Ep 1. Exit Strategies

Das Boot is an acclaimed German drama series that is based on the classic book and film of the same name. Its second season premiered in 2020, and it picks up right where the first season left off, in the midst of World War II. The first episode of Das Boot season 2 is titled "Exit Strategies" and it sets the stage for the intense and thrilling season to come.

The episode opens with the crew of U-612, the German submarine at the center of the series, facing a crisis. They are running out of air and need to surface as soon as possible. However, the waters they are navigating through are known to be heavily patrolled by British ships, putting them all in grave danger. The captain of U-612, Hoffman, is under immense pressure to make the right decision, as any misstep could lead to the death of his entire crew.

As the situation on the sub grows increasingly tense, the episode flashes back to what happened to the characters in the months and weeks leading up to this moment. We see some crew members struggling with personal issues, such as a young sailor named Hinrich who is grappling with the trauma of his previous missions. Others are dealing with relationship drama, like the captain's son Klaus, who is in love with a woman whose father is a high-ranking Nazi official.

Meanwhile, back on land, we are introduced to a new character named Carla Monroe, an American journalist who is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding U-612 and its secret mission. She arrives in the French port town where the sub is stationed and begins to ask questions, eventually getting the attention of the Nazi officials who are overseeing the mission.

As the episode progresses, the tension rises both on and off the sub. The crew of U-612 must navigate treacherous waters and evade British detection to stay alive, while also dealing with internal strife and personal demons. Meanwhile, Carla Monroe's investigation heats up and she gets closer and closer to uncovering the truth about the sub's mission - a truth that could spell disaster for the crew.

The episode ends with a cliffhanger that sets up the rest of the season, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and eager to see what happens next.

Overall, "Exit Strategies" is a gripping and intense episode that sets the tone for the second season of Das Boot. It expertly balances action-packed scenes on the submarine with character development and political intrigue on land, making for a multi-layered and engaging viewing experience. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and newcomers will quickly be drawn in by the high stakes and well-drawn characters.