Being of Italian descent I was really pleasantly amused by this (and Young Montalbano, too among others). At times it is like watching my family - the tones, the gestures are the same. The attitudes are similar - take care of business, good food, relax when possible. I could identify with all that.
The comic relief may, at times, be a bit too light, but the characters carry it off really well. Mimi and Catarella are fun when they get flustered about something. They do make me laugh.
M also reminds me a bit of a less serious Poirot when he uses the ending to explain to a group what has been going on and how his logic was used to arrive at a determination.
There is also the romantic facet, not serious but realistic enough to identify with the way its played out. You can understand how and why Livia gets so exasperated even though it seems he does truly love her as the exception to all others.
I sincerely regret that Mhz is only showing one season as is true with numerous other detective series Italian as well as others. They need to bring the full show - all seasons - on board.
Gran divertimento!
Review of Detective Montalbano
