After more than two decades and 43 gripping episodes, Axel Milberg's time as Kiel's beloved Kommissar Klaus Borowski has officially come to end with the airing of 'Borowski und das Haupt der Medusa' on March 16, 2025. This farewell was not just another episode; it marked the conclusion of an era for both the actor and the millions who have followed Borowski's adventures on television since his debut.
Milberg's last outing as Borowski has garnered emotional reactions from his loyal fans. Many took to social media to express their sorrow, with sentiments like "Borowski wird fehlen" (Borowski will be missed) and "Borowski fehlt mir jetzt schon" (I already miss Borowski) flooding platforms previously known as Twitter. The emotional weight of the finale is felt deeply, showcasing the character's significance to viewers.
The episode features Borowski embroiled in one last complex case involving Robert Frost, portrayed by August Diehl. Frost, who survives under the oppressive thumb of his mother Elenor (played by Corinna Kirchhoff), resorts to murder, propelling Borowski back to the crime scene just days before his retirement. The investigative process unravels key themes of domestic tyranny, familial conflict, and the toll they take on those involved.
Borowski discovers the Frost family house when he visits the citizen’s office to renew his passport for life after retirement. Almost instinctually, he senses something is amiss, leading him to probe the mystery behind Frost and his mother's disappearance. Characters like Mila Sahin and Frieda Jung, played by Almila Bagriacik and Maren Eggert, respectively, have become part of the long legacy of Borowski's narrative web.
Mixed reactions emerged to the episode itself, highlighting the diverse opinions of long-time fans and critics. While many praised the storytelling and character depth, some voiced concerns such as "Bis jetzt leider nur lächerlich" (So far, this is just ridiculous) and "Absolut realitätsfremd!" (Absolutely unrealistic!). The dialogue reflected typical disagreements within dedicated fandoms over the direction of beloved series finales. These kinds of discussions could be heard echoing through social media threads as viewers delved deeply discussion around the poignant moments of the last investigation.
Following Borowski’s last set of tasks, the finale leads the audience through intense moments, culminating with the moment of arrest of Robert Frost, during which Borowski accidentally discharges his weapon, resulting in his own arrest for using it off duty. Reflecting on this turn of events, Milberg aptly stated, "Es war am Ende so, wie ich es mir gewünscht habe und wie es zur Figur passt" (It ended as I wished and fitted the character), demonstrating the actor’s connection to the character after so many years.
The sheer uniqueness of Klaus Borowski stands as one of the standout features of the show. The character is known for his ingenuity, often utilizing everyday objects as weapons—turning even the simplest item, like a cookie, ingeniously against foes. This creativity stems from Borowski's complex nature; he is thoughtful and introspective but also deeply human, reflecting the challenges one faces when confronted with darkness.
Looking forward, Milberg has assured fans he is not retiring but exploring new and challenging roles. He is set to take on the historical figure Friedrich I, King of Württemberg, within the upcoming series 'Vienna Game,' indicating his commitment to continue performing, albeit beyond the 'Tatort' framework. He is excited for these changes and expressed the need to create space for new opportunities.
His departure leaves great anticipation for the next phase of the Kiel 'Tatort' series. Karoline Schuch is scheduled to step-in, portraying psychologist Elli Krieger alongside existing character Mila Sahin for the two-part episode entitled 'Unter Freunden / Unter Feinden' expected to debut sometime in 2026. It remains to be seen how the new dynamics will play out, but viewers will always hold fond memories of Borowski's misadventures.
Overall, as Milberg wraps up his role as the iconic Kommissar, he undoubtedly leaves behind his mark not just on the 'Tatort' universe but also on German television history. Unsurprisingly, fans and colleagues alike will miss the quiet strength and diligence he embodied as Klaus Borowski.