Kleo (Season 2) is a spy tale about a former East German agent Kleo Straub. It takes us back to the Cold War era of the 1990s between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Please note: We have shared details from the First Season of this German series in our article too, so as to provide reference and continuity to our readers.
“Kleo” – An East German Spy Seeks Revenge From Her Enemies, Who Betrayed & Double-Crossed Her
Trailers (Official): Kleo (Season 1/2022 & Season 2/2024) Series
Synopsis (Official): Kleo (Season 2/2024 & Season 1/2022) Series
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, a former East German spy Kleo Straub (Jella Haase) sets out to find out who betrayed her and why, using her deadly skills to exact revenge.
Former East German spy Kleo Straub(Jella Haase) continues her whirlwind rampage through post-Cold War Europe, sending her deeper into her past than she would like.
Spoiler Free Review: Kleo (Season 2/2024) Series
Introduction to the basic storyline in season 2 of the series
So, the investigation into the red suitcase is still in motion in season 2.
Kleo Straub (Jella Haase), the former spy from East Germany, is unwavering in her quest to reclaim the red suitcase and ensure its destruction. Sven Petzold (Dimitrij Schaad) is determined to do whatever it takes to earn Kleo’s forgiveness and partner with her again. She brings a thrilling energy to his role as a police officer.
However, it is not merely Kleo who is after the secret documents; the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency, USA) and KGB (Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti, USSR) have also unexpectedly become involved. As Kleo continues her search, she is about to unveil further information regarding the reasons for her prior imprisonment, as well as gain insights into her past.
The contents of the red suitcase are crucial to the reconfiguration of Germany and Europe in the aftermath of the Cold War, making it unsurprising that both the KGB and CIA are pursuing it. Their attention is directed towards Kleo, who is central to the unfolding narrative. Furthermore, while the future of Europe rests in her hands, Kleo is compelled to confront her past more than she would wish.
Now, let us revisit the relevant 1990s history, to understand the backdrop
It is worth noting that East Germany, or the German Democratic Republic (GDR), was established in Central Europe on October 7, 1949. On the other hand, West Germany, or the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), existed from May 23, 1949. East Germany and West Germany nations continued until their reunification on October 3, 1990.
So, this fast-paced spy thriller is set in the 1990s when the Capitalist nations led by the United States of America (USA) and the Communist nations by the Soviet Union (USSR) were trying to dominate the world of international espionage during that Cold War era. Not surprisingly, Germany (East and West) was an active playground for the spies.
The collapse of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, represented the initial phase of the conclusion of the Cold War. The Soviet-occupied territory of East Germany was integrated with West Germany on October 3, 1990. The Soviet Union subsequently fell apart a year later on 26 December 1991, and in season three, it might delve into that political event.
Interestingly, in this second season, we also got a peek into the Space exploration expeditions undertaken by the Soviet Union. The 1990s seem to be a fascinating era.
Jella Haase continues to portray the female spy protagonist Kleo with lots of spunk
Jella Haase portrays the baby-faced spy with lots of spunk and toughness in this fast-paced revenge thriller. Curiously, her character’s vintage fashion sense effectively takes us on a journey back to the 1990s era. Moreover, the set designs, the houses, the vehicles, the gadgets and even the cinematography played an active part in recreating that period.
In this show, Jella plays a highly trained East German secret agent. No wonder, she excels in intricate and well-executed action sequences. Besides, one has to admire her natural flair in the comedic and dramatic scenes in the show. The fun elements are not far away from her. In the first two seasons, we were impressed with the stylish performance by German actress Jella Hasse.
Now, in the second season, Jella firmly establishes herself as a dependable female spy of East German descent. We also liked the easy chemistry and strong bond that she shares with her good friends – Dimitrij Schaad (Sven Petzold) and Julius Feldmeier (Thilo). The characters of both Sven and Thilo are as wild and wacky as that of Kleo.
The gripping storyline is well backed by the entire setup of its ensemble cast playing the interesting characters of different nationalities – German, American, Russian, etc.
The conclusion
The web of intrigue and the complex spy mission continue to dominate the life of Kleo. We liked this layered spy tale because along with Kleo, we (viewers) also undertake a journey into her mysterious past. As she seeks definite answers about her past and family. So far, in the two seasons, we have learnt about her East German roots.
We liked watching the second season of this entertaining German show. And another cliffhanger ending of the second season suggests, there is going to be more of everything in the future – action, comedy, drama, mystery, etc. Also, perhaps, in the upcoming third season, the secretive family roots of Kleo are going to be delved into.
In addition, we cannot wait to find out about the content of the most important document in the world. What does the future hold for the spy Kleo Straub? Will she taste failure or success? Who knows the answers to those? The writers, perhaps. But, then, it is a closely guarded secret. We have no option, but to wait.
Anyway, one thing is certain whatever the fate of Kleo, she is not going to give up so easily. And, her mission is going to be a personal one.
