Parlement

I just binged this in 2 sessions over the weekend. I found "Parlement" entertaining, informative and I kept wanting to see more, despite the fact that it's a mix of languages and I had to rely on subtitles for most of it. "Parlement" is a satire about the workings of the European Parliament, the bureaucrats, the lobbyists, the MEPs and their staff. As in any good satire, it's over the top and exaggerated, but with the truth at its core, thus pointing out the many flaws that the systems has, but also why it is good that we have institutions like the EU and its Parliament, despite their many flaws. It also makes fun of the various stereotypes of the people living in the EU, mostly the Germans and the British, I would have wished for a little more self-criticism of the French in this French production.

This series is obviously aimed at people who are interested in the European Union and it's probably hard to follow if you don't know at least the basics of how things work there. If you understand German, I recommend that you first watch Democracy - Im Rausch der Daten.

For those that understand almost nothing about EU politics, like me, a funny approach to it.

It lacks Veep's acid dialogues and strong criticism. But, come on: we're europeans, not yankees.

3rd season is a must, and 4th, and beyond.

Great cast, especially Samy, great comedic timing - kudos to the writer(s) and editor(s)!

To the Germans watching this over the ARD Mediathek: be wary, if you can find an alternative source watch it there. The idiots at the ARD dubbed a certain section ("stolen" from "25th Hour" btw) of the ninth episode into a weird mix of German/English turning the whole episode and message into pure unadulterated cringe. Seriously, which genius came up with that idea?!

This show provided non-stop laughs. As many reviews note, it pokes fun at the incomprehensible institution of the EU parliament, it's politics and the Brussels bureaucracy, but in an accessible way playing off over the top stereotypes and well played characters. Very clever and subtle comedy writing where no one escapes ridicule - MEPs, their assistants, Brexiteers, lobbyists, NGOs, EU commissioners, French tourists, Germans, Spanish, populists parties both on far left and right, and yes, even sharks.

As viewers we are introduced to the circus through the main lead Samy, an idealistic and naive newcomer who is dumped into the thick of it on his first day of work. As the show progresses so does Samy's ability to learn and navigate the legal, personal and political environment. It is a true gift to make something as seemingly dull as parliamentary politics into great comedy. The HBO show VEEP did this lampooning US presidential politics as did the British satire of the 2012 Olympics, Twenty Twelve. A big thanks to the Parlement writers, cast and directors for pulling it off with such fun and grace!

I've interacted over the years with some EU Commission officials & MEPs, representing the dreaded "industry"... I can tell that the series was written by someone who is very familiar with EU legislative institutions & processes. I loved it, it's a very clever satire while periodically communicating real facts about real issues, and beautifully showcasing the fascinating multicultural multilingual EU environment.