The latest episode of the long-running German crime series Die Chefin, aired on January 3, 2025, introduces viewers to the harrowing story of 19-year-old Anja Strate, whose violent murder shakes both her immediate circle and the investigators working the case. Found shot dead, Anja’s connection to the investigation grows increasingly complex as ties to drug-related activities unravel, particularly through her association with Sabrina Kirchner, the mother of investigator Korbinian Kirchner.
From the outset, the murder shocks not just the community but also Korbinian Kirchner, played by Jonathan Hutter, who discovers his estranged mother’s fingerprints on Anja’s belongings. Sabrina (portrayed by Christina Hecke) oversees a women’s shelter where Anja had previously sought refuge. The series, known for its depth and character development since debuting in 2012, showcases turbulent narratives of personal struggle alongside crime-solving.
Following Anja's tragic death, the investigation, led by the experienced Vera Lanz (Katharina Böhm) and her partner Paul Böhmer (Jürgen Tonkel), dispatches them to navigate through the complicated circumstances surrounding the case. Upon discovering €9,000 and ketamine associated with Anja, the path leads them to the shelter run by Sabrina, highlighting the impending danger connected to Anja's life. Viewers watch closely as the team also seeks to protect Donka Ilieva (Tijan Marei), Anja’s pregnant roommate, who becomes the next potential target of violence.
Bringing out Korbinian’s family dynamic intermingles personal drama with the criminal elements of the plot. This approach, often seen as cheap emotional manipulation, is approached more delicately within Die Chefin: Neues Leben, lifting the veil on Kirchner’s troubled relationship with his mother. The episode navigates this territory thoughtfully, exploring emotional rigor without resorting to melodrama or overly sentimental reunions.
Despite the grace with which the character arcs were executed, the actual crime resolution seems less compelling, receiving criticism for what some view as insufficient preparation leading to the final reveal. Critics pointed out the abrupt conclusions made by the investigators, undermining the suspense built up throughout the hour-long episode. The investigation's unfulfilling resolution prompted sentiments among audiences who enjoy piecing together clues, as many felt the episode didn't meet the expectations of classic whodunit mysteries.
Many noted, "Die Chefin: Neues Leben handelt von einer getöteten Drogenkurierin, bietet ansonsten aber ganz viel Familiendrama," reflecting both on the primary plotline and the underlying relics of familial relationships. While this episode effectively presents the nuances of these complex human connections, it didn’t quite manage to keep the viewers guessing until the end.
The episode also marks the inaugural installment of the new 15th season, which opted for innovation by merging its premiere with the crossover of another series, Jenseits der Spree. This unique approach marks 2025 as yet another significant year for Die Chefin, which continues to forge strong ties to its audience with each release.
Looking forwards, as the show continues to develop its characters and storylines, many fans wonder how the personal struggles and crime-related narratives will blend moving forward. While the plot twist may not have hit the mark this time, the dedication to character depth promises intriguing continuations for the series. With firm roots established since 2025, Die Chefin still stands as one of ZDF's reliable staples with its skillful balance of drama and investigation, inviting viewers to continue watching the fallout of criminal cases intertwined with richly layered personal lives.