Tatort Dresden continues to change: female power at the end?

Tatort Dresden continues to change: female power at the end?

On Sunday, October 12th, the Dresden “Tatort” team will investigate the new “dormouse” case. In recent years, the team around police chief Peter Schnabel, played by Martin Brambach, and the new investigator Leonie Winkler have dealt with many challenges. Now they have to investigate a dramatic case in which 16-year-old Lilly-Marie is found dead in a lake after she escaped from a youth home with her boyfriend Pascal. Pascal is currently missing, which makes the situation even more exciting.

The “Tatort” from Dresden, which began in 2016 with the “Three Angels for Dresden” concept, is currently under a special spotlight because there are always personnel changes in the team. The initial line-up, consisting of Alwara Höfels, Karin Hanczewski and Jella Haase, has changed significantly over the years. Haase left the team after just one episode, while Höfels left after six episodes due to conflicts with MDR. The current circumstances in the investigative team could potentially have a negative impact on ratings, but the producers are committed to continuity and quality.

New case, new challenges

In the current episode "Seven Sleepers", Schnabel and Winkler not only have to deal with the mysterious death of Lilly-Marie, but also with the circumstances that led to her tragic fate. The “Seven Sleepers” youth home where she lived is described as exemplary, but its handling of difficult life stories is questioned. The teacher Jasmin Hoffmann is particularly concerned about the circumstances and describes Pascal as a problematic figure. The psychiatrist Lukas Brückner is also involved in the case because he treats the residents of the home.

The absence of Karin Hanczewski, who will end her role as Commissioner Gorniak in February 2025, has reduced the team to two members. Nevertheless, this step backwards is not perceived as disadvantageous. The viewers are having similar thoughts as the producers: a new character, Lilja van der Zwaag as Milla Brandis, will soon be added to provide a breath of fresh air.

A look into the future

The upcoming episodes of the Dresden “crime scene” have already been decided after two cases involving Schnabel and Winkler were filmed. A new episode entitled “What You Leave Behind” is currently being filmed in Dresden. A solo crime novel for Leonie Winkler is already lined up with “Nachtshade”, and the story will remain exciting as the team is continually updated.

The importance of “Tatort” as a cultural institution on German television is undisputed. With over 1,041 episodes produced and its 50th anniversary in 2020, the series remains relevant and continues to be explored. A current research project by the German Research Foundation sheds light on the representative investigator figures in the series from 1970 to 2020 and analyzes their social context and diversity. The question of how the characters change in modern times continues to be discussed, leaving room for new approaches in narrative and casting.

The Dresden “Tatort” shows that, despite the challenges and changes, it is possible to tell exciting and realistic stories. The dynamic relationship between the characters, coupled with critical social issues, keeps the viewers' interest alive and ensures that the "crime scene" remains highly popular in the future.

You can find out more about the background and current developments of the series in the reports from Picture and Focus. The research project on the history of the “crime scene” is also available on the website DFG documented.