Exploring Season Three of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Main Cast: Egor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachek, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
The third season of the beloved series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" comes as a highly anticipated continuation of the cherished tale exploring the lives of teenagers in the turbulent 90s. This installment unfolds during the summer of 1996, marking a pivotal moment where the characters have aged two years and are now confronted with fresh challenges and trials.
Growing Up: A New Chapter in Their Lives
While the main characters remain familiar faces, each has evolved significantly over the two-year period:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev) has graduated from high school and is now peddling cassette tapes at a stall. His life is taking a new turn as he embarks on romantic escapades with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have stepped into parenthood. Vovka, striving to provide for his family, finds himself entangled in questionable ventures.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), previously the eccentric one, is now on a quest for physical perfection, pushing himself to new limits.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) arrives in town with her fiancé, a surprise that leaves her friends in a whirl of emotions.
Amidst their journeys, Sanya’s parents are grappling with their own crises: his mother faces imprisonment due to financial misconduct, while his father clings to the hope of salvation from VITALIK (Arthur Beschtniy), who is, as always, straddling the fine line of legality.
Rich Criminal Undertones
The creators unveil the criminal underbelly of Tula through a fresh lens. Although several key figures involved in shady dealings perished in the previous season, the writers introduce new characters, and some presumed dead make their surprising comebacks.
The return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) elicits mixed reactions; their 'resurrection' is portrayed with greater plausibility this time, although it remains a dramatic twist.
As always, the teenagers find themselves at the epicenter of unfolding events, unwittingly partaking in the swirling chaos of crime that surrounds them.
Soundtrack: The Heartbeat of the Show
Music once again takes center stage, lending the series an unforgettable atmosphere that resonates with its audience. The soundtrack includes:
- 90s Hits that immerse viewers deep into the bygone era.
- Mujus' music, embodying the anxieties and inspirations of the time.
- The album "Sea" by Mumiy Troll, cleverly positioned within the storyline as having been released prior to its actual debut.
This auditory backdrop enriches the emotional tapestry of each storyline, echoing the tumult and shifts that characterize the 90s.
Pacing and Intrigue: What to Anticipate in Season Three
The initial episodes may appear slower than those of earlier seasons, yet this is a mere mirage. The tension escalates with every scene, bringing back the series’ signature brisk pace before long.
The writers deftly navigate the realms of absurdity and realism, making the audience root for the characters despite their numerous flaws and missteps. Can the series maintain its suspense until the very end? Or are we in for another rollercoaster of dizzying events?
Finale: Why You Should Tune In
Season three of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands out as a prime example of nostalgic storytelling focused on the 90s. It blends:
- Vibrant characters who enthrall viewers with their authenticity and charm.
- An immersive atmosphere captured through meticulous set designs, period-accurate costumes, and evocative music.
- A plotline that keeps you on the edge of your seat, balancing lightheartedness with tension, paving the way for an engaging experience that captivates the audience.
In essence, this season is another step toward grasping the notion that while our heroes have lived little, they have undeniably experienced much. This series comes highly recommended for those yearning to revisit the 90s or simply enjoy a quality Russian television drama.