Ep 5. Green Book
- TVMA
- November 8, 2018
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(239)
In "Deutschland 86" season 1 episode 5 titled "Green Book," we follow Martin Rauch, a former East German spy, as he continues to navigate his new life as a spy for the West, all while searching for his missing son. This episode finds Martin traveling to South Africa with the goal of obtaining a green book from a high-ranking member of the apartheid government. The green book contains the identities and locations of members of the ANC, the anti-apartheid political party that the West is interested in supporting.
Upon arriving in South Africa, Martin is immediately caught in the middle of the country's volatile political situation. The episode accurately depicts the harsh realities of apartheid-era South Africa, from the racial segregation and discrimination faced by Black South Africans to the violent conflicts between government forces and ANC militants. These themes are explored through Martin's interactions with various characters, including a journalist who is sympathetic to the ANC cause and a member of the apartheid government who Martin must trick into giving him the green book.
As Martin tries to navigate this dangerous situation, he is also dealing with personal turmoil. His memories of life in East Germany and his feelings of guilt over abandoning his family are constantly haunting him. These complex emotions make for a fascinating character study and add depth to the overall plot. The conflict between his loyalty to the West and his desire to find his son further complicates matters.
Overall, "Green Book" is a compelling and well-crafted episode that highlights the complexity of Cold War-era geopolitics and the human toll of spy games. The show's attention to historical accuracy and detail makes it an engaging watch for history buffs and general audiences alike.