Gooische Vrouwen Premiere: Linda de Mol and Cast Return for New Season

ANPLies Visschedijk, Linda de Mol, Susan Visser and Tjitske Reidinga at the premiere of the new season

NOS Nieuws•gisteren, 20:54

• Emma Brink

  editor Online

• Emma Brink

  editor Online

After 15 years, fans are now ready again for the talks of Martin Morero, the meaningful silences of Doctor Rossi and the blunt statements of Claire van Kampen. The characters all return in a new season of the series created by Linda de Mol Gooische Vrouwenwho won the Golden Televizier Ring in 2009.

The arrival of a new chapter for friends Cheryl, Anouk, Claire and Roelien has been met with enthusiasm. Not surprising, says media scientist Simone Driessen, affiliated with Erasmus University. “It has a nostalgic effect, it is reminiscent of earlier times. Then you might be sitting on the couch with chips with your parents, now you might be watching with your own family.”

Still fun after 20 years?

Television critic and podcast maker Alex Mazereeuw was a bit hesitant when the comeback of the program was announced. “You often see a TV program that is put back in the microwave. You then feel: twenty years ago this was a thing, but it is difficult to keep up with the times.”

Still, he is positively surprised after seeing the first two episodes. According to Mazereeuw, the series, directed by Will Koopman, continues on a familiar basis without being too repetitive. “With contemporary problems.”

Gooische Vrouwen

The Dutch drama series is about four friends in the Gooi, played by Linda de Mol, Tjitske Reidinga, Susan Visser and Lies Visschedijk. The idea: a Dutch version of series like Desperate Housewives in Sex and the City. The first episode, also directed by Koopman, was shown on television in October 2005.

The characters in the series have gotten older, but so have the viewers. “The characters have problems that you may have experienced yourself,” says Driessen.

For example, Rolien seems to be suffering from menopause, Cheryl is having a hard time with her teenage son Remy Martin and Claire is dumped after a first date. “That makes it recognizable in a fun, joking way. That recognisability contributes to the success of Gooische Vrouwen.”

But how recognizable is it really, living in a gigantic villa in the Gooi? Driessen: “You can have as much money as you want, but what you experience in love is often universal.”

Stereotyping

According to Mazereeuw, all characters are caricatures and the events in the series are often ‘over the top’. “There is a certain kind of vulgarity in that, but the writers and actors take it to a higher level. You see a caricature, but also the human nature underneath.”

Stereotyping was criticized in earlier seasons. This was, for example, about the Asian au pair Tippi Wan, a character who was paid three euros per hour and was called a “walking bamihap”. The actress who played Tippi Wan, Cystine Carreon, said earlier against the Telegraaf that she would decline the role at this time.

The new season features a Chilean housekeeper. Mazereeuw sees this as a response to Tippi Wan. “The Chilean housekeeper is treated very sensitively in this season, while Tippi Wan was treated like trash.”

ANPThe cast of Gooische Vrouwen in 2005, with the character Tippi Wan (Cystine Carreon) in the front

The new housekeeper is not doing her job well, but Roelien thinks firing her is pathetic and she is afraid of doing it the wrong way. “The friends seem to be looking back on their own history.”

Tricks

Other things haven’t changed. “Doctor Rossi (the psychiatrist in the series, ed.) still doesn’t say anything, that’s a trick,” said the TV reviewer. Rossi gets the whole Gooi on his couch, and seems to help people by just making them empty. “That’s pure repetition, but it works.”

According to Mazereeuw, the makers have found the right formula: “You repeat things, but also add new elements to keep it fresh.”

The element of recognizability provides extra appeal, according to Driessen. “It is a series that people have previously invested a large part of their time in. That makes you return to it more quickly.”

Gooische Vrouwen: A Nostalgic Return or Microwave Meal?

Well, well, well, look who’s back! After a long fifteen-year interlude, Gooische Vrouwen, that delightful drama about four fabulous friends living in Dutch suburbia, is making a comeback. But the real question is: can what was once a spicy hot dish still serve up the same flavor, or have we just got a re-heated portion from the microwave? Like, does anyone actually microwave their food? I mean, if you’re living in a villa in the Gooi, don’t you just hire someone to cook for you?

The Fan Frenzy

Fans are thrilled for the return of Martin Morero’s talk-banter, Doctor Rossi’s meaningful silences (which feels like he’s just counting sheep in his head), and Claire’s pathological lack of boundaries. Seriously, I’d take less drama in my life, but hey, that’s the charm of fiction! As media scholar Simone Driessen aptly points out, there’s a lovely twinge of nostalgia woven into the fabric of this new season. It’s that warm, fuzzy feeling of being a couch potato with your family, chips in hand, navigating the emotional tumult of fictional lives while avoiding the hell of your own.

Is It Still Fun After 20 Years?

The television critic and podcast aficionado Alex Mazereeuw expressed a few reservations regarding the revival. His concerns aren’t unfounded — we’ve all seen beloved shows crumble under the pressure of nostalgia, like an old Aunt’s cake going stale at a family reunion. But fear not! After scrutinizing the first two episodes, he was pleasantly surprised. There’s familiarity, but not a lazy retread of what once was. It’s like finding an old friend at a coffee shop who hasn’t aged a day and can still make you laugh.

