Der Kommissar

Well I was quite young when "Der Kommissar" (as far as I know the correct translation would be: the chief inspector) was on German tv from 1969 until 1976 but I remember it well. Even though I live in Portugal for 17 years now, I sometimes have the chance to see the reruns on German cable tv. I enjoy each episode.

One thing that makes this tv series immediately stand out is its theater approach. Many a murderer is played by an excellent actor with classical stage experience. Often actors using the "method acting" approach are present to provide counter balance. Usually the whole cast is excellent.

The team of four: Erik Ode in the title role, Reinhard Glemnitz, Guenther Schramm and Fritz Wepper (later in 1974 his brother Elmar took over) have an honest approach which is sadly missed from more recent German crime-solving tv series with the possible exception of "Der Alte"(roughly translated: the old police lieutenant) with the excellent Rolf Schimpf in the title role. Erik Ode adds a "world weariness" yet a sharp wit that stems from an old school which is sadly missed.

I don't know if any English version of "Der Kommissar" exists (dubbed or with subtitles) but it is definitely worth checking out.

Herbert Jarczyk's title music might sound a bit "outdated" (to put it mildly) but please don't let yourself get distracted by it.

Der Kommissar: definitely quality classic German tv.

I agree with the other comment. Interesting also for its depiction of German youth culture, "hippies" and this transitional era as a whole. Think Dragnet for the era but more Colombo or Kojak for the characterizations.

English-dubbed 16mm prints of various Der Kommissar episodes are in circulation, however usually in under-used archives, university German departments. Hard to find but available. On video, I do not know.

With "Der Kommissar" it all started, in 1969, remarkably at the same time when the young R.W. Fassbinder started to clear out the Augias Stables from the Sex-, Lederhosen, Heimat- and Edgar Wallace movies. However, the Kommissar remained during 97 episodes, until 1977, and it was followed by similar individual-based series such as "Derrick" and "Der Alte". As old as "The Kommissar" is only "Tatort" which in these days can celebrate its 40th birthday with a total of 777 episodes.

Herbert Keller, the "Kommissar" is never alone but always encompassed by his 3 male and 2 female assistant. However, they are side-kicks. Although couples consisting of protagonist + side-kick were known a long time specially from British and American comedy in Europe, it obviously took a while until the reduction from 5 to 1 was established: So, Derrick has his Harry Klein (originally one of the 3 males of the "Kommissar"), and Der Alte has 1-2 (which are also known from different roles in "The Kommissar".

Kommissar Keller is a fatherly type, he smokes a lot and drinks even during work and in his office, the same is true for his collaborators, specially for one of the women. Nothing was aseptic like in a hospital these times, and in America, one can shed tears nowadays. While Keller's method is strongly instinct-based, his successor Derrick's method is first rather rude and unmotivated and grows to psychological analysis during the years. "Der Alte" is similar rather to Keller, but a lonely wolf - and he found his adequate end.

While "The Kommissar", "Derrick", and "Der Alte" nowadays rear their heads again, it is to deplore that the fourth series in the "club", "Die Unsterblichen Methoden Des Franz Josef Wanninger"/"The eternal methods of Franz Josef Wanninger" with the full-fledged Bavarian giant Beppo Brem in the main role, has been almost fully forgotten. All the four series together build a "Quadrumvirate" which testifies of German TV on the level of its best.