Der Bulle von Tölz

Since Benno is well-liked in Austria, the writers obviously had to do at least one Vienna murder. After watching it, I felt like it was a shame the writers didn’t also do Prague, since the Czechs are such fans of the show. It could have been fun. Anyway, everything started out svery innocenlyt. Resi (who else) got an invitation to a concert in Vienna and so she goes there with the new investigator Nadine. The very first night, she gets lost and goes missing. Late at night, Ben finds out and immediately flies to Vienna. He’s scared – not only is he used to her, but he’d probably never get a full belly ever again without her. He gets involved in the investigation and just like that, Resi appears out of the clear blue the next day. Unfortunately, she’s gotten mixed up in her best friend’s murder. And here we go. I loved the comments about the Austrians. I was pleasantly surprised that the Bavarians were pretty unforgiving and gave them what for. It was as if they were saying: you wanted Benno in Austria, here he is! I liked it a lot. The investigation was mediocre, but I’ll rate the episode a bit a higher for the environment. (13.08.2018)

If there already weren’t enough new characters-centered episodes, the producers have written up a more serious one this time. I may be only giving it three stars, but the murder and its investigation were at a whole another level. I’m not sure if that’s because I’ve been to Bad Tölz this year and so I’ve loved the Isar river scenes, or if I’ve simply liked the motor camp and the castle environment. The victimless murder was really something. A viewer gets to see a very interesting premise with an evenly interesting denouement. Interestingly, the humor was set aside for this one. (13.08.2018)

One of the better episodes from the newer ones. This time, Ben finds himself starring in a film being shot in Bad Tölz, which, surprise surprise, turns out to be porn. What more can I say? :-) (20.11.2020)

The newer episodes with the new characters feel a bit off. In this one, Ben’s on vacation and suddenly finds himself investigating a case where a guy gets killed by a bear. But everyone keeps telling him it wasn’t the bear. Feeling sorry for the bear, which would otherwise be shot, Ben decides to get involved. The absence of familiar faces like his mom, Sabrina, and Pfeiffer really stands out. The acting feels over the top, and the whole hunters investigation just felt strange. Overall, it didn’t click for me. (29.10.2020)

One of the episodes of the renowned Der Bulle von Tölz, unfortunately affected by the loss of sergeant Pfeiffer and detective Sabrina. I’m not saying that the new characters are bad, but their roles are not written so well so it’s not much fun. The only reliable moments are those with Benno and the Tölz priest, which serve as a reminder that this series has a potential for more. (10.03.2020)

The later episodes of Der Bulle von Tölz are really starting to lose their charm. Without Sergeant Pfeiffer, the show just isn't the same. The new guy feels like he's overacting, while Pfeiffer had this everyman appeal—he’d casually pull a wheat beer out of his desk, pour it into a glass, and knock it back right in front of Ben. Even Ben seems a bit down these days, constantly trying to get in touch with his mom who's off enjoying herself in Mallorca, but never quite managing to reach her. As for the case itself, it’s not bad. The investigation is clear and straightforward, but it’s just missing that humor we’ve come to expect from Der Bulle von Tölz. (03.11.2020)

Finally, one of the better episodes, and fittingly, one of the last. The local officer still tries to play the part of Pfeiffer, but this time it didn’t bother me as much. Nadine keeps trying to be funny, but here, at least, it doesn’t feel like she’s annoying fans of the original episodes. Meanwhile, Ben is investigating the murder of a potato breeder, which is absurd in itself. The investigation is solid, with a priest bribing some archdean to let the Tölz Boys' Choir sing in the Sistine Chapel. Watching the choir is entertaining too—thankfully, they sang more than they talked, because when they did speak, their thoughts were more mature than half the adults! Overall, Der Kartoffelkönig comes close to capturing the vibe of the original episodes, but only just. (17.11.2020)

The last ever episode of Big Ben has a relatively nice air to it. The writers have moved Benno’s and his mom’s relationship a bit forward, so now she tries to make a living on Mallorca selling meatloafs and meaballs with a Tyrolean twist. It’s not going very well though so – as it happens – she gets mixed up with Rambold’s mistress’ kidnapping. Rambold’s character is done very well and you can see him enjoy the role. The final episode has been a surprise for me. It may be a simple kidnapping, but the fun moments take turns with the serious ones, and it’s nice to watch. A perfect final episode, it’s even made me a little bit sad. (20.08.2018)