BRGENZ: The popular German-Austrian crime series "Die Toten vom Bodensee" celebrates its tenth anniversary with the premiere of its 20th episode, titled "Nachtschatten," set to air on December 30, 2024, at 20:15 CET on ZDF. This latest installment shifts the focus from the picturesque Lake Constance itself to the dark woods surrounding it, where the plot thickens with mystery and intrigue.
The episode kicks off with the chilling discovery of best-selling crime author Sasha Fetscher (Florian Wagner), who is found stabbed to death by his wife, Emily (Marie-Christine Friedrich), after hosting a reading of his latest book. Initially, the case appears straightforward—a quick resolution as the murder weapon is found with Fetscher's mistress, Henriette Trautschke (Claudia Kottal). But as the investigation proceeds, things take a shocking twist.
According to lead actor Matthias Koeberlin, who has portrayed Commissioner Micha Oberländer throughout the series, the show's success has come from combining engaging storytelling with the unique atmosphere of the Lake Constance region. “Damit war nicht zu rechnen,” he told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, referencing the show's unexpected longevity and popularity.
The body of Sasha Fetscher reveals to forensic investigator Thomas Egger (Stefan Pohl) during the autopsy, astonishingly, the realization dawns: Fetscher was killed with poison before the stabbing occurred. What seemed like a classic whodunit suddenly transforms, requiring Oberländer and his partner, Luisa Hoffmann (Alina Fritsch), to dig deep. Was Sasha Fetscher even who he claimed to be? Evidence mounts, leading to suspicions around his wife, Emily, who allegedly penned his novels under his name. This impending drama intensifies as the couple's relationship is examined under scrutiny.
Fans of the series expressed their delight on various platforms. One enthusiastic viewer commented, "Schon gesehen, absolut großartig," emphasizing how closely they follow every episode. The show has consistently attracted between 6.5 to 8.5 million viewers, with a market share hovering around 25%, according to the broadcaster. This milestone and the success of the series led to three more episodes already planned, promising continued engagement for its loyal followers.
Yet, as with any long-running show, not all reactions have been positive. Critics have been less forgiving, giving "Nachtschatten" only four out of ten points on average, citing issues with credibility and storytelling. One review lamented, “Die Toten vom Bodensee: Nachtschatten ist leider gar nichts für ein Publikum, das Wert auf Glaubwürdigkeit legt,” indicating dissatisfaction with the plot's construction and character chemistry.
The stakes rise when the historical significance of the villa, coupled with its ghastly past—where multiple unexplained deaths allegedly occur—adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. The tension escalates as the detectives unravel connections to other suspicious characters at the reading, including Nadia Lorenzi (Ulrike C. Tscharre), the villa's caretaker, and her daughter Mia (Christina Cervenka), both entangled within the narrative's suspense.
Notably, the show’s setting features the stunning yet eerie backdrop of the Bregenzer Forest, described by Koeberlin as reminiscent of Canadian landscapes. This unique locale serves as the ideal stage for the thrilling audacity of the narrative, as hidden secrets linger among its trees. “Wir haben uns für was Waldiges entschieden,” he says, justifying the minimal on-screen presence of the lake during this anniversary special.
While the body count rises and with so many suspects now turned potential murderers, the plot deepens as another character, the enigmatic entrepreneur Anselm Zibros (Dominik Warta), emerges on the scene. Zibros, with access to lethal substances, increases the intrigue surrounding the already convoluted case, igniting speculation around his mysterious motives and connection to the villa's history.
"Die Toten vom Bodensee" has carved out its niche within the crime drama genre, blending humor, tension, and local folklore delicately to captivate audiences. The mix between serious casework and amusing dynamics between characters has turned it from just another crime show to viewing entertainment for millions each time it airs.
Indeed, as the countdown to the airing of "Nachtschatten" draws nearer, excitement buzzes through the fanbase, with anticipation for subsequent episodes promising to keep them on the edge of their seats. Beyond the gripping plotlines, the personal arcs of investigators Oberländer and Hoffmann—struggling with family responsibilities, romantic tensions, and their covert pasts—add complexity, making these characters relatable and engaging.
While the series celebrates its past, it also portends future prospects as the next film, "Die Medusa", is set to air shortly after, reaffirming the ZDF series as an enduring favorite. With Koeberlin reflecting positively on his character, saying there might still be plenty of stories left to tell around Lake Constance, the horizon seems bright for both the detectives and their dedicated viewers who have loved them for the last decade.