After the release of the TV series "Kolobkov". A real colonel! - the first spin-off of the series "Soldiers", the next hero with a separate story was Valery Smalkov
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For me, this character in the performance of Ignat Akrachkov in "Soldiers" has always been a carrier of something good and bright. A young platoon-lieutenant with a non-command voice, playing the piano, but also having a rank in boxing - so he appeared in season 2. At the beginning of season 9, Smalkov moved to another part - already being a mustless company captain, a family man (who recently had a son). Yes, Smalkov was not a stern commander, but he managed to find approaches to any soldiers - both greyhounds (Lavrov) and stupid (Papazoglo). It was a shame to say goodbye to him, to be honest. No less interesting character was in the series and Evelina (Maria Aronova) - a bright and charismatic saleswoman in a cap, who later became Smalkov's wife (despite the age difference). These people got their own separate story from the main plot of the series.
It is very appropriate to draw a parallel with the series about Kolobkov (not only because they have 8 episodes, the same creators, and even a year of filming). Just like in the case of the project about Kolobkov, "Smalkov". Double blackmail" would not be interesting in principle, if the idyll of the married couple was not violated by a detractor from the past. With the appearance in the series of another long-forgotten character "Soldier" Khodokova (Dmitry Yermilov), everything interesting begins (conflict and its resolution). For those who have forgotten, let me remind you: Khodokov is the same “snitch” from the call of Sokolov and Vakutagin, who was a scribe for some time in the second year of service, and then, having accidentally drunk a jelly with drugs, arranged a shooting on guard. After that, his fate remained behind the scenes (either commissioned, or transferred to another part).
The main plot is built on the revenge of Sergei Khodokov to his commander Smalkov. Ironically, they had to serve together twice - first in the motorized rifle troops, and then a few years later in the Emergencies Ministry. But the injury received on the mission (partly through the fault of Smalkov) will be a verdict for Khodokov and a reason for blackmail. Subsequently, one more blackmail will be added to this – only from the side of a person who did not participate in this conflict, but is not averse to using it in their insidious plans. Although about who he is, it becomes known already in the first series (which for the detective series is already minus).
Also, that would be more interesting to watch the series in it appeared Vakutagin and Galina from the series "Sea Soul". According to the story, Vakutagin, after finishing his service as a coca minesweeper, comes to work as a cook in Evelina’s cafe (where he also sometimes meets his colleague at the call of Khodokov, with whom complex relations have been established since the days of service in the army). Well, a nice bonus for fans of “Soldiers”, but no more (because without Ivan and Galina, the series would not lose much).
Of the minuses, I note, perhaps, the length of the series (it could be shortened), and blunders with the time of action (too many events behind the scenes occurred to believe that the action takes place a year after the transfer of Captain Smalkov to Novorossiysk to his wife and son).
The series was good, but I expected more. Unfortunately, for all the time of the series, the Smalkovs did not change in any direction (and they are the main characters). But in a different way I made walkers look at themselves. And here is the rehabilitation of the character in the eyes of the viewer (especially considering that previously he was an antagonist). This is a great way to watch it once.
5 out of 10