User Reviews

One of the aspects that differentiates MONTALBANO from other detective dramas is its Italianness - specifically, its use of Sicilian locations, its mountain and seaside scenery, and its attention to detail: we see our eponymous hero (Luca Zingaretti) regularly dining in his favorite restaurant, sampling the pasts and supping the occasional glass of wine.

In this episode, director Alberto Sironi sets the action on a series of hot August days: the police station is stiflingly hot, prompting everyone to try and find ways of cooling down. Montalbano buys a cheap fan from an African immigrant, while Catarella (Angelo Russo) takes his jacket off (for once) and uses a ladies' fan to provide some much-needed relief. In this kind of hothouse atmosphere, passions are bound to run at a high level; and so it proves, as Montalbano has a fling with beautiful student Adriana Morreale (Serena Rossi), as he tries to find out what happened to her twin sister, who was murdered several years previously. Sironi stages some memorable nocturnal sequences, as the two of them go for a dip in the sea, and embrace one another while the waves crash on to the seashore in the background.

As with most summer love-affairs, however, this one fizzles out, as Montalbano discovers to his cost that Adriana has completely duped him. Even the most morally upright police officers are prone to mistakes at some time. While the murder is eventually solved, we empathize with Motalbano's dissatisfaction; not only has he lost the love of his life, but he is left alone at the end to sit on the veranda of his luxuriously appointed seaside villa, staring at the sea and wondering what might have been.

Yes, so it's very hot in Sicily in August, We know this. But they seriously overwork the 'business' surrounding that. Any Italian would know that a cellar is a cool place - after all, they keep wine there, which would deteriorate rapidly in temperatures above 25 Celsius. And an office on the ground floor of an old building would be fairly cool - they would keep doors, windows and shutters all closed, and the walls are always thick.

And they appear to do all this 'business' to set up the double-entendre of the Italian term 'La Vampa', which as well as meaning a flame (hence a title of 'Flaming August') also means ardour or passion. The English term 'vamp' has some clear linguistic connection, but to avoid spoilers I will say no more on this, beyond that there is yet more overworked 'business'.

In more ways than one in the course of this episode, Salvo acts notably out-of-character. It's one thing being the maverick cop we know and love. It's another to be plain foolish, which we all believe he is not. So that leaves this as possibly the weakest episode we have seen thus far, and it barely merits 6/10. Disappointing.

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.

"August Flame" once again continues the high standard. It may not be one of the best 'Inspector Montalbano' episodes, with my only real complaint being the denouement being a little too obvious and simple by 'Inspector Montalbano' standards (being someone who has a preference for being surprised and challenged by crime mystery endings, which 'Inspector Montalbano' usually does). The brilliant things as always are a great many.

One always expects 'Inspector Montalbano' to look good. As always with 'Inspector Montalbano', "August Flame" 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 episode contains some of the cleverest and most atmospheric use of location work of the show too, and the nocturnal images indeed stand out memorably. 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 (centring mainly around the reactions to the heat, can definitely empathise here as well), nail-biting tension and involving and poignant human drama (with Montalbano's beautifully portrayed personal life despite an unexpected conclusion to the subplot) balanced beautifully. The story is intriguing and tightly plotted, balancing the mystery and personal life elements adeptly.

Characters may be stereotypes but well-written ones, especially one of the most fascinating foreign detective mystery dramas titular characters.

The acting as always is terrific, especially from Luca Zingaretti who is a treasure in the title role, having a perfect balance of comedy and drama and playing it straight while always engaging with his material. A deliciously seductive Serena Rossi is another standout.

In summary, excellent if not quite one of the best. 9/10 Bethany Cox