Ratings:
| Seasons | FM Ratings |
|---|---|
| First Season (S1/2022) | 3.75/5 |
| Second Season (S2/2024) | 3.80/5 |
Posters:
Key Details:
| Genre | Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
| Original Languages | German (Main) English & Russian. |
| Seasons | Two Seasons: First (1st) Season – August 2022 Second (2nd) Season – July 2024 |
| Episodes | Eight (8) Episodes in Season 1 Six (6) Episodes in Season 2 |
| Creators | Hanno Hackfort, Bob Konrad & Richard Kropf |
| Directors | Viviane Andereggen & Jano Ben Chaabane (Season 1) Isabel Braak & Nina Vukovic (Season 2) |
| Cast | Jella Haase (Kleo Straub), Dimitrij Schaad (Sven Petzold), Vincent Redetzki (Uwe Mittig), Julius Feldmeier (Thilo), Andrej Kaminsky (Nikolai Zhukov), Alli Neumann (Ciana), Robin Gooch (Rose Carmichael), Marta Sroka (Anja/Ramona), Thandi Sebe (Jenny Schneider), David Bredin (Mike/Kalle Stichler), Steffi Kühnert (Margot Honecker), Rosa Wirtz (Junge), etc. |
| Network | Netflix |
Spoilers Alert: Summary of Fourteen (14) Episodes In Its Two Seasons
Eight (8) Episodes in the Season One – their Summary
Big Eden (S1, E1) – 54 minutes
Top Stasi agent Kleo Straub liquidates a target in a West German nightclub. Soon after she must face a life-threatening betrayal and a heartbreaking loss.
Wiedersehen | The Reunion orThe Goodbye (S1, E2) – 49 minutes
Determined to find her files kleo tracks down her former handler and makes her way into Stasi headquarters. Later she seeks out Thilo in a dance club.
Schnee in Sóller | Snow in Sóller (S1, E3) – 49 minutes
Kleo travels to Mallorca to track down her former boss and Detective Sven tracks Kleo. Meanwhile, Uwe Mittig contacts Andi with a warning.
Minister (S1, E4) – 51 minutes
With Min and Uwe on her tail, Kleo bribes a little girl to deliver a poisoned Bundt cake to Mielke’s jail cell. After a showdown, Kleo digs up a letter.
Uwe (S1, E5) – 52 minutes
Kleo and Sven form a wary alliance. Anne visits Kleo claiming to look for her grandfather. After failing to kill her, Uwe sets up a meeting with Kleo.
Objekt Else | Object Else (S1, E6) – 49 minutes
Severely wounded in a shooting, Kleo has a revealing flashback. With the ominous red suitcase seemingly in hand, Sven shares a devastating truth.
Schnepfe und Miesmuschel | The Snipe and The Clam or Mussel (S1, E7) – 44 minutes
After Andi is wounded by Kleo, a double agent prevents him from unpacking the conspiracy behind the red suitcase. Sven, Kleo and Min move in on a mole.
Lila Hexe | The Purple Witch (S1, E8) – 56 minutes
Kleo and Sven arrive in Chile, where they track down an elusive Jorge. Later they tangle with Ramona, whose water breaks at an inopportune moment.
Six (6) Episodes in the Season Two – their Summary
Das Seepferd | The Seahorse (S2, E1) – 52 minutes
A surprise visit from her mother sends Kleo on a quest involving a red suitcase, potentially revealing an unsettling connection to her past.
Objekt Moni | Object Moni (S2, E2) – 47 minutes
Kleo hatches a risky operation to secure confidential KGB documents, unaware that Sven is also after them.
Der Bär | The Bear (S2, E3) – 51 minutes
Kleo’s investigation takes her to Belgrade, where Sven develops a romantic interest. Concurrently, Thilo embarks on his mission.
Molle und Korn | Beer and Schnapps (S2, E4) – 41 minutes
Thilo uncovers his soulmate’s true identity. Meanwhile, Uwe exploits a new assignment to ensnare Kleo in a lethal scheme.
Liebesgrüße aus Moskau | From Russia with Love (S2, E5) – 46 minutes
Uwe burdened with cleaning up a mess, Sven uncovers a double agent’s true identity, and Kleo ventures to her family cabin, seeking answers.
Harald (S2, E6) – 54 minutes
With Europe’s destiny in jeopardy, the resolute Kleo readies herself for a consequential face-off in the heart of Moscow.
Awards Won:
| Names of the Awards | Winners of the Awards |
|---|---|
| German Television Academy Awards | Winner German Television Academy Award 2023 – Best Leading Actress (Beste Hauptdarstellerin) – Jella Haase 2023 Winner German Television Academy Award – Best Cinematography (Beste Bildgestaltung) – Martin LangerTobias Koppe |
| Romy Gala, Austria | Winner Romy 2023 – Favorite Actress in a Series (Beliebtester Weiblicher Serienstar) – Jella Haase |
| German Screen Actors Awards | 2023 Winner DSP Award – Best Duo Performance (Bestes Duo) – Jella Haase & Dimitrij Schaad |
| German Television Awards | Winner German Television Award 2023 – Best Actress (Beste Schauspielerin) – Jella Haase 2023 Winner German Television Award – Best Drama Series (Beste Drama-Serie) – Michael Souvignier & Till Derenbach Winner German Television Award 2023 – Best Drama Series (Beste Drama-Serie) – Hanno Hackfort (producer), Richard Kropf (producer), Bob Konrad (producer), & Elena Senft (writer) |
| Grimme Award | 2023 Winner Adolf Grimme Award – Fiction – Bob Konrad (writer), Hanno Hackfort (writer), Richard Kropf (writer), Elena Senft (writer), Viviane Andereggen (director), Jella Haase (actor), & Jano Ben Chaabane (director) |
Featured Image – Jella Haase (Kleo Straub), Dimitrij Schaad (Sven Petzold)
Posters & Featured Images of Kleo (Season 1/2022 & Season 2/2024) Series | Images Credit: Netflix.