Final episode of 'Senke nad Balkanom 3' airs tonight as cast shares behind-the-scenes stories

Key facts

• Final episode of 'Senke nad Balkanom 3' airs tonight at 20:30 on TV Nova.
• Third season is set on Mount Rtanj, moving from post-WWI Belgrade and fictional town Žrnovo.
• Scenarist Dejan Stojiljković cited Churchill: 'Balkan has more history than it can bear.'
• Actor Goran Bogdan confirmed Dragan Bjelogrlić was accidentally left behind after a mine shoot.
• Actress Nina Janković said Petar Benčina bought the mustache from prop master Duda.
• Series is set in 1939 Belgrade, described as 'spy capital of Europe.'
• Stojiljković noted that historical figures like Tito and Mustafa Golubić appear, with some creative liberties.
• Production consulted historians from the Institute for Contemporary History.

A season finale steeped in mystery and history

The third season of 'Senke nad Balkanom' reaches its conclusion tonight at 20:30 on TV Nova, with the final episode airing after a season that transported viewers to the enigmatic Mount Rtanj. The series, which began in the aftermath of World War I and moved through the fictional town of Žrnovo, now lands in 1939 Belgrade — a city that scenarist Dejan Stojiljković calls 'the spy capital of Europe.' Stojiljković, speaking on the show 'Probudi se,' explained the challenge of selecting a historical period from the region's dense past. 'Churchill once said, “Balkan has more history than it can bear,”' he said, noting that the team settled on the eve of World War II because of its rich espionage networks. The season's setting on Rtanj, a mountain often shrouded in pseudoscientific myths, allowed the writers to explore both real history and popular folklore. 'We saw a sign that said “where Serbian lands are, there are Serbian aliens,”' Stojiljković recalled, adding that the team relied on archives and books rather than conspiracy theories.

Cast anecdotes reveal a lively set

In a recent appearance on '24 minuta sa Zoranom Kesićem,' actors Nina Janković and Goran Bogdan shared behind-the-scenes stories that have fueled audience anticipation. One of the most talked-about incidents involved series creator Dragan Bjelogrlić, who was reportedly forgotten at a mine after a day of shooting. When asked by host Zoran Kesić whether the story was true, Bogdan confirmed with a smile: 'I will only say that we now often call Bjela “Batman.” Yes, it seems it happened, and he took it very coolly when we later filmed in Opatija. All credit to his courage.' He added jokingly, 'I haven't seen him since, so he's probably fine.' Kesić, known for his wit, chimed in: 'It's okay, he always carries a pickaxe. He has a helmet with a lamp; they also call him Alija Sirotanović,' referencing the famous Yugoslav miner.

A mustache purchase and on-set romances

The conversation also touched on personal quirks among the cast. Kesić asked Janković about a rumor that Tamara Dragičević, wife of actor Petar Benčina, wanted him to keep the distinctive mustache he wore in the series. Janković confirmed: 'It's true; I think Petar even bought the mustache from Duda [the prop master]. I don't know when exactly he puts it on, but I know he has it.' Kesić added a characteristic quip: 'While angels sleep,' referencing a popular Serbian phrase. The discussion then turned to alleged on-set romances, with Kesić hinting that a pair of actors fell in love during the first season. Janković replied with a laugh, quoting Bjelogrlić: 'As Bjela would say, “If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have hooked up.”' These anecdotes have only heightened viewer interest as the season draws to a close, with the cast continuing to reveal details from what they describe as a demanding yet enjoyable production.

Historical accuracy versus dramatic license

Stojiljković addressed the balance between historical facts and storytelling, emphasizing that everything must serve the narrative. 'In a drama, you have to love your characters, even if they are the worst people in the world,' he said. He noted particular challenges with figures like Josip Broz Tito and Mustafa Golubić, both real-life spies. 'We didn't know if Tito was in Belgrade at the time, but we placed him there,' Stojiljković admitted. 'Mustafa remains a mystery to this day.' The series also features a character based on Ljuba Bandović, whose family's tragic story is rooted more in politics than mysticism. To ensure authenticity, the production team consulted experts from the Institute for Contemporary History. 'People love to believe in fantastic stories; we have to contend with that,' Stojiljković said. 'We rely on archives and books, not conspiracy theories.'

The broader cultural impact and what comes next

The finale of 'Senke nad Balkanom 3' marks the end of a season that has captivated audiences across the region. The series, known for its meticulous period detail and complex characters, has become a cultural touchstone, sparking discussions about history and national identity. Stojiljković hinted at the difficulty of choosing a topic from the Balkans' overwhelming history. 'Wherever you turn, you find a historical monument or a street; you research the person it's named after, and it starts,' he said. The team is already looking ahead, though no official announcement has been made about a fourth season. As viewers tune in for the final episode, the series leaves behind a legacy of blending fact and fiction, reminding audiences that the region's past is as rich and tangled as any drama.

The bottom line

• The third season finale of 'Senke nad Balkanom' airs tonight at 20:30 on TV Nova, concluding a story set in 1939 Belgrade.
• Scenarist Dejan Stojiljković emphasized the series' reliance on historical archives, not conspiracy theories, despite the mystical setting of Mount Rtanj.
• Actor Goran Bogdan confirmed that creator Dragan Bjelogrlić was accidentally left behind after a mine shoot, a story that has become a running joke.
• Actress Nina Janković revealed that Petar Benčina purchased his character's mustache from the prop master, adding to the show's lore.
• The series consulted historians from the Institute for Contemporary History to ensure accuracy while taking creative liberties with figures like Tito.
• The show's success highlights the enduring appeal of Balkan history and its potential for compelling drama.