Deutschland 86

Deutschland 83 was nostalgic and compelling television but ended perhaps a little too abruptly. Fast forward three years and I've been waiting for Channel 4 to upload episode 11 of Deutschland 86 because for the past two or three weeks I've been convinced I'm in the midst of the series. Then, sadly, the penny dropped. Episode 10 *was* the last episode and there will be no further development of this gripping instalment. Needless to say, I've thoroughly enjoyed. It gets better and better as it goes along and manages to outclass its very classy predecessor. There's been very little talk about it in the media and I don't understand why because for my money it's one of the best things on TV. Give me this over Game of Thrones any day. The reviewer who couldn't get past episode 2 should have tried because the first two episodes are probably the worst. In many senses it's children's television for adults. It's comic book simple but it's poignant and smart and I really like the lens - metaphorically speaking- that the program maker's use to gaze at the 80s. Of course, a somewhat stylized 80s that makes it look much tidier than it was and naturally can't help but be looking at now but all the same authentic enough to give you some idea. A must watch for lovers of alternative TV but may also appeal to those who like Bourne Supremacy and James Bond.

Compared to the first season, it's actually a little disappointing at first - in particular the first few episodes, but it does get better about halfway through and finds its feet well enough....and becomes the familiar show we all know and love.

The Berlin stuff is all good, I found the African parts quite poorly handled and just not very interesting or compelling.

Watched season one and was intrigued-season two different vibe but equally good! Hope there is more to come

I'm a big fan of the first season and the second caught me offguard at the premier. This time moving further from Europe "Able Archer" ordeal and focusing on much brutal frontline events where the socialist bureaucrats trying to use kolibri to do their proxy dirty work.

Apparently the script is still realistic and versatile (I have seen a documentary depicting GDR´s suspicious affairs in the theatre of global politics), but as all this is commonly less known and places of action are so far from one another, all this seems more arid and not so smooth.

The performances are still strong, with some additional cast excelling (e.g. Lavinia Wilson), and the hypocricy and absurdity of this society are yet clearly visible. Plus the staging work, background (incl. opening theme) -- all this stylish again.

PS I have read that Deutschland 89 is under way - looking forward to it.