Zen and the Art of Not Losing Your Mind (While Everything Explodes)
After a first season that was equal parts shock and delicious cynicism, the German series “Zen Murders” returns on Netflix to plunge Björn Diemel back into his favorite exercise: trying to keep his cool in a world that’s constantly spinning off the rails.
When season 2 starts, you might almost believe that Björn has finally found some inner peace. He’s ditched his ultra-stressful job as a criminal defense lawyer, launched his own business and is spending more time with his daughter Emily. Even his breakup with Katharina seems fairly chilled—for once, it’s more thoughtful, more… zen.
But let’s be honest, that would be way too easy. Beneath this peaceful façade, an utterly absurd situation is brewing: Björn is now the legal representative for two mafia clans whose bosses have mysteriously disappeared. On paper, everything seems under control. In reality, wearing this double hat turns his daily life into an emotional minefield. Mindfulness teaches you to breathe, sure, but it won’t exactly make your problems disappear.
The Past Comes Knocking: Mindfulness Meets Crime
What’s new for season 2? A deeper dive into Björn’s past. Guided by his mindfulness coach, Joschka Breitner, he finally takes a good hard look at his inner child. Spoiler: that kid is not as zen as he once thought.
This little journey of self-discovery seriously complicates Björn’s already overloaded schedule. He’s got clingy parents who know exactly where to poke, cops who are asking way too many questions, blackmail attempts linked to his illegal dealings, and the daily circus that is his family life. The series loves to pit the lofty ideals of modern wellness culture against a reality ruled by violence, lies, and some highly questionable moral decisions.
All the Chaos, All the Laughs, All the Germany
Adapted from Karsten Dusse’s bestselling novels, season 2 stays true to the original spirit of the story. Doron Wisotzky’s writing keeps that unique mix—funny, unsettling, and weirdly clear-eyed. Martina Plura’s direction pushes the perpetual contrast between Björn’s outward calm and the mayhem that constantly circles him.
Tom Schilling slips right back into the main role with flair, surrounded by Emily Cox, Britta Hammelstein and Murathan Muslu. Produced by Constantin Film, the series nestles perfectly within the German tradition of crime comedies: they dare to be offbeat, without ever losing that wonderfully dark core.
Breathe In, Breathe Out—Now Try Not To Get Shot
With this new season, “Zen Murders” keeps walking that tightrope: balancing inner calm with total collapse. Honestly, watching someone try to meditate while absolutely everything is burning down around him? It remains pure pleasure for the viewer.
The editorial team at Cri du Troll: a crew of literate geeks, clever trolls and world-weary gamers raging—with style—about pop culture, controller or pen in hand.
