Fantastic show. If you like to immerge into other worlds, if you enjoy the maelstrom which can be created by great fiction and art, Babylon Berlin is just right for you. You don't even have to be interested in history or politics or cinematic artistry. It still works perfectly just as a story full of suspense and entertainment.
It took a while to really get under my skin because it does not use the usual tear jerking bits and no clear cut heros who always do what you wish them to do in order to like them. It creeps into you in small but steady doses. The pace does increase in the second season (E 9-16) with a perfect finale. They do a great job of letting you feel the hope, courage, glamour, stupor, dust and doom of Berlin 1928. They do not force any morale or ostensible messages on you, yet it never feels spineless. Historical insight and information are weaved into a fictional world that captures your senses and intellect alike. They do it in such a natural way that it never feels educational. Like they did in Mad Men or Downton Abbey, but with some more use of experimental ways to visualise or narrate the story. The acting, the visual art (both set and cinematography), the music, are all impressive in the literal sense. The singing: Wow. A haunting performance by Severija Januauskaite, and not to forget Brian Ferry.
I can only recommend to watch it. And good to know that they plan on creating two more seasons.
I can only recommend to watch it. And good to know that they plan on creating two more seasons.