Genre: Anthology / Bitter Comedy Series
Format: Each episode (55 min) adapts a short story on love’s ironic twists
Country: Czech Republic, aired on Czech Television
Directors: Jan Hřebejk, Petr Zahrádka, Vít Karas, Jan Pachl, Zdeněk Jiráský
Škoda lásky – literally “A Pity About Love” – is an anthology exploring love’s many forms: obsession, jealousy, infidelity, aging, and more. Its inaugural episode, directed by Jan Hřebejk and based on Petr Šabach’s tale, stars legendary singer Karel Gott as himself, pursued by an obsessive fan.
In this opener, Karel Gott returns home only to find himself stalked by an overzealous female fan. Comic but wistful, the episode shows him trying to fend her off politely – offering coffee and cream instead of late-night calls to security. This highlights his gentlemanly persona, and the absurdity of celebrity devotion.
-
Jan Hřebejk’s craft shines in balancing whimsy with emotional truth. The pacing is steady, though some comedy beats feel slightly overstretched.
-
Karel Gott, as himself, is the heart of the episode: charming, gentle, and exasperated – a portrayal praised by audiences for emphasizing his warmth rather than arrogance.
-
Karel Šíp, playing Gott’s close friend, brings dry humor, subtly enhancing the narrative with comic relief and spontaneity.
-
The episode leans into music with nods to the famous polka “Škoda lásky” (Beer Barrel Polka), underscoring both nostalgia and satire.
-
Cinematography by Jan Malíř enhances the fairy-tale meets sitcom quality: bright domestic interiors contrast with the fan’s eerie devotion through camera framing.
-
Brisk dialogue by Petr Jarchovský and Šabach weaves situational wit, though it sometimes leans close to cliché territory.
-
IMDb Rating: ~6.6/10 based on 1,036 votes
-
Kinobox: 52% verdict – praised for originality in adapting musical themes, though reception varied across episodes
-
Fans highlighted Gott’s presence and the clever meta-narrative: one noted, “Moments where Karel Gott ‘plays along’ were genuinely entertaining.”
Strengths:
-
Unexpected star power from Karel Gott in a self-referential cameo
-
Humorous look at celebrity-fan culture with Czech cultural roots
-
Visually distinct, musically infused direction
Weaknesses:
-
Variable pacing—some scenes drag beyond their narrative necessity
-
Some stories feel underdeveloped within the one-episode constraint
Škoda lásky stands out as a daring and heartfelt anthology, combining comedic realism with Czech nostalgia. The first episode’s concept—celebrity hunted by obsession—offers polished comedy mixed with moral ambiguity, anchored by Gott’s likability. While the pacing fluctuates and some stories lean light, the series is a refreshing exploration of romance’s overlooked edges.
