Klaus Borowski, the iconic character played by Axel Milberg, bid farewell to viewers on March 16, 2025, with the emotionally charged episode titled "Tatort: Borowski und das Haupt der Medusa." After 22 years of captivating audiences as one of Germany's beloved detectives, Borowski's exit was marked by dramatic twists and unexpected consequences.
The episode featured the final investigation of Borowski, alongside his colleague Mila Sahin, as they pursued the ruthless female murderer, Robert Frost, played by August Diehl. The plot thickens when the story escalates from simple investigative work to intense confrontation, culminating in Borowski's unexpected action leading to his own imprisonment.
TV audiences witnessed the shocking twist as Borowski, just one day after his retirement, fatally shot Robert Frost during an altercation on Holtenauer Straße. The incident, branded as potentially criminal due to its circumstances, led to Borowski's arrest for possession of his service weapon beyond retirement, sparking discussions about legality. Oberstaatsanwalt Axel Bieler underscored the legal ramifications of Borowski's actions, noting the seriousness of the charges from manslaughter to murder.
Throughout the episode, Borowski battles not just with the criminal at hand but with the personal baggage of his impending retirement. His character evolution over the decades—transforming from the grumpy loner to someone more relatable and engaging—adds depth to his swan song. While tracing back through memories and past relationships, viewers reflect on the poignant portrayal of Borowski's final days on the force.
Despite the darker undertones of the story, there were moments of levity and nostalgia imbued with classic Borowski quirks, leading to mixed reactions from the audience. Social media buzzed with comments about the episode, with many praising Milberg's acting prowess one last time. One viewer, Marina Kahl, exclaimed, "Das war einer der besten 'Tatorte', die ich jemals gesehen habe..." capturing the sentiments of those who felt the episode was captivating from start to finish.
Others, like Erika Thiel, were less impressed, stating, "Das war sehr einfallslos. Er hätte etwas Besseres verdient," reflecting the often-divided views on the show’s execution. The contrasts among viewers point to the substantial emotional investment audiences have invested over the years, showcasing how Milberg's departure is more than just another casting change—it’s the end of an era.
The viewer turnout was notable, with 8.8 million people tuning in to watch, achieving about 31 percent market share, making it one of the landmark moments for the series. But disquiet also surrounded the episode, as critiques began bubbling up about the apparent simplicity of the narrative and logic gaps. Opinions varied widely, from those hailing it as one of the series' all-time best, to critiques portraying it as far-fetched and lacking coherence. Jörg Beer captured the essence of the mixed reactions by noting, "Er zeigte, dass gute Filme ohne viel Schießerei auskommen," highlighting the quieter strengths of the series amid criticisms of the climax.
With sentiments of nostalgia and sadness prevailing, as audiences reflect upon Klaus Borowski and his quirky personality traits, the impact of this final episode resonates deeply. Just as the episode left the audience with questions about morality and legality, it also opened up discussions on the legacy of Klaus Borowski. Many viewers expressed no shortage of support for the character, making him one of the most memorable figures of the long-running series.
While questions around his legal fate linger—could he be prosecuted for his actions, or would elements of self-defense come to light?—one thing remains certain: audiences will miss Axel Milberg's nuanced portrayal of the somewhat flawed but deeply human Borowski. The episode may have ended with loose strings, but the admiration for Milberg and his character will undoubtedly linger long after the final credits rolled. The significance of Klaus Borowski's legacy will resonate with fans, who are prepared to reminisce about his countless cases, quirky charm, and the unapologetically dark humor he brought to the beloved series.
After signing off for the last time, fans expressed their feelings, with Olaf Pahlke summarizing the sentiment well: "Im Gegensatz zu Ihrer Filmkritik war das für mich ein gelungener 'Tatort'..." producing echoes of appreciation for the show's final gift to its viewers. The departure of Klaus Borowski is, without question, not merely the loss of a character—it feels like the closing of a chapter not just for the show, but for many viewers who had become invested not only in his cases but also the man behind the badge.