The Defeated

I was really looking forward to a series set in post-war Berlin, though I had my reservations. Unfortunately, those reservations were well-founded. The creators took us through the ruins of the Third Reich's capital, where three-quarters of the city were under the influence of democratic forces trying to reform the former Nazis, while the last quarter was ruled by the Soviet Mordor. I harbor no illusions about the Soviet heroes; while they played a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany, it’s worth remembering that the future Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe had training grounds in the Soviet Union. Poles and Finns have their own stories, and women often returned from encounters with Soviet soldiers with traumatic experiences. Both European defenders of democracy allowed Hitler to trample over the Treaty of Versailles and even gifted him things that weren’t theirs to give. The Americans hated the Nazis only as long as it didn’t serve their interests. They interned over 100,000 of their own citizens just because they were of Japanese descent. The French, without a second thought, used the worst SS butchers in their Foreign Legion against the Viet Minh in Indochina. Netflix seemed hesitant to dive into the more complex aspects of this history, resulting in a dull narrative fragmented into multiple storylines that ultimately led nowhere. / Lesson learned: A one-sided view of history is often highly misleading. 3*-- (07/22/2024)

I reluctantly gave it a weak third star, mostly for the well-executed Berlin ruins. As for the story, I have to admit I didn't quite grasp it yet. The first episode sets a lot in motion: a battle against organized crime in a chaotic city, cultural clashes between East and West, a search for a lost brother, a twisted comic book maniac on a killing spree, all overseen by Dexter Morgan. It's quite a messy start. (07/17/2024)

Even after the second episode, I still didn’t feel that rush of excitement, but I must admit there’s been a notable improvement in the story. This time, my three-star rating feels solid. The plot lines started to make more sense, there are fewer likable characters (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). Plus, Tuppence Middleton is fantastic as the spoiled wife, making the experience quite satisfying overall, even if not thrilling. / Lesson learned: The end justifies the means. 3*+ (07/18/2024)

The creators have reverted to the pilot's quality, which isn't a good sign. For me, the story has stalled, and it seems like the team isn't sure how to tap into the potential the plot clearly has. / Lesson learned: What goes around comes around. 3*- (07/18/2024)

I'm not sure about this one... I realized that what keeps me watching is the ruins of post-war Berlin. It's pretty unfortunate when the cracks in the walls are more interesting than the dialogue or the painfully slow storylines. / Lesson learned: There's always a tunnel. (07/19/2024)

Just when I thought the series had hit rock bottom, the creators surprised me with an episode that was actually enjoyable to watch. Finally, the story made some progress, so I wasn't left just staring at the walls and speculating about the building's structural integrity. / Lesson learned: You never know what you'll find hidden under the carpet. (07/19/2024)

A pretty watchable episode. However, the story still feels like a big, disjointed patchwork. It would have been better if the creators had focused on a maximum of three storylines instead of spreading themselves too thin, which left the overall experience lacking. / Lesson learned: Every fan of Monty Python’s Flying Circus knows that a Soviet firing squad will get the job done, even if it means resorting to a bayonet charge. (07/20/2024)

The German-Canadian collaboration really hit its stride. The show has always had a solid atmosphere, but this episode amped things up with a hefty dose of action, and, for the first time, I actually felt some real tension. / Lesson learned: Beware, bank vault doors are usually very heavy. (07/21/2024)

The finale really ticked me off because the creators, in a popular move nowadays, took the easy way out by leaving plotlines dangling. If viewers want to know what happens next, they have to wait for another season (or more). I don’t really care how the story continues because it wasn't that thrilling. But who knows, maybe it'll grow on me, and I'll give the next season a shot. Or maybe not, given that the series is from 2020 and it probably grew old for the producers too. / Lesson learned: Where would the American space program be without hardcore Nazi and prominent SS member Werner von Braun? The end justifies the means, I guess. (07/22/2024)