Setting the Scene

Now, let’s break down the drama. It’s about our four friends, Cheryl, Anouk, Claire, and Roelien, who seem to have all aged into caricatures of their former selves. You can practically hear the creaking of joints as they navigate the pitfalls of middle age while living that luxurious lifestyle we all dream of. But don’t worry, they have relatable problems too — menopause, teen angst, and dating disasters. Did someone say “dumped after a first date”? It’s painfully relatable, much like that guy who thinks sending a text is a date.

The Stereotypical Menagerie

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: stereotyping. In previous seasons, Gooische Vrouwen faced criticism for characters that were, shall we say, less than tasteful? I mean, who can forget Tippi Wan, the Asian au pair who was treated like a walking takeout menu? This time around, though, the introduction of a Chilean housekeeper hints at a step forward, as she’s portrayed with a bit more depth rather than being a punchline. It seems the writers learned a thing or two about nuance — not bad for ‘comedic’ caricatures!

Same Old Tricks?

Ah, Doctor Rossi. Still silent, still dishing out wisdom wrapped in ambiguity, leaving the Gooi folks questioning if he’s a doctor or merely a poorly trained mime. The repetition is almost comforting — like revisiting your childhood home after a decade. The charm lies in their quirks, so bring on the over-the-top antics! It reminds us all that life, even in suburbia, can be a bizarre rollercoaster.

In conclusion, Gooische Vrouwen does indeed possess a certain je ne sais quoi, blending familiarity with contemporary problems whilst tiptoeing on the thin line between caricature and character. Nostalgia serves as its main ingredient, but there’s enough new spice to keep viewers engaged, hoping that their evening TV viewing doesn’t turn into a sequence of hip replacements and reality checks. So grab that popcorn, folks – it’s double the fun and, hopefully, half the drama!

Fans are thrilled to once again engage with the captivating dialogues of Martin Morero, the significant pauses from Doctor Rossi, and the forthright remarks of Claire van Kampen. All these beloved characters are set to return in the latest season of Gooische Vrouwen, a series that has captivated audiences since its inception and garnered the prestigious Golden Televizier Ring in 2009, thanks to the creative genius of Linda de Mol.

The new installment of adventures among friends Cheryl, Anouk, Claire, and Roelien has sparked considerable excitement. Media scientist Simone Driessen from Erasmus University explains, “This show evokes nostalgia, reminding viewers of bygone days. While you might have watched it on the couch surrounded by snacks with your parents, now it resonates with your own family.”

Television critic Alex Mazereeuw expressed initial skepticism regarding the show’s return, noting how often revivals can feel like a reheated leftovers. “Many times, these shows struggle to resonate in today’s landscape, often feeling like a relic from two decades prior.”

To his pleasant surprise, Mazereeuw found the first two episodes refreshing. Director Will Koopman has managed to maintain the essence of the series while introducing contemporary themes seamlessly. “It retains its familiar charm yet avoids falling into repetitive patterns, making it relatable to today’s audience.”

The Dutch drama series explores the lives of four friends navigating their relationships and challenges in the picturesque Gooi region. Creatively envisioned as the Netherlands’ answer to celebrated series like Desperate Housewives and Sex and the City, it originally graced screens back in October 2005.

While the characters have matured, so have their viewers. “They confront situations that might mirror viewers’ own experiences,” notes Driessen.

Viewers can expect relatable new storylines; for instance, Rolien grapples with the challenges of menopause, Cheryl navigates the teenage woes of her son Remy Martin, and Claire faces the emotional toll of being dumped after a first date. “This relatability, even cloaked in humor, plays a significant role in the enduring charm of Gooische Vrouwen.”

However, questions arise about the true relatability of their lavish lifestyles in opulent villas across the Gooi region. Driessen states, “Wealth doesn’t shield you from the universal struggles of love and connection that transcend financial status.”

Mazereeuw believes the show’s characters often slip into caricature, with storylines that sometimes escalate to ludicrous levels. “There’s a unique vulgarity present, yet the talented writers and actors elevate it, revealing the humanity underlying the caricature.”

In past seasons, the show faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, such as the character of Tippi Wan, an Asian au pair who endured poorly thought-out humor. Actress Cystine Carreon reflected on this in a previous interview, expressing that she would reject the role if offered today.

This season introduces a Chilean housekeeper, reflecting a more sensitive approach compared to earlier portrayals. Mazereeuw appreciates this shift, noting, “The character of the Chilean housekeeper is treated with respect, unlike the previous insensitive depiction of Tippi Wan.”

Though the new housekeeper struggles with her tasks, Roelien’s reluctance to let her go adds depth to their interactions, hinting at nostalgia and reflection among the friends.

Other signature elements of the show remain intact. “Doctor Rossi still epitomizes the silent therapist trope,” remarks Mazereeuw. He engages with the residents of the Gooi region, seemingly offering therapy through the power of silence. “While refreshing, some of it feels familiar, working effectively as expected.”

Mazereeuw points out that the creators have struck the right balance, combining familiar elements with fresh challenges to keep the narrative enticing. “They cleverly weave in new layers to retain engagement while honoring the series’ legacy.”

Driessen adds that the element of familiarity enhances viewer appeal, stating, “It’s a series that demands emotional investment from its audience, making their eventual return to its world almost inevitable.”