A Rough Ride with the Bremen Duo: 'Tatort' Unleashed
Odd companions unite in unusual alliance
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The body on the Weser riverbank in Bremen sets off a chain of events drenched in stalking and mind games. 'As Long as You Breathe' is dripping with suspense - if only the perpetual petty feuds between detectives Linda Selb (Luise Wolfram) and Liv Moormann (Jasna Fritzi Bauer) didn't disrupt the momentum.
The Case:
The distinctive jacket cannot hide the identity of the Weser shore's latest victim immediately. Bremen investigators Selb and Moormann are on the case, but their verbal sparring, gym club tussles, and distractions complicate the investigation. Clues begin to surface, leading to the deceased's identity: Marek Kolschak (Jonathan Berlin). In his final days, Kolschak had incurred the wrath of Rani Ewers (Via Jikeli), a single mother, and her young daughter Mia (Pola Friedrichs) with his relentless stalking. With Rani having a clear motive, she could be the culprit. But so could her roommate Paula Södersen (Sarina Radomski), or Kolschak's colleague Benno Falk (Julian Greis), the investigative journalist delving into Bremen's drug scene, who seems uneasy during questioning.
The Game behind the Game:
This case perhaps explores the intricacies of modern issues: single mothers seeking housing, the hazards of crime scene investigations, stalking, emotional dependency, and the quest for tranquility. Alas, it's obscured by the incessant squabbling between Selb and Moormann. Their bad chemistry is puzzling, lacking the humor or entertainment value of 'The Odd Couple' from Neil Simon’s works. It just feels like a drain on the scenes.
Stick Around:
Despite the verbal stumbles, the plot is captivating enough to warrant your attention.Writers Judith Westermann and director Franziska Margarete Hoenisch skillfully build tension, and a glimmer of hope for Moormann and Selb by the end.
The WOW Factor:
Average. 'As Long as You Breathe' offers solid crime drama with room for improvement. Some added suspense and deduction would elevate it, but Helen Schneider as the court-appointed medical examiner Edda Bingley was a welcome breath of fresh air.
The Verdict:
5 out of 10 points - The story picks up pace towards the end, but could benefit from some extended scenes. There's hope in Bremen, it seems.
Source: ntv.de* Tatort* ARD* Bremen* Crime
- The following are to be added: additional suspense and deduction to elevate 'As Long as You Breathe' from average to a more engaging crime drama.
- Furthermore, elements of entertainment, such as the humorous banter found in 'The Odd Couple' from Neil Simon’s works, could help mitigate the incessant squabbling between detectives Linda Selb and Liv Moormann.
- Movies-and-TV viewers who are interested in exploring modern social issues, such as single motherhood, crime scene hazards, stalking, emotional dependency, and the pursuit of tranquility, might find 'As Long as You Breathe' to be of interest.
- The general-news segment could delve into the growing problem of stalking in society, drawing attention to the story's themes and ongoing efforts to address such crimes.
- In the crime-and-justice sphere, the episode's portrayal of the intricacies of stakeout procedures and investigative techniques provides valuable insights and lessons for viewers.
