Episode 1

♪♪ ♪♪ (CHURCH BELL TOLLS) (DOG BARKS) MAX: Vienna is a city obsessed by titles.

In London, I was Max.

Just Max.

In Vienna, I am Dr Maximilian Liebermann.

Physician.

Neurologist.

And Englishman... ...of course.

They don't let you forget that.

The capital of a 1,000-year-old empire, it's also a pedant's heaven.

A family's reputation can be ruined by the length of a woman's hem.

There are rules here for everything.

MAN: Romantic memories are pathogenic.

They create disease.

Banishment of painful emotionally charged memories from one's consciousness requires an active repressing mechanism.

MAX: This is Vienna's gilded age - and yet there is something unsettling deep below the surface.

A shadow realm the city is struggling to hide.

Welcome to Vienna.

Welcome to my world.

(CRASHING) Holy Christ!

Do we have a name?

Neighbors didn't know her.

(MUTTERS IN SLOVAK) What's she saying?

You speak Slovak.

Just nonsense.

Get her out of here.

(WOMAN PRAYS IN SLOVAK) Go out, out.

Please.

(DOOR CLOSES) "God forgive me.

"I have tasted forbidden fruit "and he will take... "...take me to hell."

A suicide.

Then where is the weapon?

Someone must have come in here and taken it.

Door was locked from the inside.

Bolted.

It's the third floor.

Impossible to climb.

It doesn't make sense.

If she'd killed herself, the weapon would still be here.

The assailant tried to dress the thing up as suicide, panicked, and forgot to leave the weapon.

Her door was locked.

The key was on the inside.

-Windows?

Flue?

-Welded shut.

No-one could have made it in or out of there.

So, you're saying we have an invisible weapon and a killer who can pass through walls, Inspector?

You were on duty when the call came in?

I'm not sure this is the right case for you, Rheinhardt.

It's a cab rank!

We take the first case that comes.

Very well.

There's someone I need you to meet first.

A junior doctor from the hospital.

He's asked to observe a criminal case.

I'd prefer not to have outsiders... You're to afford him every courtesy.

His father is a personal friend.

Dr Liebermann?

Inspector Rheinhardt.

What do I call you?

Doctor?

Max.

My name is Max.

And you?

Inspector.

Woman murdered in Leopoldstadt.

Shot through the heart at close range.

Killer laid her out like she was a model in a painting.

You're just here as an observer, right?

The psychopathy of the criminal mind.

Catchy.

A useless life is an early death.

Morning, Dr Behr.

There is muzzle bruising.

Also, some powder burns.

Look.

Weapon must have been old, antique.

How long has she been dead?

More than a day.

Less than two.

So, in terms of opportunity?

You should widen your search to everyone in the empire.

May I?

A little malnourished, perhaps?

No evidence of cholera.

Anything else?

Sorry.

Just observing.

Did someone put you up to this?

-What?

-There is no bullet!

See?

This is where it entered.

But... ...there is no exit wound.

No sign of tampering.

No surgery.

So, what the hell happened here?

We are victims of a hoax.

Either that, or someone has been practicing witchcraft.

A vanishing gun.

And a... ...ghost bullet.

She was some sort of mystic.

Would you mind staying silent?

Please don't touch that!

No-one knows her.

I knocked on every door.

Got nothing.

I don't believe it.

It's impossible.

No-one seen going in or out.

No visitors.

-What about the concierge?

-Rent was paid.

Slipped under the door every month.

Says she doesn't know her name.

I want this whole area trawled for witnesses.

You don't sleep until you get me a name, you understand?

Erm...?

Haussman, sir.

Haussman.

Someone must know something about her.

The weapon.

We're looking for an antique gun.

Maybe a collector, somebody with military connections?

(DOOR CLOSES) (OSKAR SIGHS) (CLOCK TICKS LOUDLY) Do you have to do that?

What?

You're staring.

I was told I could observe you.

Where would you prefer me to look?

I'd prefer it if you weren't here.

It was difficult to tell that from your manner.

Remind me.

Why exactly are you here, Doctor?

I thought the Commissioner explained.

He said I was to tolerate your presence.

I'm making a study of criminal behavior.

Really?

Then why aren't you in a laboratory somewhere, dissecting brains?

Because the way to study the mind is to observe the living.

For example, a policeman, maybe 20 years of service, a position of seniority, and yet, he is impatient, he's heavy-footed, he's slamming drawers, eating coffee beans, perspiring, even though it's cold in here, forgetting the names of his colleagues.

So, I would have to say he's anxious to get a result.

Not anxious.

Desperate.

Maybe it's been a while since he solved a case.

(CHURCH BELL TOLLS) -I know, and I'm sorry.

-It's six o'clock!

It's a quarter past six.

-I ran all the way.

-You're not even changed yet.

You're going to be horribly late.

