukov, Sergey Panasenkov, amongst others) employ time-tested elements: the return of a first love, moral dilemmas, and battles with inner demons. However, this predictability does not detract from viewers’ investment in the characters and their journeys.
Although the lack of an original plotline is felt, the emotional engagement compensates for it, and the criminal aspects inject a certain edge. Fans of shows like Brigada will likely appreciate this facet of the narrative.
Cast and Direction
The selection of cast members is impressive. Yura Borisov, Yegor Gubarev, Alexandra Kromova, and Evgeny Tkachuk each contribute to the depth of character portrayals. Director Anton Fyodorov skillfully navigates the delicate balance between nostalgia, drama, and pace, crafting a series that is compelling and constantly engaging.
Finale: A Gripping Tale
The third season of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! continues to delve into themes of maturity, love, friendship, and social injustice. In spite of script shortcomings, the show remains a vivid representation of its era and elicits a whirlwind of emotions from viewers. This story is both easy to digest and profoundly moving, making it the kind of series you would want to rewatch time and again.
For those seeking more than mere entertainment, the series invites viewers to reflect on the past, revisit their youthful aspirations, and draw lessons from the present.