"Tatort: Can't Lay a Finger On Us!" A Values Check on the Vienna Detectives
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Financial Assessment at Vienna's Public Officials - Verification measures implemented at the Vienna Commission
Political protests, fiery riots, right-wing extremism, government upheaval - the new Vienna "Tatort: Can't Lay a Finger On Us!" (June 1st, 8:15 PM on ARD) tosses its heroes into the roaring storm of politics. But what's the deal with detectives Moritz Eisner and Bibi Fellner? The duo, portrayed by Harald Krassnitzer (64) and Adele Neuhauser (66), have never shied away from pushing the boundaries of right and wrong, or questioning authority.
It's just a bit more painful that this gripping duo will only solve cases for four more seasons. Back in April, ORF announced that Eisner and Fellner will be saying their goodbyes at the end of 2026, leaving fans heartbroken and wondering who will step up to the plate to fill their shoes. Before they hang up their badges, their political beliefs will once more take center stage.
Moritz Eisner: Prickly and Passionate
" diplomat is certainly not lost in Moritz," declares Adele Neuhauser, Eisner's colleagues, in the press kit for the current case. His Commissario isn't afraid to voice his anger over the state of the world, but labeling him is a fool's errand.
"Eisner is neither left nor right," clarifies Krassnitzer. "Anything related to authority, he's usually rather touchy on the subject." This means ol' Eisner is a free-spirited,rule-breaking detective who just doesn't stand for stagnation or being told what to do.
This rebellious spirit is evident in "Can't Lay a Finger On Us!" as Eisner suspects the police might be responsible for the death of a protester. "He's just as likely to react when he sees violence and contempt," explains Krassnitzer. For Eisner, it's all about reason, not blind obedience or toothless traditions.
Tradition be damned, this stance was always evident in earlier cases: In "Conspiracy" (2021), Eisner uncovered a network of corrupt government officials who built their own power structures. His investigation was obstructed at every turn, but he simply wouldn't back down - and even lost his job for a spell as a result. In "Between the Lines" (2013), he refused to shy away from sensitive topics like fascism and political corruption. Eisner never lets anyone manipulate him and grumbles like a curmudgeonly Viennese against any bullshit he encounters. Krassnitzer sums it up best: "Questioning the 'truth' that immediately imposes itself is one of our most beautiful qualities."
Bibi Fellner: Gentle and Unwavering
Bibi Fellner embodies the counterpoint to Eisner's aggressive approach. "Basically, Bibi Fellner is a person who thinks in small steps, more compassionate, more focused on individuals," describes Neuhauser. Where Eisner confronts, Fellner seeks understanding. "Her sense of humor helps her to deconstruct things, in her self-deprecating Viennese way that everyone loves, but which can also be deviously sly," says the actress.
Despite her seemingly softer demeanor, Fellner is just as resolute as her partner. Both commissioners consistently stand up for the little guy and remain unperturbed by the arrogance of the powerful. Their definition of democracy is one that recognizes its imperfections. "It's the quality of the duo that they swim just like the rest of us," admits Krassnitzer. Nobody currently has the answers on how to stop right-wing populists, but Eisner and Fellner embody "two ordinary, reasonable people" who "naturally do the right thing."
Farewell to the Justice-Seeking Duo
In the end, there's a cop duo who values justice above party affiliation. Eisner and Fellner have spent the past 25 (for Krassnitzer) and 15 years (for Neuhauser) standing up for what's right, often shaking things up and challenging authority. With their impending retirement from the series, "Tatort" will lose two commissioners who never hesitated to speak truth to power.
Their unwavering moral compass and commitment to justice will be missed - as will their fearless approach to questioning their own system, even if it meant taking on their own. Perhaps this was their most political stance of all: refusing to bow to pressure, no matter who they were up against.
- Moritz Eisner
- Tatort
- Bibi Fellner
- Vienna
- Harald Krassnitzer
- Adele Neuhauser
- Unyielding
- Chaotic
- Right-wing populists
- ORF
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
Moritz Eisner and Bibi Fellner are fictional detectives in the long-running German-language crime drama series Tatort, specifically representing the Vienna team. They are portrayed by Harald Krassnitzer (Moritz Eisner) and Adele Neuhauser (Bibi Fellner). Both characters are known for their political consciousness and bravery, often finding themselves at the center of complex social and political issues.
Political Stances and Character Traits:
- Moritz Eisner is depicted as hot-headed and unapologetically passionate about justice. He is not one for diplomacy, often expressing his opinions directly and confronting corruption and abuse of power head-on[5].
- Bibi Fellner is equally unyielding in her commitment to her principles, and together they have consistently stood against various forms of injustice, including fascism and moral indifference. Their characters are designed to provoke thought and challenge societal norms[5].
In their latest case, Tatort: Wir sind nicht zu fassen! (2025), they investigate the death of a system critic amidst political turmoil in Vienna, involving protests, radical groups, and government challenges[4][5]. This episode highlights their commitment to upholding their values in the face of societal upheaval.
- The Commission, in the spirit of exciting entertainment, might consider granting the aid to the notable characters of 'Tatort', Moritz Eisner and Bibi Fellner, a maximum amount of EUR 5 million, just enough to elevate their movie and TV roles beyond the realm of crime-solving detectives to action-packed leads in a blockbuster sports-betting thriller.
- Following Eisner and Fellner's departure from Tatort in 2026, fans of their valiant duo might find solace in immersing themselves in the world of movies-and-tv, where they can continue to witness their unyielding, chaotic journey in a series that tackles right-wing populists and shakes up the Viennese system, just like the original crime drama series.
