Lauchhammer - Tod in der Lausitz

Very hard to get into this one. As a true crime author, I usually love true crime series, especially crimes set in Europe. It was disjointed and not really focused on the murder or the investigation. There were some characters who didn't seem to fit the narrative. Some of the others had too much going on that didn't seem to make any sense with respect to the crime. I had a hard time following the plot line.

I am searching to see if there are any other documentaries about this crime to compare it to, but if not, I would not recommend this one if you are a true crime junkie. You'll know after the first episode of you should keep watching.

This first-rate noir production puts a fresh spin on the shopworn plot tripod involving a mysterious murder (yes, the victim is tragically young and very pretty), the detective(s) with a screwed up life, and "evil business"...oh, I forgot the corrupt cop, so that makes four legs. Yet, character development via superb writing and acting (female cop costar is a genius IMO), make it a most gripping and satisfying watch. The music is likewise as pitch perfect as the script. As an aside, one wonders for the millionth time why the writing for and acting by American child actors is so mundane/awful/unimaginative? Dustin, younger brother of the deceased, gives an amazing performance of a poignant character you won't forget.

This was a cop drama that had several strands with some of them having happened in the past and retold as flashbacks. This didn't make for a particularly cohesive story even though events in the past impinged greatly on the present-day investigation. At times it was rather hard to get the various timelines and events meshed together and melded in one's head.

There were a few loose ends too - we never got to know who the top dog was for instance. Where did the junkies go after eviction? And a couple of scenes were not credible - falling from a very tall building is fatal but not in the series - the guy was out of bed within a couple of weeks. These aren't strong enough hooks to be cliffhangers.

However the plot moved on at a fast pace involving input from family members as well as normal and methodical police work. On balance I'd say that I enjoyed the show.

Edit: There are no "spoilers" here in the sense used by this site. Please don't flag it again.

An intriguing post-GDR thriller with a good, though depressing, atmosphere. After a girl is murdered the plot slowly develops towards a rather unexpected end. The former GDR political culture is nicely intertwined with the current atmosphere in the former Eastern Germany and with the former coal industry there. An intelligent crime story that at times may get you a little lost, but always timely returns on to the right track. If you're into crime mystery, intrigue within a depressing atmosphere that seems to hold no hope for anyone, then this is definitely for you. Do not expect a fast paced thriller. The story needs six episodes to unfold. Photography, dialogues, acting and scenario are decent, not special, but good enough. The only aspects that seems out of place are some of the theme songs. O right, the scenes filmed in driving cars are technically very poor. Not every series can have 10 stars.

This was a good watch on a rainy afternoon. Kept my attention, it was engaging, it was interesting. I felt that the first three episodes were really set up to draw the audience in. Lots of interesting (and different) ideas and characters. Lots of backstory in flashbacks on the lead man Maik, and lots of questions - even intrigue - was Maik a killer?? And great family drama with an interesting father and brother.

The side story with the dead girls little brother held my interest as well. Also the ex-wife and her boyfriend storyline could have been drawn out some more, it was interesting. So for all the lead-up to what should have been a good climax, and enough drama from the past to pack a powerful ending, the last two episodes just felt a little lack-luster. And the abduction in the last few minutes seems a little thrown in. Probably a different person should have been abducted, seemed unbelievable and didn't really fit with the story line. Unnecessary. So for this reason I give it six stars. And the last thing that I thought was a little unnecessary, Was the attire of the leading lady. Um, Aren't you a police officer? Where is your uniform, lady? When everyone else is wearing jackets and long sleeves, a tank top seemed ridiculous. In... Every... Scene. Like I said, this was a rainy days binge watch for me, and I enjoyed it.