Ep 17. The Wings of the Sphinx (English subtitled)

Detective Montalbano season 1 episode 17, entitled "The Wings of the Sphinx," follows Inspector Salvo Montalbano as he investigates a series of unsettling crimes in his hometown of Vigàta, Sicily. The episode begins with Montalbano racing through the streets in his signature Lancia, weaving through traffic and narrowly avoiding collisions as he heads to the scene of the crime.

Upon arriving at a nearby construction site, Montalbano discovers the body of a young girl, wrapped in a plastic bag and hidden beneath a stack of cinder blocks. As he examines the scene, he realizes that this is not the first crime of its kind - there have been several similar murders in the area in recent weeks, all involving young women.

As Montalbano delves deeper into the case, he must navigate a complex web of suspects, each with their own motives and alibis. There is the victim's boyfriend, who seems genuinely distraught but has a history of violence; a wealthy businessman with a reputation for womanizing; and a mysterious stranger who appears to be more involved in the murders than he lets on.

Despite the challenges, Montalbano never loses his cool or his sharp wit. He uses his extensive knowledge of the local community to piece together clues and solve the crime, all while contending with bureaucratic red tape, nosy reporters, and his own personal demons.

"The Wings of the Sphinx" is a tense and gripping episode that showcases the talent of the show's cast and crew. From the stunning cinematography to the standout performances by Luca Zingaretti as Montalbano and Cesare Bocci as his loyal second-in-command, the episode is a masterclass in Italian crime drama.

Fans of the genre will find plenty to love in this episode, from the intricate plot twists to the authentic Sicilian setting. However, even viewers who are new to the world of Detective Montalbano will find themselves drawn in by the show's charismatic protagonist and visceral storytelling.

In the end, "The Wings of the Sphinx" is a satisfyingly complex and emotionally resonant episode that sets the stage for the rest of the series. It is a must-watch for fans of Italian crime drama and a testament to the enduring popularity of this beloved character and his world.