Merlí. Sapere Aude

< Merlí: Sapere Aude > The series I didn't know I needed till I watched it.

Tired of American attitude, accent and acquisition, British make believe and bluster I clicked on the Spanish - Catalan "Merlí: Sapere Aude" currently showing on Netflix Boy am I glad I did!

We are thrown into the lives of a group of young Spanish, Argentian, French, American students freshly enrolled in a university in Barcelona and their pungent, unforgettable tutors and family.

Parachuting into philosophy and metaphysics, the series somehow NEVER bores, never turns hysterical and always finds a new emotional twist and turn even as it proffers eye candy, heartbreak, coming of age, humour and some magnificent classroom teaching... I am reminded of my time in uni and am made both young and wiser What a pleasure, what a serendipitous gift in the midst of Netflix sameism.

It lures you in, reinvents a tough time, presents an attractive, cleaned up (it is TV yet) version, modern, young, culturally different - an alternative, human and inspiring parallel world.

This alone is worth the 'click' to view both 8 episode seasons.

Carlos Cuevas as Pol Rubio is the centrepiece of this quiet storm, physically perfect with the devilish eyes of a Leonardo Salai and intellect and raw emotion to break your heart.

Maria Pujalte as philosophy professor Maria Bolano is so convincing I want to meet her and attend her classes and laugh, yes laugh along with her acerbic defiance.

I'm glad I'm old enough, young enough to enjoy this.

I'm watching it again as I write this .. Must watch - 2 Thumbs Up 👍👍

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.

Absolutely loved it...maybe not as much as the original series...but quite good. Focuses on Pol Rubio as he starts his university studies in philosophy. Most action involves the colleagues that Pol meets at the "Uni" (Mineva, Rai, Biel, Oti, Amy, Etienne...) and some of the story involves Bruno Bergeron. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Having watched season one and enjoyed it, I felt season 2 would be similar. But this is actually outstanding this season. The acting, the storyline, the emotions, several episodes in this season have been incredible. The soundtrack too is very special and especially the closing piece to this episode.

Congratulations to the writers, directors produces etc for telling this emotional story and thanks to Carlos Cuevas for taking this on. One can't quite believe when you enter episode 2 what to expect but its handled with real honesty and beauty. Now one of my favourite all time shows I will recommend on so many levels.

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.