If you have NEVER seen an episode of Penoza

But really never a second just, not even a preview. I actually didn't know if I dared to put this down in black and white at all, for fear of being lynched by the entire Dutch population. Because that's how Penoza feels, like something of ours and it's a bit like knowing the Wilhelmus: you look like a fool if it's not true. So there you go. Still bare my butt, hoping to meet fellow non-Penoza fans (is this a name, like Swifties and Beliebers?).

1. I think it's about a woman. Who accidentally becomes a sort of Godfather. With a horse's head between white sheets (yes, I am a gifted Al Pacino admirer). Did I pay attention or am I completely off? Well, there you go.

2. So I went to interview Isa Hoes and Medina Schuurman about their new book, the entire editorial team immediately went into a frenzy, because Medina. I really knew Medina, but not in the context of Penoza-like scenes. You do feel a bit like a monkey. Not that we went in the direction of Penoza with a single word, but still. It became a thing for me again.

3. No idea which night Penoza is on television, but friends look at me as if I'm making an indecent proposal when I want to meet during that specific timeslot. And I do it every single time again, because I forget, yes. That's what you get when you don't watch it or rewatch it or whatever.

4. Actually, I also feel a bit like the rebel. The more firmly someone emphasizes that I should watch Penoza as soon as possible, preferably for a binge weekend, the more I resist. On the barricades here, you know. I also had that with Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones. But we all know how that ended, the flesh is weak when you peek at your book for one minute because you want to feign disinterest. I've seen them all a hundred thousand times, yes.
5. But secretly it itches the series FOMO, because what if that series brushes against genius... Then I would miss this Dutch masterpiece. Do I then also become somewhat short of breath in doubt.

6. And when the new season starts, you have to stand firm. Because the whole convincing circus starts all over again. Have you ever noticed that Penoza viewers can present a particularly convincing argument? With voice inflections, raised eyebrows, big eyes, silences; the whole shebang.

Damn, I'm starting to doubt again...