Compared are the Recut (German Free TV) and the Uncut Version (German DVDs by Studio Hamburg).

12 differences, consisting of
- 7 removed scenes
- 2 extended scenes
- 3 removed scenes in the Uncut Version (incl. 2 recuts)
- differently placed credits (as a result of the recut)
- Total difference: 440.16 sec resp. 7 min and 26.24 sec


The Fall is a British TV show shot for BBC Two. Its first episode aired on 05/13/2013. The second season started to air on 11/09/2014, a third season has already been announced.

In Germany, the first two seasons also aired but the German network ZDF did not broadcast the original BBC Versions. Instead, they decided to recut the two seasons to longer episodes with an approximate length of 90 minutes each. In order to do so, cuts/alterations were made. Episode 1 (ZDF) consists of episode 1&2 (BBC), episode 2 (ZDF) consists of episode 2-4 (BBC) and episode 3 (ZDF) consists of episode 4-5 (BBC). The chronology of events remains the same (except for a few recuts but I will go into that in the actual comparison) but the Recuts always end during the actual episode (BBC Version) - except for the final episode 5, of course.

The second season does not consist of 5 but of 6 episodes. This made it a little earlier to recut. Now, there always 2 episodes used for 1 recut episode. In other words, episode 1 (ZDF) consists of episode 1&2 (BBC), episode 2 (ZDF) consists of episode 3&4 (BBC) and episode 3 (ZDF) consists of the two final episodes 5&6 (BBC).

Every single episode - whether Recut or BBC/Uncut Version - contains the same opening credits. The title is the same as well. Due to the process of recutting the episodes, the credits are placed differently in the Recut Version. The actual footage however remains unchanged. For that reason, the credits will be mentioned in the comparisons but I will not go into detail and will not be any screenshots for that either. Same goes for the end credits: They will be mentioned but that is it. I would also like to point out that only the Uncut Version contains the end credits. In the Recut Version, they have been cut.



Last but not least, a few words regards the differences of these two versions. The shorter Recut Versions are just fine, no elementary scenes are missing. However, one should rather watch the Uncut Versions. Admittedly, whether or not the shot of a character is half a minute longer is completely irrelevant. But then again, some quite interesting scenes that are worth being watched have been removed as well.
Both the US and UK Blu-ray/DVD release contain the Uncut Version.



Time indes refers to
Recut – Uncut Version.

01:03:33 / 00:00

Recap in the Uncut Version.

43.16 sec


Removed Scene
01:04:36 / 01:46

Missing shot of Paul.

11.24 sec



01:04:36 / 01:58

Title in the Uncut Version plus credits before and afterwards. As usual, the actul footage remains unchanged.

2.96 sec


Removed Scene
01:11:55 / 09:20

Only in the Uncut Version, Rob leaves his house and gets in his car. He is contemplating for a moment before he starts his car and drives off.

39.72 sec



Removed Scene
01:24:20 / 12:24

The scene with Rob getting out of his car and entering the police station is missing in the Uncut Version.

18.36 sec



Removed Scene / Recut
01:14:57 / 13:20

A longer sequence is missing in the Recut.
At first, we see Stella and Danielle. The latter reveals she was gay, Stella explains one of the neigbors had heard a hair dryer in the early hours, probably to dry the nail polish.

Then a scene with Matt and Rob. Matt makes it clear that Rob is screwed. When Matt asks for Rob's gun, the latter explains they could sort it out easily.

Back to Stella and Danielle. A shot is being fired off. A woman screams. Stella and Danielle run out of her office. They learn that Rob had offed himself in front of Matt who is still in shock. Stella makes the necessary arrangements - by the book.

312.16 sec resp. 5 min and 12.16 sec


Removed Scene Uncut Version / Recut
01:17:20 / 20:55

Now the previously described sequence with Stella and Danielle, Matt and Rob and Stella and Matt. Basically, the sequence is identical in both versions. However, the Recut lacks a single frame for some reason. (no screenshots)

Recut 312.12 sec resp. 5 min and 12.12 sec longer


Removed Scene
01:22:32 / 20:55

The Recut lacks the scene showing CSU doing their jobs. Jim is standing there speechless. Then he and Stella exchange glances.

19.8 sec



Removed Scene
01:24:50 / 23:33

Another missing scene in the Recut. This time, it is Paul watching Liz talk to someone about her problems at home.

18.08 sec



Removed Scene / Recut
01:25:59 / 25:01

After Paul watches Liz again, te conversation with his boss is missing. Paul spots and tries to avoid him but Paul does not get off that easy. His boss insists on talking to Mrs. Shergold and him right away. For that reason, Paul follows him.

Now the conversation with Mrs. Shergold and his boss. The latter is really upset that Paul paid Liz a visit at her house because it is against regulations. Mrs. Shergold seems to agree. Paul does not get it at all and explains he did the right thing.

Last but not least, an exterior shot of the crime scene resp. the house Stella and the ME are checking out one more time.

88.44 sec


01:29:01 / 29:31

The second Recut episode ends here.


00:00 / 29:31

Recap at the beginning of the third and final Recut episode.

Recut 99.44 sec resp. 1 min and 39.44 sec longer


Removed Scene Uncut Version
01:39 / 29:31

Subsequent to the recap, the Recut contains an additional shot of Belfast at night.

Recut 3.2 sec longer



Extended Scene
01:43 / 29:31

The shot of Stella putting down the glass is slightly longer.

0.88 sec



03:32 / 31:21

Now the credits in the Recut. As always, the actual footage is identical.


Extended Scene
03:42 / 31:31

Stella a bit longer.

1.16 sec



03:44 / 31:35

Now the title in the Recut.

Recut 3.04 sec longer


Removed Scene Uncut Version / Recut
08:25 / 36:12

After the cops busted James Tyler for domestic abuse, the Recut continues with the conversation between Paul, his boss and Mrs. Sherwood regarding Liz Tyler (please see the difference at 01:25:59/25:01). The only difference: the beginning of their conversation is missing here. The vital part of their conversation is still in the Recut though. (no screenshots)

Recut 60.36 sec resp. 1 min and 0.36 sec longer


30:18 / 57:07

End credits in the Uncut Version.

36.36 sec