La Fiamma

With this first episode "Mozart in the Jungle" shifts its narrative over to Italy. For a series, that has always loved music as much as its own characters and story lines, it's a fantastic choice. I loved every minute of this first episode. In fact, "Mozart" is one of those series which you can just kind of walk into at any time. Now we're walking the streets of Venice with Rodrigo and Haley, as they are floating through this new musical scene. As always the direction is spot on, the dialogue sharp and funny and the story line a little twisted to the weird side. That's what I really appreciate about "Mozart". It's not funny in that laugh out loud way, at least not immediately. You kind of had to move into this world in the first season, but once you're in it you get the humour and can appreciate the situational comedy even more. This episode is a great start to kick of Season 3 and the addition of Monica Bellucci promises some magical moments, as the musical universe is expanded as well.

Rodrigo heads for Venice while the strike continues. Hailey is also there with the cellist and his string orchestra. Rodrigo has been drawn there by a beautiful opera singer who disappeared from the scene for various reasons. She is a mixed bag of issues, but she has a gorgeous voice. The two get off to a turbulent beginning. Hailey, on the other hand, is conflicted but she needs to earn some money. While they are off, a core group of musicians hold down the fort, picketing in front of the hall where they are performing popular, coarse entertainment. Things are tense and they are a little edgy, but they are remaining united. Good episode, setting up a date with reality for Alessandra, the singer.