Merlí: Sapere Aude season 2 continues the story of María Bolaño’s students as they try to find their respective paths in life. The brand new season of the Spanish drama is now streaming on Netflix.
Story
Maria Bolano’s students come together this time around to organize a debate league in the main hall. Pol finds himself attracted to someone new in the form of Axel, the man who is restoring his university’s main hall.
As Pol explores his new date, things go south when he tests positive for HIV. This sees him avoiding Axel and a possible relationship with him. Pol struggles to live a life with HIV. Everyone around, tells him it’s possible, except for him, who believes it isn’t.
Performances
Each and every character in the show has given their heart to the story. Especially Carlos Cuevas as Pol, who has probably outperformed the rest. Cuevas encompasses every feeling of Pol, who just found out he has HIV. From isolating himself to finally opening up, Cuevas’ performance is worth a watch.
Another performance to look out for is Pol’s father, Alfonso Rubio, played by Boris Ruiz. Let it be a caring dad or a loyal servant, Alfonso Rubio is bound to be your favorite character.
Ruiz’s chemistry with Rai’s mother, played by Carmen Conesa, is quite amusing. It probably stems from the fact that both characters know what it means to be alone.
The only takeaway this season would be Maria Bollano, who might not shine the way she did last season.
Lastly, supporting characters such as Oti, Biel, Rai, Arnau, and Amy work well together and serve their purpose well for the sub-plots.
Positives
The plot of the second season carries great value, but only the actors are the ones doing their jobs well. They manage to address the issues, and viewers will definitely connect with them.
While Pol’s HIV plot serves as the main plot point for the second season, it’s Alfonso’s arc that is quite a ride. Alfonso does teach a thing or two about being a gentleman while working at Rai’s place.
The debate in the finale about love is quite heart-warming. Alfonso and Pol’s father-son bond shines again despite taking more of a center stage towards the finale.
Negatives
Despite an intriguing plot and good performances, the show continues to suffer from poor writing. Throughout the season, the show jumps from sub-plot to sub-plot without adding the required depth.
This may result in viewers turning off to take a break. These misses affect the arcs of supporting characters, who, because of the storyline almost seem shallow.
Verdict
Merlí. Sapere Aude kind of repeats its mistakes from the first season, but it also retains the positives. At the end of the day, it’s just another heartwarming teen drama with bad writing, but decent performances.
Merlí. Sapere Aude season 2
Director: Menna Fité & Héctor Lozano
Date Created: 2022-09-09 12:30
3