Berlin Alexanderplatz: Limited Series
Set in late 1920s Berlin during the era of Weimar Germany, the narrative follows Franz Biberkopf following his release from prison. Upon gaining his freedom, he makes a vow to go straight and lead an honest life. Despite this resolution, he soon finds himself entangled within the city's criminal underworld. The production is a fourteen-part television epic directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, adapted from Alfred Döb
Season 1 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Franz Biberkopf is released from prison in late 1920s Berlin.
- Upon his release, Franz Biberkopf vows to go straight.
- Franz Biberkopf soon finds himself embroiled in the city's criminal underworld.
- The events take place in Weimar Germany during the late 1920s.
Season overview
Set in late 1920s Berlin during the era of Weimar Germany, the narrative follows Franz Biberkopf following his release from prison. Upon gaining his freedom, he makes a vow to go straight and lead an honest life. Despite this resolution, he soon finds himself entangled within the city's criminal underworld. The production is a fourteen-part television epic directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, adapted from Alfred Döblin's 1929 novel of the same name. Originally broadcast in West Germany between October and December of 1980, the drama and crime miniseries spans thirteen parts and an epilogue, featuring Günter Lamprecht in the central role as Biberkopf.
Episode Guide
Season 1 Progress Shield
The Punishment Begins
Oct 12, 1980 · 82 min
In 1928 Berlin, Franz Biberkopf is released after serving four years in Tegel prison for the murder of his girlfriend Ida. After settling into his old apartment, he visits Ida's si
How Is One to Live If One Doesn’t Want to Die?
Oct 13, 1980 · 60 min
Biberkopf is self-employed, hawking necktie holders on the street, but has trouble making enough and doesn't consider himself an orator. After turning down the opportunity to sell
A Hammer Blow to the Head Can Injure the Soul
Oct 20, 1980 · 59 min
Troubled by the dubious nature of Franz's job, Lina introduces him to family friend Otto Lüders, who turns out to be an ex-con he knows from prison, but Franz thinks Otto is good.
A Handful of People in the Depths of Silence
Oct 27, 1980 · 59 min
Franz goes on an alcohol binge as former medical orderly Baumann searches for him in rooms in a building opposite the one occupied by the prisoners' charity on which he depends for
A Grim Reaper with Powers from Almighty God
Nov 3, 1980 · 60 min
Franz, after several fleeting encounters, has finally become reacquainted with his former pimp Eva, who feels a deep affection for him, and has paid the rent for his old rooms in h
Love Has Its Price
Nov 10, 1980 · 59 min
Franz explains to Reinhold that he wants Cilly to stay with him. Franz gets sucked into Pums's gang when he is drafted for a job as a last-minute replacement for Bruno, who is beat
Remember—An Oath Can Be Amputated
Nov 17, 1980 · 58 min
Franz has survived, but his right arm has been amputated. He recuperates for a time with Eva and Eva's lover Herbert, who agitates against Pums's syndicate, so the boss decides to
The Sun Warms the Skin, But Burns It Sometimes Too
Nov 24, 1980 · 59 min
Franz becomes involved in an illegal enterprise with Willy, whom he met at a cabaret. Eva and Herbert drop by to see Franz and bring a young woman, Emilie Karsunke, whom they offer
About the Eternities Between the Many and the Few
Dec 1, 1980 · 59 min
Eva explains to Franz that Mieze just wants to work to support him as Franz cannot due to his missing arm. After reconciling with Mieze, Franz attends a communist rally, during whi
Loneliness Tears Cracks of Madness Even in Walls
Dec 8, 1980 · 60 min
As Mieze cannot conceive, Eva tells her she'll have a child with Franz that Mieze can then raise. Mieze is delighted, to the point that Eva asks if she is a lesbian. Eva also tells
Knowledge Is Power and the Early Bird Catches the Worm
Dec 15, 1980 · 59 min
Franz tells Reinhold he wants to get involved with Pums again. Reinhold still has his suspicions but Franz is allowed to assist the gang with a job. Mieze is upset that Franz is ea
The Serpent in the Soul of the Serpent
Dec 22, 1980 · 60 min
Franz introduces Mieze to Meck. Reinhold blackmails Meck to set up a meeting for him with Mieze. Meck takes Mieze on a drive to Bad Freienwalde and delivers her to Reinhold. Reinho
The Outside and the Inside and the Secret of Fear of the Secret
Dec 29, 1980 · 59 min
Franz tells Eva that Mieze has left him. Eva reassures him, though she is a bit concerned herself. A robbery pulled off by Pums' gang goes wrong and Franz takes Meck to his apartme
My Dream of the Dream of Franz Biberkopf by Alfred Döblin, An Epilogue
Dec 29, 1980 · 112 min
In a fantasy sequence, Franz walks along a street of the dead with two angels. He finds Mieze, but she disappears from his arms. Reinhold is in prison for the crimes committed by a