(PRAYS IN HEBREW) So, did you meet with the Police Commissioner?

Yes.

He's assigned me to a case.

A murder in Leopoldstadt.

A young woman shot through the heart.

Hardly a fit discussion for the table!

Let's talk about something more pleasant.

Are you seeing Clara tonight?

Yes.

I'm taking her to see the Beethoven Frieze.

Last chance before it's sold.

Sold?

Lovely girl.

Such a sweet nature.

How are things between you two?

Oh, Mother, you know there's no point.

Stop pushing him!

Max will do what Max wants to do.

There.

Gosh.

Yes.

The Beethoven Frieze.

Gustav Klimt.

I wanted you to see it before it's gone.

It's...

Extraordinary, don't you think?

You don't like it.

I find it frightening, to be honest, Max.

-Almost like a nightmare.

-Yes.

Images of madness.

Forbidden wishes.

I'm sorry.

You were hoping I would love it.

Painters these days, they are no longer content just to paint you as you are - smiling, in your best dress, beside a bowl of apples.

I think apples have had their day, Clara.

"To every age its art."

Would you pay more attention to me if I were to pose for you like her?

Well, I think everyone would pay you attention if you were naked on a 100ft canvas.

Then, perhaps, I should volunteer.

Kiss me, Max.

Kiss me now.

Right here?

Yes.

We're playing a game.

Oh?

What game is it this time, Clara?

It is called, "Prove to me "that I'm more attractive "than a painting."

Hm.

The Mayor.

Election time again.

CLARA: Why don't I introduce you?

I'm no good at conversation.

CLARA: Oh, Max!

What will I do with you?

-Sir.

-Thank you.

(GLASS SMASHES) (SCREAMS) Don't touch me!

Don't... ...touch me!

Don't touch me!

(SCREAMS) -Max?

-Get a carriage!

Quickly, Clara!

-I need to admit a patient.

-Yes, sir.

Don't... (GROANS) (OTHER PATIENT LAUGHS HYSTERICALLY NEARBY) Please help me...

Please... -Please stop.

-Take her over there.

Please.

Search every apartment.

-Knock on every door!

-(KNOCKING) We need the victim's name!

-(KNOCKING) -Open up!

(WOMAN SHOUTS) This is the police!

-(WOMAN SHOUTS) -Knock on every door!

Do you know the name of the woman who lived upstairs?

Do you know the woman who lived upstairs?

Do you know the name of the woman who lived upstairs?

You're late.

I've been waiting.

-Here.

-(COINS CHINK) (WOMAN SHOUTS IN SLOVAK) (SHOUTS) (FLASH POPS) -Ah.

-Good morning.

Oskar.

This time, you really disappointed us.

-What?

-Can't even keep a lid on your own investigation.

You've made the front page.

Suspects?

No, sir.

Witnesses?

Not as yet.

And now the investigation is leaking like a rusty ship.

"Killed by a specter summoned at a seance."

How the hell did they get hold of this?

The Mayor telephoned.

We need to kill this speculation.

The only way is to make an arrest.

Perhaps it's too soon.

No shame in stepping aside.

Von Bulow's offered to take over.

Just giving the case to someone who can handle it.

No, sir.

I want to finish this.

Inspector... (KNOCK AT DOOR) I was told I could observe a criminal case.

And, presumably, that means you and I will have to be in the same room occasionally.

Yesterday evening, you said I seemed anxious, impatient, desperate.

You went through the whole dictionary.

How did you know what I was feeling?

Do you find me unsettling, Inspector?

One or two other words spring to mind, actually.

There's a professor who lectures in Vienna.

He claims that anything you wish to know about a person, you can tell through observation - their clothes or their mannerisms, the way they hold their pen and their coffee cup.

He teaches that human behavior is eloquent.

Our little foibles, our jokes, even the mistakes we make, every tiny grace note and inflection gives a clue as to what is going on inside the brain.

I've become fascinated by his work.

Though, sad to say, his teachings aren't popular everywhere.

I studied you, and I made a diagnosis.

Well, then, Doctor, sorry to interrupt your lecture, but maybe you want to study this instead.

You're asking me to comment?

I thought I was just an observer.

I'm asking for your help.

Either you will or you won't.

I've nothing to go on.

No-one knows the victim.

She's a blank page.

That trick that you do...

It's not a trick.

The way that you look at people... ...will you look at her, tell me what you see, Dr Liebermann?

(WOMAN SHOUTS IN SLOVAK) Well?

What do you see?

Anything?

She's dead, Inspector.

It makes primary observation difficult.

(CLOCK TICKS LOUDLY) It's a stage set.

What?

Do you have any matches?

This room has been decorated like a pantomime stage.

(CLICK) Ooh.

-(CLICK) -No spirits.

Stage magic.

This is all an elaborate con.

Whoever killed her knew she was a sham.

