Parlement

Parlement is a French-Belgian television series that premiered in 2020. The political satire and comedy-drama series gives viewers a lighthearted and humorous glimpse into the world of European politics, focusing on the inner mechanisms of the European Parliament. Created by Noé Debré, Parlement offers a unique blend of comedy, politics, and real-life intrigue, making it an exciting watch for viewers who appreciate political satires or are simply curious about the workings of the European political system.

The series centres around the story of Samy Kantor, a young and idealistic assistant who unexpectedly becomes the primary aide to a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Samy is brilliantly portrayed by French actor Xavier Lacaille, who infuses the character with charm, quirkiness, and an endearing naivety. The character of Samy is thrown into the deep end, working frantically to navigate the labyrinth of European politics, despite having no prior background or experience in this complex field.

Easing into his new role, Samy quickly discovers that politics at the European level is far from straightforward. He finds himself embroiled in a world where fourteen different languages are spoken, navigating intricate political negotiations, evasive lobbyists, and bureaucratic complexities. All these come together to create a delightful storytelling structure and sets up a series of comedic situations that Samy stumbles through in his earnest attempts to make a change.

Although the series allows for a fair amount of humour, it does not shed away from addressing serious and often debated issues. Using satire, it effectively captures various sociopolitical dilemmas that the European Parliament has grappled with, and gives the viewers a holistic understanding of different viewpoints. The usage of clever comedic cues conveys the labyrinthine aspects of bureaucratic processes vividly but lightly, making the storyline feel accessible and engrossing without becoming heavy.

The overall structure of the series involves episodic escapades where Samy faces new challenges, each time with a unique issue or political matter at the heart. Each episode is meant to educate viewers about different political standpoints, various regulations, or pressing social concerns, all packaged within the anecdotal narrative of the individuals involved.

The show also offers a wide and interesting cast of supporting characters, each emblematic of different nationalities and political groupings within the European Parliament. The varying personalities and ideologies of these characters help to build a broader picture of the European political system, giving viewers a more comprehensive understanding of this complex entity. They also add layers to the comedy, with their clashing personalities providing fodder for an array of amusing predicaments.

Parlement is not just about politics, but also about people. It incorporates human elements and conveys the story through a number of personal dramas and relationships, which add depth to the political narrative. These storylines encapsulate the lives of those working in and around the European Parliament, highlighting their ambitions, doubts, and struggles, thus giving audiences a chance to connect with the characters on a more personal level.

The production values of Parlement are nothing short of top-notch. Featuring impressive sets that faithfully recreate the European Parliament, and a naturalistic cinematographic style that adds to the atmosphere of verisimilitude, the show transports viewers to the heart of Brussels without compromising on the entertainment factor.

Overall, the series showcases a distinctive take on the world of the European Parliament, elucidating the humor and humanity in the bureaucratic and political complexities with which it grapples. Throughout each episode, Parlement skillfully combines comedy with an unexpected and often overlooked real-world setting, offering viewers a refreshing, insightful, and entertaining experience. It is a must-watch for those seeking a novel perspective on the political climate of Europe and the people who inhabit it.