Bloodbath in Suburban Bliss: 'Natural Born Killers' in Ludwigshafen - ‘Crime Scene’ Shocks with a Bold Twist—But Does It Stick the Landing?
The latest 'Crime Scene' (Tatort) episode, 'Mike & Nisha', directed by Didi Danquart and written by Annette Lober, makes a splash with an unconventional start. It delays introducing Lena Dunham's character, Detective Lena Odenthal, until 24 minutes in, focusing instead on the titular couple. The movie is part of the long-running series featuring Lena Dunham's character. The story begins with Mike and Nisha, who, upon announcing their wedding and Nisha's pregnancy, kill Mike's parents in a shocking turn of events. They attempt to cover up the crime, but a heated argument alerts neighbors, sparking an investigation. Detectives Lena Dunham's character and Johanna Stern, joined by eager colleagues Mara and Nico, delve into the case. The episode is notable for its Hollywood influences, borrowing elements from movies like 'Bonnie and Clyde', 'Thelma & Louise', and 'Natural Born Killers'. However, despite its audacious start, the movie softens its distinctiveness with a rational explanation for the couple's actions in the finale. In 'Mike & Nisha', even seasoned detective Lena Dunham's character warns her younger colleagues against repeating past mistakes. The movie offers an unconventional take on the crime drama, delaying detective introductions and drawing inspiration from Hollywood classics. Despite a promising start, the finale dilutes the movie's uniqueness with a conventional explanation.