Ep 1. New Paths

On the first episode of "Das Boot," titled "New Paths," we are introduced to a cast of characters who inhabit a German submarine called U-612 during World War II. As the war rages on, tensions begin to rise within the submarine, as the crew grapples with the weight of their mission and the dangers that lie ahead.

The episode begins with the arrival of a new captain, Klaus Hoffmann (Rick Okon), who takes over command of the U-612 after the previous captain is killed in action. Hoffmann is a seasoned naval officer who is determined to do his duty and lead his crew to victory, but his leadership style is met with resistance from some of his subordinates.

One of the crew members who takes issue with Hoffmann's authority is Chief Mechanic Friedrich Plath (August Wittgenstein), who has served on the submarine for several years and feels that his experience should give him a greater say in how things are run. Plath is a skilled technician who takes pride in his work, but he's also wary of Hoffmann's strict adherence to the rules and his lack of empathy for his men.

Another sailor who's wary of the new captain is Second Watch Officer Karl Tennstedt (Thilo Kroker), who has a personal vendetta against Hoffmann after an incident that occurred while they were serving together in Norway. Tennstedt is a sharp, ambitious officer who knows how to play the political game, and he sees Hoffmann as a threat to his own advancement.

Meanwhile, other crew members are dealing with personal struggles of their own. Radio Operator Simon (Vincent Kartheiser) is still grieving the loss of his brother, who was killed in action, and he's struggling to find meaning in his own life. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Franz Buchner (Stefan Konarske) is coping with a secret that could have dire consequences for the entire crew.

As the U-612 sets sail on a new mission, tensions continue to simmer between the officers and the crew. But as they face danger and uncertainty together, the men begin to forge a bond that transcends their differences. They come to understand that they are all in this together, and that they must rely on one another if they hope to survive.

"New Paths" sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing us to a diverse cast of characters and laying the groundwork for the complex interpersonal dynamics that will drive the story forward. With its richly drawn characters and high-stakes drama, "Das Boot" promises to be a thrilling exploration of the human experience during a time of war.