Merz vs Merz - Season 2 - DVD

Content: Anne (Annette Frier) and Erik Merz (Christoph Maria Herbst) have gotten back together. A prenuptial agreement should prevent disputes as in the past. But hardly a breath of harmony between the spouses, the next marital crisis is just around the corner: While Erik has to defend himself in the joint company against the takeover by the Finns, Anne slides into a tangible midlife crisis. When Erik's parents move in with the couple due to an unexpected bankruptcy, Anne has had enough. She moves out and finally wants to enjoy her life. Sufferer of the resulting conflicts is once again son Leon (Philip Noah Schwarz), who now takes his life into his own hands.

Merz against Merz succeeds very well in the second season not simply to tell the same story again, but to steer the marital problems between Anne and Erik in a new direction. The series by Stromberg mastermind Ralf Husmann thrives on wonderfully biting dialogue (the very first minutes of the first episode are a perfect example of this) and the perfect interplay between Christoph Maria Herbst and Annette Frier. The two throw the comedic balls to each other perfectly and you really take them both the tangible affection, as well as the latent hatred for each other.

Another strength of the series is that it is very true to life despite a certain exaggeration. And because of that, some times the laughter really gets stuck in your throat. You wish the two that they get their marriage back under control - for themselves and also for their son - and become happy together, but you have to watch how they make stupid mistakes again and again, partly let themselves be manipulated by other people and thus slip deeper and deeper into the private and professional crisis. That's kind of depressing - but also really funny.

Allow me to admit that some of the plot lines seem very contrived, but the dialogues and especially the great ensemble easily pull that out again. Towards the end, the whole thing threatens to sink a little too much into complete chaos, but hopefully a third season (which there definitely has to be after this finale, anything else would just be cruel) can unravel that a little again. Clearly, if you liked the first season and want to watch the dream team Herbst/Frier war of the roses again, you shouldn't miss this second season of Merz vs. Merz. Absolutely worth seeing!

Picture + Sound: Since we only had a stream for testing, no rating can be given here about the final image and sound quality of the series.

Extras: As a bonus, there are ten bonus clips with a running time of just under ten minutes.

Conclusion: Merz against Merz can still entertain very well in the second season, even if some plot lines seem a little bit tried. The series lives on the great chemistry between Christoph Maria Herbst and Annette Frier, who again skillfully play the balls to each other. Sometimes it's funny, sometimes it's so true to life that you can't stop laughing. A really worth seeing war of the roses, which is released on DVD with ten bonus clips as an extra. Absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp