Review by paul2001sw-1

'Gomorra' is the Italian equivalent to 'The Wire', a drama that explores the entire basis of a crimilaised society from top to bottom. 'Maltese: The Mafia Detective' was conceived by some of the same people, but it's a different sort of story, focused on a single heroic protagonist, featuring a mystery to be unravelled, and set in beautiful Sicily (it's true, 'Gomorra' is set in beautiful Naples, but that show offers a very unattractive view of its host city). But if you were to think that 'Maltese' might be, say, a clone of 'Inspector Montalbano' (a fun but essentially lightweight series), you'd be mistaken. It's well-acted, immaculately shot and scored, and has a historical setting (the 1970s) while still feeling of contemporary relevance; while the mafia-themed plot is sufficiently complex to carry eight episodes, yet without descending into ridiculouslness. The ending is both surprising and appropriate. If 'Gomorra' has an operatic feel at times, 'Maltese' is more softly poetic; but still very good