Dressed up her death like one of her own tricks.

There's more than one illusionist at work here.

What is it?

It's empty.

Where are all the dresses?

You think that significant?

Well, if this was a stage set, there ought to be costumes.

We need to see her again.

(THUNDER RUMBLES) Why does a woman empty her wardrobe, dispatch all her dresses at once?

Think!

Come on.

Why am I being interrogated?

I'm supposed to be the damned policeman!

Well, you asked me my opinion!

Yes, but I didn't know it was going to be served up this way!

Has anyone ever told you how insufferable you are?

As it happens, about a dozen times a day.

"Take me to hell."

She made an error.

She began by writing another word.

It says "us" beneath the word "me".

What?

He forced her to write that under stress.

And she made a damning admission.

Someone else was going to die with her.

Welcome to the case, Inspector.

What is it?

We need a postmortem on her womb.

There's your motive, Inspector.

No demons.

Just a man.

An adulterer.

Someone was about to be exposed.

Find the father of this child.

He's your killer.

Herr Liebermann.

Bruckmuller.

Ah, yes, of course.

I know you by reputation.

That's just a polite way of saying you've been listening to gossip.

I am flattered that you've invited me here.

Oh, let's not be coy, Herr Liebermann.

Political campaigns cost money.

Herr Holderlein from the Central Bank.

I don't think we've met, Herr...?

Liebermann.

-Oh, how do you do?

-How do you do?

And Herr Adler, the munitions manufacturer.

-How do you do?

-Pleasure to meet you.

I don't invite them for their conversation.

Adler is intolerably dull.

But everyone here has one redeeming feature.

I assume you are talking about their bank accounts.

Look around you.

The Viennese elite.

We can offer status.

I doubt that the Jewish Quarter provides much in the way of social introductions.

You're right.

I don't know any of these men.

They have never sought my company.

Well, as the Mayor is fond of saying, we decide who's a Jew and who is not, Herr Liebermann.

Come, take a seat.

Dr Liebermann?

You haven't attended my tutorials for over a week.

You think there is nothing you can learn from me?

No, of course.

I'm about to give a demonstration.

Perhaps you would do me the courtesy?

Signora Locatelli here displays symptoms of acute hysteria.

Hysteria is a medical condition.

One that can be swiftly and permanently corrected.

-(SWITCH CLICKS) -(ELECTRICAL FIZZING) (INTENSE ELECTRICAL BUZZING) (WOMAN CRIES OUT) (BUZZING INTENSIFIES) (WOMAN CRIES OUT) (CRIES CONTINUE) (PATIENT MOANS) (PATIENT MOANS) Have you seen my dog?

Have you seen my dog?

Excuse me?

I'm Dr Liebermann.

We met.

The exhibition.

(WHISTLES) Seamstresses.

Dressmakers.

Tailors.

Anyone who might take in alterations.

Find those dresses and we'll find the dead woman's name.

Now!

Move!

Haussman.

-Rosa Sucher?

-Yes.

Vienna Police.

May I come in?

You run a business as a seamstress?

That's correct.

(KNOCK AT DOOR) (DOOR OPENS) What are you writing?

It's nothing.

It's, er...

Sorry.

Not my business.

This case in Leopoldstadt.

The psychopathy of a killer.

You know, I always imagined that one day there'd be a sign above the emporium, Liebermann and Son.

I know.

And I'm sorry... No, no.

A doctor in the family is a fine thing.

But?

This...new science of yours, your chosen field of study... -Here it comes.

-Some people are saying it's dubious.

Who do you mean?

What people?

Just chatter over luncheon.

Well, you can tell these people that Sigmund Freud has just been made a professor.

You know what they're calling it?

The "disreputable" medicine.

Well, then they're as ignorant as they are stupid.

Talking cures and hysterics, exploring the darkness of men's souls.

Are you really sure what you're getting into, Max?

Is it really the career for a gentleman?

Of course, you're worried about our reputation.

-Max... -If I'd been a surgeon or general practitioner, you could have faced your friends.

I don't want you to make a mistake that's going to haunt you for the rest of your days.

You're passionate.

Always admired that.

Your mother's son.

You throw yourself into each new thing with enthusiasm.

But this...this is different.

You don't understand.

We are witnessing the birth of a whole new science.

It could take you to a very dark place.

(CHATTER AND LAUGHTER) (MAN SPEAKS QUIETLY) (WOMAN LAUGHS) I know you.

I've seen you before.

You smiled at me as I came in.

I'm an artist.

-A painter?

-Illusionist.

(WOMAN GASPS) (ALL MURMUR) (LAUGHS) You make things disappear?

(ALL GASP) Just have to drink it to get it out again.

I offered her six Kronen for the lot.

Five dresses.

The lady from Leopoldstadt - she brought them round to you?

Came to my apartment a week ago.

