Pagan Peak is a German-Austrian thriller television series that takes place in the breathtaking landscapes of the Austrian Alps. The show follows a team of detectives as they investigate a series of gruesome crimes committed by a deranged serial killer. **The main idea of Pagan Peak is the combination of crime and horror elements, creating a thrilling and intense viewing experience.** The story begins with the discovery of a mutilated corpse placed on a mountain peak, which immediately captures the attention of the local police. Detective Ellie Stocker, a seasoned investigator from Austria, is called in to assist with the case. Stuck in a remote village surrounded by mountains, Ellie must work with Detective Gedeon Winter, a brilliant but eccentric investigator from Germany.
Stuck in a remote village surrounded by mountains, Ellie must work with Detective Gedeon Winter, a brilliant but eccentric investigator from Germany. As the investigation deepens, the detectives realize that the killer is not just any ordinary criminal, but someone deeply connected to the ancient pagan rituals of the region. The killer is leaving behind clues and symbols that lead the detectives on a dark and twisted path.
Euro TV to Watch: Riveting Second Season of Teutonic Noir Thriller ‘Pagan Peak’
Set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a fast-flowing river in Salzburg, Season 2 of Pagan Peak sees another monstrous murderer at work.
Pagan Peak (Der Pass): (L-R) Franziska Von Harsdorf as Yela Antic, Nicholas Ofczarek as Gedeon Winter, Julia Jentsch as Ellie Stocker — Photos courtesy of Topic
Cyrill Boss and Philipp Stennert, the creators and co-writers of Pagan Peak (Der Pass), have followed up The Bridge-inspired first season of their series with another gripping story featuring a cold-blooded killer with an obsession that leads him to murder.
Opening a year after the events in the Season 1 finale, Season 2 of Pagan Peak finds members of Traunstein CID, including Ellie Stocker (Julia Jentsch, The Vanishing, Hannah Arendt), working on a gruesome murder case. Although Ellie seems to be as good an investigator as before, she is no longer the smiling, cheerful, idealistic woman she had been. She is still suffering from the trauma caused by the Krampus case, explaining away her questionable (panic attack-induced) actions to get by — until excuses no longer suffice and she is suspended from duty.
Over in Austria, Ellie’s former cross-border partner, Gedeon Winter (Nicholas Ofczarek, Dark Woods, The Team), lies in a hospital bed in an induced coma following the attempted assassination. When he awakens, he wants, nay needs, to get back to work, but is reminded that his days as a police detective are over — owing to a bullet that will likely remain lodged in his head for the rest of his life.
Near the city of Salzburg, the dead body of a young woman is found by a river, naked, face hidden. Tortured before she was eventually murdered, she is identified as an 18-year-old German national, which prompts the Austrian police to request support from Germany. With Ellie being sidelined, she recommends her colleague, junior officer Yela Antic (Franziska Von Harsdorf, Tatort), as the liaison officer. This is Yela’s big break, and the ambitious young officer intends to give it her all, which she does. She also convinces DCI Manuel Riffeser (Andreas Lust, Dark Woods), the head of the special commission for the German woman’s homicide case, to bring Gedeon on the case as a consultant.
Meanwhile, the murderer continues with his obsession and his killing.
A twist of fate brings Ellie back to Salzburg, reuniting her with Gedeon as she joins the special commission team in investigating the multiple murders to date and trying to prevent another young woman from becoming the killer’s next dead victim.
When all is said and done, our detectives get their man, but they are still troubled by unfinished business…
As with the first season of Pagan Peak, the audience knows who the murderer is in Season 2, and here we find out practically from the off versus midway through the eight episodes. Folklore is also a part of the new story, but woven in in more subtle ways. And similar to many Nordic noir series, the secondary storyline in the new season relates to social themes — such as the ways in which the rich and powerful abuse people and privilege, subvert the law, and pervert the course of justice — and well as the hows and whys that drive ordinary citizens to do the same.
