The Decameron’s bloody ending explained (and why season 2 seems unlikely)

The Decameron's bloody ending explained (and why season 2 seems unlikely)

As a dedicated gamer and avid consumer of all things entertainment, I’ve seen my fair share of shows and movies that leave me on the edge of my seat. But none have quite captured my attention like the dark comedy “The Decameron” on Netflix. This medieval satire took me on a wild ride through the Black Plague-stricken Italy of 1348, where nobles and their servants sought refuge in Villa Santa and chaos ensued.


Warning: Major spoilers ahead from The Decameron season 1 ending.

The most outrageous Netflix original series this summer debuted on July 25 with the premiere of the new dark comedy “The Decameron.” Set in the Middle Ages, this satire is based on the events of 1348 when the Black Plague ravaged Italy, causing the wealthy and their servants to seek refuge in Villa Santa in the countryside. Amidst the efforts to avoid the pandemic, there are plenty of opportunities for drinking, sex, violence, and power struggles.

Over eight gripping episodes, I found myself completely immersed in “The Decameron’s” intricate narrative about this diverse group of characters and the complex class tensions that both pull them apart and draw them together. The stakes were high for every character, and sadly, not all made it through to the end. By the final episode’s conclusion, I was left pondering if Netflix would grant us a second season to unravel more mysteries and explore new conflicts.

At present, it appears doubtful that there will be a second season of “The Decameron” due to several significant factors. However, given the unpredictable nature of modern television, anything is possible. Let’s examine the finale’s events, including the character deaths, and discuss the obstacles preventing a follow-up season.

Only six characters survive in The Decameron

In the last episode of season 1 in “The Decameron,” Villa Santa gets attacked, leading to a fierce battle. Characters who had perished earlier, such as Dineo (Amar Chadha-Patel), unfortunately met their end in this confrontation. The deaths continued with Panfilo (Karan Gill) and Neifile (Lou Gala) being hit by numerous arrows, Tindaro (Douggie McMeekin) getting impaled by a sword, and Pampinea (Zosia Mamet) being trapped in a blazing barrel by Misia.

By the finale of the season, only these major characters have made it through: Tony Hale as Sirisco, Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Misia, Tanya Reynolds as Licisca, Jessica Plummer as Filomena, Leila Farzad as Stratilia, and Aston Wray as Jacopo. Having escaped Villa Santa, they discover a shelter in the forest and rejoice in their survival. As they gather around, they mourn the loss of their companions and ponder the possibilities for a new beginning. In the closing moments, Sirisco shares an enchanting love tale that could pave the way for future adventures.

Season 2 might not be necessary

Based on how well “The Decameron” performs on Netflix, they may choose to create a second season. However, if the storyline in episode 8’s final segment is adopted, it’s unlikely that the initial cast would return. Yet, even if we don’t get to see “The Decameron” season 2 at all, as it’s classified as a limited series by Netflix.

Before the premiere of the show, Netflix hadn’t explicitly stated whether it was a limited series or not. However, after finishing the gruesome last episode, it’s evident that this story has a finite scope. Nevertheless, the 14th century collection of short stories by Giovanni Boccaccio that inspired the series is reportedly comprised of one hundred tales. It’s unlikely that the show managed to adapt all of them in just eight episodes during its first season.

As a long-time avid viewer of television shows, I’ve seen my fair share of “limited series” that have defied expectations and returned for more seasons. These productions, initially marketed as one-and-done stories, have surprised audiences with their engaging plots and compelling characters.

If “The Decameron” garners sufficient viewership on Netflix, it’s reasonable to assume that the platform might consider producing more episodes with new tales and figures. Nonetheless, the conclusion of the initial season doesn’t mandate a follow-up. We can only anticipate what lies ahead for this witty period comedy!

Watch The Decameron only on Netflix.

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2024-07-25 19:03