Janneke and Brix part with an explosive finale
Following 19 Cases and Nearly a Decade, Margarita Broich and Wolfram Koch's Final Act in Frankfurt "Tatort" is Upon Us.
What ensues?
Meet Tristan Grünfels (Matthias Brandt), a psychologist and victim support officer for the Frankfurt police. Grünfels, at the age of 53, struggles with his relationship with his family, engages in self-dialogue, and finds it challenging to maintain control. One morning, while saving some paintings from the trash by illegally parking in a no-parking zone, Grünfels exchanges heated words with a parking enforcement officer. Later, the woman is discovered deceased, battered, and there's a trace of her blood on his rescued art.
As his inner self persuades him to give himself up, Grünfels is summoned by detectives Janneke (Margarita Broich) and Brix (Wolfram Koch) - not to report a crime, but to support the victim of his actions. Meanwhile, his personal life spirals further out of control; his wife embarks on an affair, his daughter becomes pregnant by a young digital artist, and his son skips school and indulges in marijuana. At the same time, Brix is locked in a power struggle with crime lord Leonardo Muller, whom he believes is responsible for the death of an informant, while Muller manipulates Grünfels' brother Hagen over his gambling debts. As the pieces all fall into place, a lethal confrontation looms.
What's truly at the heart of it all?
The story primarily revolves around departing from Janneke and Brix: having worked on "Tatort" for nearly a decade and 19 cases, it's time for the duo to retire. As a farewell gesture, the Hessian Broadcasting Corporation is treating their final case as both an edge-of-your-seat thriller, a deliciously dark comedy, and a subtle hint of romance.
If there's an optional scene to skip?
Not really. For those who prefer a more conventional "Tatort," you might want to bypass the more experimental aspects of this episode - though it never deviates quite as wildly as some of the episodes in Wiesbaden, just a few kilometers away.
What makes it so captivating?
There's plenty to be captivated by: the intense family dynamic, the surreal dinner-for-three scene, the climactic conclusion, or the outstanding performance by Matthias Brandt as the unstable psychologist. At some point, you may find yourself uttering a repeated, disbelieving "wow."
How would I score it?
A perfect 10. The final act of Janneke and Brix is both a satisfying end for the detective duo and a strong argument for why "Tatort" remains a staple in German television, despite occasional lulls.
Grünfels' involvement in a television series-worthy scandal involving a woman's death puts him in an unwanted spotlight, leading him to seek help from his long-time colleagues Janneke and Brix. With Broich and Koch retiring from their roles in the renowned "Tatort" television series after nearly a decade and 19 cases, this final case becomes a beautiful blend of excitement, comedy, and romance, serving as a fitting farewell for the esteemed duo.
