Cinematography:
Martin LangerComposer:
Johnny KlimekCast:
Jella Haase, Dimitrij Schaad, Julius Feldmeier, Vincent Redetzki, Vladimir Burlakov, Thandi Sebe, Marta Sroka, Yun Huang, Alessija Lause, Rodrigo Rojo (more)VOD (1)
Seasons(2) / Episodes(14)
Plots(1)
1987: Shortly after liquidating a businessman in West Berlin on behalf of a secret Stasi commando, top East German spy Kleo is arrested, denounced by the Stasi and even betrayed by her own grandfather. After two years in prison, the Berlin Wall suddenly falls and Kleo is released. But she soon realizes that the conspiracy against her is much more complicated than she thought, and that an ominous red suitcase is the key to it all. Kleo thus embarks on a revenge spree that leads her through the anarchic Berlin, improvised electro clubs and Mallorcan fincas all the way to Chile's Atacama Desert – with the West Berlin policeman Sven constantly on her tail, chasing the case of a lifetime. (Netflix)
(more)Reviews of this series by the user Necrotongue (17)
Kleo (2022)
I was honestly surprised that I gave a three-star rating to this weird series full of "hilarious" German humor. I was hoping the German filmmakers would create something along the lines of The Americans, but alas, it didn't pan out that way. The creators opted for a path of questionable humor, abandoning the serious tension I was anticipating, leaving behind only a bizarre spectacle. / Lesson learned: There's nothing quite like a good brainwashing. 3*-
()
Season 1 (2022) (S01)
I had hoped the Germans would deliver something in the vein of The Americans, but sadly, that wasn't the case. Instead, the creators opted for dubious humor, sacrificing any sense of seriousness or tension. What we got was a bizarre spectacle with "hilarious" German humor. / Lesson learned: There's nothing like a thoroughly brainwashed mind. 3*-
()
Big Eden (2022) (S01E01)
Instead of a visit to the Stasi, this was more about getting to know Agent Granddaughter, who was undeniably capable and had a physique I appreciated, but unfortunately, looked rather German from shoulders up. The plot was a mix of drama and German-style comedy, a bit of a mishmash. Well, I'll wait and see what comes next. / Lesson learned: When necessary, use plenty of concrete.
()
The Reunion (2022) (S01E02)
German porn and German comedy have always been known for quality, much like Soviet perfumes - or so I've heard. The creators of this series seem to be constantly trying and failing at comedy, which is not doing the show any favors. At least, that's how I see it. Many of the attempts at humor fell flat for me, like sumó for instance. I suppose I was expecting something entirely different from this series. / Lesson learned: A strong enough blow could turn a Trabant into guitar picks.
()
Snow in Sóller (2022) (S01E03)
The episode was oddly entertaining. Comrade Agent Granddaughter Retd keeps becoming more and more off-putting to me with each new episode, although she does have those skills, right? And I mean MacGyver-level nonsense. This show is a weird one; I'll be following a somewhat enjoyable plot only to realize moments later that it barely makes sense. / Lesson learned: Psychopaths aren't exactly the companions you're looking for, unless of course, you happen to run a secret service and are in need of new hires.
()
The Minister (2022) (S01E04)
I've made my thoughts clear on German humor before, so an episode overflowing with jokes like worms in a rotten carcass didn't exactly earn many points from me. It's a shame the German creators didn't stick to the promised drama and thriller genre for this series, because what we got was a truly bizarre mishmash with an obvious effort to make it funny. Hmm... However, something did amuse me: "Help me! I'm being attacked! An antisocial element!" / Lesson learned: Forget the car and take a walk instead. You're helping yourself and the planet.
()
Uwe (2022) (S01E05)
The creators seemed to have dialed back their peculiar kind of humor in this episode (although Sven Petzold...), with action taking the forefront, which I appreciated. Now, I'm not saying the fifth episode left me completely satisfied, but at least I wasn't subjected to the usual annoyance of all those grimaces and weird giggling.
