Exploring Season Three of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Leading Roles: Egor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, among others.
The much-anticipated third season of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! marks a continuation of the beloved tale of teenage life in the 1990s. This time, the narrative unfolds during the summer of 1996, bringing fresh challenges and trials as the characters are now two years older.
Growing Up: A New Chapter in Life
While the main characters remain familiar, they've each transformed significantly over these two years:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev) has graduated from high school and now runs a cassette shop in the local kiosk. His life is gearing up for new adventures, including his first romantic relationship.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have taken on the role of parents. In his quest to provide for his family, Vovka becomes entangled in some dubious undertakings.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), who’s always expressed a slight eccentricity, now seeks to achieve physical perfection in his daily routine.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) arrives in town with her fiancé, throwing a curveball to her friends.
Meanwhile, Sanya’s parents are undergoing their own struggles: his mother finds herself in prison due to financial fraud, whereas his father is convinced their salvation lies in the hands of Vitalik (Arthur Beschastny), who is, as always, teetering on the edge of legality.
A Rich Criminal Narrative
The creators of this series delve into the criminal underbelly of Tula, revealing a fresh perspective on its gritty reality. Although many key players in the criminal schemes met their ends in the previous season, the writers introduce new characters to the fray while reviving a few familiar faces who were thought to be deceased.
The return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) stirs up a mix of emotions; their unexpected 'resurrection' feels more plausible this time but still packs a dramatic punch. As always, the teenagers find themselves caught up in the whirlwind of criminal activities, navigating a world that swirls around them.
Soundtrack: The Soul of the Series
Music continues to play an indispensable role, enveloping the storyline in a unique atmosphere. The soundtrack boasts:
- Classic hits from the 90s that immerse viewers in the spirit of the era.
- The music of Mujus, capturing the tense inspirations of the time.
- The album "Morskaya" by the band Mumiy Troll, which, per the series storyline, is said to have premiered before its actual release.
This musical backdrop deepens the emotional resonance of the plot lines, reflecting the essence of change and instability that characterized the 90s.
Dynamics and Intrigue: What to Expect from Season Three?
The initial episodes of Season Three may feel somewhat slower compared to earlier installments, but this fleeting sense of ease is merely deceptive. Tension gradually escalates with each scene, eventually restoring the signature quick pace fans have come to expect from the series.
The writers artfully navigate the fine line between absurdity and realism, drawing viewers to connect deeply with the characters, flaws and all. Will the show maintain its gripping tension all the way to the finale? Or will fresh twists and dizzying events lead us on a wild ride?
Epilogue: Why You Should Tune In
The third season of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! continues to be a stellar example of nostalgic storytelling centered around the 90s. It harmonizes:
- Vivid characters, whose realism and charm have won over audiences.
- An evocative atmosphere of the time, brought forth through set designs, musical choices, and costumes.
- A storyline that consistently maintains suspense without losing its light-hearted touch.
This season serves as yet another reminder that in the lives of the characters, "how little has been lived, but how much has been experienced." It is a must-watch for anyone looking to revisit the 90s or simply enjoy a high-quality Russian series.