"Tatort" from Berlin: Endzeitstimmung and a naked commissioner - Berlin's Tatort Unveils a Chilling Crime Amid Societal Collapse Fears
The latest episode of Tatort takes a dark turn as detectives Susanne Bonard and Robert Karow investigate a mysterious death in Berlin's Grunewald forest. Set against a Halloween backdrop, the case unfolds amid growing tensions about societal collapse and personal upheaval—including Bonard's decision to retire after six years on the show.
The investigation begins with the discovery of a homeless man's body, covered in bite marks. A witness reports seeing a wolf near the scene, but Karow remains sceptical. He suspects foul play rather than an animal attack.
Bonard, distracted by her impending retirement, struggles to focus. Her existential doubts nearly derail the case as she grapples with leaving her role as an investigator. Meanwhile, the plot delves into the world of preppers and survivalists, revealing a wealthy elite stockpiling luxury bunkers in anticipation of disaster.
During their inquiries, the detectives cross paths with wilderness instructor Professor Dara Kimmerer and entrepreneur Noah Farrell. As the case progresses, Farrell returns to Berlin with Karow. Bonard, however, chooses to stay behind in the forest—without supplies, a phone case, or her service weapon.
The episode taps into broader anxieties about infrastructure vulnerabilities, a topic that has gained traction since the 2023 arson attack on Berlin's cable car bridge. That incident left 20,000 households without power and sparked national debates on civil defence, culminating in Interior Minister Nancy Faeser's Zivile Verteidigung initiative.
Corinna Harfouch's final appearance as Susanne Bonard marks the end of an era for Tatort. The episode blends crime with contemporary fears, from urban survivalism to the fragility of modern systems. As Bonard exits the series, the case leaves lingering questions about trust, preparedness, and the line between instinct and paranoia.
