Season Three of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' Review

The highly anticipated third season of the Russian television series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" made its debut on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER platform. This nostalgic drama expertly captures the essence of the 1990s, immersing viewers in a narrative that weaves together themes of growth, social reality, and romantic turmoil. With eight episodes, each running approximately 52 minutes, the series invites us into a vibrant world brimming with intense emotions, difficult choices, and inescapable contradictions.

Plot Overview: Love, Poverty, and the '90s

Set against the backdrop of 1996—a time when the nation was engulfed in economic turmoil and social upheaval—the new season follows the protagonist, Sanka Ryabin (played by Yegor Gubarev). Sanka is navigating a personal transformation as he strives to move on from his first love, Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina). In search of solace, he enters a new relationship with Ksyuha (Alexandra Khromova), the spirited daughter of a former police officer who embodies a passion for music and freedom, qualities that enthrall and intimidate Sanka in equal measure. His days are marked by dreams of a better future as he works at a stall selling audio cassettes, reflecting the ambitious hopes of youth in tumultuous times.

Concurrently, his friend Vovka (Yegor Abramov) grapples with the challenges of family life, which proves to be a daunting trial even in more stable circumstances. The tension escalates dramatically when Zhenya reappears in town, accompanied by her new fiancé, Fyodor Fedotov. This reunion stirs a whirlpool of conflicting emotions within the characters, setting the stage for heart-wrenching decisions.

Criminal Underworld: From Despair to Hope

No portrayal of the '90s would be complete without an exploration of the criminal landscape, a hallmark of the genre. The series introduces Aлик (Yura Borisov), former friend of Sanka, who re-enters the scene loaded with guilt and burdened by his past. As he navigates newfound freedom while his friend Vitek (Nikita Pavlenko) remains incarcerated, Aлик faces a moral crossroads. The city is overrun by new gangs dictated by their own brutal rules, with their leader, Vasya (Yevgeny Tkachuk), a chaotic figure adding further unrest.

Aлик's resolve to embrace a righteous path stands in stark contrast to the criminal undercurrents pulling him back, while Vovka stands on the precipice of a meltdown, wrestling with the decision to either retreat from the criminal world or plunge headfirst into it.

Family Turmoil: Prison, Hope, and Shattered Dreams

Sanka's mother, portrayed by Ksenia Katalymova, finds herself in a pretrial detention facility facing a potential ten-year sentence, casting a shadow over the family dynamic. His father, Fyodor (Stepan Devonin), appears defeated and devoid of any substantial support, leaving Sanka to juggle his own emotions, family obligations, and aspirations for a better life amid so much uncertainty.

The 1990s Atmosphere: Music, Scenery, and Nostalgic Echoes

One of the standout features of the series is its meticulous attention to detail, transporting viewers back to the '90s with an authentic flair. The soundtrack boasts classic hits from the decade, reimagined in modern arrangements, enhancing the immersive experience. From the set design to the costumes, every visual cue successfully conjures the realities of the time, particularly resonating with those who grew up during this era.

The sense of nostalgia acts as a bridge across generations. For audiences aged 40 and over, the series rekindles memories of their youthful days and the complicating yet unforgettable times they navigated. Young actors, such as Yegor Gubarev and Alexandra Khromova, skillfully embody the spirit of the age, making their characters relatable and alive.

Scripting Strengths and Weaknesses

Despite the rich atmosphere, the series grapples with a somewhat predictable script. Its authors—Alexander Belov, Pyotr Vnukov, Sergey Panasenkov, and others—resort to familiar storytelling tropes: the return of a lost love, moral dilemmas, and internal struggles. Yet, this predictability does not detract from the audience's emotional investment or their desire to follow the characters' journeys.

Though the storyline may lack originality, it compensates through emotional resonance, with the criminal element infusing a sense of urgent thrill. Fans of shows like "Brigada" are likely to appreciate this added dimension.

Cast and Direction: A Collective Brilliance

The casting is nothing short of impressive. Actors such as Yura Borisov, Yegor Gubarev, Alexandra Khromova, and Yevgeny Tkachuk each contribute significantly to the depth and richness of their roles. Director Anton Fyodorov masterfully balances nostalgia, drama, and action, crafting an engaging viewing experience that's hard to tear away from.

Culmination: A Gripping Narrative

The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" delves deeper into themes of maturation, love, camaraderie, and social injustice. Although it may stumble with some narrative clichés, the series remains a vivid portrayal of an era, evoking a torrent of emotions amongst its viewers. This story serves as both an accessible watch and a profoundly touching experience, allowing it to be revisited time and again.

For those seeking more than mere entertainment, the series offers an invitation to peer into the past, reflect on personal youth aspirations, and draw lessons for the present.