Review of Detective Montalbano

I have rewatched this whole series a couple of times now and always find something I missed before. The scenery, locations, food, elegant people and fashion and gorgeous old villas are all so appealing and give one a real 'feel' for this unique part of Italy. Although it doesn't emphasize the 'mafia' aspects that prevail in most of Sicily, it does show its corruption and influence, as well as the regular lives and occupations of ordinary people, which is refreshing. One quibble I do have has to do with the cars depicted. Although the driving is certainly very 'Italian' (way too fast, even for the cops, not on cases), the lack of actual cars on most roads, in villages and in front of buildings is just not believable! Finding a parking space in Italy (or most old towns in Europe for that matter) is pretty impossible. And to see empty streets and parking areas without a single vehicle (or people) is actually amusing. But apart from this, most cases are at least interesting, if not believable. The other issue I have is that the many different 'Livia' actresses were a bit too much. The acting for the most part is fine, with a few exceptions, like the over-the-top clumsiness of Catarella. The interpersonal relationships are nicely played and I really like the typical Italian gesticulations (speaking with hand gestures) and the manners displayed when entering offices, like asking after knocking: "may I come in?". And the lack of swearing is a nice addition to the grown-up themes and dialogue. It's good to remember this is fiction and yet worth the effort to listen to this beautiful language. Subtitles are not an issue. Enjoy this show, despite a few short-comings and stories becoming a bit far-fetched towards the latest episodes.