In the gritty world of organized crime, drugs, and illicit wealth, the new "Bremerhaven crime thriller" on Ersten, titled "Watzmann ermittelt," sheds light on a shadowy underworld. The narrative follows a small, ambitious team of customs investigators as they attempt to halt the city's rampant drug trade. This ambitious group, including control expert Katta Strüwer (Elena Uhlig), investigation agent Gero von Bernbeck (Bernd Hölscher), customs expert Lisa Cunningham (Cynthia Micas), and IT forensics specialist Sven-Erik Dröse (Lukas Zumbrock), confront numerous obstacles in their relentless pursuit of justice.
The team encounters numerous setbacks during their investigations, and their efforts are further complicated when IT forensic expert Sven-Erik Dröse recognizes Dmitri (Bogdan Iancu), an illegal immigrant, as playing a critical role in the drug network. This revelation puts the investigators themselves in dire peril, for their lives are now hanging in the balance.
Director Nicolai Rohde, who boasts a Bremen-born background, expressed excitement over the project and the opportunity to film in the bustling port area. He was impressed by the unyielding nature of the port, comparing its forbidding architecture to the soul-crushing existence of their main character, Dmitri. Performance-wise, Rohde admired actor Bogdan Iancu, highlighting his ability to convey vulnerability, anger, and intelligence.
Actress Cynthia Micas, who portrays customs officer Lisa Cunningham, also shared her enthusiasm about filming in the bustling port area. The sheer size of the area left her feeling insignificant, while her newfound respect for the bravery and tenacity of customs officers who risk their lives to tackle the illegal drug trade only grew. The intricate machinery and complex systems used by the customs officers in the film impressed Micas, making her performance as a curious and determined investigator all the more genuine.
The film portrays the gutsy customs officers as layered, human individuals, each with their own unique personalities. Rohde describes the four leading actors as both authentic and sympathetic, with a surprising warmth in the way they interact with one another. This reveal adds an intriguing dimension to the investigative team, fostering a sense of curiosity about their private lives and piquing viewers' interest.
The director also hinted at the possibility of a sequel, emphasizing the importance of viewing ratings for the success of the first series. Although plans are being made for a follow-up, patience is required, and the ultimate fate of the customs investigators hinges on the public's response to this gritty, gripping tale.
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*The query seems to be referring to a specific ARD program titled "ARD - The heroes from customs: the new 'Bremerhaven crime thriller'" but it appears that this title is not accurate. The actual title of the program mentioned in the search results is "Watzmann ermittelt," which is part of the ARD's "Tatort" series, a long-running German crime television series.
The episode follows Marie Helmers, a woman who, two years after her husband's death, starts to re-enter the dating scene by creating a profile on the "Lonely Hearts" portal. During a date with Marc Clausen, her house is burgled, and the thief targets her jewelry. This incident is not a coincidence, as several other single women have also had their homes targeted during dates. The story involves a series of mysterious break-ins and the investigation into these crimes.*
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