Titled for the Lime: Barbara Salesch's TV Reemergence: "I just needed to know if I still had the juice in me"
Television Return of Barbara Salesch: Seeking to Reacquaint Herself
Barbara Salesch, the legendary judge-turned-TV sensation who stormed German screens over two decades ago, is back in the limelight. At a ripe 75, she's once again gracing our screens with her unapologetic, no-nonsense judicial prowess. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect from the RTL's gripping 90-minute special, "Barbara Salesch: The Greatest Trial of Her Life – The Dead in the Rhine," premiering on June 10.
Barbara Salesch: The Pressure, The Praise, and The Pain
ntv.de: After 26 years, are you regretting the switch to TV?
Barbara Salesch: Nah, not one bit. When an opportunity like that lands at your feet, you grab it with both hands. I was pushing 50 then, and I'd already made my mark in the justice system. Change was good. But I never imagined it'd last this long.
Did the face of justice ever feel like a stage to you?
Entertainment, no. I was a judge and always remained who I am. However, I've always had a touch of the drama queen in me. Real life isn't a Hollywood production - it's messy, unpredictable, and long-winded. But on TV, you edit it down to its bare essentials.
Truth, Lies, and the Allure of True Crime
ntv.de: How genuine is the line between reality and TV-land for you?
Exactly where reality ends and TV begins - that's a fine line. I pride myself on keeping it real, making certain the scripts resemble the actual legal events that transpired. But the cases presented in the series aren't true stories -they're just as close to the truth as a Hollywood movie ever can be.
The appeal of true crime has been pervasive for years. What's your take on it?
People love a good thrill, the voyeuristic aspect. And that's exactly what it sells, under the guise of being factual. True crime has become quite profitable, but at what cost? For me, victims should never be profited from, and I think it's reprehensible when they are. However, I can weave a gripping tale too, and I'd rather be original than a copycat.
A New Format, A New Challenge
ntv.de: What can we expect from your new prime-time special?
Expect something new - an engaging mixture of courtroom drama and crime thriller. Typically, criminal stories are told via the police's perspective, but in this film, it's the accused's turn to take center stage. In this film, we explore what takes place after the indictment has been raised, and after six days of trial, the verdict is known.
The Case: A Deadly Secret in the Rhine
Our thrilling mystery unfolds around a young woman who has been held captive in a bunker for eight long years and ultimately meet a tragic end in the Rhine. Although her body is quickly recovered, it's challenging to establish the crime scenes and the sequence of events. This grisly case takes an unexpected turn when a minute detail sets everything straight.
Behind the Scenes
Behind-the-scenes, the shooting was a grueling challenge. A single shot could require multiple takes from different angles - front, side, back, close-up, and even using drones. It took us eight hours just to film three short taxi rides. The pressure was on, but with great challenges come great results.
Collaboration: The Faces Behind the Drama
Working with talented actors and actresses was a breath of fresh air. They became their characters the moment the cameras began rolling, and were themselves again when the scene was wrapped. As for me, I'm always just Barbara Salesch - the judge, the attorney, the artist. My co-stars found it easy to memorize lines, being younger and all. They adapted swimmingly.
The Long-Lasting Impact
ntv.de: You're recognized on the street quite frequently. How does that feel?
Quite often, especially after 2000 episodes. The reactions are mostly positive. People are polite and respectful, and I appreciate that. Back in the day, I took the slightly excessive attention as too much. That's why I retreated to the Eifel for a taste of peace and quiet country living. But I have to maintain a connection with my audience since TV is what keeps me going.
The Power of Entertainment
ntv.de: On television, can you distinguish yourself as Barbara Salesch, the private person, or Barbara Salesch, the TV personality?
Of course, but the two aren't exactly mutually exclusive. I'm the same Barbara Salesch both in and out of the courtroom. I'm honest, straightforward, and unafraid to ask tough questions. The audience is intuitive enough to see right through the act, but my no-nonsense style is appreciated by many.
From Legal Eagle to the World of Art
I threw myself into the world of art after retiring from TV in 2012, and it's a stark contrast to the dry legal sciences. I've always had an affinity for art -music, literature, and visual arts. However, I couldn't sustain a living from it. Sculpting was my first love, but now I focus on woodcuts, a labor-intensive printing technique. You can visit my gallery's website to see my work and details about my annual exhibitions.
The Genesis of Her Reemergence
Three years ago, I decided to give TV another shot, teaming up with the production company that first approached me. I missed the thrill of working in the industry, and it was essential to me that I collaborated with seasoned professionals who respected me and understood my specific needs. I'm notorious for my stubbornness and lack of diplomacy, but they could handle it.
The Secret to Success
My authenticity, my persistence, and my ability to ask questions without holding back have earned me a strong audience. I present the facts clearly and concisely, debunking the image of a judgmental, bearded, elder-statesman judge. I'm providing a fresh perspective on justice, paving the way for more female TV judges.
Stepping Back or Moving Forward?
I can't predict how long I'll continue to preside over the courtroom on TV. It all depends on the audience's response and my own desire to keep going. As long as people continue to enjoy my work, I'll continue sharing my unique brand of justice with the world.
Barbara Salesch spoke to Mariana Jang.
In the 90-minute film "Barbara Salesch - Der grösste Prozess ihres Lebens: Die Tote im Rhein" (translates to "Barbara Salesch – The Greatest Trial of Her Life: The Dead in the Rhine") premiering on June 10th, the cult judge returns to prime-time TV (also streaming on RTL).
Source: ntv.de
- RTL
- RTLplus
- Justice
- Trials
- Reality TV
- TV
Community action is essential for the success of Barbara Salesch's television return, as her fans and followers within the community look forward to engaging with her once again. Moreover, the entertainment value of the upcoming special, featuring Barbara Salesch, is amplified by the involvement of celebrities in the production, adding an extra layer of excitement for viewers.