()
Object Else (2022) (S01E06)
I have to admit, I wasn't particularly excited for this episode, especially after the predictability of the previous one. A similar approach has been seen in many series before. However, it turned out to be better than expected. Looking into Comrade Agent Granddaughter's and the GDR's past was surprisingly enriching. It had hints of Alice's adventures with its crazy characters and events, but also offered some insightful moments (if that's what you're looking for). / Lesson learned: Socialism was just as amazing across all the countries of the Warsaw Pact, and beyond.
()
The Snipe and the Clam (2022) (S01E07)
I don't know if it's just me, or if the creators have really stepped up their game, but I had a great time with the second-to-last episode as well as the one before that. The storyline made some significant progress (expected with the finale approaching). At times I enjoyed myself while at other times the creators brought me back down to earth. / Lesson learned: Learn some Chinese proverbs.
()
The Purple Witch (2022) (S01E08)
I approached the previous episodes with a cautiously positive attitude, but with the finale, the creators dove back into their German humoristic nonsense, once again leaving me scratching my head. Oh well. The important thing is that it's over now — at least the first season, judging by those final scenes. I wouldn't be surprised if the second season is all about fighting the undead, because Uwe Mittig... / Lesson learned: Don't get too excited; disappointment is waiting around the corner.
()
Season 2 (2024) (S02)
Even though I gave the second season the same rating as the first, my impression was different this time around. Knowing what to expect, I wasn’t anticipating a sophisticated retro spy thriller. Instead, I was ready for a not-so-sophisticated show filled with questionable German humor, and that’s exactly what I got. Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying it quite a bit. / Lesson learned: The Soviet Union remains a mysterious land I just can’t warm up to. 3*+
()
The Seahorse (2024) (S02E01)
To be honest, I wasn’t too excited about the return of Agent Kleo. I had actually forgotten about her. When Netflix offered the second season, I hesitated, but the manageable number of episodes and reasonable runtime convinced me to give it another shot. The opening episode showed that the creators stuck to their tried-and-true methods from the first season, and to my surprise, I found myself enjoying the reunion with some familiar characters. / Lesson learned: When in doubt, throw a grenade.
()
Object Moni (2024) (S02E02)
Another episode with a bizarre plot laced with what the Germans consider humor. Despite not being entirely to my taste, I have to admit I wasn't bored. / Lesson learned: Want to have some fun? Piss off the KGB.
()
The Bear (2024) (S02E03)
Given that it's a German series with German humor, it's actually not bad. I had more issues with the first season because I was expecting a thrilling spy story, and it really let me down. This time, I knew what to expect. I'm actually enjoying the craziness. / Lesson learned: A true professional doesn't need a firearm to kill a bear. 3*+
()
Beer and Schnapps (2024) (S02E04)
Yep, the episode sticks to the same formula: it's a total absurdity that throws logic out the window. The humor is undeniably German, and the constant resurrection of characters is really starting to annoy me. However, I can turn off my brain (at least the analytical part) and admit that, in a twisted way, I’m actually entertained. / Lesson learned: A gun is a gun, but a crane is a crane. 3*+
()
From Russia with Love (2024) (S02E05)
I genuinely enjoyed the storyline. At one point, it reminded me of Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds taking down Nazi leaders in a French cinema, and I’m still chuckling about it. Besides the straight-laced Sven Petzold, the show is filled with all kinds of crazies, and I have to admit, the Germans can pull off decent humor now and then. / "Freiheit!" / Lesson learned: An experienced fighter pilot can launch an air-to-ground missile with surgical precision. 4*-
()
Harald (2024) (S02E06)
What I expected from the final episode of the second season is exactly what I got. The conclusion was as open-ended as the previous season, leaving room for more, and of course, there were characters rising from the dead, which is always a bit of a letdown (especially the one embodying quintessential German humor). That said, I found myself enjoying this absurdity once again. If there’s a third season, I’ll probably tune in. / Lesson learned: There's nothing like a selfless co-worker.
()