telavivid

This is a mini series about an Israeli couple that moved to Paris, because the woman is hired to work at the Israeli Embassy. It sounds like a fun premise, but unfortunately everything is bleak and depressing instead. Each episode contains different scenes from the couple's life without much chemistry or joy between them. The wife's parents add extra toxicity to their jaded relationship. The wife's work seems unfulfilling and full of disappointment. The husband is more or less her side character, after being a successful musician in Israel who's reduced to give lessons to elderly people at the local synagogue.

The main soundtrack is an Idan Raichel song which is wonderful, but sadly it's the only positive thing here.

Overall, can't recommend.

The only problem with the series is that they are marketed in the wrong genre. It's definitely not drama, it's comedy with criminal undertones.

The plot has a great premise: what happens to a powerful crime family, after all its men had been killed? The title is a play on words - "Malkot" meaning "The Malkas" ("Malka" being the family name), but also literally meaning "Queens".

The characters are as if taken straight out of a comic book - quirky, eccentric, imperfect, and downright hilarious. The action is wonderfully paced. The cast is amazing - Michael Aloni from "Shtisel", Dana Ivgy from "Zero Motivation", Orly Zilbersatz from "Honeymood", Lihi Kornowski from "Losing Alice", Liraz Hamami from "Mossad 101", some of the guys from Fauda... and the incredible Rita. This is the first time I am watching Rita as an actress and - oh, my goodness, she is a riot! The Israeli press wrote that she were portraying her character in an exaggerated fashion, but after watching this, I disagree. She is playing a crazy, charming, crime boss matriarch in a Soprano spoof - she is meant to be exactly like that. Rita is absolutely and completely perfect for this.

I don't remember any recent comedy series that have been more entertaining and funnier than "Malkot". The only thing you have to be aware is some moderate foul language and a few sexual scenes.

These are absolutely wholesome, funny and warm series. Josh Groban is awkward, sexy, has an incredibly good comedic timing and is also a doll. Tony Danza is Tony Danza, he's got it. All the other characters are quite likable as well. The story in each episode has a bit of mystery, a bit of action, a bit of comedy. It's basically the type of series they don't make anymore.

I am quite positive that Netflix cancelled this, because it's normal. Remember the times, when people could coexist without pointing each other's skin colour every five minutes and were more interested in living their lives rather than invent absurd labels for themselves and fume over perceived injustice? Yes, the good old normal times from 6 years ago. Watch it in order to remind yourself that you're not insane.