The Unveiled Tragedy of Brandtner in Inspector Rex

What happened to Brandtner in Inspector Rex?

Inspector Rex, a beloved TV series known for its unique blend of animation and crime solving, has undergone numerous character developments over its run. However, one storyline in particular stands out as both intriguing and tragic. In the seventh season of Inspector Rex, specifically in the episode titled "Adieu Brandtner", Brandtner faced a unique end.

Brandtner's Character Development

Throughout the series, Brandtner faced various challenges both personal and professional, evolving from a skilled but sometimes jaded detective into a more empathetic and respected figure. His relationship with his partner, the bionic dog Rex, was particularly noteworthy, making him a fan favorite.

A Changed Lineup

As the series progressed, specifically in Season 8, the show underwent a significant transition. Brandtner was eventually replaced by a new detective named Alex, played by Alexander Pschill. This change is part of the broader narrative evolution, marking the end of Brandtner's tenure with the police force.

The Vanished Episode - "Adieu Brandtner"

One of the most significant aspects of Brandtner's journey in Inspector Rex is his untimely death, which occurred in a special episode at the end of Season 7. Unfortunately, this episode, "Adieu Brandtner", has been lost to history. It was half-produced and shown only once on French television, making detailed accounts scarce.

The episode was mentioned only in French and Finnish Wikipedia, and a few French-language websites, further highlighting its obscurity. Despite the limited availability, a dedicated fan was eventually able to piece together details from a French blog article. The author of this article claims to have received the information from a man named Lucas Moroni, who obtained it from France 3 after requesting details about the episodes that were removed from production.

Plot Synopsis

Writers' Intent

The episode's writers aimed to mirror Brandtner's demise with that of his beloved dog Arko, both victims of an explosive event. In the storyline, Brandtner travels to Germany to investigate the case of his former dog's death.

Critical Thug Encounter

Upon arriving, Brandtner faces death threats from the three kidnappers responsible for Arko's death. He experiences a nightmare involving Arko, prompting him to write a final letter to Christian, asking him to take care of Rex should anything happen to him. The kidnappers have successfully dealt with two of the suspects, but the final encounter proves fatal. While attempting to defuse a bomb left behind by one of the kidnappers, Brandtner is tragically killed.

The aftermath sees Brandtner repatriated to Austria, and Christian takes responsibility for Rex, ensuring the bionic dog's continued care and safety.

Similar Cases

Interestingly, the removal of "Adieu Brandtner" is not an isolated incident. In the same production cycle, two other episodes featuring Carina Bernatzky, played by Christian Bck, and Mark Hoffman, also saw graphic off-screen deaths. These scenes were deemed too violent and thus removed from the series' official release.

These events add a layer of mystique to the series, making it even more intriguing for fans of the show. Despite the challenges in tracking down information about "Adieu Brandtner", its significance in the narrative remains undiminished.