Le dernier mot

I joined IMDb just to write this review and encourage fellow English-speakers to watch this series. It is a very warm-hearted show that deals with death, that most uncomfortable of topics, in a way that is humourous and poignant, without being at all cloying or sentimental. The tone is understated, quiet, and a little "offbeat," but not too self-consciously so. The characters are all beautifully observed and acted and it is thoroughly enjoyable to share their company through the episodes. Special mention for the fabulous Anke Engelke, the central character, who just exudes a kind of lovable humane warmth--it is almost impossible not to like her. But all of the supporting cast are wonderful too, perhaps especially Nina Gummich and Thorsten Merten. Just wonderfully conceived and realized show all round. May be my all-time favourite on Netflix.

Germans are not known for their comedy series as their type of humor does not translate well across cultures. This series starts off strong but by the last two episodes, the writers appear to have lost the plot and both episodes really take the whole series totally off the rails. It's as if they had no idea how to end the season, either as a stand alone or with a cliffhanger in preparation for another season. Unless that issue is resolved, this series might just end up being a one hit wonder. For the most part, the actors are well suited to their roles but because the script starts to weaken midway into the season, they really start running out of any means to develop their characters further.

Who really has to have the last word? And is that even possible? Technically speaking that is - so no pun intended and no math involved. Life is not endless. Whether or how often we face the fact we will leave (one way or another and according to our belief system the goal/destination may vary) ... at least the body we inhabit ... that is up to us. Movies and shows are here to remind us of that at times - like this one right here.

And while this does not hold a candle compared to Six Feet under (I would try not to compare it with that - even if you find it has some similarities story wise), it never really tried to compete in that business (again sorry for the pun). Family business can be killer - well not entirely literal that is. Good TV show from Germany, with a great Anke Engelke ... she knows her stuff for sure - and ages with grace.

I couldn't sit through more than 5 minutes of this. Dumb egocentrics with lots of money celebrate and someone is apparently going to die (don't know). Why just one, and not all? Watch the Flintstones instead; that show has relatable, well-developed characters that are lacking in this outgrowth of German bourgeois banality.

A typical German dramedy series, with the German icon Anke Engelke, who could be known especially in Europe as the host of the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf. The series is not outstanding, but it has a lot of charm and deals with the subject of death and mourning with subtle humour. The special for those who see the English dubbing version, the main character is also dubbed by the leading actress Anke Engelke herself, who was born in Canada and grew up and lived there for some time.