Il giovane 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!

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

This series is much more about the relationships between the various characters than about the crimes and criminals. The lead actors are absolutely pitch perfect for their parts. The cinematography is wonderful. You feel like you live in Vigata. The extra frisson of tension added by the mafia builds tension. But the tension is also about each character and how they manage to work together and support each other.

This series is SO MUCH BETTER than the old Montalbano series in every way. We watched all 12 in the two seasons and wanted to watch 12 more. We watch about 5 of the other series, which has many more episodes, and got bored.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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.

Was v worried that it just would not work, Luca is so perfectly into Camilleri's characterisation, did not see how the prequel could possibly pull it off.

Needn't have worried, it all works perfectly.

A good introduction to the Camilleri books, and could be watched either before or after the original series. It works either way.

Don't understand mouthbox moans, perhaps he just can't multitask. He hasn't seen previous series and presumably hasn't read the books which have wonderful footnotes of the food. Perfect makes you want to rush to the kitchen,I definitely agree with that part of the review.

So, read the books, watch all episodes, enjoy the food wine and scenery.