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.
"The Sandwich Thief" is an excellent start. Understandably, seeing as it is the first episode, there is the feeling at times of not quite feeling settled (like a fair number of shows when they first start) and not everything is cooked all the way through (the reasoning for the witnesses killings could have been a little clearer for example).
As always with 'Inspector Montalbano', "The Sandwich Thief" 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.
Writing is mostly very taut, if occasionally lost, and infused with beautifully balanced and hilarious humour and relatable human drama. The subtitles are not hard to follow and the story is compelling and atmospheric, suitably challenging the viewer while still being logical and not being convoluted.
The 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 direction is tight yet controlled.
Acting is terrific, especially from Luca Zigaretti who is a treasure in the title role. Angelo Russo's comic timing is a refreshing and always perfectly timed joy and there is terrific support from Guia Jelo and Katharina Bohm.
In conclusion, excellent start. 9/10 Bethany Cox