Heiner Lauterbach Returns to Crime Drama as Detective in New ARD Series
German actor Heiner Lauterbach makes a notable return to crime drama, taking on the role of a former detective in the upcoming ARD television production, Hagen Benz - Das Böse in dir. At the age of 72, Lauterbach leads the cast as Hagen Benz, an enigmatic ex-investigator from Hamburg, working alongside Julia Koschitz, who portrays homicide detective Elena Weber. This new crime series is positioned as a potential addition to ARD's Saturday night programming.
Set in Hamburg, the series introduces audiences to a mysterious case when the body of an elderly man is discovered beside one of the city's canals. Weber and her colleague, Jochen, played by Paul Boche, launch an investigation to determine the identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding his death. Their inquiry soon reveals connections to an unresolved case previously handled by Benz. The former detective, who abruptly retired from the police force shortly before reaching retirement age, remains a figure of intrigue, with unanswered questions surrounding his departure.
The creative team, including director Christine Hartmann and screenwriter Eckhard Vollmar, uses somber cinematography and a nuanced narrative approach to immerse viewers in the complex world of these investigators. The plot develops gradually, focusing on character depth and psychological tension rather than solely on procedural elements. Hagen Benz, portrayed as a solitary figure with a penchant for lingering around old cases and listening to police radio, adds a layer of suspense as his motivations remain unclear throughout much of the story.
Alongside the main plot, the series explores the personal dynamics of both lead characters. Elena Weber is depicted as a single mother raising her teenage daughter, Dorea, while also supporting her family's Greek restaurant alongside her mother. The interplay between Weber's family life and her demanding career as a homicide detective brings additional depth and realism to the narrative. Meanwhile, Benz's social interactions with a small circle of older acquaintances hint at hidden connections and unspoken histories, contributing to the show's atmospheric tone.
Hagen Benz - Das Böse in dir adopts a noir-inspired style, with an emphasis on the psychological complexity of its characters. The interplay between Lauterbach and Koschitz provides momentum for the series, with their evolving partnership and contrasting personalities anchoring the narrative. The case itself, while rooted in conventional crime drama structure, is elevated by the lingering mysteries surrounding Benz's past and his ongoing involvement in the investigation.
The production is characterized by its commitment to detailed character studies and a moody visual presentation, aiming to appeal to viewers who appreciate crime series that balance investigative intrigue with personal storytelling. The future of Hagen Benz as a recurring series is yet to be confirmed, but its pilot episode sets the stage for further stories centered on the duo's unique investigative dynamic and the secrets they uncover in Hamburg's criminal underworld.