Die Oma zum Pferdestehlen: Daniela Ziegler im Interview
Gerhard Meißner

Frankenfestpiele Röttingen: Ein Gespräch mit Hauptdarstellerin Daniela Ziegler über Fernseh-Klischees, das Älterwerden und darüber, warum jeder Abend als Norma Desmond eine tiefe Bedeutung für sie hat.

[...]

Wie geht es weiter nach den Frankenfestspielen?

ziegler: Als Nächstes bin ich wieder in „Sister Act“ als Mutter Oberin in Berlin zu sehen. Diese Rolle habe ich auch in der deutschen Erstaufführung in Hamburg gespielt. Gleichzeitig mache ich noch eine Produktion mit Helmut Baumann, ein Abend im Schlosspark-Theater, der heißen wird: „Alles halb so schlimm – Altsein für Anfänger“.

Dann hab ich mit Paramount in Babelsberg eine amerikanische Agenten-Serie, „Berlin Station“, gedreht, die geht eventuell weiter. Ich spiele eine israelische Mossad-Agentin, Golda Friedmann, und spreche Englisch mit israelischem Akzent.

[...]

Spione in Berlin: Erste Teaser zur Thrillerserie "Berlin Station" mit "Der Hobbit"-Star Richard Armitage

Dass Berlin sich perfekt für Spionage-Storys eignet, wurde bereits mit der fünften Staffel von „Homeland“ bewiesen. Jetzt muss die neue Epix-Serie „Berlin Station“ zeigen, was sie kann. Heute haben wir drei Teaser für euch.
Für Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) war Berlin nur eine Station ihrer langen Spionage-Karriere in „Homeland“. CIA-Agent Daniel Miller (Richard Armitage) muss wohl länger bleiben – ihm wird in den ersten Teasern zu „Berlin Station“ jedenfalls empfohlen, sich mit der Stadt schon mal anzufreunden. Miller wird zum CIA-Außenposten in der deutschen Hauptstadt geschickt, um einen geheimen Auftrag auszuführen. Er soll herausfinden, welche Person hinter dem Whistleblower Thomas Shaw steckt und arbeitet dafür eng mit seinem Kollegen Hector DeJean (Rhys Ifans) zusammen. Dabei führen die Spuren schon bald zurück nach Washington...

Die Serie „Berlin Station“, die am 16. Oktober 2016 auf dem US-Sender Epix startet, wurde von Ole Steinhauer erfunden. Neben Richard Armitage und Rhys Ifans gehören unter anderem auch Richard Jenkins, Michelle Forbes und Tamlyn Tomita zur Besetzung.

12 TV series to watch this fall
Originally published August 23, 2016 at 7:46 am Updated August 23, 2016 at 11:04 am


By FRAZIER MOORE
The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The fall television season has been an annual rite since viewers were splitting their time between the trio of networks on their black-and-white TVs.

Nowadays, watching TV isn’t even limited to TV screens, while dozens of channels are spewing out new series for the modern pampered audience.

Although the major broadcast networks still make the most noise when it comes to promoting their new wares, savvy viewers may find the best new shows often blossom far afield of mainstream outlets, as cable channels and streaming services prove more and more conclusively they’re where the action is.

For instance, Amazon Prime will host a six-part series starring as well as directed and written by Woody Allen beginning Sept. 30. Although “Crisis in Six Scenes” isn’t yet available for preview, one thing is for sure: The first-ever TV series from this master filmmaker will be a signal moment not only for him, but also for the network that snagged him and for viewers on the lookout for groundbreaking content.


And there’s plenty more ahead. Viewers who take the broad view this fall across the video landscape will find a host of delights such as these dozen new arrivals:

— “Atlanta,” FX; Sept. 6. Starring and created by Donald Glover, who’s also one of its writers, this remarkably gritty yet heartwarming comedy focuses on two cousins as they try to break into the Atlanta rap scene with many a stumble in both their professional and personal lives. Everything about this show rings true, sometimes painfully so: “I just keep losing. I mean, some people just supposed to lose … just to make it easier for the winners?” Good question. But hope springs eternal, along with well-earned laughs, on this winning new series.

