Love detective mystery dramas, particularly those from the UK and US ('Inspector Morse', 'A Touch of Frost', 'Foyle's War', 'Inspector George Gently', 'Midsomer Murders', 'Law and Order', 'Criminal Minds', 'Monk' and 'Murder She Wrote' for examples,, and non-English/American ones (i.e. The Swedish 'Wallander' and the Danish 'The Killing') also fascinate me.
'Inspector Montalbano' is one of the best and most entertaining examples. It is not easy breathing freshness into a well-worn genre but 'Inspector Montalbano' manages to do so with aplomb. Watching 'Inspector Montalbano' is like eating a delicious Italian meal that immensely satisfies and leaves you wanting more. There may be very familiar tropes, but in a way it's inevitable and doesn't detract from the enjoyment at all.
"Turning Point" is another favourite episode of mine from 'Inspector Montalbano', previous favourites being "A Trip to Tindari", "The Sense of Touch" and "The Scent of Night". There are, as has been said, a couple of implausibilities, but when the atmosphere was so well done and everything else so superbly executed it was easy to overlook because they didn't convolute the story.
One always expects 'Inspector Montalbano' to look good. As always with 'Inspector Montalbano', "Turning Point" is beautifully shot and the scenery is stunning, making those who've never been to Italy want to book a holiday there as soon as possible and is a treat for anybody who loves all things Italian. The music is never over-bearing or low-key with a nice atmosphere and flavour, a lot of it is very cleverly used. The sound effects are remarkably authentic.
Writing is tightly structured and taut, with very funny to hilarious humour, nail-biting tension and involving and poignant human drama balanced beautifully. The subtitles are not hard to follow, and the story is one of the show's darkest and sombre and also 'Inspector Montalbano' perhaps at its most reflective while being engrossing also from start to finish.
Characters may be stereotypes but well-written ones, especially one of the most fascinating foreign detective mystery dramas titular characters there is to me and the scene-stealing Catarella (hilarious comic relief but more than that). The supporting characters intrigue too.
Acting is terrific, especially from Luca Zingaretti who is a treasure in the title role. Angelo Russo's comic timing is a refreshing and always perfectly timed joy and Cesare Bocci, Peppino Mazzotta and the supporting cast are strong.
In summary, wonderful episode. 10/10 Bethany Cox