Explore the Depths of the 90s in Season Three
Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! – A Nostalgic Look at the 90s: What Surprises Await in Season Three?
The Russian television series Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!, which premiered its third season on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER platform, continues to captivate audiences with its meticulous recreation of the 1990s. This retro drama serves as a rich tapestry interwoven with themes of coming-of-age, social commentary, and romantic entanglements, effectively reflecting the myriad challenges, ambitions, and tragedies that marked that tumultuous time. With eight episodes, each running approximately 52 minutes, viewers are promised an immersive experience brimming with intense emotions, complex decisions, and inevitable contradictions.
Plot Line: Love, Poverty, and the 90s
Set against the backdrop of 1996, amidst the economic and social chaos plaguing the nation, the story follows the life of our protagonist, San’ka Ryabin (played by Yegor Gubarev). He grapples with a period of personal transition, desperately trying to move on from his first love, Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina). To ease the heartache, he finds solace in a new relationship with the spirited Ksyukha (Alexandra Khromova), the rebellious daughter of a former police officer. Ksyukha is a free-spirited individual, passionate about music and advocating for liberty, which both fascinates and alarms San’ka. His daily life revolves around a small kiosk selling audio cassettes, where he dreams of a brighter future.
In the meantime, San’ka’s friend Vovka (Yegor Abramov) struggles with the trials of family life, which proves challenging even during more fortunate times. The drama intensifies when Zhenya returns to town, accompanied by a new fiancé (Fedor Fedotov), stirring a whirlwind of conflicting emotions among the characters.
Crime Drama: From Despair to Hope
The series doesn’t shy away from gritty gangland confrontations that have become a hallmark of the genre. San’ka's former friend, Alik (Yura Borisov), emerges from the shadows, alive yet burdened with the weight of his choices: he enjoys freedom while his counterpart, Vitek (Nikita Pavlenko), remains incarcerated. The city undergoes transformations where new gangs impose their rule, and their leader, Vasya (Evgeny Tkachuk), an asthmatic, adds to the chaos.
Alik, resolved to embark on a path of righteousness, battles the currents trying to pull him back into the mire of crime. Concurrently, Vovka teeters on the brink of disaster, forced to choose between remaining on the sidelines or plunging headlong into the underworld.
Family Drama: Imprisonment, Hope, and Shattered Dreams
San’ka’s mother (Ksenia Katalymova) finds herself in pre-trial detention, awaiting a verdict that could imprison her for a decade. Her husband, Fyodor (Stepan Devonin), one-dimensional and listless, offers no support for the family, leaving San’ka to navigate the turbulent waters of duty, emotion, and a desire for a better life.
The Atmosphere of the 1990s: Music, Decor, and Sentimentality
One of the series’ standout features is its dedication to authenticity in recreating the 1990s era. The soundtrack, filled with chart-topping hits of the 90s reimagined with contemporary arrangements, enriches the viewing experience. Every detail, from the set design to the costumes, recreates the realities of that time, which is particularly appealing to those who grew up amid that backdrop.
Nostalgia emerges as a significant motif, bridging generational gaps. For audiences aged 40 and older, the show evokes memories of their youth, recalling the struggles intertwined with cherished experiences. The youthful cast, including Yegor Gubarev and Alexandra Khromova, successfully captures the spirit of the era, rendering their characters relatable and vibrant.
Script Weaknesses and Strengths
Despite the enthralling ambiance, the series grapples with some predictability in its narrative arc. The writers (Alexander Belov, Pyotr Vnukov, Sergey Panasekov, among others) employ timeworn tropes such as the return of a lost love, moral dilemmas, and internal struggles. Nonetheless, this predictability does not deter viewers from investing emotionally in the fates of the characters.
The lack of originality in plot intricacies is counterbalanced by deep emotional engagement, and the crime-related narratives inject a sense of urgency. Fans of series like Brigada will undoubtedly appreciate this aspect.
Cast and Direction
The casting choices are commendable, with actors like Yura Borisov, Yegor Gubarev, Alexandra Khromova, and Evgeny Tkachuk each contributing to the depth of their roles. Director Anton Fyodorov masterfully navigates the realms of nostalgia, drama, and pacing, crafting a viewing experience that is both gripping and immersive.
End: A Story That Resonates
The third season of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! continues to explore the themes of maturation, love, camaraderie, and social injustice. Despite script shortcomings, the series remains a vivid reflection of its era and triggers a torrent of emotions among viewers. This narrative stands out as both accessible and deeply touching, making it a show worthy of repeated viewings.
For those seeking more than mere entertainment, the series invites you to glance back at the past, reminisce about your own adolescent dreams, and glean lessons applicable to today.