Wed. Oct 15th, 2025

“After Fisher. Inquisitor”: The Russian Crime Thriller Series Evolves Beyond Its Namesake

The acclaimed Russian crime thriller, Fisher, known for its intricate plots, stellar cast, and distinctive “southern gothic” atmosphere, has captivated audiences on the Wink platform. Following the success of its first two seasons, the series is now embarking on an ambitious new chapter, pushing the boundaries of its narrative and geographical scope. With the official green light for a third and fourth season, fans are bracing for a dramatic evolution that promises to redefine the beloved franchise.

The Legacy: From the Moscow Region to Krasnodar`s Shadows

The journey of Fisher began in February 2023 with a chilling first season rooted in grim reality. It meticulously depicted the hunt for a serial killer, dubbed “Fisher” (a fictionalized portrayal of the infamous Sergei Golovkin), who terrorized teenagers in the Moscow region during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Led by the compelling investigator Evgeny Bokov (Ivan Yankovsky), the first season masterfully blended professional duty with personal dilemmas, captivating viewers with its tense atmosphere and psychological depth. Joining Yankovsky were notable talents such as Alexandra Bortich and Alexander Yatsenko, creating a formidable investigative team.

The series continued its dark descent with the second season, titled Eclipse, which premiered on May 29, 2025, with its finale airing on July 17, 2025. This installment saw Bokov (still portrayed by Yankovsky) venturing into a resort town to confront a new, unrelated serial killer. While the original “Fisher” storyline took a backseat, Eclipse delved deeper into the emotional landscape of its characters, exploring their fears and fractured relationships. Fan theories linked this new “Krasnodar Fisher” to real-life figures like Levan Aroyan, known as the Kuban Strangler, further grounding the fictional narrative in unsettling reality. The cast expanded to include talents like Irina Starshenbaum and Alexandra Rebenok, enriching the ensemble.

A Seismic Shift: New Vision, New Direction

A pivotal moment arrived after the second season`s conclusion: showrunners Natalia Kapustina and Sergey Kalvarsky, instrumental in shaping Fisher`s initial success, announced their departure. Their parting words, “We said all we could. The future of this project is no longer in our hands,” signaled a clear and dramatic shift for the series. This creative exodus, combined with the perception that the original “Fisher” narrative had largely run its course, laid the groundwork for a profound transformation.

Despite the audience`s strong attachment to Ivan Yankovsky`s charismatic portrayal of investigator Bokov, the series is now moving in a bold, new direction. On September 23, following an announcement on July 24 by Wink regarding new seasons, filming officially commenced for the third installment, titled “After Fisher. Inquisitor.” This title itself speaks volumes, suggesting a narrative that both acknowledges its origins and confidently steps into uncharted territory.

“After Fisher. Inquisitor”: Unveiling a New Mystery

The third season promises a complete reinvention, both in setting and personnel. Executive producers Fyodor Bondarchuk and Dmitry Tabarchuk are now at the helm, overseeing a fresh creative team. The director`s chair is occupied by Olga Frenkel, with Levan Kapanadze as Director of Photography and Tatyana Artseulova as the writer, promising a distinct new visual and narrative style.

Perhaps the most striking change is the introduction of entirely new lead characters. Yuliya Snigir and Polina Gukhman are set to take center stage, leading an investigation far removed from Bokov`s previous cases. The plot unfolds in a small Altai town, nestled on the edge of the taiga, where the discovery of a local official`s daughter`s body reignites the cold case of the infamous Barnaul maniac. A local operative, Belova, teams up with investigator Terekhov from Barnaul, and together they discover that all clues mysteriously lead to a “Mowgli girl” – an enigmatic figure raised in the wilderness.

From “Southern Gothic” to Taiga Mystique

This geographical pivot from the urban sprawl and resort towns of previous seasons to the mystical, rugged landscape of the Altai taiga is not merely a change of scenery; it`s a profound shift in atmosphere. While the original series carved out a niche with its “southern gothic” undertones, “After Fisher. Inquisitor” seems poised to explore a different brand of mystery – one steeped in remote wilderness, folklore, and the isolation of vast, untamed nature. It`s a testament to the series` ambition, or perhaps its audacity, to continually seek new monsters and new landscapes, ensuring that the hunt for darkness never truly ends, merely changes its hunting ground.

Looking Ahead: A Future Beyond the Original Fisher

With production for “After Fisher. Inquisitor” well underway, viewers can anticipate its premiere around 2026-2027. While details for the fourth season remain sparse, it is projected to follow suit, possibly in 2027-2028, continuing this new anthology-like approach or expanding on the freshly introduced characters and world. The absence of a traditional episode release schedule or a teaser trailer only heightens the anticipation for this dramatic reimagining.

The Fisher series, in its bold reinvention, proves that sometimes, to keep a compelling story alive, one must be willing to let go of the familiar. “After Fisher. Inquisitor” stands as a testament to this philosophy, promising a fresh, gripping narrative that, while bearing the “Fisher” name, is ready to forge its own dark and unforgettable path.

By Callum Darby

Callum Darby, 34, based in Manchester. A former semi-professional Dota 2 player who transitioned into journalism. Specializes in statistical match analysis and tournament result predictions.

Related Post