TV SERIES REVIEW
Babylon Berlin
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2017 - 2025, Season 4 releases 2024
Runtime: Season 4: 12 x 45m episodes
Director(s): Henk Handloegten, Tom Tykwer, Achim von Borries
Cast: Volker Bruch, Liv Lisa Fries, Lars Eidinger, Fritzi Haberlandt, Karl Markovics, Jens Harzer, Christian Friedel, Jördis Triebel
Where to Watch: Season 4 premieres June 25, 2024; older episodes are now available exclusively in North America on MHz Choice

RAVING REVIEW: Anticipation has been building, and the fourth season of BABYLON BERLIN is finally almost here, premiering on June 25 via MHz Choice. This much-loved German series is back with a fresh chapter, delivering twelve new thrilling episodes. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of early 1930s Berlin, the season promises an exhilarating mix of crime, politics, and personal drama.

The story starts in Berlin, struggling to recover from the global stock market crash, shifting from the opulence of the Roaring Twenties to the harsh realities of the Great Depression. This dramatic shift sets the stage for the Nazi Party’s rise. Central to this gripping narrative are Gereon Rath (Volker Bruch), a detective haunted by his past, and Charlotte Ritter (Liv Lisa Fries), his determined colleague, navigating the city’s criminal and political labyrinth.

This season dives into the gritty underbelly of Berlin, featuring boxing clubs, grand exhibition fights, and lively dance marathons at the iconic Moka Efti. Gereon’s investigations draw him dangerously close to Hitler’s paramilitary force, the Sturmabteilung (SA), underlining the challenging political climate. Charlotte, meanwhile, fights for respect and recognition within the male-dominated police force, tackling professional and societal challenges head-on.

Mark Ivanir’s portrayal of Abraham “Abe” Goldstein adds an intensity to the cast. Goldstein, a wealthy American Jewish gangster, returns to Berlin to reclaim a stolen family heirloom, sparking a gang war. This subplot explores the Jewish community’s experiences during these volatile times.

Reflecting on its previous seasons, BABYLON BERLIN has consistently received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the European Film Academy’s European Achievement in Fiction and the Rose d’Or Series Award for Best Drama. The series excels at depicting Berlin during the Weimar Republic, offering a richly immersive experience that blends historical events with engaging storytelling and complex character development.

Season 3 ended dramatically with the 1929 financial collapse driving Gereon back into a dark addiction, setting a tone for the new season. As the narrative moves into the 30s, Gereon’s ongoing struggle with addiction and deeper entanglement in the criminal world add layers of complexity to his character. The series skillfully balances historical accuracy with fictional narratives, making it a must-watch for history enthusiasts and drama lovers.

Directors Tom Tykwer, Achim von Borries, and Henk Handloegten ensure that the series continues to shine with high production values. The visual aesthetics, influenced by German Expressionism and Bauhaus art, capture Berlin’s luxury and despair, creating a distinctive and memorable style that stands out in modern television.

BABYLON BERLIN distinguishes itself by delving deeper into the political and social intricacies of the Weimar Republic. The series goes beyond merely recreating historical events, examining their impact on those who lived through them, and providing a poignant human perspective on a pivotal historical period.

For newcomers, catching up on the first three seasons is essential to appreciate the narrative’s depth and complexity fully. The series’ rich character arcs, meticulous historical detail, and seamless blend of personal and political storylines make it a standout in historical crime dramas.

The fourth season of BABYLON BERLIN promises an exhilarating continuation of the series. With its mix of historical intrigue, multi-dimensional characters, and high-stakes drama, this season offers a compelling journey through one of history’s most fascinating and turbulent eras. As Gereon and Charlotte navigate the dangerous landscape of 1930s Berlin, viewers can expect a thought-provoking and captivating experience that reaffirms BABYLON BERLIN’s status as a must-watch series.

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[photo courtesy of MHZ CHOICE]

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