Decameron

I think many have a lack of understanding what satire is. If you need a laugh track to have fun, this is not for you. I found the storytelling to be pretty smart and every episode is filled with twists and turns that keep the story interesting.

Obviously, this isn't historically accurate. It doesn't need to be and doesn't try to be, if somehow soundtrack made of 80's electro pop and punk hasn't made it abundantly clear already.

It's a study of humanity and well - inhumanity. The setting is irrelevant. It could've just as easily been placed in modern time. It's not like we haven't gone through a pandemic recently...

Anyways, personally I've enjoyed it. And you may as well. That is if you don't find it infuriating that characters are wearing wrong gowns, or speak English with an accent that you don't like, or whatever the negative critics say.

The cast is fantastic and it descends into wonderful chaos. Just think of a Carry On series for a contemporary audience but without the jokes that haven't aged well. Gary Hale, Tanya Reynolds and Saoirse-Monica Jackson are standouts though the Tindaro character becomes irritating very quickly. I loved the queerness that develops and the opening credit sequence is brilliant.

I must admit, I was unsure of the first episode as it took me an episode to get into the humour. The series reminds me of Our Flag Means Death in that regard. If you are unsure of the first episode, go with it and the style of humour will make sense.

My goodness but doesn't anyone want to watch something just for fun anymore?? C'mon y'all, this is called humor and we need it these days.

First I want to thank the sound crew for the delicious soundtrack! I'm in my mid 50s and most of the songs (I've watched the first 4 episodes so far) have me and my husband nearly dancing while viewing!! Of course it's silly to hear Depeche Mode playing in the background during a scene from the 1300s, but that's the point! Some of these other reviewers seem to have missed the point.

This series is very refreshing, goofy, fun and hilarious but also well scripted, performed and beautiful cinematography as well. I am trying not to binge this one out too quickly, yet I can't wait for more!!!

Just finished watching all the episodes, and here's my review:

Positives: A super crazy, binge-worthy historical drama. When I saw that the first episode was about an hour long, I almost wanted to quit. But not a single scene was boring, and the same goes for the rest of the episodes. The show is highly entertaining with very few slow scenes that won't ruin your experience. After the first episode, I stopped checking the duration because I was enjoying it. The direction, the writing, the cast, the background music, the location, and the story all of it worked well.

No character is safe in this show, which I love. I enjoy shows where they kill off some or many lead characters because it keeps you engaged and interested in seeing who will survive until the end.

The cast did an amazing job. I love many of the characters, especially Filomena and Neifile, who were my favorites. Even though it's currently a limited series, I'd love for the show to continue for at least three seasons or more..

The final episode includes a really dark scene that I wasn't expecting. The overall ending was superb and satisfying, avoiding the usual cliffhanger tactic to force a network renewal.

The ratings are currently a bit low, but please give it atleast 10-15 minutes of your time before judging the show based on these ratings and skipping it.

Negatives: Although I don't mind nudity and intimate scenes, some of it felt a bit unnecessary. Almost everyone is involved, including straight people, gays, lesbians, and even rats in the intro. But, this doesn't impact the overall experience much.

The final battle could have been more interesting and thrilling, keeping us on the edge. Instead, it was made more casual.

They could have explored the black deaths happening during the pandemic a bit more. The show mainly focuses on those who are not affected, so it doesn't feel like it's set during a pandemic. The focus is more on, poisonous deaths, revenge, and battle rather than the disease.

Overall: This is a must-watch and super binge-worthy show. I hope it gets the hype it deserves, with popular leads from hit shows like Sex Education and Derry Girls. It's on Netflix and is one of the best comedy period dramas. It may not be as good as The Great, but fans of that show might also enjoy this one. Rating: 3.75/5.

There is no point in comparing this with Boccaccio's Decameron, as it has only really taken the idea and setting from Boccaccio. This is not setting out to be a serious adaption and is best not judged as such. The tone and humour may seem more in line with Boccaccio's contemporary Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales.

The humour is broad, but does hit the mark on occassions and the setting and costumes are certainly beautiful. The show features an international cast of well-known faces from some top comedy titles who cope well with the stye which is at times positively theatrical.

Just taken as a stand-alone production, separated from its illustrious literary predecessor, it has quite a lot to offer those just seeking entertaintainment who may have little interest in history or satire.