Deutschland 89

Here, they are increasingly the underdogs on the wrong side of history, and we are invested in their fate.

I love that the creators of Deutschland 89 (More 4) Anna and Jörg Winger (the former also co-creator of Unorthodox), deconstruct western hubris in the third series of this Walter Presents drama about the decline and fall of the Stasi.

Like those often caught in the crosshairs, not every choice is a successful one, but there’s always something intriguing in seeing someone trying to navigate the impossible.

There will be some who find the complicated plotlines and myriad spycraft twists to be exhilarating, but for those who enjoyed the simplicity of 83’s primary “will Martin’s identity be exposed?” question, 89 lacks that necessary character depth. While the political discussions are polished and sharp, the interpersonal scenes are dull and blunt.