The Arrangement

The Arrangement (Dojednání) is a Czech TV series that aired from 1993 to 1994. The show was created by Jiří Procházka and directed by Jiří Svoboda. It is set in the fictional village of Řeby, located in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. The story revolves around the lives of four families, and their relationships and interactions with each other. The central theme of the series is the traditional practice of "panství" (arrangement) in the Czech countryside. This is a system where the wealthy landowners have significant influence over the lives of their tenants, who are often poor and dependent on the landowner's goodwill. The series explores the power dynamics and social hierarchy inherent in this arrangement, as well as the struggles and conflicts that arise from it. The characters in the series come from different social backgrounds and have different motivations. The wealthy and powerful landowners include the stubborn and authoritative Matějovský family, led by Antonín Matějovský, and the corrupt and manipulative Holánek family. On the other hand, the tenants are represented by the honorable and hardworking Šebestovský family, and the ambitious and opportunistic Třekovský family. Throughout the series, the characters face various challenges and obstacles, including financial difficulties, romantic entanglements, and conflicts with the landowners. The Arrangement offers a glimpse into the complex social fabric of rural Czech society, exploring themes of power, class, loyalty, and love. The show was well-received by the Czech audience, and it has become a classic in Czech television history. Its success was attributed to its realistic portrayal of rural life, its engaging storyline, and its talented ensemble cast. The Arrangement remains a popular and widely discussed TV series in the Czech Republic.