'Deutschland 89' Episode 1 'Kyrie Eleison' Review: German spy thriller puts Martin at the center of Berlin Fall
Spoilers for 'Deutschland 89' Episode 1 titled 'Kyrie Eleison'
Following a gap of a little over two years, the 'Deutschland' franchise returned with its final third season titled 'Deutschland 89'. A lot has changed since the conclusion of the previous season, where Martin had finally reunited with his son Max despite everything that threatened to keep them apart all this time.
Now, with the return of the franchise with 'Deutschland 89', the show resumes the story from 1989 towards the end of the Cold War, when Martin again finds himself and everything he cares dearly for under threat. A revolution is coming to Germany - an unwelcome revolution in many ways - and the two factions of the country are not entirely pleased with this oncoming new arrangement. Alas, change is inevitable. And while thousands of East and West Germany people sit eagerly in front of their boxed television sets and radio awaiting news, the HVA jumps into action.
Martin has by now settled into a routine when he is paid a rather unfriendly visit from the HVA. He is ordered to prevent further liberal reforms from being passed by the GDR government. Fritz Hartmann (Niels Bormann) visits him with his plan to do so. Hanging by a thread is Max's life, who will be sent to the West if Martin doesn't do as is expected from him.
At his own end, meanwhile, Fritz infiltrates a group of East Germans, who dream of reforming society. From the prison, Lenora keeps up to date with the ongoings of the world and sees her socialist world coming apart. Capitalism will bring doom she claims.
But Martin's plans do not as per plan - just as usual. He disengages from Fritz' plan and following his own plan, gets caught in a chain of events. Elsewhere, the Berlin Wall opens and the HVA start shredding documents.
'Deutschland 89' begins just at the brink of a massive oncoming change for Germany. As Germany reinvents itself for the fourth time in the 20th century, the resistance of those in power holds no value - something that Martin might come to realise this season. The concluding season finds him in a limbo - having only just escaped one - during the peaceful revolution around him.
Episode one of the season shows crumbling HVA (East German Foreign Intelligence) and the future of his country left uncertain. Martin is now confronted with three choices that will determine the future of his life. The popular German show is back with a bang as it puts the spy in a familiar yet new space. As the wall breaks down around him, Martin rushes to save everything he holds dear.
'Deutschland 89' premiered Thursday, October 29, 2020, at 11:00pm ET/ 10c.
