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Detective Montalbano is an Italian crime drama series based on the novels by Andrea Camilleri. Produced by RAI, the show was first broadcast in 1999 and has since become one of Italy's most successful and critically acclaimed TV series. The show centers around the character of Inspector Salvo Montalbano, a detective in the Sicilian city of Vigata. He is a middle-aged man with a sharp tongue and a strong sense of morality, who is often frustrated by the bureaucracy and corruption of the Italian police.

Montalbano is played by the actor Luca Zingaretti, who has been praised for his portrayal of the character's complexity and depth. He is supported by a strong cast of regulars, including his deputy Mimi Augello (played by Cesare Bocci) and police officer Fazio (played by Peppino Mazzotta).

Each episode of the show follows Montalbano as he investigates a different crime in Vigata. The crimes are usually complex and often involve multiple suspects and motives, but Montalbano always manages to solve them in the end.

The show is known for its slow-paced, character-driven approach to storytelling, and for its evocative portrayal of the Sicilian landscape and culture. The series is shot on location in Sicily, which gives it an authentic and immersive feel.

One of the key themes of the show is the tension between the Sicilian way of life and the demands of modern policing. Montalbano is often torn between his loyalty to his home and his duty as a police officer, and must navigate the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that underpin Sicilian society.

Another important aspect of the show is Montalbano's love of food, which is often depicted in loving detail. Montalbano is a gourmand who enjoys cooking and eating the traditional dishes of his native region, and many of the episodes revolve around his culinary adventures.

The show has been widely praised for its authenticity and attention to detail, and for its nuanced portrayal of contemporary Italian society. It has also been lauded for its strong performances, particularly by Zingaretti, who has become one of Italy's most beloved actors.

Despite its popularity in Italy, the show has been less well-known in other countries until recently. However, with the rise of streaming services and the growing international interest in European crime dramas, Detective Montalbano has begun to gain a wider audience.

One of the reasons for the show's success is its ability to combine the conventions of the crime genre with a strong sense of social and cultural commentary. The crimes that Montalbano investigates are never simply puzzles to be solved, but are always embedded in a larger web of social and political issues.

For example, one episode of the show deals with the issue of illegal immigration, while another explores the legacy of Italy's fascist past. Montalbano is always acutely aware of the historical and cultural context of the crimes he investigates, and this gives the show a depth and complexity that is rare in the crime genre.

Overall, Detective Montalbano is a rich and rewarding TV series that combines thrilling crime-solving with incisive social commentary and a vivid sense of place. With its strong performances, authentic setting, and emotionally resonant storytelling, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the best of contemporary Italian television.

Detective Montalbano is a series that ran for 1 seasons (37 episodes) between May 15, 1999 and on MHz Networks