Der junge Montalbano

This series unfolds how Montalbano starts as an inspector.

The settings are sumptuous, the acting is great and the plot lines do not leave you scratching your head at the end. But each story builds real tension. What is most appealing is the humanity of the show. Placing the action in Sicily creates many dramatic possibilities and provides a wonderful backdrop to the stories, full of craggy fishermen, giant butchers, mafiosi, corrupt politicians and amusing colleagues.

I am amazed this only gets a 6 point something score on IMDb - which shows the limitations of that sort of scoring. In terms of pure entertainment value it is, for me, one of the best TV shows currently available. One of the sub plots is the relationship Montalbano has with Livia, his beautiful architect girlfriend. How the relationship starts is presented in an entirely believable way.

Great TV series not to be missed if you do not mind subtitles and meditations on excellent Italian cooking!

Excellent from start to finish. Hungover on the sofa one night and no remote in easy reach I found myself watching a subtitled Italian programme. Not usually a fan of such things but I was hooked straight away. I loved every second of it, the characters are compelling and the scenery is magical. The stories unfold like satin sheets and being a foodie I adore the culinary thread that is woven into the plot. (I have now made 'Aubergine Parmigiano' for the first time as a result.) I'd never heard of 'The young Montalbano' before or the original series 'Inspector Montalbano'. I've now bought the original series too and an Italian language course to help me understand and enjoy it to the fullest.

The basic plot line of this version naturally follows the original. If you liked the original you will like this as well if not better. Riondino does a great job in that you can appreciate him both as a detective but also as a person. One can feel is ups and downs yet appreciate his ability to do his job well. He's really believable. Like the original the comic relief grows on you as the characters become more familiar and it seems there are more humorous situations/discussions with those being interviewed. Yet, for me, it did not interfere with the policing aspect of the show. The criminal plot of this show seems a bit more sophisticated in that the crimes have a bit more depth and are cleverly done. This Livia is also very good. She's attractive, lovable, very patient, but you can watch her character evolve in a way that makes the other Livia from the original more understandable. If you like detective series in general, this has a good mix of serious/light. If you're Italian, even better. You almost feel as though you have known these people at some point. It is really regrettable that Mhz doesn't bring ALL the seasons of their shows on board and it's not just the Italian stuff. They really need to do better.

I've avidly soaked up every single episode of both incarnations, it says something about the quality of the productions that little glitches are quickly overlooked or forgotten. I had great reservations when "The Young Montalbano" first aired because none of the actors fitted in looks to the previous series, this was quickly dispelled as I drifted once more into the hypnotic storytelling. I liken it to reading a series of books, we all know how that goes, we build up pictures in our heads of how all the characters would look and are then bitterly disappointed when we see them in the flesh as it were. None of that for me. I just love them all. Cannot wait for the next installments.

The main thing I liked very much about this new series,-and I hope it is continued because it really is very well imagined-.is that Montalbano's character development is very subtly installed into the Montelbano palette. These nuances and shading, whether it be his egocentricity, his considered insights and his ability to gain respect, are there to be shared without shouting the fact. The development of his relationship with his father ,for example,is particularly touching. The other characterizations,do leave one wondering about changes in physical attributes to come in the M. senior series, but on the whole ,it's extremely well done. Cannot wait for more! let's say another five series would be fine