Deutschland 86

Deutschland 86 is beautiful and brutal, humorous and provocative, satirical and sincere. It’s also unique and informative, but never feels like TV vegetables, as it chronicles the last days of communism (which will continue in the third series, Deutschland 89) with wit and heart. ... If you want some truly interesting, even challenging television that’s thrilling and never too dark, give this Peak TV gem a chance.

The series is at its best when it captures the small, human moments that play out amid these flashes of chaos--stolen kisses and thwarted connections and pitched hand-to-hand battles. It’s not perfect, but if it strove for clean perfection, it wouldn’t be nearly as good.

There’s a lot of history and genealogy to recall in these subplots, and the three years that have passed since “83” are like three centuries in peak-TV time. “Deutschland 86” largely stands on its own, but you may need a Google tab open while watching. The show’s strength remains Lenora and Martin, who are both partners and antagonists. ... It’s good fun, but it knows that its subject is more than a game.

The series’ narrative and sociological ambition is admirable, even if its ultimate goal is to be a fun and fast-paced yarn.