— “Queen Sugar,” OWN; Sept. 6. If it were only a robust melodrama, that would be enough. Its African-American ensemble and perspective make this family saga instantly appealing. But along with an intoxicating tale of the at-odds Bordelon clan and their at-risk cane farm in the Deep South, “Queen Sugar” does something any series should be proud to accomplish: It puts forth a varied group of individuals ranging from rich to poor and from reckless to righteous, minus the stereotyping. This series is executive-produced by Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay, director of the Oscar-nominated “Selma.” A breath of fresh air, it’s a series that could bring viewers to OWN who have never come before.

— “Fleabag,” Amazon; Sept. 16. Fleabag (this gal’s nickname) is a klutz, a kook and a self-perpetuating outcast. On the loose in London, she’s a cringingly hilarious mess you can relate to, even while seized by an urge to look away. Not that she isn’t pretty and, one supposes, bright. And yet: “I have a horrible feeling that I am a greedy, perverted, selfish, apathetic, cynical, depraved, morally bankrupt woman who can’t even call herself a feminist,” she blurts out to her arm’s-length dad, to which he replies, “You get all that from your mother.” In the tradition of “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” ”Girls” and even TV-Larry-David’s trouble-seeking compulsions, it’s a virtuoso performance by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who not only stars but also created the series, which premiered on BBC Three in July.

— “The Good Place,” NBC; Sept. 19. Clerical errors can happen anywhere, even in the Hereafter. On this comedy, a paperwork glitch leads to a not-so-good young woman being mistakenly dispatched to the exclusive Good Place, where only the most virtuous are meant to gain entry. Kristen Bell plays the misappointed Eleanor, who, through wiles if not through personal improvement, means to hang onto her Good Place posting — and to keep the mistake hidden from her Good Place overseer (Ted Danson). It’s a refreshingly loopy, ultimately goodhearted romp, occasionally punctuated with surreal flights of fancy (Eleanor’s invasive presence in the Good Place has wildly disruptive effects). It’s a good place to settle for half-hours of fun.

— “The Exorcist,” Fox; Sept. 23. To judge from the pilot, at least, this is no pro-forma remake. No, it appears to truly be its own thing while recapturing the (evil) spirit of the chilling 1973 film. The less said beyond that, the better, other than to note that the impressive cast includes Ben Daniels and Geena Davis — and to promise a twist that, all by itself, will make the pilot episode worth checking out. Here’s hoping the same creative spirit haunts this show in episodes to come.

— “Westworld,” HBO; Oct. 2. This two-pronged odyssey is simultaneously set in an imagined sci-fi future and the reimagined Old West past in the form of an epic theme park where lifelike robots indulge every appetite of its paying guests. What measure of depravity does this unleash in the humans who visit? And what measure of upheaval will be triggered when the robots go haywire? A huge ensemble includes Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton and Jeffrey Wright. The series’ visuals — both its western splendor and its futuristic labs — is spellbinding. The potential sprawl of its mythology seems limitless. In short, this is a candidate to be HBO’s next “Game of Thrones.”

— “Divorce,” HBO; Oct. 9. Sarah Jessica Parker has passed beyond “Sex and the City” to a next-stage comedy that takes her out of New York City and up to the ‘burbs for a role that could prove as totemic as single-girl Carrie. This time, she plays a mother and a wife (to co-star Thomas Haden Church) who’s having an affair and wants out of her marriage, explaining, “I want to save my life while I still care about it.” But there’s no simple escape for her or anyone else among the series’ crumbling collection of marrieds, and this show about modern life and suburban mores is a shrewd reminder why. Funny and well-observed, “Divorce” is a comedy that could have viewers saying “I do.”

— “Insecure,” HBO; Oct. 9. What’s it like to be a modern young black woman who can function in a mostly white world (and the totally white workplace of a social-service agency) but savors sisterhood with her favorite gal pal? This charming comedy was created by and stars Issa Rae (creator of the YouTube web series “Awkward Black Girl”) as an insecure L.A. girl on the make and Yvonne Orji as her seemingly has-it-all-together chum.

— “Falling Water,” USA; Oct. 13. This dreamy drama tells of three people who realize their dreams each compose part of a universal dream, with a powerful cumulative story to tell. Tess is a professional trend spotter who knows, without quite knowing how, what the next thing will be that catches on with the public. Taka is an NYPD detective whose job is finding clues to solve human puzzles. Burton is the fixer at an investment banking firm who’s tasked with halting sinister human impulses. What does this add up to? A mesmerizing wakeup call.