We don't even know her name.

Fraulein Lowenstein.

Charlotte.

Charlotte Lowenstein?

Just a moment.

Miss Sucher, how did she find you?

I'm sorry?

Well, she wanted a seamstress, so... Well do you advertise?

Oh, no.

I knew her, sir, already.

I see.

You were a client.

You went to her salon to take part in a ritual, a seance.

My mother, she...she died last year.

The Fraulein, she had an extraordinary gift.

We met together in her rooms.

-We?

-Seven of us.

-You were never seen?

-It was always late at night.

Join hands, my beloveds... ...and let the host of spirits enter.

I conjure you by the name of the Dark King who rules over you.

Rosa, who were the others?

I don't know names, apart from one, the man who introduced me.

Otto Braun.

Seven, including Charlotte Lowenstein.

The only people we can place in that salon.

And... ...we have our first gentleman caller.

Said she met him in the cemetery.

He was the bait, Inspector.

Good day.

Do you know Otto Braun?

No.

(FAINT CHATTER AND LAUGHTER) Hello, sir.

Braun.

The magician?

Hmm.

Paid his bills.

Treated me alright.

What do you want with him?

We need to know where to find him.

-Otto Braun?

-Back stairs.

(BIRD FLUTTERS) (WOMAN LAUGHS) (WOMAN SIGHS) (MAN GROANS) (BIRD FLUTTERS) -(MAN AND WOMAN SIGH) -(SPRINGS SQUEAK) Herr Braun?

Please forgive the intrusion.

I'm with the Vienna Police.

Is this an inconvenient moment?

Excuse us, madam.

It's just a normal day, then?

You said you wanted to observe.

(CRIES OUT) Otto Braun?

Pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Welcome to the case, Doctor.

Your hat!

Thank you.

Two days.

Been in all the papers.

You didn't come forward, Otto.

We've got a witness that can put you at the cemetery.

Rosa Sucher?

Recall her, do you?

Her mother died last year.

She's laying flowers at the grave and you stroll up to her, start telling her fairy tales... ...about a woman with a gift, a woman that communes with the spirit world.

Charlotte had an accomplice, someone pulling the strings.

We know what you do for a living, Otto.

Your little friend told us.

You're a magician, aren't you?

You went to the cemetery and preyed on grieving people!

How many of them did you con?

How much did you charge them?!

Look into my eyes!

It's not a crime.

I did nothing wrong!

No?

Then why did you run from us?

Why are you so scared, Otto?

Look into my eyes!

You disgust me!

I'll tell the Commissioner we have someone in custody.

(SNIFFS) What are you staring at?

How long have you worked at the theater?

What's that got to do with you?

I think you're playing a part.

Charlotte is dead.

I know you feel something.

I...I don't know anything.

About anything.

That's what a little boy would say.

You've been running, hiding.

Who was she, Otto?

I need to make her acquaintance.

She... She was abandoned at a very young age.

Both her parents died.

I am seeing... ...a woman.

She's saying... ..."My love, "stop blaming yourself.

"We have no need for goodbyes, "I will always be by your side.

"I love you."

I needed an actress for the seances.

I knew her from the theater.

Well... You found a way of making money together?

Her beauty and your theatrical flair.

We were staying at The Grand in Baden.

A lot of wealthy guests there.

One of the guests was a medium, a psychic, attracting attention.

And that's what gave you the idea.

Someone put a gun to her chest, Otto.

Close enough to feel her last breath.

He was her lover.

She had men falling at her feet.

This man was different.

This man was the father of her unborn child... ...and he had a flair for illusion.

You think it was me?

You think I murdered Charlotte?!

Otto!

I don't have to put my fist in someone's mouth to get the truth!

People lie when they're in a state of panic.

It's a reflex like, like the sort that children tell.

You hurt him like that, you'll scare him into saying anything!

I'd prefer it if you just said, "Thank you for intervening!"

He isn't the killer!

Look at him.

He's scared.

He knows something that he's not telling!

You asked me my opinion.

Convince me.

Whoever killed Charlotte Lowenstein, he did it to save his reputation.

Braun has no reputation to save.

Another man was in that room!

A man of wealth and status.

You asked me to help you paint an image of the victim.

I can do better, Inspector.

I can paint you an image of the killer.

REINHARDT: We need evidence.

MAX: Here!

the killer took that photograph.

He arranged her death.

REINHARDT: We need that picture.

CLARA: That woman, your patient, are you still thinking about her?

WOMAN: Do you think I'm insane?

MAX: The mind can play tricks on us.

REINHARDT: All we have is supposition.

MAX: We have more, we have much more.

REINHARDT: Tell me what you see, Doctor.

We are looking for someone who killed her to save his reputation.

MAX: I see desperation.

The killer's panicking.

He knows we're coming.

With whom did you share our suspicions, commissioner?