Max, portrayed by Matthew Beard, is a doctor fascinated by Freud’s theories on psychopathy, which were still relatively new ideas in early twentieth-century Vienna. He finds himself assisting Inspector Rheinhardt (Juergen Maurer), a local police detective investigating some unusual murders within the city—a place known for its advancements in medicine. The inspector initially doubts Max's methods, as do most people around them, but Max remains persistent and they discover that their combined skills of traditional policing and budding psychological profiling make them an effective team. As the series unfolds, a friendship develops between these two men. Simultaneously, Max’s structured relationship with his girlfriend Clara (Luise von Finckh) is challenged by his growing attraction to fellow scientist Lisa Linder (Miriam Hie), who doesn't share his feelings. This romantic entanglement occasionally distracts from what is otherwise an enjoyable and often quite captivating series of dramas that are visually appealing and maintain a good pace over their ninety-minute length. Beard appears noticeably young, which requires some adjustment, but as he and Maurer become more engaged in what seems to be a dangerous environment within Austria, their adventures prove to be somewhat unusual. There's a gentle humor throughout the show, enhanced by Roman Kariolou’s score, and the repeated phrase “welcome to the investigation” when things get tense is amusing. It appears there was some initial uncertainty about a second season, as it begins with the men noticeably distanced from each other; this also occurs briefly between seasons two and three, but these periods of separation quickly resolve into their successful partnership, using Vienna as a backdrop for murders that may have connections to military, aristocratic, or religious circles, along with plenty of misdirection involving superstition, paganism, and mysticism. The storylines are also strengthened by not relying too heavily on the regular supporting characters; when they do appear, there’s usually something entertaining about their involvement, particularly Conleth Hill's portrayal of Max's frequently bewildered but enthusiastic father. While the main characters have complicated romantic lives, these aspects are included sparingly, allowing the well-crafted mysteries to shine—especially when it is just the two of them investigating together. There are some familiar elements within the nine episodes I’ve watched, which was almost inevitable given the genre and its focus on intellectual rather than purely physical clues, but this doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment. Both men speak softly, occasionally making the audio a bit challenging to hear, but the combination of modern approaches with established methods works well, and no single episode feels dull or exhausting. I’d like to see more.
On September 23, 2026
#3065▼ 100
3065th by Pulse TV show online4.1PULSEPulse MeterOur daily Pulse Meter measures public activity and popularity signals across the web.How it works →