— “Goliath,” Amazon; Oct. 14. Billy Bob Thornton is irresistible as Billy McBride, a washed-up, gin-soaked former maestro of the courtroom who, now an ambulance chaser, has no way to go but up. Pulling him out of his funk is a wrongful death lawsuit he files against an all-important client of Cooperman & McBride, the titanic Los Angeles law firm he helped found. This deadly battle pits him against former partner Donald Cooperman, a fearsome adversary you might see as his Goliath. It’s hard to tell from the two episodes previewed where this saga, co-created by David E. Kelley (“Boston Legal”), could lead, but Thornton’s “David” is ripe for redemption and worth rooting for.

— “Berlin Station,” Epix; Oct. 16. Could any series be more timely? A whistleblower has gained fame and notoriety for leaking secrets from the CIA’s Berlin office. CIA Officer Daniel Miller (Richard Armitage, “Hannibal”) arrives in Berlin on a clandestine mission to identify and stop this obscure scoundrel. The mood is tense and somber. The look is brooding. This thriller boasts an international collection of flawed or broken characters played by a global cast including Michelle Forbes and Richard Jenkins. In sum: Think John le Carre meets “True Detective.”

— “People of Earth,” TBS; Oct. 31. As loopy as this comedy is, it comes from a real place: There really ARE support groups for (self-declared) alien abductees. The show centers on a journalist visiting a small town to write about such a support group and the alien encounters its members allege. His initial skepticism then gives way to unsettling suspicions that he, too, has been spirited away. He is forced to claim his spot among this group of misfits — and, even more unnerving, to acknowledge the possibility of alien life. Wyatt Cenac stars as the journalist going through a major head trip as he learns to be more tolerant of others, however alien they may seem.

Olen Steinhauer@olensteinhauer

Early press on 'Berlin Station' http://journaltimes.com/berlin-station/ ... user-share … via @journaltimes

'Berlin Station'

Aug 24, 2016 0

"Berlin Station," Epix; Oct. 16

Could any series be more timely? A whistleblower has gained fame and notoriety for leaking secrets from the CIA's Berlin office. CIA Officer Daniel Miller (Richard Armitage, "Hannibal") arrives in Berlin on a clandestine mission to identify and stop this obscure scoundrel.

The mood is tense and somber. The look is brooding. This thriller boasts an international collection of flawed or broken characters played by a global cast including Michelle Forbes and Richard Jenkins.

In sum: Think John le Carre meets "True Detective."

IndieWire @IndieWire

Fall TV Preview: The 17 Most Anticipated Dramas of 2016 http://bit.ly/2cBStpJ

Fall TV Preview: The 17 Most Anticipated Dramas of 2016
From the fields of Louisiana to a vampire apocalypse to the early years of Queen Elizabeth, this fall's most anticipated dramas are extremely eclectic.

By Ben Travers, Liz Shannon Miller, Hanh Nguyen

“Queen Sugar”

September 6, 2016 on OWN


What Is It? Ava DuVernay has teamed with Oprah for this series about a family reunited by tragedy in Louisiana, and she’s brought with her an entirely female director roster (a first).

I’ll Like It If I Like… Stories set in the South, stories that feature strong female characters and stories that aren’t afraid of taking on big issues head-on.

Why Should I Care? “Queen Sugar” has its flaws, but there’s some rich filmmaking on display and there’s potential for growth with these characters.


“Quarry”

September 9, 2016 on Cinemax

What Is It? Based on the novels by Max Allan Collins, “Quarry” tells the story of Mac Conway (Logan Marshall-Green), a Marine who returns home to Memphis after serving in Vietnam. Conway finds that his war has yet to end, however, as his family treats him differently and he’s less than a respected figure around town. Despite his resistance, nagging desires he thought he left behind keep cropping up as Conway is drawn into a world of murder and bloodshed.

I’ll Like It If I Like… The second half of “The Deer Hunter” + “Rectify” (with a hint of “The Americans”).

