Merlí. Sapere Aude

I have not seen Merlí, but have no problem getting into this sequel. This is partly due to the really good actors, and partly, of course, to the story, which I was a little skeptical about at first, because lately I find too many Spanish series with pretty boys and naked butts on Netflix. However, that's really only an accessory here, because this series doesn't want to be a telenevola with hot Latinos. The title says it all, dare to be wise - we are dealing with philosophy, or rather with students who study philosophy at the university in Barcelona and struggle with various lecturers, good or bad grades and of course the obligatory love affairs. You quickly realize that Barcelona has more to offer than a few beautiful neighborhoods, and those who want to can work through ethical and philosophical questions, sometimes humorously. A really successful mixture.

What a beautiful series this has been. I hadn't realised it was a follow-up to an earlier drama, so I shall be searching out the original now. But as for this, I found it to be utterly beguiling. Every character was so believable, with all the frailties and vulnerabilities of youth, but with marvellous performances from 'older' cast members too. It felt effortlessly authentic, a testament to the level of acting, direction and production of all involved. Beautiful and so moving.

Merlí was simply one of the greatest series ever made. Besides the grandiosity of Merlí, the rest of the cast was outstanding, and the script made them flow naturally between each other. The story was believable, emotional, deep and it's all about character development.

Merlí. Sapere Aude fails in all this. It seems to be a gathering of non-believable characters put together to spin around Paul. It just doesn't connect with anything. None of the characters connect the viewer.

Where is the connection to Merlí? The series is set 3 weeks after the Merlí story ends, and it's like that universe ceased to exist. Besides from Bruno and Calduch, which make shallow appearances. Where is Tania? Where is Bruno's sister? Where is Ivan? These people can't just disappear from one day to the next, specially when the story's main character had such strong connections with them.

The script fails to achieve a new story and tries too much to separate itself from Merlí. It just doesn't work. It's disappointing to see how the same script writer can make something so beautiful as Merlí and fall down into something that no depth at all.

I'd much rather see a Merlí Prequel than a Paul sequel written like this.

This is a 20's something show about life, school, sex, and relationships. While purported to be freshmen, it is clear that many of the 1st year students are likely in their early 20s, some still living at home, others near campus.

The dynamics is centered around love, life, and arousal of a group of philosophy majors. The premise makes for an interesting and broad story as attitudes adjust through the awareness of what they learn. In this youth oriented era, sexuality is loosely defined, breaking down strict barriers between gay and straight. While their are some characters are fall definitely into these roles, the main cast finds the convenience of sex with whomever is closer at the moment of passion, regardless of gender.

The adults play a smaller yet significant role as they deal with the realities of life. As with all people, sometimes the responses are mature and at other times impulsive or conform to long held beliefs. To that end, seeing them as imperfect creates authenticity.

As an American, I do enjoy the European view of Trump, guns, and violence. We so often look at other nations as being dangerous, wreak less, and cesspool of crime, yet ignore the very same, if not larger issues here at home. It is good to look at ourselves through the eyes of others. There is much to learn from the few lines of dialog that addresses Spain's view of the US.

It is interesting that while American TV has all but abolished smoking; as there are proven studies that it has a direct influence on use and acceptance, in Europe it capture as part of the realism of society. I won't deny that I would prefer a smoke-free environment but I am mindful that I am guest invited to watch a show produced outside of my sterile world.

My only complaint with the show is a relatively small scene in the 5th episode. As one of the characters walks through a gay bar, it is seedy, dim, sex is occurring against every bare wall, and drug use is rampant. For a show that tears down stereotypes and provides a refreshing view of human sexuality, that scene fell upon every trope about gay people and what many conservatives believe happens. It was an insult to the LGBT community and I hope the showrunners learn from the error of their ways.

Sans the stumble in episode 5, it is a compelling drama of young people finding their way in life. The fact that many struggle financially also brings greater realism to the characters...a point often missed in US shows. A solid show with much to offer those willing to open their minds and take a meandering but thought provoking ride through the lives of our next generation.

An exceptionally well written, acted, and directed series. A group of first year philosophy students come to terms with both student life and their own sexual identities as the series develops. It manages to get over some very complex philosophical concepts with relative ease, relating them to the thoughts and actions of the characters, demonstrating that philosophy has practical applications and is not all esoteric. The characters are well developed over the course of the two series, dealing with the inequalities of existence, the hard knocks of life, as well as the highs. The sex scenes were convincingly erotic. Carlos Cuevas does a brilliant job as the lead.