Ep 5. Episode 5

Babylon Berlin is a German neo-noir television series set in the late 1920s. It follows Gereon Rath, a police detective from Cologne, who is transferred to Berlin to investigate a pornographic film ring. Along with his partner Charlotte Ritter, a poor but ambitious police clerk, he delves deeper into the seedy underworld of the city, while also navigating the complex political landscape of the Weimar Republic.

In episode 5, Gereon and Charlotte's investigation leads them to a nightclub called The Moka Efti, which serves as a hub for the criminal underworld in Berlin. There, they encounter several important figures in the film ring, including the club's owner, Alfred Nyssen. Gereon also crosses paths with his brother, Anno, who is involved with the fascist movement in Germany.

Meanwhile, Gereon continues to grapple with his PTSD, which is triggered by the chaotic and violent nature of the city. He seeks out a doctor who prescribes him cocaine, which he becomes addicted to. He also starts to develop feelings for Charlotte, despite his engagement to his girlfriend in Cologne.

As the episode progresses, the tension between the different factions in the film ring increases. Gereon and Charlotte witness a brutal murder at The Moka Efti, which leads them to question their own safety. They realize that they are in over their heads and need to tread carefully if they hope to solve the case.

Throughout the episode, the viewer is immersed in the vibrant and decadent world of 1920s Berlin. The costumes, set design, and music all evoke the time period and create a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. However, the show does not shy away from the darker aspects of the time, including the rise of fascism and the exploitation of women in the film industry.

Overall, episode 5 of Babylon Berlin is a thrilling and tense installment in the series. It sets up several important plot points for the rest of the season and showcases the complex and nuanced storytelling that has made the show a critical and commercial success.