The Penthouse

"To Retire" was one of the more worthless situational comedies to ever grace Greek airwaves to this day. Comprised mostly of a set of unpleasant, petty and spiteful characters, the series was sadly devoid of either wit or cleverness. The "humour", if such a word can be used, consisted of watching said characters snarl at each other for the most mundane, nonsensical reasons (or often, as the case would be, no reason at all). A typical "hilarious situation" in "To Retire" would have a polite friend, colleague, neighbor, or passerby, be mistreated and badly (if uncreatively) insulted by one of our misfit, neurotic protagonists, just because it was in their "amusing personality" to do so. Granted, in the hands of a talented script-writer, even the most mundane or absurd situation can be presented in an amusing manner, but unfortunately, such was not the case with the creators of this particularly unpleasant series. Unless you find ranting sociopaths amusing, you'll have serious trouble wringing even the slightest smile out of this trash.

The best greek series ever! Surrealistic circumstances, a tribute to greek temperament and an amazing Katerina Gioulaki as you have never seen her. No other european director has ever managed to convey human psychology in such a beautiful way. Congratulations to Yiannis Dalianidis who managed to bring together so many great actors. Thanks to Mega Channel that younger generations have also the chance to watch this masterpiece through several midday repetitions. It's about a real addiction....

You have to take the Retire for what it is. A care-free sitcom to kill some time. What is really good about The Retire is the comical depiction of the Greek society in the late 80s early 90s. Each episode can be watched on its own and you never really get bored it. Although it is not particular funny, touching or dramatic each episode is very pleasurable to watch while you eat or relax. It is quite funny the fact that although I have watched episode more than three times I don't remember any of it and yet I would watch it again. Another one strong point of the Retire is the excellent cast. Even for secondary characters. If it wasn't for Konstantinou kai Elenis I would have rated it even higher but I have to be fair here.