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.
Even when 'Inspector Montalbano' is not at its best, which is the case with "The Track of Sand", it is still a heck of a lot better than most shows at their worst. Again that's the case with "The Track of Sand". There are episodes that are consistently easier to follow, the case here is intriguing and entertains and challenges with some nicely done twists, but there were parts that did come over as a little too over-complicated and gave off the sense that the episode was trying to do too much.
One always expects 'Inspector Montalbano' to look good. As always with 'Inspector Montalbano', "The Track of Sand" 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 (count me in as another person who found Catarella's mispronouncing of Rachele's full name hilarious), nice tension and Montalbano's complicated personal life dealt with affectingly.
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 are well written, especially Rachele.
Acting 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. Angelo Russo's comic timing is a refreshing and always perfectly timed joy. Cesare Bocci is solid, and there is charming support from Isabell Sollman and particularly Mandala Tayde.
Summing up, over-complicated at times but engrossing. 8/10 Bethany Cox