Necrotongue

I have mixed feelings after watching the second episode. I would say that the story of the second episode was slightly better, but at the same time, there are clearly Harry Potter elements that I could definitely do without. I am still apprehensive about the love triangle, and I am truly terrified that, without the darker facade and Wednesday's cynical comments, it is just another series for undemanding audiences. But maybe I'm wrong. I'd be glad if I were. I don't know about others, but the more screen time Christina Ricci's character gets, the more Wednesday fades into the background for me. Jenna Ortega was a good choice, but I still prefer the previous Wednesday and the current gardener/caretaker. / Lesson learned: Machiavelli's most famous lesson in practice.

I approach Netflix shows with the utmost caution because the political message is often more important than the story itself. The pilot episode didn't make me angry in any way, but I'm not raving about it either. Wednesday was and still is my favorite character of the Addams family, and although Jenna Ortega doesn't surpass Christina Ricci for me (I'll never forget the moment they forced Wednesday to smile at the camp), the role obviously fits her, so no problem there. I wasn't too pleased with the imitation of Hogwarts mixed with Xavier's School or the excessive presence of potential heartthrobs. I hope this is not another romance with werewolves and vampires. Well, I'll wait and see. Literally. / "Looks like a rainbow vomited on your side" / Lesson learned: Don't kill fish by releasing them into chlorinated water.

I have two takeaways from the second season. The first one is that Mike White knows what he's doing and does it very well. The second one is the certainty that if, hypothetically, I ever ventured beyond the ordinary, I would definitely not accommodate myself in one of the White Lotus hotels. It would be an adrenaline rush, but the risks are too great. The characters from the first season seemed somewhat more depressing to me, while the second season pleased me with a much more exciting setting. Most of the characters were excellently portrayed, and their stories were worth watching. It's the second time Mike White got me hooked on the drama, spiced it up with intelligent humor, and occasionally surprised me with an idea that seemed unexpectedly deep for an ordinary show. I guess it's just not an ordinary show. I am looking forward to the third season with optimism (which is something I'm not used to). / Lesson learned: What happens in Sicily stays in Sicily.

The writers did not underestimate the situation and wrote a great script again. They made the already excellent atmosphere even more intense, added a considerable amount of tension, and created a kind of thriller-like drama with comedic elements that I simply had to like. Again, it was confirmed that men are fairly simple creatures - you hit/kick a specific spot, and it does the trick; you cleverly stimulate that particular spot, and they follow you like puppies. The term "Achilles' cock" was spot on:-) I'm sure I would get along with Daphne. It's the second time she uttered something chilling that resonated with me. And she initially seemed like a moron... If I continued writing, I would probably give out spoilers, so I'll just say I had a great time (despite the strange disinterest of the Italian police in potential witnesses). / Lesson learned: The ideal relationship is between people who get stuck with each other.

The first season had a languid pace throughout, which sums up all the negatives. The script brought such bizarre yet common characters onto the stage that I actually didn't care about the slow narrative style. These people were toxic, to put it in one word. However, I don't really like this expression (because it's used too often nowadays, especially for those who disagree with the mainstream). It perfectly fit this lineup, though. The negative energy was almost palpable. Well, it was an unexpected and welcome experience with a perfect soundtrack. 4*+

I liked how the overall atmosphere darkened, but the plot of the previous episode won me over a bit more. It was definitely another well-crafted episode. I'm just sorry that the creators decided to return to Mia and Valentina's suite because the unnecessary explanation ruined the atmosphere of the previous scene. Oh well. As Ethan tried to explain the almost inexplicable, it made me think of similar clichés used in such situations: "Honey, it's not what it looks like." Or: "I paid the bill at the reception, but the amount doesn't really add up." Yeah, life isn't a walk in the park. / Lesson learned: Don't try to deprive a Sicilian family of their property. Especially not a Sicilian Family. 4*+

The new morning in Sicily started with a series of awkward situations. Since the creators maintained this trend throughout the fifth episode, I had no choice but to give them five stars. I simply relished all that racket. What racket, you ask? I'm talking about the loud noise of the firing of the characters' overwhelmed brain cells in their attempt to get out of the crisis. It was the best episode of the second season so far. The characters were forced to speak openly, and Daphne's conversation with Harper sent chills down my spine. I clearly stumbled upon a cynic like myself :-) Lucia is undoubtedly a beautiful woman, but for two thousand euros per night, I would expect a deck chair, a sunshade, and full board included in the price. Yeah, I enjoyed this episode with all its nuances. / "Who's the lady? Is it the Queen of Sicily?" "???!!! .......yes." / Lesson learned: Vacation is a time for new experiences. Just make sure you can handle them.

The creators still firmly stick with what they're good at without straying into filler territory, so it's another four stars from me. True, this is only the second hotel in this chain that I've had a chance to visit, but I'm already suspecting that, besides the necessary skills, there is one particular condition that the hotel manager must meet. And Valentina meets it perfectly so far :-) I had a great time again. The atmosphere keeps thickening, and the story is getting tangled. I've never taken Viagra, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't confuse it with any yellow-and-white capsule. I'm surprised at what's possible. Actually, I'm not. / "Ho creato un mostro..." / Lesson learned: Being punished for something I didn't do is the height of injustice.

I'm still having a good time. Like in the first season, the creators gradually reveal each character's innermost self. Although there's no one as irritating as the characters from Hawaii, I am satisfied. What I enjoy about this show is mainly that the creators do not present the viewer with any virtuous characters that I hate from the bottom of my soul. Instead, they fill this small world with believable beings with common character flaws, and the occasional woke smartass soon makes a fool of himself by saying something dumb ("Gender is a construct."). I am happy with the progress so far and look forward to future episodes. / Lesson learned: Do you want to have your fortune told? You'd better say what outcome you expect in advance.

The second episode once again brought the true white-lotus atmosphere with all its veneer. The viewer suspects, or rather knows, that things are slimy and stink on the inside. For a moment, I pondered how naive you must be to leave an open account at the disposal of a pair of workers in the specialized entertainment field, but then I remembered all those Nigerian letters and things like that. At least the victim gets something in return for the money in this case. The creators chose the Sicilian setting well; those shots are simply stunning. The hotel manager, played by Sabrina Impacciatore, greatly amuses me. It's just that I found the gradual unveiling of the characters' inner selves in the first season more exciting. It is not that harsh here, which could be detrimental in the long run. / Lesson learned: Keep your mouth shut while riding a Vespa.