Beat

Beat is an Amazon Prime original that debuted in 2018. It's an adult-themed action-thriller that explores the gritty and intense world of Berlin's techno scene, seeping the viewer in an atmosphere that's as exciting as it is dangerous. The drama series is set in Berlin, a major European hub known for its music industry and enthralling nightlife. The story centers on Robert Schlag, known as Beat, a club promoter who is deeply integrated into the landscape of Berlin’s techno nightlife.

The main character, Beat, is intriguingly complex. He is well-known in the city's club scene and parties just as hard as the patrons of the club he promotes, enjoying a lifestyle full of sex, drugs, and electronic music. However, behind the facade of a carefree party-goer, Beat is a tormented soul, wrestling with his dark past that gets hazy with each passing night.

Beat showcases a mix of real-life scenarios with Berlin as the backdrop. Its depiction of the city - its seedy underbelly, the rich and the poor, the legal and the illegal - is a visual spectacle. It succeeds in atmospherically conveying a ubiquitous sense of real life in Berlin, showing that there's a lot more to the city at night than just its famed club scene.

The plot of the show revolves around an elaborate web of organized crime, human trafficking, and political corruption that becomes increasingly entangled as the series progresses. An unknown European intelligence agency approaches Beat to become an informant. They believe that his connections within the techno scene would provide valuable insight into the club's operations, owned by the powerful and influential Lachmann brothers who are suspected to be involved in various criminal activities.

Choosing to work with the agency, Beat finds himself in a dangerous position, caught between two worlds. On one hand, he must face the grim realities of the organized criminal underworld and on the other, try to maintain his already declining and self-destructive lifestyle that his job demands. The show scenes fluctuate between high-intensity action and slower, more dramatic sequences that reveal the deeper issues at play in the characters' lives.

As Beat becomes more embroiled in the murky goings-on, he struggles to maintain his cover while being thrust deeper into the dark criminal underworld. He finds himself dealing with immoral dilemmas, having to question his own loyalties, and eventually deciding who to trust.

The series is notable in its excellent use of Berlin's nightlife and techno music as the set piece for the gritty crime drama. It offers viewers an intense, unfiltered look into the electrifying, sometimes terrifying, world of techno music, drug-fueled parties, political corruption, and organized crime. It further sets itself apart with its cast's commanding performances, led by the enigmatic character of Beat, who is as charming and unpredictable as the city he inhabits.

Niko Hoffmann, creator of the series, made sure to create an alluring and thrilling atmosphere that represents Berlin's famous party scene. And to create a cohesive narrative, he delves into the connections between Berlin's underground party scene and high-level corruption.

Moreover, despite the series' unflinching exploration of Berlin's techno scene, it doesn't neglect its responsibility in touching on relevant, modern-day issues. It addresses serious themes like drug abuse, political misconduct, and the horrifying realities of human trafficking, making for a thrilling, topical, and thought-provoking viewing experience.

In essence, Beat is not just another crime series. With its unique blend of thumping techno music, intricate plot lines, and darker undercurrents of crime and corruption, it provides an uncensored peek into the heart of Berlin’s club culture. It's a thriller that successfully merges crime and music into a gripping narrative, making it a must-watch for those who love edge-of-the-seat stories.