Wolfgang Hasse, Kapitän der Weißen Flotte, hat ein außereheliches Verhältnis mit der zwanzigjährigen Serviererin Marlies Geißler, die ein Kind von ihm erwartet. Bei einer Auseinandersetzung, in der die junge Frau darauf besteht, das Kind auszutragen, verletzt sie sich lebensgefährlich. Hasse lässt sie verbluten und täuscht einen Selbstmord vor. Unter Tatverdacht geraten sowohl der Maschinist des Schiffes, Ebs Häusler, ehemaliger Verlobter der Toten, als auch die Ehefrau des Kapitäns. Häusler kann für die Tatzeit kein Alibi erbringen und Frau Hasse war zur fraglichen Zeit am Tatort. Sie übergibt der Kriminalpolizei einen Abschiedsbrief der Serviererin, der angeblich in Hasses Schreibmaschine im Bungalow steckte. Die Kriminalisten stehen vor einer komplizierten Aufgabe, die ihnen manches Rätsel aufgibt.
If there’s one show that has stood the test of time in the world of crime dramas, it’s undoubtedly Tatort. First airing on November 29, 1970, this German-language police procedural television series has become a staple in households across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Broadcasted on major channels like ARD, ORF 2, and SF1, Tatort has produced over 1200 episodes across its remarkable 55 seasons. Each episode is distinctively crafted by various regional broadcasters, showcasing unique settings and local customs while maintaining a thread of gripping crime-solving narratives.
One of the most compelling aspects of Tatort is its commitment to character depth and development. The format allows for feature-length episodes averaging around 90 minutes each—far longer than typical weekly dramas—which affords viewers an immersive experience into the lives of its protagonists. From iconic inspectors like Schimanski to contemporary favorites navigating complex cases in bustling cities or quiet towns, viewers get a multi-dimensional view of not just the crimes but the cultures surrounding them. This emphasis on character makes it easy for audiences to connect with their stories and invest emotionally in their fates.
The collaborative production model behind Tatort is another reason for its phenomenal longevity and success. Each participating regional TV station contributes uniquely styled episodes featuring different teams of inspectors solving crimes in their own cities—from scenic Vienna to vibrant Berlin—showcasing local architecture and dialects as integral parts of the plotline. This approach not only enriches each episode but also fosters a sense of community among viewers who may recognize their own locales being portrayed onscreen.