Der Bestatter

Thank God for European TV and film. There is a place for dumpy, grouchy and complex romantic lead parts in major TV shows and film we don't seem to grasp in this country. The hit series The Undertaker is a prime example of beautiful casting, superb acting and directing of well written crime stories based around the Swiss town of Aarau, Switzerland. The former Head Detective has left the force to take over his late father's Funerial Parlor and his former lover has replaced him. Unfortunately for her his crime solving abilities keep interrupting her investigations leading to conflict at work and in their unsorted/unspoken feelings for one another. (It should be noted that both actors won awards for their performances in the roles.) Luc is over 40, overweight, opinionated and deeply in love but afraid/unwilling to open up due to issues in his past. Anna Maria knows/knew he is/was her chance at a normal life but as the series progresses we learn she has demons from her family life she has difficulty facing. Is it a soap opera? No. One of the things that makes The Undertaker great is how the writing team develops the mysteries with the romance as subtext. Eventually they add a character who further exacerbates both aspects along with a horrific crime story that permeates season two and three. I love Anna Maria's character and the way Barbara breathes life into her. Mike is also the perfect Luc. There is so much to like here. The series is still in production as of 2018 and MHZ Choice has 4 series available (European series are not necessarily broadcast in the back to back manner as here in the States.) although they do not always coinside with the Scheduled episodes. I am now mid season 3 and am forcing to slow myself down or I will binge self out of this enjoyable diversion. Don't sweat the subtitles and enjoy the show.

Highly original. Script, acting and production all excellent. I got hooked on subtitles recently through netflix, as being rather a good way to "read" in bed. Didn't quite believe the love interest between Luc and Anna Marie and didn't like the way she was portrayed as constantly relying on him for assistance .

Although almost each episode was a stand-alone mystery, all the characters evolved throughout the season. It wasn't just about Luc, or solving crimes. There was a very human and very realistic basis to the whole series. All-in-all very satisfying to watch.

This show is fantastic - I also watched most episodes very quickly and now I cant wait for season 3. Love the characters, wit, Luc's eye rolls and facial expressions... the subtitles don't faze me one bit. Keep this great show coming.....love it. I was mesmerized from the first episode. The story lines are great and well written, and the characters really compliment one another. The only comment I would make is that they all touch dead bodies and no one seems to wear gloves or wash their hands. I know its only a show but to me its a bit gross. Luc is a great actor and acts our his part in the show extremely well. Fabio, Anna-Maria and Erika are all great as well. I truly hope the series continues for a few more years.

Alle Pointen sind ein Freudenfest für die deutschen Zuschauer: Wenn sich etwa zwei Schweizer schier unverständlich am Tatort unterhalten, bis einer der beiden selbst auflöst "... und jetzt noch mal auf Deutsch". Oder wenn der österreichische Pathologe mit Wiener Schmäh den sarkastischen Konterer mimt, wenn er über eine obduzierte Leiche sagt: "Den Spuren zu urteilen hatte er ein hartes, entbehrungsreiches Leben - also kein typischer Schweizer." Originel und ungewöhnlich im Panorama der heutigen TV Serien... und gute Schauspieler.

So let me tell you, when Luc Conrad (Mike Müller) started out in the first season, people were curious about the new production the Swiss television brought to life. Little did they know, "Der Bestatter" was becoming iconic for Swiss people nowadays. From elders to teenagers, everybody loves the series. The budget they had and still have is compared to other European standards very low. Moreover, the city it's set in, Aarau, has some beautiful parts and you get to see plenty in the series. Also, one episode you will come across "Ömer's Imbiss", sort of a fast food trailer in the middle of the city, this guy is no actor, he really did sell hot dogs and stuff like that there for decades! He just retired recently. Give it a shot, you get to experience not only mysterious crimes but also kind of a portray of Swiss Culture.