A Penúltima Palavra

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.

Fabelhafte Serie über die wesentlichen Dinge rund ums Sterben! Rund um die Erinnerung an den/die Verstorbene(n). Wenn Familien und Bestattungunternehmen miteinander streiten. Wenn individuelle Ideen von Trauernden zu tollen Trauerfeiern werden. Wenn familiäre Konflikte nach dem Tod eines Angehörigen endlich Lösungen finden. Phantastisch umgesetzt von Hauptdarstellerin Anke Engelke, ihren RollenpartnerInnen - und den Drehbuchautoren, den Serien-Erfindern.

This is a very, a very good show! The first thing to say is, that the actors are overall absolutely convincing. Anke Engelke and Thorsten Merten are a fantastic od couple. Merten also had the idea for the show. He is a excellent German actor with roots in east Germany. Best known for his work with Andreas Dresen. Just to mention his character Chris Düring in the wonderful tragic comedy HALBE TREPPE. It is a pleasure to see him teaming up with German superstar of comedy and drama films, the one and only Anke Engelke. But there are also young rising actors like Aaron Hilmer who had a skyrocketing performance in the surprise movie hit of 2018, DAS SCHÖNSTE MÄDCHEN DER WELT. Nina Gummich Johannes Zeiler, Juri Winkler and mean but charming grandma Gudrun Ritter. They all make the Fazius - Family - Clan a real pleasure to watch. The Dialog is well written and the scripts have a wonderful balance in drama and comic relief. Life an death are brothers in arms and this show helps us to get prepared for what is waiting out there for all of us. If it is the sudden death of a loved one or the way how you want to be remembered by the ones you left behind ... The showrunner and the directors did a marvelous job and we have to thank German super - dooper - megastar Matthias Schweighöfer because he is the founder of Pantaleon, the Production Company that made this diamond of a German dramedy possible. For those about to Rock, we salute you!!! ... I really hope that there will be a second season!

I absolutely loved it. Interesting, off the beaten path story, excellent acting. American actors and actresses must realize that one don't need plastic surgeries and enhancements to be a movie star. One needs to ACT! I loved Dutch series Rita and loved this one. Grateful that Netflix has so many European and South American series and films. I prefer to watch in original language with subtitles, even though some could be watched in english.

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.