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.

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.

There are many shows from Europe that are very cheesy and frankly, boring to watch. Why? Because they recycle, like Hollywood, the same tired tropes. This show is in that genre of recycled tropes but they make it fun. The characters and the actors are engaging. There is clearly a chemistry between them all. Could somethings have been better? Sure. But, it was fun to watch.

If you are looking for something different with plot and characters that keep you hooked look no further.If you enjoyed Wallander you will enjoy this series.

After working through all 4 series over Xmas i am still left wanting more. Most episodes are stand alone who & how dunnits as Luc Conrad undertaker, unable to ignore his well honed instincts after many years working as a detective, picks up murder victims the local police have, and sometimes haven't, missed.

The world of undertaking knows no boundaries. We follow Luc as he and his unlikely employee Fabio, collect bodies from almost every conceivable venue.

The acting, camera work and carefully chosen background music help build suspense and drama.

Great sub plots running throughout and well developed characters.

Despite the dark subject, and sometimes heavy plot line, gentle humour lightens the load. To top it all the series provides an insight into the world of undertaking and gives space to reflect on life and death.

I love this show! It's exciting, has good acting, and the conversations are very funny! Give it a go, if you like crime series with a good touch of comedy. Hope this doesn't get cancelled too early, as the episodes are still witty and fresh.