Kiel's iconic detective Klaus Borowski, portrayed by Axel Milberg, has concluded his two-decade-long run on the popular crime series "Tatort" with the episode titled "Borowski und das Haupt der Medusa." The episode aired on March 16, 2025, and saw Borowski's last investigation take a dark turn, resulting in his unexpected arrest.
During this final episode, Borowski apprehends the sinister and peculiar clerk Robert Frost, played by August Diehl, just before marking his transition to retirement. The arrest escalates following an incident where Borowski, during the chaotic apprehension after Frost's car accident, accidentally discharges his service weapon. This momentous event culminates with the seasoned detective being placed under pre-trial detention, leading viewers to witness one of the most unconventional exits for any character on the show.
Fans of the series expressed mixed reactions to this turn of events. While the episode boasted impressive viewership, with 8.81 million tuning in to watch the final moments of Borowski at the helm, 31.4% of all TV watchers at its timeslot, opinions on its conclusion differed drastically. Some praised the dramatic storytelling and depth explored within the episode, calling it innovative, whereas multiple viewers slammed the finale as "absolute nonsense" and criticized it for being unrealistic.
Milberg's portrayal of Borowski offered audiences the opportunity to witness the growth and development of the character over the span of 44 different cases since he first appeared on the show. From his turbulent beginnings as a loner to becoming effective partners with three different female detectives, Borowski's narrative arc reflected both personal struggles and the psychological depths of his cases. Frieda Jung, played by Maren Eggert, has been particularly notable, leaving lasting impressions on Borowski.
Reflecting on his farewell, Milberg remarked, "Ich finde das sehr norddeutsch," implying the grounded and down-to-earth nature of his character’s exit from the show. He had been involved with Borowski since 2003 when he first appeared as the face of the Kiel "Tatort" after the character transitioned from the earlier crime series "Stahlnetz." From the episode "Väter" onward, viewers watched his unconventional character navigate the morally grey areas of his investigations with poignancy and complexity.
The chemistry shared between Borowski and his partners, particularly with Frieda Jung, who reassured audiences throughout his tumultuous career, allowed fans to form emotional connections. Yet, even this deep relationship didn't prevent criticism concerning the ending’s abruptness. Some fans expressed disappointment, feeling it was unfair to end the beloved character's long-standing story behind bars. Reactions on social media showcased frustration over what many described as a story arc misjudged by its creators. One viewer stated on Instagram: "Die Folge war doch absolut unterirdisch und das Ende versteht doch niemand."
Despite the polarizing responses, many critics praised the episode as reflective of Borowski's unique character. Media outlets celebrated his departure as unconventional but symbolic of the narrative’s overall depth, cementing his status as one of Germany’s most memorable television detectives. Critics at Spiegel.de rated the episode highly, acknowledging it as "a symphony of anomalies," leading to discussions about where the show's direction might go from here.
Milberg's statement following the episode suggested his departure from the role was well thought out: "Es war Zeit. Ich habe mir dieses Ende genauso gewünscht." He indicated excitement for future opportunities, embracing new projects, yet left the audience intrigued with possibilities for Borowski's character to return someday. Meanwhile, the Kiel "Tatort" will continue on with new leads, featuring Almila Bagriacik and Karoline Schuch, as the new detective duo take the reins of the series starting with their first episodes scheduled to air in 2026.
With this conclusion to Klaus Borowski, audiences not only bid farewell to the character but also to the show's essence of blending deep psychological exploration with gripping crime drama. The mixed memories of his unique cases will echo with viewers for years to come, leaving open-ended reflections on what defined one of television's most beloved detectives. His unpredictable exit, tantamount to his character, is now cemented as the final chapter of Borowski's complicated life story, raising questions about redemption and consequences for even the most established figures.
