Ep 1. Everything's Gonna Be Alt-Right

Berlin Station is a spy-thriller TV series that premiered on Epix on October 16, 2016. The show revolves around CIA agents who are stationed in the German capital, Berlin, to gather intelligence and thwart threats against the United States. The show has received positive feedback from viewers and critics alike for its gripping storylines and intriguing characters.

The first season established the character of Daniel Miller, a CIA agent who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of spy-versus-spy in Berlin. As the first season ended, Miller was tasked with tracking down a whistleblower who had compromised the CIA’s Berlin station.

The second season of Berlin Station picks up where the first left off, with Miller (now played by Richard Armitage) still on the hunt for the traitor. In the first episode of the second season, titled "Everything's Gonna Be Alt-Right," Miller must navigate a political landscape that has shifted dramatically since he was last in Berlin.

The episode opens with a scene of a young woman waking up in a hospital bed, bruised and battered, after being attacked by a group of neo-Nazis. It's clear from the outset that the writers are not shying away from the hot-button issues of the day.

Meanwhile, Miller is still trying to figure out who the whistleblower is. He's teamed up with a new partner, Esther Krug (played by Mina Tander), a veteran German intelligence agent. They quickly establish a rapport, but it's clear that they have different approaches to the job.

Miller is a maverick, prone to taking risks and bending the rules. Krug is more methodical, careful, and by-the-book. The tension between them adds a layer of complexity to the narrative and raises the stakes for both characters.

As they investigate leads and interview suspects, Miller and Krug realize that the whistleblower may not be working alone. There are signs of a larger conspiracy at play, one that involves far-right extremists and shadowy corporations.

Throughout the episode, the writers do an excellent job of weaving in topical themes related to the rise of the alt-right and the resurgence of white nationalism. They don't shy away from depicting ugliness and violence, but they also don't glorify it. Instead, they use it to reinforce the urgency of the story and the need for the agents to root out the threat.

The episode is tense, fast-paced, and well-acted. Richard Armitage, in particular, shines as Miller, conveying both the character's intelligence and his emotional vulnerability. The supporting cast, including Rhys Ifans, Richard Jenkins, and Mina Tander, also deliver standout performances.

Overall, "Everything's Gonna Be Alt-Right" is an excellent start to the second season of Berlin Station. It sets up an ambitious storyline, introduces compelling new characters, and tackles important issues with intelligence and nuance. Fans of the show will no doubt be eagerly anticipating the next episode.