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.
"Paper Moon" may not be one of the very best of the show, but it is an excellent episode and contains pretty much everything that makes 'Inspector Montalbano' so great. The story for my tastes was a touch over-complicated and like there was a little too much tossed in at times, other than that "Paper Moon" has no other criticism.
One always expects 'Inspector Montalbano' to look good. As always with 'Inspector Montalbano', "Paper Moon" 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 scenery as always is atmospheric and the use of it very clever. The music is never over-bearing or low-key with a nice atmosphere and flavour, a lot of it is very cleverly used. The sound effects are remarkably authentic.
Writing is tightly structured and taut, with very funny to hilarious humour (from the elderly neighbour of the victim as well as the ever scene stealing Catarella), nice tension and Montalbano's complicated personal life dealt with affectingly. The case is twisty and a real brain-teaser, always compelling and never illogical, with a little less going on and a few areas made clearer it would have been even better.
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 Catarella. The supporting characters are well written.
Acting is terrific, especially from Luca Zingaretti who is a treasure in the title role, having a perfect balance of comedy and drama and playing it straight while always engaging with his material. Angelo Russo's comic timing is a refreshing and always perfectly timed joy. Can't fault anybody else either.
Summing up, excellent. 9/10 Bethany Cox