RTL is set to premiere its new crime series 'Alpentod' on March 4, 2025, at 20:15, bringing together prominent cast members Veronica Ferres, Tim Oliver Schultz, and Salka Weber, who will navigate the murky waters of unsolved disappearances.
Veronica Ferres stars as Birgit Reincke, an investigator with years of experience behind her, and she teams up with Tim Oliver Schultz’s character, Jonas Becker, who is new to the Kripo world yet has connections to the case through his past. Salka Weber steps in as the forensic archaeologist Marie Sonnleitner, who adds her expertise to the investigative crew.
The first episode, entitled 'Alte Wunden', centers around the disappearance of eleven-year-old Leon, the last known location being the Bad Wolfengrub children’s home. This case draws eerie parallels to another unresolved disappearance from five years ago when eight-year-old Jennifer vanished from the same institution.
Setting this tense narrative against the backdrop of the stunning Salzburg and Alpine foothills, the filming took place from summer through autumn 2024, which proved to be both visually captivating and physically demanding for the cast. "The filming conditions were not always idyllic," shared Ferres, reflecting on the summer heat transitioning to the biting cold of autumn. "I even had to wear a wetsuit under my costume to stay warm during certain scenes," she added.
Tim Oliver Schultz recalled the challenges, saying, "Being out with nature was beautiful yet demanding. We shot by water bodies, and during some scenes, the pouring rain soaked our clothes." He described moments of humor and camaraderie, as he and his castmates navigated harsh weather and rugged terrain. "We faced both tropical heat and sudden rainfall, which made the shooting quite adventuresome," he remarked.
Salka Weber expressed similar sentiments about the unique filming conditions. “Waking up at 6 AM to see the sun rising behind the mountains or witnessing dense fog rolling away was breathtaking. Yet, I believe I’ve never been drenched more on set than during this series,” she shared, illustrating the extremes the cast experienced.
Despite the weather’s unpredictability, the chemistry among the three leads shone through, leading to engaging and dynamic performances. Veronica Ferres emphasized the depth of her character's experience and the challenge of bringing Birgit Reincke back to light after her years away from active duty, stating, "I have prepared with profilers and, of course, training for some scenes, ensuring I portrayed the pressures and nuances of my character accurately.”
Initially resistant to returning to the force, Birgit must grapple with her previous failure to save another child, pushing her to join Becker and Sonnleitner on this emotionally charged investigation. "He says to her: ‘I can’t solve this case without you,’ bringing her back to the reality of her past mistakes," Ferres explained. This complex dynamic adds rich layers to the story as viewers will witness personal growth entwined with thrilling crime-solving.
Both episodes of 'Alpentod' not only focus on gripping plots but also explore themes of loss, guilt, and redemption. The audience is expected to see the interplay between the individual journeys of the characters against the backdrop of chilling crime scenes and sudden plot twists.
The debut episode is set to air alongside another episode, 'Gemeinsame Ziele', scheduled for March 11, 2025, which involves police discovering bodies following mysterious gunfire incidents.
The anticipation for the series is palpable as it brings together crime, drama, and rich storytelling derived from scenic locales. Veronica Ferres, who expresses her joy working with the team, stated her hopes for the series saying: "I feel there’s so much potential for the characters to evolve over time, and the audience will become deeply invested."
With shooting locations steeped in dramatic landscapes, the rugged charm of the Alps serves as more than just scenery; it actively shapes the narrative of the series. Viewers can look forward to not only the engaging storyline but also beautiful, yet challenging, visuals from start to finish.
Filmed authentically within the picturesque settings, 'Alpentod' has established itself as much more than merely another crime series on television; it pushes the boundaries to showcase human experiences woven with beautiful yet savage sceneries. The show promises to deliver cliffhangers and operations pulled from the spine-chilling realities of custody and investigation.
It's clear Veronica Ferres is thrilled about her role, stating, "I can't wait for the audience to see how intertwining personal stories can impact the case resolutions," She has expressed admiration for the locale and how intricately the story blends with the expansive outdoors of Salzburg.
Get ready for thrills, chills, and breathtaking views as 'Alpentod' prepares its viewers for weeks of gripping mysteries and heartfelt performances when the new series debuts on RTL.