German fans of Pater Castell and of the Voynich Manuscript have a treat in store coming up, with the episode due to be aired on 5th November 2009 at 20:15 called “Das Voynich Manuskript“ (hopefully you can translate that from the German).
Here’s my rough translation of the programme blurb:-
16-year-old Ralf Hoffmann is found dead at Athanasius Kircher boarding school. Is it suicide? Father Castell, a former student himself, is asked in by his longtime friend Father Jonas Selby because a tragic event from the past seems to have exactly repeated itself. Marie Blank is surprised when she sees a youthful portrait of Father Castell on display and is even more surprised by what she finds at the scene. The two quickly decide to investigate the mystery together. Ralf Hoffmann was a misfit interested in encryption and anagrams – and especially in the undeciphered Voynich Manuscript. Crucially, Father Castells’ knowledge helps Marie in her investigation. It turns out that others in the in boarding school share Ralf’s interest in anagrams and encryption. A secret school club is active, even blackmailing a teacher – might Ralf’s death be linked to this “Voynich Club”?
Interesting, I’ve never watched this series before – but then again I am not a big fan of “Krimis” anyway, they’re two a penny on German TV. Nevertheless, I’ve set the timer to record for the Voynich episode. Nick, if you need a (DVD) copy, I’ll be happy to send you one (at no charge of course!) – just let me have a mailing address (send it to my e-mail address). Will your German be good enough to follow?