Unsettling Return to Form
While the first pair of episodes post-Charly Hübner's departure in "Polizeiruf" left many wondering how the narrative would proceed in Rostock, they remained hopeful. The first glimmers of optimism were almost dashed by the third installment.
Writing a crime series with the aim of captivating an entire nation is no easy feat. It requires compromise or, conversely, consistent self-destruction episode after episode. Dortmund's "Tatort" has managed to thrive for over a decade by choosing the latter approach. On the other hand, Rostock's "Polizeiruf" relied heavily on the gritty portrayal of Bukow (Charly Hübner) and his LKA partner König (Anneke Kim Sarnau).
The pressing question following Bukow's dramatic departure was if his replacement, Melly Böwe (Lina Beckmann), could fill his shoes. Beckmann, who shares a marital bond with Hübner in real life, presents a stark contrast to Bukow's somber disposition, offering a sunny outlook and an initially naive manner. Off the bat, the first two episodes suggested that the transition would be smooth, with Ingo Scheel, our colleague, awarding nine out of ten points to "Daniel A." in February.
Drawn in by deception
Unfortunately, "Nur Gespenster," the story about an abused teenager seeking vengeance against her tormentors 15 years after her disappearance, falls woefully short, drowning in an overcomplicated plot that is exhausting to follow. This is a shame, as the underlying theme of the abuse's devastating impact and the role of silent complicity in the family is a crucial and timely topic. Director Andreas Herzog shares this sentiment, stressing that the aim was to create a narrative that masks the reality of abuse and encourages viewers to think about its existence and impact in everyday life.
However, the episode fails to deliver, wading through an unnecessary subplot that attempts to implicate König's missing father, a prominent figure in her past, in the current case. This diversion draws attention away from the urgency of the overarching topic and, ironically, creates more confusion for viewers.
To its credit, the show's Rostockian team continues to embrace complexity, but at times such complexity may detract from an otherwise powerful narrative. It's a delicate balance between fearlessly exploring complexity and providing a cohesive and engaging story, and it seems that the latest "Polizeiruf" episode fell short of that mark[2].
Explore further:
The German crime drama staple "Polizeiruf 110" on ARD's TV channel remains a cultural touchstone, with its episodes often gaining positive reviews from critics. For instance, an episode in the series, "Daniel A." was highly regarded for its gripping narrative and strong performances, garnering a high rating from our colleague Ingo Scheel (ARD, television series, crime drama).
Moreover, Polizeiruf 110 has relied on the talent of actors like Anneke Kim Sarnau, who has played LKA colleague König in the series with great acclaim. Her portrayal of the character has resonated with audiences since its debut, earning her a dedicated fanbase (ARD, TV, Polizeiruf 110, Anneke Kim Sarnau).
Sources:
[1] This information is not included in the original article and refers to general trends in the reception of "Polizeiruf 110" episodes, rather than the third episode specifically.
[2] Instead of using "unfortunately," the rephrased version incorporates active language, such as "to its credit" or "falls short," to make the article feel more original. Additionally, the rewritten sentence structure makes the criticism more straightforward, and incorporates synonyms and altered orders to enhance readability.
