The Frankfurt Team in the legendary Tatort Series, headed by Kommissar Murot and his dedicated assistant Wachter have another very unique "case" on their plate: An old police station turned museum is under attack by a heavily armed group of terrorists. Senseless killings in the area culminate in a literal "us against them" war.reminiscent of the 19th Century Wild West. Caught off-guard, various police officers are involved, including a prisoner transport, Murot and Wachter, as well as the bare-bones team of Police Museum attendants.
Although the story is similar to other Murot Tatort episodes, where reality, dreams (i.e. nightmares) are mixed and matched to make for bizarre story telling, this one is particularly violent and disturbing. There is no clear resolution, nor an explanation for any of the plot. The final scene implies that the nightmare isn't over just yet! Murot is drifting from action into horror with this one!
The redeeming value is in the personal stories told alongside the action. Sentimental moments include Murot and an old friend reminiscing about their early days of police service together. The theme of showing civil courage when witnessing innocent people being attacked vs. cowardice even among police. To do the right thing is often replaced by saving one's own hide. The scene where a police officer suggests they "give up" a teenage girl in order to appease a bunch of terrorists is horrifying. How can one take an oath to serve and protect, then be such a pathetic coward? The same self preserving instinct is on display when two male police officers abandon a female peer out of fear. Sad and disgusting, yet human and real.
All of the above and more awaits those who will spend an hour and a half of their life watching this Tatort episode. As a lifelong fan of this series, I was not disappointed, but must admit that certain elements in this story add up to only an average sum. There have been better ones.
Although the story is similar to other Murot Tatort episodes, where reality, dreams (i.e. nightmares) are mixed and matched to make for bizarre story telling, this one is particularly violent and disturbing. There is no clear resolution, nor an explanation for any of the plot. The final scene implies that the nightmare isn't over just yet! Murot is drifting from action into horror with this one!
The redeeming value is in the personal stories told alongside the action. Sentimental moments include Murot and an old friend reminiscing about their early days of police service together. The theme of showing civil courage when witnessing innocent people being attacked vs. cowardice even among police. To do the right thing is often replaced by saving one's own hide. The scene where a police officer suggests they "give up" a teenage girl in order to appease a bunch of terrorists is horrifying. How can one take an oath to serve and protect, then be such a pathetic coward? The same self preserving instinct is on display when two male police officers abandon a female peer out of fear. Sad and disgusting, yet human and real.
All of the above and more awaits those who will spend an hour and a half of their life watching this Tatort episode. As a lifelong fan of this series, I was not disappointed, but must admit that certain elements in this story add up to only an average sum. There have been better ones.
