It consists of 8 episodes and is based on a bestselling novel following Björn Diemel, a defence lawyer entangled with a mafia boss, who turns to mindfulness to regain control over his chaotic life. However, his newfound serenity leads him down a dangerous path, as he begins to or is involved at eliminating those disrupting his peace and endangering the existence of his own and people close to him. Björn's meditative practices are combined with violent acts, creating a darkly humorous tone reminiscent of shows like Barry and Dexter and depiction elements like in The Office or Alo.
The writing walks a fine line between absurdity and insight, often leading viewers to genuinely reflect on mindfulness techniques while chuckling at the ridiculous situations the protagonist finds himself in. The direction maintains a balance between suspense and character development, with smooth transitions between comedic and dramatic moments: crimes are never funny, but the parties to it can be.
Tom Schilling's portrayal of Björn is central to the series' success. His splendid performance captures the character's internal conflict and descent into moral ambiguity. Several supporting actors provide emotional grounding amidst the chaos, although their presence on screen is often limited. Special mention goes to Peter Jordan as mindfulness coach with an almost hypnotic calmness that's both soothing and comically out of place amid the darker elements.
In short, Achtsam Morden is a fresh, genre-blending surprise that turns out to be both thought-provoking and entertaining. As Season 1 ended in an intriguing manner, I am looking forward to Season 2.
