The crime series
Der Zürich-Krimi: Borchert und der Schuss ins Herz aired on December 19, 2024, providing its audience with another thrilling narrative centered around the life of arms dealer Hans Gessler. The film marks the 22nd installment of this popular series, which has captivated viewers since its inception. The intense storyline revolves around the dangers faced by Gessler and his family, particularly his 18-year-old daughter, Zoe, whose safety is threatened following a dramatic break-in at their luxurious home.
Set against the backdrop of Zürich, the story features Gessler, portrayed by Stephan Kampwirth, who is well aware of the risks associated with his profession as one of the leading arms manufacturers. His daughter, Zoe Gessler, played by Carla Hüttermann, exemplifies the very real danger they face when intruders invade their home.
During the harrowing events of the night, Zoe manages to escape to the Panic Room her father had installed, safeguarding herself from the intruders. The next morning, the plot thickens when the Gessler family’s bodyguard, Marcel Lösch, portrayed by Anton Rubtsov, is discovered dead under suspicious circumstances linked to the world of hackers.
Marco Furrer, the lead investigator of the case played by Pierre Kiwitt, faces significant challenges as he delves deep. The investigation is charged with tension, as the police grapple with the weight of past fatalities within the Gessler family, victims of earlier police blunders during another hostage crisis.
Lawyer Thomas Borchert, played by Christian Kohlund, steps onto the scene as legal representation for Daniel Bachmann, the hacker who is intertwined with the Gesslers’ narrative. Daniel, portrayed by Jonathan Lade, acts not only as a key character but also as Zoe's friend, whose involvement complicates the investigation. The lawyers, including Borchert and his colleague Dominique Kuster (Ina Paule Klink), believe they can untangle the web of deceit surrounding both the hacking antics and shady arms deals.
At the heart of the story is Borchert's struggle to gain Zoe's trust to unearth who assisted the intruders and to understand the motivations behind the illegal activities. Borchert is convinced there is more under the surface; he suspects someone may be using Daniel as a scapegoat for their own illicit dealings.
The tension escalates as Borchert strives to navigate this treacherous world painted with ethical quandaries surrounding armament production and its dire consequences. During his investigations, the background of Gessler's company holds significant societal and moral relevance, questioning the cyclical nature of violence and profit within the arms industry.
Despite the dramatic themes, critics have noted the portrayal of characters and story pacing lacks depth, with some arguing it leans heavily on clichés associated with crime dramas. Viewers, nevertheless, continue to tune in, showcasing the loyalty of the fandom and their appetite for the renowned series.
Eventually, the investigation leads Borchert to Gessler's business competitor Robert Jürgs (Nils Nelleßen), whom he suspects is involved. Borchert engages Jürgs, adopting the guise of someone willing to eliminate issues to secure the deal at stake. This tension culminates at the shooting range, where Borchert's sharpshooting skills hint at underlying strength and desperation.
While the show has been critiqued for moments of implausibility, it's praised for its engaging lead characters, suspenseful plot twists, and the serious discussions it aims to provoke concerning ethical weapons production amid modern geopolitical tensions.
After airing, viewers were left to contemplate the questions raised by the episode, particularly as it touches on widely relevant issues within today's society. With the film being the concluding piece for the season of Der Zürich-Krimi, audiences can expect to await the return of Borchert and the team as more stories and investigations await.
The anticipation builds as two more episodes of the series are already underway for 2025, ensuring the captivating adventures of Thomas Borchert continue for his loyal following.