Why Should I Care? “Quarry” may come from a few fresh showrunners, but Graham Gordy and Michael D. Fuller have created a world eerily familiar in its peculiarity. Conway is struggling to adjust back to life outside of Vietnam — something many veterans face — but mysterious outside forces present opportunities that keep him from even getting a chance. Nuanced and contemplative, “Quarry” should please fans of “Rectify” (the show that first introduced Gordy and Fuller as writers) and fascinate anyone unafraid to see how our nation’s past parallels its present.


“This is Us”

September 20, 2016 on NBC

What Is It? A drama with a pilot twist we can’t spoil here, “This Is Us” is best described as a show about love, family and unexpected connections.

I’ll Like It If I Like… Well, creator Dan Fogelman also wrote “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” and tonally there’s a similar vibe. It might also be the heartfelt family drama methadone that “Parenthood” fans need these days.

Why Should I Care? This cast is staaaaaaaacked. Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Gerald McRainey and Sterling K. Brown? Hell yes. Plus some stellar relative newcomers like Justin Hartley and Chrissy Metz hold their own. Where the show goes beyond the pilot is a big question mark at this point, but the pilot contains a lot of promise.


“Designated Survivor”

September 21, 2016 on ABC

What Is It? Kiefer Sutherland is back, dammit, playing Tom Kirkman, a minor Cabinet member, who suddenly ascends to the position of President of the United States after the current president and other high-ranking officials are killed during the State of the Union address. Taking on the job unprepared is hard enough, much less after a successful major attack on Washington.

I’ll Like It If I Like… “24” mixed with “The West Wing”

Why Should I Care? This premise smacks of wish fulfillment in the scariest and yet most intriguing way, and Sutherland proves that he doesn’t have to be the action star to be the most compellingly badass person in the room, even if he does wear glasses. The influence of producers Simon Kinberg and David Guggenheim are both apparent in their complementary styles of creating action and tension. During an election in which experience is questioned as a prerequisite for the highest office, “Designated Survivor” plays out the what if scenario to its fascinating conclusion.


“The Exorcist”

September 23, 2016 on Fox

What Is It? Inspired by William Friedkin’s film and William Peter Blatty’s novel, “The Exorcist” tracks two priests tackling one family’s demon-related crisis. Father Tomas Ortega (Alfonso Herrera) is growing in popularity outside of members within his Chicago parish while Father Marcus Keane (Ben Daniels) battles life-and-death struggles in Mexico City. The two couldn’t be more different, but they’re brought together by the Rance family, who are members of Tomas’ parish. Tipped off by the family matriarch, Angela (Geena Davis), the two priests try to rid the house of its demons before it’s too late.

I’ll Like It If I Like… “The Exorcist” (we hope)

Why Should I Care? Anyone with the balls to take the good name of “The Exorcist” and try to reimagine it needs to be monitored. We’re as suspicious of this property as anyone — especially given the restrictions of broadcast TV in relation to the genre demands of horror shows — but Geena Davis’ presence gives us some hope. That, and Fox has proven it can make hard-edged TV with the best of ’em.


“Van Helsing”

September 23, 2016 on Syfy

What Is It? In this new take on the classic literary figure, “Van Helsing” is now portrayed as a female lead — Vanessa Helsing. As the next in a lineage of warriors who will lead the human race against a world dominated by non-humans, Vanessa uses whatever means necessary to save mankind. “From what?” you ask. Well, vampires, of course.

I’ll Like It If I Like… “The Walking Dead,” “Billy and Billie”

Why Should I Care? “Van Helsing” marks playwright and indie filmmaker Neil LaBute’s second TV creation (and first drama series), but its ambition isn’t relegated to the background of its head writer. Besides swapping the gender of its lead, “Van Helsing” introduces new rules to the vampire game and plays as a fresh take on the apocalyptic fervor sweeping television.


“Marvel’s Luke Cage”

September 30, 2016 on Netflix

What Is It? Netflix’s next installment leading up to “The Defenders” presents an updated version of the blaxploitation superhero Luke Cage (Mike Colter), the bulletproof black man we first met during “Jessica Jones.” Despite Luke’s insistence on ignoring his crazy strength, he’s forced to use his powers when a local crime lord crosses the line.

I’ll Like It If I Like… “Unbreakable” with touches of “Southland” and “The Cotton Club”

Why Should I Care? “Luke Cage” doesn’t look or feel like other superhero series, not even the Marvel ones, and that’s due to Cheo Hodari Coker’s commitment to creating Harlem in all of its glory — from the watering hole that is the barbershop and local basketball court to the modern police precinct and elite night club. This environment is a key to understanding what makes Luke Cage tick… and can tick him off.


