Every week on Wednesdays, a group of Tatort fans get together to watch their German Cop Shows at 20:00 Eastern US Time.
The show is in German, but the group is watching it with English fansubs.
If you're interested, the zoom link for Tatort Wednesday is: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/92747061687?pwd=R1pkbllESmdWL3hndnZkdUVvUE9QQT09
"Tatort" is a long-running German-Austrian-Swiss television series that premiered in 1970. It is a unique crime drama anthology where different regional broadcasters produce episodes set in various cities, each with its own detective team and local flavor. The series is notable for blending crime-solving with regional cultural elements, making each city's episodes distinct. Our Wednesday nights are usually Münster alternating with different cities to try out some of the different possibilities. We have most of the Münster episodes translated and fan-subbed. We are still working on episodes from other cities.
"Tatort Münster" is one of the series' most popular and humorous entries. It is also where Ker and Aaronantium first learned of Tatort and Ker lost her mind enough to start bringing people into the fandom. It stars Axel Prahl as Detective Chief Inspector Frank Thiel and Jan Josef Liefers as Professor Dr. Karl-Friedrich Boerne, a forensic pathologist. The dynamic between Thiel and Boerne is a highlight, with Thiel’s down-to-earth, straightforward approach contrasting sharply with Boerne’s sophisticated, sometimes arrogant demeanor. In other words, they are the odd couple. They live across the hall from each other and work together. It is set in the city of Münster, known for its picturesque old town and university. Episodes often include light-hearted banter and quirky humor, making them stand out in the "Tatort" lineup.
Set in Germany’s bustling capital, "Tatort Berlin" features Till Ritter, played by Dominic Raacke, and Felix Stark, played by Boris Aljinovic. This duo operated from 2001 to 2014, bringing a modern, gritty edge to the series, reflective of Berlin's urban landscape. Their episodes often delve into the complexities of life in a large, diverse city, addressing issues like political corruption, organized crime, and the socio-economic divide. The chemistry between Ritter and Stark was characterized by Ritter’s more seasoned, streetwise approach and Stark’s analytical mind. There are lots of references to the history of Berlin being a divided city as Stark grew up in the East and Ritter in the West. Their episodes are a current favorite of the group when we aren't watching Münster.
Munich’s episodes feature Detective Chief Inspectors Ivo Batic, played by Miroslav Nemec, and Franz Leitmayr, played by Udo Wachtveitl. This team has been a staple of "Tatort" since 1991, offering a mix of traditional detective work with personal drama and social commentary. Set in Bavaria's capital, known for its affluent society and cultural heritage, the Munich episodes often explore themes of tradition versus modernity. Batic and Leitmayr’s camaraderie and deep friendship add emotional depth to their cases, making their investigations more personal and engaging. Ivo is Croatian and moved to Germany when he was young. They have gone through several third-wheel partners over the years from Carlo, who was their equal, to Kalli, who is like a son to them.
Stuttgart’s contributions to "Tatort" feature the team of Detective Chief Inspector Thorsten Lannert, played by Richy Müller, and his partner Sebastian Bootz, played by Felix Klare. This pair has been solving crimes in the southwestern city since 2008. Their episodes are noted for high production values and intricate plots, often dealing with the automotive industry, given Stuttgart's association with car manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The personal lives of Lannert and Bootz frequently intersect with their professional duties, adding layers of complexity to their characters and stories. Thorsten had a family, but his wife and daughter died before the start of his episodes, while the younger Sebastian started off their episodes married, but his marriage fell apart partially due to the time and energy he spent on work.
Cologne's "Tatort" series stars Klaus J. Behrendt as Detective Chief Inspector Max Ballauf and Dietmar Bär as Detective Chief Inspector Freddy Schenk. They have been partners since 1997 and are among the longest-serving teams in "Tatort." Set in Germany’s fourth-largest city, known for its vibrant cultural scene and historic landmarks, the Cologne episodes mix procedural detective work with broader social issues. Ballauf’s serious, introspective nature contrasts with Schenk’s more laid-back and practical approach, creating a balanced partnership that resonates with viewers.
