Berlin Station

I wanted to watch this because I am a huge fan of Olen Steinhauer. I have read all of his excellent books. For the first half of season 1 we weren't sure about the series, but once one gets familiar with the characters & their roles, it takes off. I suppose it's a bit confusing because the world of spy craft is by definition clandestine. Richard Jenkins is masterful in his role. We are really looking forward to season2.

Berlin Station is a very John Le Carre type of spy story, but centered around the American CIA rather than the Brits. The story has requisite twists and turns, a complex plot centered around the War on Terror and a Julian Assange style leaker who wrecks havoc with the American spy agency and it's relationship with it's counterparts from other countries.

There are a number of good performances in this show. The European setting gives the show a different feel from most American TV fare, and that in itself is very effective in making the show unique. Even Homeland, which is similar in setting, seems very American, where this show just looks and feels different. The weakest part of the show may be the somewhat contrived and clichéd nature of one or two of the backstories that are supposed to add depth to the characters. Oh..she's in an interracial relationship, and he's having an affair with his secretary, and he's disgruntled and uses hookers because his kid back in the USA is disgruntled...etc. Some of that is too 1,2,3 check off the box plot devices that just aren't adding anything to the story.

The main spy story weaves its way through enough twists and turns to keep one interested, like a Le Carre spy novel, the angst and motivations of the main characters, and their regrets at past mistakes gives them the beat-down feeling of Smiley. There is no James Bond or Jason Bourne here, just people doing routine spy work and trying to cope with moral ramifications and amoral counterparts.

Superficially anti-CIA, I think the story is more about moral relativism, and the evil that men do. There are more bad-guys than good guys in this one.

If you like a complex plot executed well by talented actors, then you will enjoy this show.

EPIX has not renewed Berlin Station. The series is left unresolved. The fan base deserves better. An abbreviated fourth season, at the very least, is necessary to give closure to an outstanding spy series.

Its an excellent new series. Its still to be aired and we are seeing some judgmental reviews already. The series need time and story needs to be understood in it's context. Some have criticized the story for being about hunting down whistle blowers. Well the story just began. It shows, how much spy agencies are on the verge of collapsing their personal identity all the time. It also reveals how people with potential sources can be a threat to the worlds biggest spy agency. At the same, it highlights personal lives, tedious inside jobs and also the rogues within the various agencies. It also shows how German spy agency and the CIA work together in the marriage of inconvenience.

I must say its a thriller with a very strong cast and must be seen without any prejudice. Spy agencies are controversial around the world and this series makes every thing more intriguing. Its not even aired but quality music, great camera work and outstanding cast should make it one of the successful new series. I highly recommend it to people with taste in spy movies.

I've enjoyed every season of Berlin Station including the most recent season 3. This espionage show far outshines Homeland in that it really shows a team approach to intelligence. The writing is excellent, even if just a little expository in places. The themes keep up with what is currently happening in the world and the actors are all stellar. I especially love Leland Orser's acting. I'm a little surprised to see such a low rating over at Rotten Tomatoes. Makes me wonder who the heck is reviewing stuff over there.