The eighth installment of the popular crime series, "Der Masuren-Krimi: Mord in Galindien," returns to the atmospheric landscape of Masuria, blending local myths with a gripping murder mystery. The film centers around the death of Tomasz Wolski, a dedicated shipyard worker, officially ruled an accident. However, Viktoria Wex, a Berlin forensic technician, suspects foul play, particularly as it may connect to a mysterious boating accident that nearly claimed the life of Tomasz's wife, Jagoda.
As Jagoda seeks closure, Viktoria and the suspended village policeman, Leon Pawlak, dig deeper into the case, uncovering hidden motives rooted in the family's past and that of Bogdan Mazur, the shipyard owner. The story takes a dark turn during a ritualistic Galinder festival, where Mazur invokes a deity for moral cleansing—shortly after, Tomasz is found dead. Instead of clarity, Viktoria encounters a wall of silence; neither Mazur nor his daughter Natalia, who is romantically involved with Tomasz's son, are willing to investigate further.
The episode features a complex criminal case with strong female roles and stunning visuals, thanks to cinematographer Eeva Fleig, who captures both the mystical landscape and the interpersonal tensions that have made the Masuria mystery series a hidden gem. "Der Masuren-Krimi: Mord in Galindien" airs on Thursday, April 4, 2025, at 20:15 on Das Erste, and will be available for streaming in the ARD Mediathek after the broadcast.
Claudia Eisinger, who plays Viktoria Wex, is among the most intriguing actresses in Germany. Born on September 22, 1984, in East Berlin, she found her calling in front of the camera after several years in theater. With "Der Masuren-Krimi," she regularly attracts millions of viewers. In an interview, Eisinger reflected on her childhood memories of the Berlin Wall's fall, recalling, "I sat on my father's shoulders and saw him cry for the first time." After spending time in Canada at age 16, she returned to study at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Art in Berlin.
Eisinger's acting career began on stage, and after graduating in 2008, she received engagements at the Schauspielhaus Dresden and the Deutsches Theater Berlin. However, she found the theater restrictive, stating, "I need my freedom to explore what inspires me and what I want to do. In theater, you are very limited, which made me very unhappy." Transitioning to film, she showcased her talent in the comedy "13 Semester," earning the Günter-Strack-Fernsehpreis in 2010, despite it being a feature film. She gained further recognition in 2014 for her role alongside Heiner Lauterbach in Ralf Westhoff's comedy "Wir sind die Neuen."
Eisinger's breakthrough came in 2016 with her lead role in the film "Mängelexemplar," based on Sarah Kuttner's novel, for which she won the German Actor's Award. Her television career has spanned nearly two decades, with notable roles in series such as "Danni Lowinski" and "Tatort." In 2017, she starred in "Zarah - Wilde Jahre," portraying a journalist fighting against patriarchal structures in a magazine, though the series was short-lived.
Since 2021, Eisinger has captivated audiences as Viktoria Wex, a brilliant forensic technician with autistic traits in "Der Masuren-Krimi." She finds such roles appealing, explaining, "With a character like Viktoria, who has a strong protective shell, there's an ocean of emotions underneath. I can relate to such characters instantly. I enjoy characters who are contradictory." Off-screen, Eisinger is in a relationship with music producer Mark Pinhasov, who also composes the atmospheric music for the series. They often collaborate on stage, sharing their passion for creating art beyond the everyday world.
The plot of "Mord in Galindien" unfolds dramatically as Tomasz Wolski, played by Tomasz Bednarek, observes a cult ritual involving a long-haired woman invoking deities while shipyard workers look on. Hours later, Tomasz is found drowned, initially deemed an accident by Commissioner Zofia Kowalska. However, Viktoria Wex is skeptical and, alongside the suspended policeman Leon Pawlak, investigates further. The shipyard owner Bogdan Mazur practices the pagan cult of the Galinders, seeking justice for his employees.
As the investigation deepens, it reveals troubling connections between Tomasz's death and a previous boating accident that left his wife, Jagoda, in a wheelchair. Wex discovers a message on Tomasz's phone from Jagoda, sent the night of her accident, raising questions about the events leading to his death. A critical detail emerges during the autopsy: the water found in Tomasz's lungs does not match the pond where he was discovered, prompting Kowalska to declare it a murder.
While Pawlak struggles with panic attacks from a past traumatic incident, the dynamic between him and Wex becomes a focal point of the story. Their relationship oscillates between tension and cautious closeness, exemplified when Wex teasingly asks, "Are you flirting with me?" as they share a car ride. The narrative accelerates as Wex uncovers links to the unresolved boating accident and a cover-up, indicating that drugs may play a significant role in the unfolding drama. As former shipyard employees come under scrutiny, the Mazur family faces the potential collapse of their dynasty, raising the stakes significantly.
The eighth episode of the Masuren crime series promises a captivating blend of suspense, rich character development, and intricate storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. With its compelling narrative and stunning visuals, "Der Masuren-Krimi: Mord in Galindien" is set to draw viewers into a world where ancient rituals collide with modern mysteries, leaving them on the edge of their seats.
