Watch Parlement

Parlement is a French television series that follows the journey of a young politician Samy played by Xavier Lacaille, who ends up in Brussels as part of the European Union's parliamentary team. With his limited proficiency in French and unfamiliarity with the complex functioning of the EU parliamentary system, the show traces his transformation from an underdog to a successful specialist.

Liz Kingsman, who plays a hard-nosed British assistant to the head of Samy's team, inspires him to adapt to the EU's convoluted functioning. Her character becomes the anchor that Samy needs to navigate the complexities of his job. Liz Kingsman’s role is as impressive as that of Xavier's, displaying her standout comic timing and delivering some sharply written lines that make the show enjoyable.

One of the strongest aspects of the show is its depiction of politics and personalities that are rather too familiar. Xavier excels in portraying the character of Samy, who possesses untapped potential but gets bogged down by bureaucracy and office politics. The plot allows for Xavier to display both serious and comic elements while also highlighting the absurdities within the parliamentary system.

The series efficiently imbues its titular institution with a sense of drama that elevates the verbose proceedings and bureaucratic dealings. The scenes between Samy and Head of his team, for example, are exciting, with the frequent twist and turns in their relationship - adding to the overall plotline.

The series covers a wide range of topics, such as struggles with language barriers, the rigidity of the overall system, and complexities in EU politics. The show’s dialogue is smartly written and maintains a balance between being informative and humorous. One standout scene sees one of Samy’s colleagues, an Irish MEP, speak about the struggles the UK political representatives face in communicating their ideas. The humour is perfectly balanced and not too heavy-handed, contrasting well with the show's overall tone.

Another standout element in the show is its production value, with gorgeous cinematography and sleek editing.The series takes advantage of its picturesque settings in Brussels and Strasbourg to create impressive visuals.

Parlement has been lauded as an intelligent and entertaining exploration of the European Parliamentcy’s inner workings, with particular emphasis on the day-to-day complexities within the system. The show's realistic depiction of the parliamentary process, with its visual and dramatic qualities, undoubtedly make it a winner with audiences. One of the main drivers of the show's success lies with Xavier Lacaille's portrayal of the young politician Samy, a character trying to find his feet while fighting for his voice in the desolate and labyrinthine structure of the EU. His performance is highly commendable and assists in making the show surprisingly addictive.

All in all, Parlement is a refreshing and nuanced series that shines a light on the facade of bureaucracy, inefficiency, and overextended administrations. The show is a treat for those who love political dramas that are equally informative, amusing and engaging. It's hard to imagine anyone not being entertained or enthralled with the show's characters or plot. The season leaves a lasting impression, instilling a sense of hope and strength that resonates long after the credits have rolled.

Parlement is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between April 9, 2020 and on Topic