Ep 1. Episode 1

In the opening episode of Babylon Berlin, we are transported to 1929 Berlin as the Weimar Republic is in the midst of its economic and social upheaval. We are introduced to the lead characters of the show, Gereon Rath (Volker Bruch) and Charlotte Ritter (Liv Lisa Fries). Gereon is a police inspector from Cologne who has been transferred to Berlin to assist with a high-profile case involving a pornographic film. Charlotte is a young woman who dreams of becoming a police detective but is currently working as a prostitute to support her family.

The episode starts with Gereon arriving at the police station in Berlin and meeting his new colleagues. He is given the assignment of investigating the pornographic film case, which involves a wealthy industrialist named Alfred Nyssen. Gereon is a war veteran who suffers from PTSD and uses morphine to cope with his symptoms. Over the course of the episode, we see him struggle with his addiction and the demands of his job.

Meanwhile, Charlotte is working as a prostitute in one of Berlin’s seedy nightclubs. She dreams of becoming a police detective, but her gender and social status make it difficult for her to break into the profession. Charlotte is friends with a fellow sex worker named Greta Overbeck, who is involved with a communist group that is planning to stage a demonstration against fascism. Charlotte becomes involved with the group and helps them distribute flyers around the city.

As Gereon investigates the pornographic film case, he discovers that Nyssen is involved in a larger conspiracy involving the Soviet Union. Gereon’s investigation brings him into contact with a Russian diplomat named Alexei Kardakow, who is also involved in the conspiracy. Gereon also meets a cabaret singer named Svetlana Sorokina, who is Nyssen’s mistress and may hold the key to solving the case.

The episode is filled with stunning visuals that transport the viewer back to 1920s Berlin. We see the decadent nightclubs, the poverty-ridden neighborhoods, and the political unrest that is bubbling just beneath the surface. The costumes and set design are exquisite, and the soundtrack features a mix of classical music and period-appropriate songs.

The acting in the episode is top-notch, particularly from Bruch and Fries. Bruch brings a brooding intensity to his portrayal of Gereon, while Fries imbues Charlotte with a sense of determination and resilience. The supporting cast is equally talented, with standout performances from Peter Kurth as Gereon’s colleague Bruno Wolter and Matthias Brandt as Nyssen.

Overall, the first episode of Babylon Berlin sets the stage for what promises to be a gripping crime drama set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. The characters are complex and well-drawn, and the setting is vividly realized. With its mix of political intrigue, social commentary, and noir-ish atmosphere, Babylon Berlin is sure to be a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and historical fiction.