With the film "Under suspicion – Eva's last course" (March 28, 8:15 p.m., ZDF), the crime series says goodbye to its viewers after around 20 years. In the latter case, the first from 2002 is taken up again. Actress Senta Berger (78, "Welcome to the Hartmanns") explains in an interview with the news agency spot on news whether you should know the opening event. The actress also tells how the last day of shooting was celebrated and what souvenir she took with her. In addition, she reveals which cake she always succeeds in private – in the film she prefers to buy one from the confectioner.
The last episode of "Under suspicion" runs on March 28th. How do you feel about that?
Senta Berger: Oh, there is a bit of melancholy in my thoughts. But it can't be otherwise after 20 years of working with colleagues and our team. The hard core has remained almost the same throughout. It's a goodbye, also from people. Of course we will see each other again, but the cohesion during a work phase is so intense and different than in everyday life when you see each other from time to time. I regret that.
Was it the right decision to stop now?
Berger: Yes, that was the right decision, also because it came from us and not from the editorial team, the broadcaster or even the audience. At some point I brought a possible end of the series into play and then discussed it with my two fellow actors Gerd Anthoff and Rudolf Krause. They also found the time right. We prefer that "under suspicion" is missing for a while rather than the viewer turning away because they have enough.
Have you already watched the film? How do you like it?
Berger: I have already seen the film on Arte. It is difficult to see and judge yourself, but I can judge history and style well. And I think it's really a job well done. Arte has given the film the highest audience ratings the broadcaster has ever had: well over a million have tuned in. That made me happy, even if it is of course no longer just about quotas these days.
Do you watch your films with your husband or your son, i.e. with professionals, or do you prefer to do it alone? Is there a ritual there?
Berger: I like to share that with my husband. My sons are also interested in my work; I've already worked with Simon and Luca played my son a couple of times in his younger years. We already have a common denominator. But of course they have their own families and don't come to see us on TV. We don't have a ritual or anything like that. But that's also because the job is everyday life for our family. Our children grew up with it, it's normal for them and nothing special.
How was the last day of shooting? Was there a party afterwards?
Berger: On the last day of shooting each of the three main actors – Gerd Anthoff as Dr. Claus Reiter, Rudolf Krause as André Langner and I as Dr. Eva Maria Prohacek – a solo scene. My last scene was a phone call. When it felt good to me, the director said against expectations: "Senta, do it again! Don't change anything, just do it again, please!" Then I picked up the phone and looked out the window into the yard and suddenly I saw the whole team come in. Everyone had a small bottle of champagne in their hands and pulled the cork at the same time. The champagne bubbled out like the racing drivers. Then we kicked off and hugged.
How easy is it for you to say goodbye?
Berger: I'm very bad at saying goodbye. I always try to escape. Just no cut, it should just go on – and if it just goes on feeling. (laughs)
Did you take a souvenir from the set?
Berger: Yes. I have my ID, that of Dr. Eva Maria Prohacek taken away. (laughs)
Is stopping acting generally an issue for you?
Berger: I'm definitely starting to break out of my job. That is also quite natural at my age. I did another television film in Berlin after "Unter Verdacht" and will soon be shooting with Florian David Fitz, but of course I won't do five productions in a row in a year. I dont want that. Because the years are manageable and I want to spend as much time as possible with my husband. With my family. Take one grandson to the indoor tournament and pick up the other from kindergarten. Like I did with my sons.
In the last "under suspicion" case, the first of 20 years ago is taken up again. What should you know from the opening event?
Berger: Nothing really. The film also works if you don't know the first one. That was exactly the big challenge for the screenwriters. For those who still want to see the first case, "Under Suspicion: Hidden Game" (March 27th, 0:45 am, ZDF) will be broadcast one day before "Under Suspicion: Eva's Last Walk" (March 28th, 20: 3 p.m., ZDF) repeated. You can record that. Overall, I think it's a very good idea to build on the first film. There really is a circle here.
In the film, you bring a carrot cake to say goodbye. Which cake do you always manage personally?
Berger: I have a very simple recipe from my mother that actually always works. The cake base is made from three equal parts of butter, eggs and flour. And you can prove it to your heart's content with apricots, cherries or plums. This cake always succeeds, even me – and I'm not a good baker at all. But if it should be something special, I prefer to buy the cake or cake from a professional. (laughs)