Ludwig bosses explain genius hidden puzzles fans can solve – but might have missed

Ludwig bosses explain genius hidden puzzles fans can solve – but might have missed

As a devoted fan of intricate storytelling and hidden mysteries, I find myself utterly captivated by the ingenious design and narrative structure of Ludwig. The series’ creators have crafted an immersive world that blends the realms of reality and puzzles in a way that leaves me awestruck.


Have you ever been watching a television series and suddenly realized there were several hidden references or jokes that the show’s producers had cleverly placed throughout the episodes?

For those who caught up with Ludwig last month, this time around it’s not about secret jokes or coded messages; instead, there are intriguing puzzles waiting to be unraveled!

The highly popular new show commences by unfolding the enigma surrounding the disappearance of John’s identical twin brother, James – a detective who apparently abandoned his family and vanished into secrecy.

After vanishing without a trace, John chooses to assume his brother’s identity as a means to uncover the mystery behind his own disappearance – yet there are many intricate details that remain hidden at first glance.

Georgie Fallon, involved with the production, shared: “John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor has always perceived the world like a puzzle. It was crucial for us to create a modern, distinct workspace at our station, one that would be unfamiliar to him, adding an intriguing layer as he pretends to be his twin brother, thereby blending in inconspicuously among us.

“Keeping a sense of playfulness but also making sure it wasn’t too unrealistic.”

Ludwig bosses explain genius hidden puzzles fans can solve – but might have missed

Fallon pointed out that director Robbie McKillop aimed to design a setting reminiscent of interview rooms found in Barbie, Decision to Leave, and Jacques Tati’s Playtime. The goal was to create a station that looked organized and standardized yet challenging for John to navigate, an environment that appeared straightforward but left John feeling uneasy and confused.

She added: “We decided it should be modern to stand out against John’s personal style, with just a subtle hint of privacy. We wanted to place John in a booth right in the middle of the office, where his colleagues could unexpectedly visit him, but also provide a spot from which he could peek over and observe the activities in the office.

Beyond the complexities, though, it doesn’t end there! In collaboration with designer Melanie Allen, they, along with McKillop, utilized panelling and tiles in the station. This method wasn’t just ideal for adding detail on-screen, but it also served as a means to incorporate puzzle patterns.

As a devoted movie buff, I can’t help but appreciate how intricately puzzles are woven into the fabric of the series, and they play an essential role in shaping the enigmatic John character. We were continually brainstorming innovative ways to subtly incorporate these mysteries within the show’s design.

Ludwig bosses explain genius hidden puzzles fans can solve – but might have missed

In the Taylor’s investigation area, the evidence board is arranged in a checkerboard fashion. The design of Carol’s office and the interview room features geometric patterns, while John’s office tiles have a Sudoku-like pattern, inspired by our graphic designer, Jonny. There’s also an element that somewhat resembles Morse code in its layout.

As soon as you begin to ponder on puzzles, they seem to pop up everywhere. We took pleasure in discreetly integrating them into the storyline, creating an atmosphere that mirrors Ludwig’s enigmatic universe.

Did you spot any?

Ludwig is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

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2024-10-02 18:05