“Versailles”

October 1, 2016 on Ovation

What Is It? The court of King Louie XIV gets the saucy premium cable drama treatment, with a young attractive cast that looks great in the many wigs they wear.

I’ll Like It If I Like… Period dramas that don’t skimp on the sex, and aren’t afraid to get soapy. Remember when “Outlander” Season 2 spent some time in France’s most famous palace? Picture that, but with a whole lot more doin’ it.

Why Should I Care? Already an international sensation, “Versailles” features some lush production design and compelling plotting — it’s the sort of addictive drama that may not win awards, but has us paying attention.


“Westworld”

October 2, 2016 on HBO

What Is It? Ostensibly a remake of the 1973 Michael Crichton film, the next big play from HBO is a dark, complex and fascinating examination of the nature of humanity, told largely from the point of view of the robots who populate a futuristic amusement park.

I’ll Like It If I Like… The fact that Crichton also wrote the novel upon which “Jurassic Park” is based feels worth mentioning, but “Westworld” feels reminiscent of classic science fiction by Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov. Get ready to think deep.

Why Should I Care? Developed by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, “Westworld” has had its production difficulties, but is very focused on the more allegorical elements of its premise in the best way. It’s hard, intellectual sci-fi on a level we see rarely these days, and its mysteries are so far captivating.


“Goliath”

October 14, 2016 on Amazon Prime

What Is It? Billy Bob Thornton stars as Billy McBride, a washed-up lawyer who’s lost it all due to his alcoholism. He gets a chance at redemption with a wrongful death lawsuit, but must go up against his ex-partner (William Hurt) at the law firm he helped bring to success.

I’ll Like It If I Like… “The Practice” and “Mom”

Why Should I Care? David E. Kelley just couldn’t quit TV and returns to his old legal stomping grounds with some major casting firepower. Plus, Billy’s recovery storyline and personal connection to his opposition make for a deliciously messed-up scenario.


“Berlin Station”

October 16, 2016 on EPIX

What Is It? Richard Armitage leads the impressive cast of EPIX’s spy thriller as Daniel Miller, a CIA agent stationed in Berlin to determine the identity of a now-famous whistleblower masquerading as “Thomas Shaw.” Miller is thrown into the fast-paced world of field officers — running, deception, danger and moral compromises — with the help of veteran spy Hector DeJean (Rhys Ifans). Richard Jenkins and Michelle Forbes co-star.

I’ll Like It If I Like… “The Game,” “The Americans.”

Why Should I Care? Um, because Richard Jenkins is in it? The recent Emmy-winner may not be the star, but considering his record on prestige drama series — “Olive Kitteridge,” “Six Feet Under” — how can we not check out his latest venture for the small screen? There are other reasons, but you don’t need to hear them. Trust us.



“Chance”

October 19, 2016 on Hulu

What Is It? Based on Kem Nunn’s novel of the same name, “Chance” takes its name from its main character, Dr. Eldon Chance (Hugh Laurie), a forensic neuropsychiatrist who makes a personal mistake with one of his patients; a patient who might have multiple personalities and definitely has an abusive ex (who also happens to be a cop). Chance’s misstep leads him down a darker road than he’s accustomed to, all while dealing with a divorce and trying to help his teenage daughter emerge from adolescence unscathed.

I’ll Like It If I Like… “Damages,” “Jessica Jones,” “The Leftovers”

Why Should I Care? Hugh Laurie’s back on TV! OK, so he’s been back in small doses thanks to an excellent guest arc on “Veep” and an Emmy-nominated part in “The Night Manager,” but “Chance” marks the former “House” star’s first foray into serialized TV since he left the beloved Fox drama. On the surface, Hulu’s drama may seem to share quite a bit with Laurie’s breakout role: He plays a doctor. It’s a mystery. The doctor’s last name is the title of the show. And while fans of “House” certainly have reason to be excited, “Chance” already looks like a more fittingly modern take on medical studies — realistic, authentic and grounded.


“Good Girls Revolt”

October 28, 2016 on Amazon Prime

What Is It? Set in the 1960s, several women fight back by filing a sexual discrimination lawsuit against their publication, a move that affects everything in their lives including their love lives and friendships. Loosely based on the book of the same name.

