Gooische Women - Season 7

Gooische vrouwen is a humorous series offering a glimpse into the lives of four women living in Het Gooi. This season: older, more wrinkled, but thankfully unchanged. In 2005, I was introduced to the four ladies from 't Gooi, and I was immediately hooked. What a feast of recognition. Not because of the villas and wine cellars (although I won’t say no to a good glass), but because of everything they encountered: relationships, children, friendships, and work. Twenty years later, I'm still watching. Everything. And yes: I'm still hooked.



I have to admit, I briefly feared a tightly pulled, perfectly aged version of Gooische Vrouwen. Sharp suits, smooth faces, and especially: no rough edges left. But fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Season 7 once again serves that familiar cocktail of chardonnay, botox, and moral decay. And it tastes surprisingly good. A solid 8.

It's nice to see that not only have I gotten older, but they have too. Of course, there's some touch-up here and there, but time is visible. And that makes it all the more relatable. Everything is still nicely exaggerated and heavily dramatized, but rebellious teenagers, friends who don't spare each other, and men who don't understand women (and vice versa) remain universal themes. All of this wrapped in humor and a big wink.

That familiar cocktail of chardonnay, botox, and moral decay.

Cheryl (Linda de Mol), Anouk (Susan Visser), Roelien (Lies Visschedijk), and Claire (Tjitske Reidinga) each struggle in their own way with life and aging. Fortunately, there's Dr. Rossi (Derek de Lint), who excels in saying nothing. With his meaningful looks and impressive silences, he lets the ladies talk while we know exactly what he's thinking. Iconic remains it.

Roelien once again throws herself into saving the world and takes it a step further this season. She builds hedgehog houses for the neighborhood, while her own life resembles more of a rejected recycling center. Priorities, let's say.

Meanwhile, Cheryl tries to become 'zen' with a mindfulness coach who is presumably more expensive than my mortgage. She shields herself with designer clothes and bags but can't escape Martin (Peter Paul Müller), who is trying to make a comeback. As always, the past catches up with him, and secrets surface at the most inopportune moments. And then there’s Aunt Cor (Beppie Melissen): sweet, coarse, unfiltered, and always good for maximum chaos.

Claire is still sharp, cynical, and averse to everything 'normal'. She comforts herself with wine and an unfiltered opinion. On paper, she has everything in order, but her relationship with her daughter and with Otto is strained on all sides. Fortunately, Claire remains Claire: stubborn, tough, and vulnerable at the same time.

With his telling glances and impressive silences, he lets the ladies do the talking, while we know exactly what he's thinking. It remains iconic.

And then Anouk. Chaotic, passionate, and full of life, but this season confronted with the downside of aging. The obsession with staying young rubs her the wrong way, and she decides to take on the cosmetic industry. Typical Anouk: fierce, principled, and full of energy, with no regard for what others think.

Season 7 is like a full chardonnay, blended with viognier and a spicy hint of marsanne and roussanne. Rich, sharp, and with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Exactly how Gooische Vrouwen is meant to be.