Murder by the Lake

A fusion of captivating crime storytelling set in the picturesque, yet gripping landscapes of Austrian-German border, Murder by the Lake, originally known as "Die Toten vom Bodensee" debuted on MHz Choice in 2014 and gripped its viewers with a chilling blend of complex plots, intriguing characters, and breathtaking scenic views.

Nestling amidst the Alpine landscapes, the show actually straddles the thin line between Austria and Germany, easing its tales across the border, thereby, placing its crime scenes, investigators, and suspects in a dual-jurisdiction conundrum. That, in turn, makes the investigations all the more enthralling, weaving in the local political and cultural dynamics of the two nations, along with the tensions that come with international cooperation.

The series revolves around a unique pair of homicide officers; zealous German detective, Micha Oberländer, played by Matthias Koeberlin, and his driven Austrian counterpart, Hannah Zeiler, portrayed by Nora von Waldstätten, who inherit the uneviable task of solving a series of murder cases across the Bodensee area, also known as Lake Constance. Their pairing is unconventional, as they’re thrown together owing to the geographical complication of the area they patrol, and throughout the series their collaborations are as much a part of the intrigue as the crime cases themselves.

While Micha is a family man, empathetic, and intuitive, Hannah is emotionally detached due to her haunting past, communicates less, and relies more on facts. Their different methods often lead to escalating tensions but also breed mutual respect, making their partnership riveting to watch. Over the seasons, viewers also get glimpses of Hannah's troubled past, adding another layer of suspense to the main narrative. Their characters are masterfully crafted and their evolving dynamic forms the pivotal, emotional backbone of the series, making 'Murder by the Lake' more than just a typical crime procedural.

In terms of plot structure, each episode serves as an independent narrative – a new crime, a new investigation. This structure allows episodes to have a standalone buildup and conclusion, keeping each narrative tight and suspenseful. However, the series also maintains an overarching storyline around Micha and Hannah, with their personal lives often tangling with the investigations.

The show is famed for its showcase of unorthodox and creative murder methods, building upon the suspense of the investigations. The murder cases are never straightforward. Instead they are filled with countless twists and turns, complex characters, and convoluted motives that heighten the intrigue and keep viewers guessing till the end. Notably, the crimes featured often hint at some dark secrets within the seemingly tranquil local communities, adding to the eerie ambiance.

However, what sets ‘Murder by the Lake’ apart is its bold use of the setting. Lake Constance and its surrounding Alpine landscape is not just a backdrop here, but it becomes an active part of the narrative. Whether it is the crystal clear, ominously calm Lake alternating between its tranquil and treacherous shades, or the intimidating Alpine ridges silently observing the unfoldings, the unsettling yet alluring environment often shapes the crimes and their solutions, thereby creating a thoroughly atmospheric crime drama.

Moreover, the unique blend of cultures, way of life, and dialects among the people living on the shores of Lake Constance adds an extra layer of texture to the narrative, making it distinctive amidst its contemporaries. It captures the idiosyncrasies of rural communities passionately clinging onto their traditions, and how these socio-cultural dynamics can often contribute to the crimes and their subsequent unraveling.

In a nutshell, 'Murder by the Lake’ is a crisply written crime drama that pushes the boundaries of this genre with its unconventional ethnographic storytelling, great performances, and a menacingly beautiful setting which is as much a part of the tales as its human characters. It’s this combination that has cemented the show's reputation as one of MHz Choice's most popular and thrilling mysteries. It is not just a police procedural, but also an engaging exploration of human behaviour, team dynamics, and social undercurrents set in a quietly fierce landscape, making it a must-watch for crime drama enthusiasts.