Hanna Plaß on the Hermannsdenkmal: Breaking Stereotypes and Local Impressions

The German television landscape is welcoming a new addition to its crime drama repertoire with the launch of the ZDF series “Im Grunde Mord,” a production that takes viewers into the scenic but mysterious landscapes of the Teutoburg Forest. Leading the cast is actress Hanna Plaß, who finds herself stepping into a region that was entirely unfamiliar to her prior to the production’s commencement.

In a series of reflections on her experience, the 37-year-old actress revealed that she had never visited the Teutoburg Forest—the area surrounding the historic Hermannsdenkmal—before being cast in the lead role. For Plaß, the project provided not only a professional opportunity but a personal introduction to a part of Germany that had previously remained off her radar.

The production’s first installment, titled “Im Grunde Mord – Blutsbande,” is scheduled to premiere during prime time on the ZDF network on April 20. While the television broadcast is pending, the film has already been made available to audiences via the ZDF streaming portal as of Saturday.

Challenging Regional Stereotypes

Entering a new filming location often comes with preconceived notions, and Plaß admitted she was aware of the specific stereotypes associated with the local population. Specifically, she noted that people from the Lippe region are often characterized as being reserved or overly frugal.

However, the actress found that her direct interactions during the shoot contradicted these claims. “confirm that at all after the filming,” Plaß stated, describing the local people as “very open-minded, nice, and funny.” She emphasized that her time spent in the region was a positive experience, effectively debunking the clichés she had encountered before arriving.

From Upper Franconia to the Teutoburg Forest

Plaß’s lack of familiarity with the region is something she relates to her own upbringing. She shared that she grew up in a similarly overlooked part of Germany—specifically in the rural areas of Upper Franconia, situated along the border with the Czech Republic. This personal connection to “off-the-beaten-path” locations seemed to craft her transition into the environment of the Teutoburg Forest more seamless.

The “Teutokrimi,” as the series is being dubbed, leverages the atmospheric backdrop of the forest and the landmark Hermannsdenkmal to create a setting conducive to the crime genre. By blending local geography with the narrative of “Im Grunde Mord,” the series aims to bring visibility to a region that, much like Plaß’s hometown, is often ignored by the wider public.

Key Production Details at a Glance

As the premiere date of April 20 approaches, the series is expected to draw viewers interested in both the procedural elements of the crime genre and the regional charm of North Rhine-Westphalia. For Hanna Plaß, the role has served as a bridge to a new part of her own country, proving that the reality of a place often differs greatly from the stereotypes surrounding it.

The next major milestone for the series is the official prime-time television broadcast on April 20. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on the new series in the comments below and share this update with fellow crime drama enthusiasts.