241 – Apparently Robin is actually Batman and capable of eluding all manner of police protection. At least when it's being provided by the Essen force… simply more evidence that Deniz needs to join up sooner rather than later.
Still, there is nothing – nothing – as hilariously dramatic as the whole of the WG working together to hatch an appropriately ridiculous Lena-fakes-her-own-death plan in the space of about an hour. Even better, there are cuddles all around. Not to mention ROFL-inducing acting on the part of our heroes as they pretend to find Lena in the park. OH YES, THAT WILL TOTALLY FOOL ROBIN THE ZOOPER-GENIUS. Except how it totally doesn't, which, ya know, shocker.
Also, have I mentioned the Essen Police kinda suck? 'Cause seriously, Robin taking over Lena's security because Officer #1 is an idiot is pretty much the worst thing ever.
242 – Did I hear Marian say "Plauen" in the "not your fault Mike left" line? That place seems to suck in trainers.
Meanwhile, poor Deniz. Poor insecure Deniz and his parents that are just too busy. :CCCCCCCCCC *cuddles him* It's lovely to see him finally being friends with Vanessa and Tim, to see him comfortable in his own skin for a moment. Until he has to make up all the excuses about why he doesn't want to stay in Essen, how life is so much better with his Mom… but oh man, the little lip twitch after Marian gives him the "nice try" brush off at the bar. I love these moments, and the ones when petulant asshole Deniz comes out at the Pommes stand, because it the beginning of an ongoing character arc. Internalizing and fighting rather than admitting his fears and insecurities; it's the part of Deniz we watched slowly burn away up to and during 2.0, turning him into a man. It's also what we saw him regress to during 3.0 with everyone but Flo, and part of what made 3.0 so painful to watch. To see it here, now, brings up such a flurry of FEELS. Carry on, Show. *munches popcorn*
Oh, and there's more silliness with Robin, and Lena flopping around in a wheelchair during the most ridiculously obvious escape ever filmed. Good grief.
243 – Marian's a better dad than he gives himself credit for. Unlike the bitch in Munich. Bleh. Hate her. So very very classy of Marian to take the "blame" for Deniz staying. The look on Deniz's face when he realizes he can stay is lovely. Too bad Tim unintentionally ruined it. GAH Deniz. :CCCCCCCCCCCCC
WG hugs are kind of ridic awesome, with Roman glomping Ingo & him exchanging looks with Annette. They've been together so long that I almost forgot they aren't right now and that he's about to embark on a discomfiting relationship with Lena while poor Annette tries to be happy for them.
Basically this ep is full of stabbity.
244-245 – Nina, what is the deal with the facial injuries? This appears to be a theme. Perhaps they incurred hanging out with seventeen-year-old boys as they climb the furniture and empty bags of snacks over each other's heads? Sheesh. (But YAY to Diana for coming to the rescue… I'm not in the least sad to see Papa Sommer go, but losing Nina would have sucked big time. There's so much sparkle in her future!)