“Vienna Blood” cranks up the tension considerably in “The Enemy Within.” With Max in a coma after the dramatic events of the previous episode, Oskar finds himself not just investigating a murder, but framed for one. It’s a welcome jolt of energy for a show that sometimes gets bogged down in its own atmosphere.
Oskar’s predicament forces him to rely on old connections, giving the supporting cast a chance to shine. While the central mystery keeps things moving at a brisk pace, it’s the smaller character moments that resonate. The show wisely avoids turning Oskar into a standard-issue fugitive, instead allowing him to retain his intellectual curiosity even while on the run.
Whether Max will recover remains a central question, adding an emotional undercurrent to the proceedings. The show has always walked a fine line between psychological drama and police procedural, and “The Enemy Within” leans more towards the former. It’s a gamble that mostly pays off, delivering a gripping hour of television that leaves you wanting more.
“Vienna Blood” airs Sundays at 10:00 PM on PBS.