Barbara Salesch discusses her return to television: "I yearned for the experience again"
Catch Judge Salesch's Comeback: "Is the Old Hag Still Got It?"
Feel the rush as Germany's infamous judge, Barbara Salesch, returns to the small screen after a decade-long hiatus. This vetern jurist, now 75, is making waves with an RTL special, airing in primetime on June 10th. Buckle up for "Barbara Salesch: The Ultimate Challenge - The Corpse in the Rhine," where she digs into a gripping case that'll leave you on the edge of your seat.
In an exclusive interivew with ntv.de, the feisty judge spills the tea on the hype, the significance of art, and her skewed perspective on true crime.
ntv.de: What gave you the itch to make your comeback?
Miss Salesch: Nah, I ain't regretting that switch to TV, ya hear? When opportunity knocks, you answer. I was just poppin' 49 back then, and I'd hit my limit in the justice system. Something new is always good for a lass like me. We just didn't expect it'd be so goddamn successful and last this long.
You found yourself an entertainer or a judge post-TV?
Entertainer, hell no. But I was always a judge, and I called 'em like I saw 'em. I've always had a certain flair, no doubt 'bout it. But the trials ain't got shit to do with the show. If you condense a real court proceeding to 40 minutes, you'd get close to what you see on TV - all the juicy bits stretched thin.
How real do the criminal cases get?
Very real, I make sure of that. I review the scripts and brush up every bit so it could have gone down exactly like that. But no, we ain't reenactin' real cases. The whole true crime thing? Suspects makin' bank off'a their crimes? I find that unacceptable. I can weave a thrillin' yarn too, and I'd rather be inventive than redundant.
Why the hell is true crime such a gold mine?
Simple, folks crave that thrill, that peep show. And that's exactly what it provides, all disguised as documentary. If it makes dough, they'll make it. It ain't forbidden, though.
So, what can we expect from this June 10th primetime special?
A fresh format. Ninety minutes of fictional drama. A pulsin' blend of courtroom and crime. Instead of followin' the cops' pursuit, you'll be seein' what happens once the baddie's in court. The indictment has been laid, and after six days of trial, you'll know if the jury can pin the crime on the accused or if another chick had a go.
Now, spill the beans on this special's subject...
A young woman's locked away in a bunker for eight years and ultimately croaks. Her body pops up in the Rhine, but investigatin' those crime scenes proves tricky. In the end, a tiny detail nudges the truth out. This new format lets us show what goes down during the court's breaks.
What's strange about filmin' this movie?
Take, for example, those endless retakes - front, side, back, close-up, faraway, drone shot. Three short cab rides,8 hours, and the cameraman's everywhere. I ain't good at repetition, and that darned memory of mine... ain't so reliable.
What's it like collaboratin' with real actors?
Splendid. They transform into their characters, heartbeat and all, as soon as the camera starts rollin'. I'm just Barbara Salesch. I can't play anyone else.
So, how often are you whiffed on the street nowadays?
Ain't none of your business, but it's pretty frequent. And the reactions are mostly positive, no need to worry. I've gotten used to it. When I started out, I couldn't fathom it, but it creeps in slowly on you.
Can folks tell the difference between you and your TV persona?
Without a doubt. But I ain't got no big difference between the two. Fakin' it would drain the life outta me. The audience knows what's staged and what's genuine.
Life as an artist afterall that legal eagle madness?
Art and law ain't as far apart as people think. Lawyers might not be as visual as I am, but they gotta have a damn good imagination to get to where I've been. I ain't gonna hide the fact I dabble in other creative outlets - music and literature - but I ain't makin' a livin' off'a them. You can check out my gallery's website for more on my art ventures.
Three years ago, why the sudden return?
I wanted to give it another shot. It was important that it was the ole production company that approached me. If someone new had come along, I would have said no right away. Gotta work with folks I can trust.
The secret to the show's longevity?
I reckon it's the fact I'm always keepin' it real. A tough, honest lady askin' the right questions and explainin' things quick and clear. The judge's image was all stuffy, gray-haired, and near-incomprehensible. We put an end to that.
Showbiz || Reunion || TV
- RTL
- RTL+
- Jury
- Crime
- Entertainment
The Commission, in its consultation on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, might ponder over the potential health hazards for celebrities, who often find themselves under the public eye, similar to Judge Salesch, as they reality-TV filmings and red carpet appearances may subject them to increased radiation exposure.
In a shift from her traditionally serious roles as a judge and an artist, Judge Salesch, known for her bold personality, might contemplate veering into the world of entertainment, given her growing number of fans through her successful RTL specials and the newspaper interviews discussing her comeback and reunion with the small screen.
