The popular crime series "Marie Brand" returns with an intriguing episode titled "Marie Brand und die Leichen im Keller," which airs on ZDF on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 20:15. This gripping installment is already available on the ZDFmediathek as of March 13, giving fans a chance to catch up on the mystery surrounding the death of Annika Herforth.
Set in a backdrop of deception and familial tensions, the plot unravels as detectives Marie Brand (Mariele Millowitsch) and Jürgen Simmel (Hinnerk Schönemann) find themselves at a crime scene where Annika has tragically fallen down the cellar stairs. Not too far from the gruesome spot, her sister Nelly (Christin Nichols) is quick to point fingers at Florian Leffers (David Miesmer), Annika's ex-boyfriend, whom she alleges has been stalking and threatening her sister. The initial investigation, however, reveals a significant obstacle—Florian possesses a solid alibi, as he was supposedly ice-skating with his new partner and her son at the time of the incident.
The plot thickens as Nelly's motives come under scrutiny. Facing financial pressure to establish her own tax consultancy after losing her previous job, Nelly stands to gain substantially from Annika’s untimely demise. Viewers soon learn that her clients, a dentist couple named Heike and Erik Böttcher, are also wrapped up in a scandal involving tax evasion—a crime that Annika may have been on the verge of exposing.
Adding layers of intrigue, Florian unexpectedly enters the fray of manipulation, attempting to blackmail Nelly and the Böttchers once he uncovers their fraudulent behaviors. This unfortunate series of events heightens tensions among the characters, leading Nelly to consider reporting the fraudulent activities to the police. Yet, the situation escalates, placing her life in jeopardy.
The detective duo's relentless pursuit of the truth reveals a complex web of greed, vengeance, and betrayal. As the stakes rise, viewers are gripped by a suspenseful narrative that explores the depths of deception while confronting moral dilemmas faced by its cast of characters.
Amid the dark themes, the episode retains a touch of humor, particularly through the interactions between Marie and Jürgen, who joke about everyday life challenges, including Marie's unfortunate toothache as they tackle serious crimes. While these moments deliver levity, they do not detract from the episode's gripping storyline.
As the investigation unfolds, Marie begins to suspect not just the stalker but also Nelly and her involvement in her sister's death for financial gain. The resulting turmoil culminates in a harrowing twist: a second murder ensues, amplifying the tension amid the various conflicting narratives.
This thrilling installment is directed by Michael Zens, with the script penned by Stefan Rogall, known for his successful and gripping storytelling style. Filming took place in and around Cologne during the first wave of the Corona pandemic from March to July of 2020, adding unique challenges to the production team.
Originally premiered on January 20, 2021, "Marie Brand und die Leichen im Keller" resonated with audiences, drawing in a remarkable 8.77 million viewers. The show's enduring popularity speaks to its compelling mix of drama, humor, and investigative intrigue.
As the series continues beyond this latest episode, fans of "Marie Brand" can eagerly anticipate the future twists and turns that await both characters and stories. With its engaging plots, relatable characters, and meticulous storytelling, viewers are invited to immerse themselves in the unfolding mysteries each week, starting with this recent investigation.