Both Ellie and Gedeon are haunted by their pasts, and reminders are never far away. Old habits also die hard for them, which is kind of understandable on one hand and totally disappointing on the other. It’s tough to see Ellie in those moments where she looks to be completely broken, but one also feels hopeful for her when she’s on her game. Regarding Gedeon, he is an imposing character due to his nature as well as his physical size, and it’s great to see him again, and with a decent haircut, to boot. (But is that crumpled mess of a double-breasted suit the only one he owns?) As for Yela, she’s like a mini-me Ellie, totally dedicated to her work, willing to push boundaries, and relenting only when needs must.
Given how Season 2 ends, the door is wide open for a third season, and I say, “Bring it!”
Reprising his role as criminal profiler Christian Ressler is Martin Feifel (Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood). New cast members include Dominic Marcus Singer (The Diver Inside), Christoph Luser (Maximilian), Erol Nowak (Vienna Crime Squad), and Sibylle Canonica (Bella Germania).
Pagan Peak: Season 2, a Topic Original, premieres in the US and Canada with its first three episodes today, Thursday, May 12, exclusively on Topic and its digital channels, including Topic on Amazon. New episodes will debut singly each week through June 16.
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Pagan Peak (Der Pass): (L-R) Franziska Von Harsdorf as Yela Antic, Nicholas Ofczarek as Gedeon Winter, Julia Jentsch as Ellie Stocker — Photos courtesy of Topic
**This theme of pagan rituals and their connection to the crimes becomes a central focus of the show, adding an additional layer of mystery and intrigue.** As the detectives delve deeper into the case, they find themselves facing not only their own personal demons but also the harsh environment of the mountains. The isolation, the unforgiving weather, and the eerie atmosphere only serve to heighten the tension and suspense of the show. **The hostile surroundings of the Austrian Alps contribute to the overall sense of unease and danger that permeates throughout the series.** Pagan Peak stands out from other crime thrillers with its unique blend of psychological horror, stunning cinematography, complex characters, and intricate plotlines. **The show explores themes of human nature, spirituality, and the thin line between good and evil. It challenges the viewers to question their own morality and confront the darkness within themselves.** Overall, Pagan Peak is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With its combination of crime, horror, and stunning cinematic visuals, the show offers a fresh and thrilling take on the genre. **The main takeaway from Pagan Peak is its ability to create a haunting and suspenseful atmosphere, delivering an intense and unforgettable viewing experience.**.
Reviews for "The Pagan Peak Thriller: A Forgotten Gem of European TV"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan Peak thriller". The storyline was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow. The character development was also lacking, with many of the characters feeling one-dimensional. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with parts of the show feeling slow and dragging, while others felt rushed. Overall, I found it difficult to stay engaged with the series and was left unsatisfied with the resolution of the plot.
2. John - 1 star - "Pagan Peak thriller" was a complete waste of time for me. The acting was subpar, with wooden performances that failed to bring any depth or emotion to the characters. The plot was predictable and cliché, following the same tropes and twists that have been done countless times before. The dialogue was poorly written, filled with unnatural and forced interactions. I had high hopes for this series, but it ultimately fell flat and left me feeling disappointed.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Pagan Peak thriller" to be quite forgettable. The storyline lacked originality and failed to provide any surprises or suspense. The cinematography was bland, with no standout visuals or creative shots. The pacing was inconsistent, with some episodes dragging on while others felt rushed. The series also failed to fully explore its potential, leaving many plot points and character arcs unresolved. Overall, it was a mediocre thriller that failed to leave a lasting impression.
4. Tom - 1 star - I couldn't wait for "Pagan Peak thriller" to be over. The script was filled with cheesy and cringe-worthy dialogue that made it impossible to take the characters or the plot seriously. The acting was equally unconvincing, with performances that felt forced and lacked authenticity. The show also heavily relied on graphic violence and gore for shock value, which overshadowed any attempts at creating a compelling storyline. I would not recommend wasting your time on this disappointing thriller.