TV personality Barbara Salesch reavows her return to television, expressing her desire to rediscover her passion: "I yearned to find out again."
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The Infamous Judge is Back: Barbara Salesch's TV Return - "I Needed to Check if I Still Had It"
After an absence of over two decades in the spotlight, Barbara Salesch, the iconic German judge famously known for her groundbreaking TV appearances, made a captivating comeback in 2022. On June 10, RTL welcomed the 75-year-old in a thrilling 90-minute prime-time special titled, "Barbara Salesch - The Biggest Trial of Her Life: The Dead in the Rhine." Here, Salesch shares her thoughts on returning to TV, the glitz and grit of the entertainment world, and her stance on true crime.
When asked about her decision to return to television, Salesch said, "At 49, I'd achieved everything I could in the justice system. I wanted something new. We didn't anticipate the show becoming such a sensation that has lasted all these years." Reflecting on her role in the industry then and now, Salesch asserts, "I'm a judge, and I've always had an element of entertainment. But in real life, justice is slow-paced and you can't entertain an audience with it. The TV version is all condensed to the essentials."
Speaking candidly about the burgeoning true-crime craze, Salesch maintains a critical stance, remarking, "True crime often profits the perpetrator and revictimizes the victims. I find that appalling. I have my own way of spinning a fantastic yarn and keeping things creative, rather than wallowing in simple repetition." Condemning sensationalism and voyeurism, she comments, "People crave that thrill, that peek into the lives of others. They're eager for drama under the guise of documentaries. That's just how it goes - if it makes money, they'll keep making it. I've seen enough true crime in Hamburg for 20 years."
Revealing more details about the film, Salesch explains, "It's a format change – 90 minutes of fiction, a perfect mix of court and criminal intrigue. Typically, criminal stories are told from the perspective of the criminal police, but this time we'll see the accused handed over to the justice system, the public prosecutor's office, and the court. I'll share how the proceedings proceed after the indictment has been lodged and the verdict follows six days of trial."
The movie revolves around a captivating mystery, as a young woman is held captive for eight years only to be eventually discovered dead in the Rhein. In a race against time, investigations delve into crime scenes and events to pinpoint the culprit. A minor detail ultimately unveils the truth. Moreover, the film incorporates the drama unfolding during the breaks in negotiations, adding another layer to the suspense.
Salesch weighs in on the unique aspects of filming, admitting, "We often had to reshoot scenes from various angles – front, side, back, close-up, long shot, using cranes and drones – and it took hours just to capture a brief taxi ride scene." However, the biggest challenge for her was the repetition, as she struggles with memorizing lines. Despite initial reservations, she found the collaboration with real actors eye-opening, observing how they effortlessly transformed into their characters during filming before returning to their normal selves off-camera.
Having been recognized and admired by her audience for over 2,500 episodes, Salesch has grown accustomed to her fame. She noted, "The reactions have always been positive and respectful. I don't mind being referred to as 'Mrs. Salesch.' I've embraced it as part of my daily life." In the early years of her TV career, she found the constant attention taxing and eventually moved to the Eifel for peace and tranquility.
As for striking a balance between her private life and public persona, Salesch acknowledges that there is some level of distinction but ultimately considers herself the same authentic person both on and off screen, firmly objecting to pretending for the cameras. Having dedicated herself to art during her retirement from TV, she views it as neither a hobby nor therapy but as a serious passion that demands dedication and sophisticated imagination.
Looking ahead, Salesch emphasizes her desire to continue working in television, as long as she can maintain control over the content and production. Recalling the secret of the show's success, she concludes, "I believe the audience appreciates my authenticity – a moderately trained, tough, and humorous woman who speaks her mind but also explains things clearly."
Barbara Salesch spoke with Mariana Jang. In the 90-minute film "Barbara Salesch - The Greatest Trial of Her Life: The Dead in the Rhein," set to air on June 10, 2025, the legendary judge delves once again into a gripping murder case, premiering on RTL.
- Barbara Salesch, in her reflections on the entertainment industry, admitted that while she has always had an element of entertainment in her role as a judge, the TV version is often condensed to the essentials, aiming to keep things creative rather than dwelling on sensationalism and voyeurism that revictimize victims.
- Community action manifested in the form of entertainment when Barbara Salesch, in her 90-minute film "Barbara Salesch - The Greatest Trial of Her Life: The Dead in the Rhein," partnered with celebrities (referring to the actors involved in the film) to delve into a captivating murder case, demonstrating a blend of court procedurals, criminal intrigue, and drama.
