S3 • E1 Nov 5, 2013 45m
9.0
While Staller examines the Rieger family's broken-in mailbox, Hubert observes a car veering off the country road some distance away. The car suddenly stops abruptly, the driver jumps out, flails wildly, and finally collapses in the field. The two police officers can only confirm the death of Peter Herzig, whose body is covered in stings. When Hubert is attacked by a bee while examining the vehicle and the two discover countless dead bees, there is no longer any doubt: a swarm must have taken up residence in Peter Herzig's vehicle. The "killer bees" are a godsend for young journalist Nadine Scholz, and Police Commissioner Girwidz is visibly concerned. Are further attacks to be feared, and should the public be warned? Hubert and Staller should seek expert advice to be on the safe side. They drive to the Wolfratshausen Beekeepers' Association, where a small group of amateur beekeepers, chaired by Karl Rauch and his daughter Tanja, regularly meets and exchanges their experiences. The attack by the supposed killer bees surprises the experts, as bees are extremely peaceful and useful creatures. Hubert immediately loses all sympathy when he defends himself against one of these insects with a well-aimed blow. Staller, on the other hand, begins to take a personal interest in beekeeping - a fact the board member's attractive daughter is not entirely innocent of. Meanwhile, Yazid discovers a living bee and the remains of a honeycomb in the dead man's vehicle. The discovery puzzles Hubert and Staller. The insects couldn't possibly have transported the honeycomb into the car. When they bring the surviving bee to the beekeeper's daughter, she makes an astonishing discovery: It's a queen with clipped wings. Another reason why someone placed the honeycomb and queen in the vehicle. But can a swarm of bees really be used as a murder weapon? Riedl, of all people, who is now investigating the broken mailbox case, stumbles upon a motive for the possible murder of Peter Herzig.
