The Beat Goes On

Existentialism Meets Berlin Techno Club Scene

The beat never stops in this Amazon original drama set in Berlin. It takes a deeply disturbing human art installation, we’ll just call it that, to bring the party to a screeching halt. What is for so many an expression of freedom and perhaps hedonism, is transformed into a nightmarish crime scene by a well-molded psychopath.

You might be wondering how Existentialism fits into the picture. Probably an unlikely pairing but a very effective one. Both villains in this story, while unknown to each other, have a common life philosophy “We all die alone.” No matter what you choose to do or believe, no matter who you are, you live in a fantasy of your own design. Your friends, family, and church are constructs of society, lies to fill your time and hide the truth — that we are alone, and life is meaningless.

It’s no wonder Phillip looks so out of place in the club. It’s no wonder, Jasper, a former schoolmate of Beat’s and the first psycho in the story, chooses the club to get everyone’s attention. They can’t pay attention while they’re living a lie!

This is where the ESI steps in, a fictional organization, the “European Secret Intelligence” agency, to recruit Beat to spy on Phillip and report back to them. While he reluctantly takes on this role, mostly to protect his friend Paul, his childhood features more and more prominently in the unfolding mystery, and Beat faces some deep-seated fears about his family.

While he’s working with the ESI, Beat is forced to defend his world view and while it is comprised of statements like, ‘The day is filled with assholes,’ it’s also apparent that despite being an orphan, Beat knows and understands the meaning of love and the power it holds. He says to Phillip, “I have always felt loved.” And we believe him because of the way he looks after his friends. His Stoic attitude of “What must be will be,” is a counterpoint to his more primitive, “Stick it to the man” philosophy and demonstrates the growth and depth of his character.

One of the strongest components of this script is the multilayered storylines that fall together in perfect timing and coordination. Beat’s childhood, the bodies found at the club, Phillip’s illegal businesses, and interestingly, the ESI agent’s real motivation for recruiting Beat, all have clues hinted at in the beginning and brilliantly fulfilled in the end.

There isn’t a weak link in the cast. All the performances raise the level of the series to an outstanding, original work. Janis Neiwoher is amazing! Watch it. Love it. Keep the kiddies away — Did I mention the sex parties? Not a lot left to the imagination. This is strictly adult fare!

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