Ulrich Tukur has portrayed the eccentric Wiesbaden detective Felix Murot since 2010, with his latest case, ‘Tatort: Murot und das 1000-jährige Reich’, premiering on October 20. Renowned for its imaginative storytelling, the series explores dark themes of German history while Murot grapples with a brain tumor he named Lilly. Each episode brings unique narratives, ranging from psychological thrillers to genre-bending homages, making Murot’s adventures some of the most unconventional within the ‘Tatort’ franchise.
Since 2010, Ulrich Tukur (67) has captivated audiences with his portrayal of the enigmatic police detective Felix Murot from Wiesbaden. The much-anticipated 13th installment, titled ‘Tatort: Murot und das 1000-jährige Reich,’ is set to air on October 20 at 20:15 on das Erste. This episode promises to break new ground once again, set against the backdrop of 1944, with Tukur also taking on the character of Nazi investigator Friedrich Rother. Every Murot investigation unfolds uniquely, keeping viewers on their toes.
The Murot series stands out as one of the most inventive and unconventional entries in the Sunday crime drama lineup. This was evident from the outset, particularly in the gripping fourth case, ‘Tatort: Im Schmerz geboren.’ Not only did this episode break records with a staggering 47 deaths, but it also garnered prestigious accolades such as the Golden Camera and the Grimme Prize. With the tenth anniversary of this iconic episode now marked, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable journey of Murot’s cases.
Dialogue with the Unseen
Ulrich Tukur’s Murot journey began in 2010 with ‘Tatort: Wie einst Lilly.’ This debut episode confronted a dark chapter in German history surrounding RAF crimes. Murot, depicted as a young BKA officer, delves into a 1980s terrorist attack. What made this initial case noteworthy was Murot’s dialogue with his brain tumor, affectionately dubbed Lilly. This innovative narrative device introduced surreal elements and compelling off-screen voices, setting the tone for the captivating ‘Tatort’ episodes that followed.
The following year, ‘Tatort: Das Dorf’ elevated the unconventionality to new heights. This episode, recognized for its bizarre and controversial essence, showcased Murot investigating illegal organ trafficking in a rural village while grappling with hallucinations. In a surreal twist, Murot’s own brain is served to him, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
In contrast, ‘Tatort: Schwindelfrei’ (2013) felt subdued by comparison. Here, Murot, free from the grasp of Lilly, finds himself drawn into a mysterious missing person case set against the vibrant backdrop of a circus. While enchanting, this episode lacked the daring innovations of its predecessors.
Record-Setting ‘Born in Pain’
Murot enthusiasts were soon rewarded with ‘Tatort: Im Schmerz geboren,’ which likely stands as the pinnacle of the Wiesbaden team’s efforts. This captivating crime thriller blends western motifs, romantic drama, and Tarantino-esque elements, all while weaving in quotations reminiscent of Shakespeare. Murot contends with a friend’s vendetta, leading to a record-setting 47 fatalities that solidified the episode’s cult status.
The stakes soared in 2015’s ‘Tatort: Wer bin ich?’ However, Murot proved unflappable. This episode took a bold approach by flouting traditional ‘Tatort’ norms; Tukur portrayed himself in a satirical narrative where he faces real-life murder allegations. The outcome was refreshingly innovative and unprecedented within the ‘Tatort’ series.
‘Tatort: Es lebe der Tod’ (2016) marked a return to psychological thrills, featuring Murot engaged in a tense cat-and-mouse interrogation with a serial offender. The interplay of reality and imagination in this chamber piece reflected Murot’s signature style.
Timeless Classics Reimagined
In ‘Tatort: Murot und das Murmeltier’ (2019), the Wiesbaden detective tackles the intriguing concept of a time loop. Drawing inspiration from the classic film ‘Groundhog Day,’ Murot finds himself reliving the same day while facing a hostage crisis.
‘Tatort: Angriff auf Wache 08’ pays homage to cinematic greats, particularly the 1976 US thriller ‘Assault.’ This episode showcases Murot navigating treacherous situations while under siege at a police station.
2020’s ‘Tatort: Die Ferien des Monsieur Murot’ is another homage, echoing themes from Jacques Tati’s ‘The Holidays of Monsieur Hulot’ and Erich Kästner’s ‘Das doppelte Lottchen.’ Murot’s adventure takes an absurd turn as he swaps lives with a doppelganger and must solve a murder intertwined with his identity.
Unexpected Tranquility
‘Tatort: Murot und das Prinzip Hoffnung’ (2021), while less experimental, still defied expectations. This time, Murot delves into a series of murders connected