A Review of ‘Miss Merkel’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from ‘Miss Merkel’ Courtesy of MHz Choice.

It is definitely safe to say that everyone knows what happens to a big-time world leader when they leave office. In that, they simply retire. Sure, they might pop up on the campaign trail now and again to remind everyone they’re still around and still have a little pep in their step and swing to shove around, but for the most part… that’s it. They’ll write their memoirs, perhaps see a presidential library erected in their honor. But outside of that, they get to take it easy and enjoy retirement from public life and rightfully so. After all, they spend a fair chunk of their life serving millions upon millions of people, and their safety was in their hands, so why not rest?
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But sometimes rest, and a happy ever after isn’t enough for some, especially creative minds. For now, and again, thoughtful minds wonder what life would be like if those leaders didn’t fade from our world and instead became something more, something epic if you will. Such as say… a gumshoe of sorts. After all, the majority of world leaders have a sound mind and are often quite observant. Some, well we can forget about from an IQ standpoint. But what if one of the far classier and more intelligent world leaders wanted that to be their second act? What would that look like? And would they be successful? Well, it just so happens that a new comedy/crime series on MHz Choice actually takes the time to explore those very questions.

Feats that Miss Merkel accomplishes by following up with the former Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel. Wherein we learn she’s retired to the German countryside with her husband and her appointed bodyguard, Mike. To finally retire from public service and enjoy the quiet life. But soon, she comes to learn that private life is filled to the brim with chaos and mystery. The kind that the local police struggle with, so she takes it upon herself to be the new private investigator in her town and solve heinous crimes and find new fulfillment in doing so. Which is a plot and concept that informs us… that such a decision would be hilarious at times, and awesome through and through. Because make no mistake about it, this is a funny, funny show. One that really does lean into the awkward nature of seeing a world leader become a world class detective.

For that really is a fish out of water story, one that works here though. Because the right world leader was chosen. For Angela Merkel is known for her sharp intellect, and how little escaped her grasp, and this plays into that and believe it or not, that brings about, a stunningly delightful crime story as well. Because what’s been crafted here are detailed cases, brim with all the best aspects of the genre, and the delightful clues and misdirection here force us and Angela to pay attention to what’s going on, and that truly does engage the viewer and keep them guessing. Not to mention, the show follows through with its mysteries and wraps them up in a satisfying manner for certain. One that feels complete and makes Merkel quite the hero.

All of which gives rise, to a brilliant series. One that takes some big swings and some big risks, but they all pay off in the end. Because everything works here, and you truly believe that the former Chancellor of Germany is indeed the next Matlock or Columbo, and even the quirky moments where she’s not solving crimes, are filled with some endearing realism that truly allows for one to root for this version of the Chancellor and hope that she succeeds. Which gives rise to a must-watch series. Because you truly need to see this one to believe it, and the good news is, you can, right now. For two super-sized episodes of this show are streaming on MHz Choice now, and we hope you give it a look. Because it really is a true delight.

Watch ‘Miss Merkel’ on MHz Choice.

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