**Spoiler Alert: The following contains major plot points and reveals for the “Die Rosenheim-Cops – Totholz” episode.**
The episode “Totholz” (Dead Wood) opens with the discovery of a seemingly innocuous death – a renowned sculptor, Herr Gruber, found lifeless in his own workshop, amidst his impressive collection of wooden creations. Initially, it appears to be a tragic accident, a heart attack perhaps, exacerbated by the artist’s reclusive nature and advanced age. However, the Rosenheim-Cops, led by the ever-observant Chief Inspector Hansen and his equally sharp team, soon uncover inconsistencies that point towards foul play.
The investigation delves deep into Gruber’s personal life, revealing a complex web of relationships fraught with tension and hidden resentments. A bitter rivalry with a younger, more successful sculptor is quickly identified as a potential motive. This competitor, a man obsessed with surpassing Gruber’s legacy, harbored a deep-seated jealousy and publicly expressed his disdain for the older artist’s traditional techniques. The police meticulously examine the workshop, finding traces of a struggle and a peculiar, almost imperceptible mark on the deceased’s hand – a clue that initially seems insignificant.
Simultaneously, the team uncovers a long-standing feud involving Gruber’s family. His estranged son, burdened by financial difficulties and resentment over his inheritance, becomes another suspect. The son’s desperate attempts to borrow money from his father, coupled with his discovery of a hidden, valuable piece of artwork within the workshop, add fuel to the suspicion. Further complicating matters is the presence of a mysterious woman, a former student of Gruber’s, who harbored a secret admiration bordering on obsession. Her seemingly innocent visits to the workshop take on a new sinister light as the investigation progresses.
The seemingly insignificant mark on Gruber’s hand, initially dismissed, turns out to be crucial. Through painstaking forensic analysis, the team identifies it as a unique type of wood grain, matching a specific type of exotic hardwood used in only one of Gruber’s sculptures – a piece commissioned by a wealthy, influential patron known for his erratic behavior and powerful connections. This patron, facing financial ruin, had recently pressured Gruber to sell the sculpture for a fraction of its worth. Gruber’s refusal is presented as a possible catalyst for a desperate act.
As the investigation unravels, the team confronts multiple suspects, each with a compelling motive and opportunity. The episode masterfully weaves together seemingly disparate threads, culminating in a tense and unexpected confrontation. The seemingly straightforward case of a sudden death transforms into a complex puzzle, revealing a dark underbelly of ambition, betrayal, and ultimately, a shocking revelation about the true killer and their surprising motive. The episode’s climax involves a dramatic chase and a surprising confession, leaving the audience questioning their initial assumptions about the seemingly obvious suspects. The killer’s identity and the precise method of murder are ultimately both shocking and satisfyingly logical, tying all the loose ends together in a thrilling conclusion.