Babylon Berlin excels in (almost) everything. The fourth season is a combination of mafia, rise of Nazis and a true spy series. All that with an obscure edge. This is mainly due to the complex relationship between police inspector Gereon Rath and his brother. Strangely enough, despite the intense beginning, this is not an important storyline at all. It only slowly becomes clear why the short obscure flashes of the story between Gereon and his brother are central. It shows the quality of the makers. The idiosyncratic way of telling a story that deals with multiple characters and situations fits perfectly with the turbulent time in which everything takes place.
The series is getting closer to the Nazi takeover in Germany. Surprisingly enough, Gereon plays a role in this. He follows the leader of the Berlin branch of the NSDAP. There seems to be a confrontation between this Berlin branch and those who follow Hitler. As if that wasn't enough, Gereon is also dragged into the world of the German underworld. There is also a power struggle going on there. It is fueled by a very unexpected force. Gereon must do everything he can to calm the parties. The question is whether this will work.
Babylon Berlin is also one of the best series of recent years with its fourth season.
Fortunately, Gereon is not only assisted by the Berlin police force. Charlotte supports him where she can. The two seem to find each other more and more. Unfortunately, both are distracted by private concerns. In Babylon Berlin it has become an art to develop different storylines down to the last detail and keep them intertwined. In addition to Gereon and Charlotte, many more main characters play an important role. Although their stories seem to be separate, there appears to be a hook that connects the stories. This applies to the espionage story between Nazis and communists, the diamond heist and the story of two characters who have been a little too critical of those in power. It is truly sublime that a story with so many layers is still so easy to ignore.
With its sepia images, idiosyncratic approach and the fact that it tells a story about a period that is rather underexposed, Babylon Berlin is an absolute winner. The Germans certainly know how to beautifully portray the atmosphere of hope, despair, power struggle and inability. There is disorder on the streets and the police are finding it increasingly difficult. This is partly due to the conflict of interest and corruption in the force itself. Each party has its tentacles deeply rooted in the center of power. The political and military joust is therefore reflected in society. The trick of Babylon Berlin is that it still has an exciting, exciting and, when called for, frivolous approach. Babylon Berlin is also one of the best series of recent years with its fourth season.