I’ll Like It If I Like… “Masters of Sex” and “I’ll Fly Away”

Why Should I Care? Although this is a fictionalized version of actual events,it’s not by any means a fantasy. In fact, in its pilot, Grace Gummer plays Nora Ephron, the real-life journalist who later became the rom-com queen, writing “When Harry Met Sally…,” “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.” With feminism still a hot button topic today, the series serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come… and how much hasn’t changed.


“The Crown”

November 4, 2016 on Netflix

What Is It? A detailed episodic look at Queen Elizabeth II’s (Claire Foy) life, beginning in Season 1 with her early life, her romance with the future Prince Philip (Matt Smith), her coronation and her ongoing relationship with Winston Churchill (John Lithgow).

I’ll Like It If I Like… Easy — any of creator Peter Morgan’s previous writings, including “The Queen” and “Frost/Nixon.” The man has made an epic career out of bringing quite recent history to life, and that same talent is on display here.

Why Should I Care? Beyond the dynamic and engaging performances of Foy and Smith (not to mention Lithgow showing the Brits how a Churchill portrayal is meant to be done) this is an era of history that may surprise a lot of people, and Moffat’s take is an extremely human and honest one.


“Good Behavior”

November 15, 2016 on TNT

What Is It? On the heels of “Animal Kingdom” comes TNT’s latest examination of small-time crime. Letty (Michelle Dockery) is a con artist who gets dragged in over her head when she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I’ll Like It If I Like… The best sort of pulp fiction, which emphasizes character and plot on an equal level.

Why Should I Care? Lady Mary gets a little naughty! Much of “Good Behavior” is a one-woman show, and Dockery owns the screen with the sort of performance that should have people forgetting “Downton Abbey” ever existed.


“Undercover”

November 17 on the BBC

What Is It? Without giving too much away, on the surface this looks like a story about barrister Maya Cobbina (Sophie Okonedo) who is trying to prove the innocence of an American death row inmate. Simultaneously, flashbacks from 20 years ago will slowly reveal how Maya met her husband (Adrian Lester).

I’ll Like It If I Like… “The Night Of”

Why Should I Care? Surprise! Peter Moffat, who wrote this series is also the writer behind “Criminal Justice,” the British basis for HBO’s “The Night Of” and your eczema dreams. Prepare for some surprises and moral ambiguity.


Shut Eye

December 7, 2016 on Hulu

What Is It? A con artist (Jeffrey Donovan) who makes a living fortune telling for gullible clients suddenly becomes psychic for real. Maybe now he can have the upper hand with the local Romani community that has a chokehold on the psychic businesses in Los Angeles.

I’ll Like It If I Like… “White Collar” and “The Mentalist”

Why Should I Care? Donovan may not reach the heights of his “Fargo” role, but he’s still a welcome, charismatic presence on our TVs. The seedy world of faux fortunetelling is intriguing in a modern noir-ish way, and there’s potential to unveil a side of Los Angeles that hasn’t been seen before.

11 new TV shows that you'll be watching very soon

[...]

Berlin Station

The pitch: Daniel Meyer/Miller (Richard Armitage), has just arrived at the CIA foreign station in Berlin. Meyer has a clandestine mission: to uncover the source of a leak who has supplied information to a now-famous whistleblower named Thomas Shaw.

Watch it because: We do love a good espionage drama and this might fill the void following The Night Manger. The cast here is great with Richard Armitage, Richard Jenkins and Rhys Ifans all starring.

[...]

Robert Lloyd
'Berlin Station' and 'Chance' debut the week of Oct. 16
TV highlights for Oct. 16-22:

“Berlin Station” (Epix, Sunday)

Novelist Olen Steinhauer created this contemporary old-school espionage series (more espionage, less pathology), set in the city that once screamed "Cold War." There's a mole. With Michelle Forbes, Rhys Ifans, Richard Jenkins, Richard Armitage.

Liberation, Lies, Sex And Espionage: How 'Berlin Station' Brings The 'Capital Of Spies' To Life
September 27, 2016 at 04:11PM
By Ricky Derisz @rickyd90

There aren't many places that signify both Berlin's tragic history and the city's ability to stay resolute — and recover from challenging times — as Potsdamer Platz. Once one of the busiest traffic intersections in Europe, the square was completely destroyed during World War II, and remained that way throughout the Cold War.

