In the gripping new episode of the ZDF crime series, "Wendland - Stiller und der Teufelssauger," viewers are thrust into a world teetering on the brink of folklore and murder. The series, centered on the artful protagonist Kriminalhauptkommissar Jakob Stiller, navigates the eerie yet enchanting Wendland—a region steeped in myths. The latest plot unravels when Lubina Dagartz, a historian and head of the local museum, is found dead, entirely devoid of blood, leading to a deep dive into local legends and family feuds.
The scene is set for a chilling investigation as Stiller, portrayed by Ulrich Noethen, discovers that Dagartz’s murder is not just a senseless killing but intricately linked to a local myth that resonates with the townsfolk. Medical examiners establish that the head of the local museum was not only murdered but also bled out after death, leading to whispers of the sinister legend of the "Teufelssauger,” a creature believed to suck the lifeblood out of its victims. This grim folklore casts suspicion on Dagartz’s twin sister, Lenka Preen (Judith Rosmair), a troubled character burdened by addiction and past failures.
As Stiller begins his investigation, the complexities behind local gossip and family conflict come into play. Lenka, the estranged twin who has lived a life marred by the shadows of her sister’s success, openly accuses Lubina of being a "Teufelssauger" herself, blaming her for all her life’s misfortunes. "Ich hätte die Bitch am liebsten selbst platt gemacht," a local resident is quoted as saying, reflecting the tension and resentment that have built up over the years within the community.
The plot thickens as Stiller delves into Dagartz's secret archive—a collection teeming with the dark secrets of her neighbors. From infidelities to illicit dealings, the archive paints a complex picture of the town's residents, each of whom might have had a motive for murder. The hidden room reveals not just rumors, but tangible dirt that could easily lead to blackmail, further entrenching the suspicions against Lenka.
In the course of the investigation, Stiller and his colleague Kira Engelmann (Bettina Burchard) also grapple with the local lore that shapes the town's identity. "Wenn Zwillinge an derselben Brust gestillt werden, dann hieß es früher, einer der beiden ist ein Teufelssauger," Kira explains, grounding their case in the disturbing cultural beliefs that pervade the area. As the myth races through the investigation, the question arises—did Lenka act out of revenge for her tormented past, or was she merely a scapegoat in a web spun from local fears?
Amid stunning visuals and expert direction from Bruno Grass, the story introduces several compelling characters, each cloaked in mystery. Among them, the local doctor Oda Nolde (Katharina Schüttler) and her husband harbor their own secrets, hinting at deeper community ties and hidden narratives. Stiller’s acquaintance with Oda adds an emotional layer to the investigation, complicating his objectivity as he navigates through familial bonds and unsettling truths.
As the narrative unfolds, the macabre and the mundane collide. Stiller often finds himself straddling the line between belief and skepticism. Initially amused by the gothic undertones of the case, his demeanor shifts as he encounters the repulsion associated with the blood-soaked tale. "Wissen Sie, was man früher mit den Teufelssaugern gemacht hat? Man hat sie getötet, bevor sie Schaden anrichten konnten," Lenka defiantly states, evoking chilling implications of superstition intermingled with reality.
With every twist, this installment of the "Wendland" series tantalizes viewers, pulling them deeper into a world where ancient myths take hold of life, and murder becomes a grisly display of familial anguish. Between the profound themes of betrayal and the scintillating suspense beneath the surface, viewers are left on the edge of their seats.
For those eager to indulge in this enticing blend of crime and folklore, "Wendland - Stiller und der Teufelssauger" airs on March 19, 2025, at 8:15 PM on ZDF. Earlier access has been available in the ZDF media library since March 12, promising fans a chance to revisit the intriguing combination of local legends and complex character dynamics just in time for the season’s thrilling finale.
