Quick check
“Tatort” repetition from Münster
Oh you scare instead of o you happy: Thiel and Boerne chase murderers and Santa Clauses
– Public prosecutor Wilhelmine Klemm (Mechthild Großmann) persuades Inspector Frank Thiel (Axel Prahl, left) and Prof. Karl-Friedrich Boerne (Jan Josef Liefers, right) to have a mulled wine at the Christmas market. © Martin Valentin Menke/WDR
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by Julia Mäurer
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Merry Christmas? Not for Commissioner Frank Thiel and Professor Karl-Friedrich Boerne. The two are looking for a murderer and have to save their colleague Nadeshda Krusenstern – who was kidnapped by Santa Claus.
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- 3 out of 5 points
- Slapstick under the Christmas tree: Thiel and Boerne also deliver the usual light fare in the repetition of this case
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What’s the matter?
The plans for Christmas are in place: Chief Inspector Frank Thiel (Axel Prahl) expects a visit from his son, Professor Karl-Friedrich Boerne (Jan Josef Liefers) wants to go skiing with college friends and assistant Nadeshda Krusenstern (Friederike Kempter) is traveling to Russia with her family. Before we start, a court hearing has to be concluded quickly. The young Russian Kirill Gromow (Oleg Tikhomirov) is said to have murdered his German lover Alexander Bux. Thiel led the investigation in the case. But suddenly there are doubts about Gromov’s guilt because he claims to have been drugged at the time of the crime. Thiel has to reopen the case with Boerne’s help and to make matters worse, colleague Krusenstern is kidnapped – by a kidnapper in Santa Claus costume. Oh you scare instead of oh you happy one!
Why is this “crime scene” worthwhile?
Christmas market, fairy lights and costumed Santa Clauses everywhere: This “crime scene” repetition comes just before Christmas at the right time. There are tranquil views of Münster’s old town and the sounds of Russian operas. For Inspector Thiel, the whole Christmas hustle and bustle is more of a horror, which is why Father Frost encounters him as a brutal torturer in visual nightmares. Actor David Bennent (Oskar Matzerath from “Blechtrommel”) is also convincing as a subtle villain with a rolling suitcase and gel hairstyle.
What bothers?
Klamau beats crime thriller: This is also the motto of this Münster “crime scene”. The actual case seems constructed and fades into the background. Even the kidnapping of Nadeshda Krusenstern turns out not to be a great drama, but a harmless banter with a questionable outcome.
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The commissioners?
Actually everyone wanted to make Christmas their own, but the changed circumstances force Thiel and Boerne to spend the holidays together. Both rush to work and once again exceed the limits of the law. In order to convict the real murderer and to save her colleague Krusenstern, the inspector and the medical examiner use all kinds of creative tricks. In the end, it is enough for a bottle of champagne together to further strengthen the tender friendship of the two.
Turn on or off?
This film doesn’t hurt, but it isn’t a must either. Fans of Thiel and Boerne can watch it again, everyone else can take a TV break before the holidays.
The “Tatort” episode “Father Frost“was shown for the first time on December 22, 2019. ARD will repeat the film on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 10:25 p.m.
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