Fast forward to modern day, and Potsdamer Platz, much like the rest of Berlin, is restored to a thriving center of attractions and creativity. One particular curiosity, the Spy Museum Berlin, is dedicated to all things espionage, in the place referred to as the "Capital of Spies" throughout the Cold War. As well as enough undercover operations to fill an entire museum, Berlin's rich history of covert intelligence has made it the backdrop for many movies and novels over the years.

Berlin Station is the latest spy thriller set in the German capital. The collision of old and new, historical significance and forward-thinking creativity makes Berlin one of the most unique cities in Europe, and the perfect setting to a storyline shrouded in mystery. Rather than a simple visual backdrop, the show lets the city live and breathe, or as lead actor Richard Armitage puts it: "Become the lead character."


Berlin: The "Capital Of Spies"

Throughout the Cold War, it was common knowledge that East Germany resorted to espionage, in part due to a lack of technology that we often take for granted today. It's estimated that around 6,000 spies were operating at that time, with 400,000 Soviets occupying the city. Surprisingly, a 2007 study also revealed that West Germany had even more spies, up to 10,000 in fact.

One standout mission, Operation Gold, was set up in 1953 by both the CIA and the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). The muti-million dollar project involved tapping into Soviet Army communications by physically digging an expansive tunnel under the area occupied by Soviets.

Richard Armitage as Daniel Miller in 'Berlin Station' [Credit: Epix]
Richard Armitage as Daniel Miller in 'Berlin Station' [Credit: Epix]
In a demonstration of the value spies had during the Cold War, despite infamous mole George Blake informing the KGB immediately, the Soviets had no choice but to let the project run to protect Blake from being exposed. As a result, the tunnel was functional for 11 months, and in that time an incredible half a million calls were recorded.

The tunnel was discovered in 1956, and many years have passed since then — including the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the reunification of Germany in 1990 — and the fabric of Berlin has changed with it, along with available technology. Tunnels have been replaced by cellphone-tapping, spades have been replaced by spyware. Does that mean spies are no longer needed?

From Separation To Liberation

Rhys Ifans as Hector DeJean [Credit: Ep]
While Berlin Station may be drenched in the historical context of espionage — the CIA unit in the German capital is the target of a whistleblowing scandal — the show is far from outdated. Ironically, new technology advancements mean the only way to be truly undercover is to follow old-school tactics.

Fortunately for the modern day Berlin spy, the overcoming of years of repression have had a lasting impact, rendering Berlin a free-thinking, liberal and creative melting pot, and it's this melting pot that oozes into the show and influences the characters, giving an authentic insight into the city's eccentricity.

The nightlife and sexual liberation is hard to ignore, and the show taps into an accurate portrayal of the nocturnal nature of the city that truly never sleeps. For example, Case Officer Hector DeJean (Rhys Ifans) is one of the most intriguing characters on the show; he's mysterious, hard-working and a successful intelligence officer, who also happens to love partying and indulge in Berlin's salacious all night excesses.

He's also a refreshing LGBT representation. DeJean is a tough alpha male who is openly homosexual, comfortably discussing his sex life — and his affair with another male informant — with his boss in the often macho realm of the intelligence services. Make no mistake, this is espionage unlike anything seen before.


Armitage as Daniel Miller [Credit: Epix]
A Stunning Backdrop

DeJean's conflicting career and personal life summarize Berlin Station, a show as committed to character development as it is the overarching mystery surrounding whistleblower Thomas Shaw. Consequently, the impact Berlin has on those characters also links into plot developments (at one point Daniel Miller uses his knowledge of FC Union Berlin, the local soccer team, to help obtain evidence.)

Aside from the more the historical context and impact on the characters, Berlin makes a stunning urban backdrop, whether capturing Miller schmoozing in a trendy bar, or Miller and DeJean drinking bottled beer on the rooftop of an abandoned building.

The world of espionage has never looked so good. And the "Capital of Spies" has never been so cutting edge.


Berlin Station will premiere on Epix on October 16, 2016.

POLL
Will you be watching Berlin Station?

Yes, it looks awesome
No, it's not really my thing
(Source: Spiegel)