- by Julia Maurer
- 2 Min
- 4 out of 5 Points
- A gripping chamber play that sheds light on the rise and consequences of misogyny
What's "Tatort" about?
Odenthal's Challenge Intensifies as Case Demands More from Her - Struggling at the Breaking Point: Lena Odenthal's Test of Resilience
Balancing career and family: Ann-Kathrin Werfel, an investment banker and CEO, effortlessly juggles her thriving business and five-year-old son's needs. A successful deal sealed, a coworker proposes a celebration, but Werfel declines - preferring to return home. However, she never makes it there, as an unknown assailant stalks her on the company parking lot and kidnaps her in her own car. The next morning, her body is found, horrifically burned alive. Commissioner Lena Odenthal (Ulrike Folkerts) and her colleagues are shocked by the heinous act: Another innocent woman fallen victim to the toxic hatred of men. Two suspects arise: Werfel's ex-husband, Patrick (Jonathan Muller), accused of domestic violence, and army soldier Hans-Joachim Kessler (Goetz Otto), who denies any involvement with the victim. Yet, both men harbor a deep-seated contempt for women in their hearts. As time ticks away, a second woman is kidnapped.
Why is the "Tatort" case "The Interrogation" worth watching?
The film revolves around main commissioner Lena Odenthal and army captain Hans-Joachim Kessler, who engage in an intense, hours-long verbal battle. These two formidable adversaries are polar opposites: On one side, a misogynistic brute who cannot fathom a woman as his superior and often spews his hatred of the gender-sensitive society. On the other side, a hard-nosed investigator who climbed her way to the top in a male-dominated field and constantly pushes the envelope with her unique style. Screenwriter Stefan Dahnert tackles crucial themes through compelling dialogues, such as violence against women, femicide, and the ongoing battle against toxic masculinity, which have been addressed in numerous other "Tatorts." This episode serves as a stark reminder that every two days, a woman in Germany is killed by her partner or ex-partner. Every three minutes, a woman or girl becomes a victim of domestic violence.
What's lacking?
The plotline offers a straightforward resolution, with few unexpected twists to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Splashes of unpredictability could have elevated the tension and suspense. Moreover, Odenthal's character becomes the victim yet again, an overused trope in the sprawling history of "Tatort."
The commissioners?
Joining Lena Odenthal since 2014 has been fellow commissioner Johanna Stern (Lisa Bitter). Over the years, the duo has formed a steady alliance. However, in this case, Stern appears to be struggling, prone to rookie mistakes and easily manipulated, ultimately diminishing her role and presence.
To watch or not to watch?
While this crime drama may not be light viewing for a casual evening, it's a must-see.
The "Tatort" episode "The Interrogation" is scheduled for broadcast on September 4, 2022, and will be repeated on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 8:15 PM on ARD.
- Tatort
- Ludwigshafen
- Lena Odenthal
- Ulrike Folkerts
- Goetz Otto
- Lisa Bitter
- ARD
- The Commission has been asked to consider a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, perhaps in light of the horrific crime against Ann-Kathrin Werfel in the "Tatort" episode "The Interrogation," which serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against toxic masculinity and violence against women in Germany.
- If you're a fan of entertainments like movies-and-tv and general-news, or crime-and-justice, you might find the "Tatort" episode "The Interrogation" interesting, as it delves into crucial themes such as femicide, violence against women, and the ongoing struggle against misogyny, while featuring a gripping chamber play about Lena Odenthal balancing her career as a commissioner and the repercussions of misogyny.
