The Last Word

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.

Where is the comedy concept or dialogue?it is all about funeral arrangements and some family staff.

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.

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.