Babylon Berlin, a critically acclaimed German television series set during the Weimar Republic in late 1920s Berlin, has taken the world by storm.
The show follows Gereon Rath, a troubled police inspector transferred from Cologne to Berlin, as he navigates the capital's chaotic and decadent world.
The series masterfully intertwines historical events with fictional narratives, presenting a vivid picture of a society on the brink of upheaval.
In the fourth season, Gereon faces his greatest fears and personal challenges yet, including the complex dynamics of love and loyalty.
The season promises more intense political intrigue, personal turmoil, and the captivating blend of historical and fictional storytelling that has made Babylon Berlin a standout series.
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We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Volker Bruch, the series' leading man, to discuss his experience and insights into playing Gereon Rath, the show's complex protagonist.
Reflecting on the ongoing conversation about Babylon Berlin even two years after its initial release, Volker shared, "Well, as I like the show myself, it's not a big deal. I like talking about it because it's something I'm very proud of."
He expressed genuine enthusiasm and pride in the series, attributing its success to the intricate storytelling and multifaceted characters.
The worldwide acclaim of Babylon Berlin might have taken some by surprise, but not Volker.
He remarked, "Well, it's not a surprise in terms of I like it myself, and that's why I understand that other people like it as well. You can never tell how big a success something is... but with Babylon Berlin, it's different."
He pointed out the show's unique blend of complexity and accessibility, noting how it challenges viewers while providing high-quality entertainment.
From the very beginning, Volker sensed that Babylon Berlin was special.
He reminisced about the early days of filming.: "It was the scripts. When you read them, it was like, 'What? Are you serious?' And when we came to the sets every day... it was always spectacular."
The entire team's dedication, from the set decorators to the actors, created an environment of excellence and humility that Volker found both inspiring and humbling.
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Portraying Gereon Rath has been a journey filled with discovery and challenge.
Volker described Gereon as a character with "different talents," revealing that the dance scenes were particularly significant.
"He's a dancer? Are you sure?" was Volker's initial reaction, but he quickly embraced it as an essential part of Gereon's expression.
These dancing scenes counterbalance the darker elements of the storyline, offering both the character and the audience a much-needed release.
Season 4 of Babylon Berlin brings new depths to Gereon's character.
Volker highlighted Gereon's fear of falling in love as a central theme, explaining, "Because you know that it's not easy for him to let go and to accept happiness in his life."
This season explores Gereon's vulnerability and struggles to accept joy, adding another layer to his already complex persona.
Fans of the series will be thrilled to learn that the romantic tension between Gereon and Charlotte reaches new heights in the latest season.
Reflecting on their evolving relationship, Volker shared, "This is very different in Season 4 in that they grow up to each other and are on eye level, meeting, and being good for each other."
One of the most intriguing aspects of Gereon's story is his complicated relationship with Dr. Schmidt.
When asked about this enigmatic character, Volker confessed, "I have no idea," but hinted at deeper explorations in future seasons.
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Shrouded in mystery and psychological depth, this relationship offers a fascinating glimpse into Gereon's inner turmoil.
Volker Bruch's portrayal of Gereon Rath in Babylon Berlin is a testament to his talent and dedication.
His insights and anecdotes vividly portray the passion and effort behind the scenes, making the series a visual and narrative triumph and a labor of love for everyone involved.
As the series continues to captivate audiences worldwide, we can only anticipate more thrilling developments and revelations in the coming seasons.
Babylon Berlin Seasons 1 - 3 are currently streaming on MHz Choice in the US.
The first two episodes of Season 4 drop today, and new episodes will be released weekly. A fifth and final season begins filming shortly.
This is a series (and season) you should not miss!