When Trouble Strikes… Bednarski

Set in the late 1930s in the Free City of Gdańsk, the series follows Bednarski, a private detective considered the best in his field—evidenced by his brief collaboration with Polish intelligence. Each episode presents a standalone story, united by the central character and the broader historical backdrop: the fate of Gdańsk, Poland, Europe, and the world as they edge inexorably toward World War II.

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Seasons

1. Courier from Ankara

Air Date: 1988-02-19

Set in the 1930s in the Free City of Gdańsk, private detective Bednarski specializes in solving criminal mysteries. In the first episode, Polish diplomat Janicki is murdered under mysterious circumstances. Hired by both the Polish authorities and the victim’s wife, Bednarski uncovers a scandal: drugs are being smuggled from Ankara to Gdańsk. As he investigates further murders tied to the case, he discovers that the gang is led by none other than Janicki’s wife. Acting like a true gentleman, Bednarski leaves her with a choice.

2. Amber Heart

Air Date: 1988-02-26

The fascist party is preparing to seize power in the Free City of Gdańsk. One of the main candidates for mayor is Wagner, a social democrat. The fascists plan to eliminate him. During an attempt to acquire weapons for the assassination, they kill Groshopf—a close friend of Bednarski’s father. Bednarski launches an investigation. Meanwhile, a Polish student, Leszek Borowski, is accused of the murder. A key piece of evidence against him is a small item: an amber heart that belonged to his late mother.

3. Golden Fleece

Air Date: 1988-03-04

Horst Filipiak runs the “Złote runo” agency, which claims to recruit workers for Brazilian plantations. In reality, it’s a front for human trafficking and forced labor. Filipiak’s men abduct Bednarski’s friend, journalist Lenz, who had been investigating the agency’s shady dealings. They also capture Jerzy, the son of a Polish torpedo engineer. Filipiak hands Jerzy over to German intelligence, which offers his father, engineer Stawicki, a deal: hand over plans for a new torpedo in exchange for his son’s release. Captain Mokrowiecki from Polish counterintelligence turns to Bednarski for help.

4. Ship of Hope

Air Date: 1988-03-11

As pro-fascist sentiment grows in Gdańsk, Jews begin fleeing the city en masse. Professor Zimermann, an expert in radio waves, also plans to leave, but the Nazis refuse to let him go. His case draws the attention of a mysterious agent named Sonia, who enlists Bednarski’s help. They learn that Zimermann is aboard the ship Stella, used by Fritz Herman to transport Jews from Gdańsk to Sweden. However, a criminal gang aboard the vessel robs passengers of their valuables and disposes of the victims. Bednarski joins the crew as a steward, while Sonia poses as a Jewish refugee. Once on board, they manage to contact Zimermann and save his life—along with the lives of other passengers.

5. The Sign of the Snake

Air Date: 1988-03-18

A serial killer targeting young women is terrorizing Gdańsk, and the police are at a loss. Meanwhile, Bednarski is tasked with surveilling Marta, the wife of industrialist Erlich, who is traveling abroad. During his absence, Marta is murdered. Strangely, the murder weapon—a knife—bears no fingerprints, only traces of post-surgical scars. Bednarski’s private investigation leads him to a doctor known for performing such procedures. Through him, Bednarski uncovers a connection to a wrestler nicknamed “Boa,” who fights at a club once presided over by Erlich. Despite Erlich having an almost airtight alibi, Bednarski suspects him as the prime culprit in Marta’s murder.

6. The Last Summer

Air Date: 1988-03-25

A pet shop owner asks Bednarski for help. Henio Matus has been accused by jeweler Gerhard of attempting to murder Gerhard’s wife. Bednarski soon uncovers the truth: Gerhard himself wants to get rid of his wife so he can flee abroad and live peacefully with another woman. Gerhard escapes to Amsterdam with his clients’ jewelry, and Bednarski follows his trail. Unfortunately, he arrives too late—Gerhard is dead, but the jewelry ends up in safe hands. Bednarski’s return to Poland is complicated, however, as he finds himself in conflict with the law.

7. Our Man

Air Date: 1988-04-01

In the final days of August 1939, Bednarski sneaks into Gdańsk. He asks Captain Mokrowiecki for a passport for his Jewish friend. Mokrowiecki agrees—on the condition that Bednarski works for him. Soon, Bednarski is arrested by the Germans. During a brutal interrogation, he hands over a microfilm from Westerplatte. The Gestapo then throws him out onto the street. His second mission is far more dangerous: to deliver a fake microfilm to the Germans. Bednarski learns that the film’s authenticity will be verified by a Pole named Bruno Piwiński. He attempts to persuade Piwiński to stop cooperating with the Germans.

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