Deutschland 89

This brilliant and thrilling series is a follow-up to the two earlier shows, Deutschland 83 and 86. The sizzling plot, which does include a hefty dollop of sex and violence, follows spies from rival agencies and extraordinary political events as the Berlin Wall comes down— to the great surprise of the communist east and capitalist west alike. Part of what makes this entire series so good is that it’s believable. (Only truth can be stranger than fiction). The acting is the first-rate, as are the remarkable sets and re-creations of bizarre East German clothes and interior design. Only the goofy theme music is out of place.