Ep 19. The Potter's Field (English subtitled)

Detective Montalbano season 1 episode 19, "The Potter's Field" (English subtitled), tells the story of the Sicilian police commissioner Salvo Montalbano as he investigates the massacre of a group of immigrants. The episode starts with Montalbano discovering nine bullet-ridden corpses on an abandoned farm. The victims are African immigrants, who had been living in Italy illegally. As Montalbano investigates, he discovers that the immigrants were murdered with the same kind of bullets that have been used by a criminal gang in another shootout.

Montalbano soon learns that the immigrants were working on a building site owned by a rich businessman, Vitale. He meets with Vitale and his lawyer to discuss the case. However, Montalbano senses something fishy about the businessman and suspects that he may be behind the massacre. Further investigation leads Montalbano to a plot involving the sale of a large tract of land, which is haunted by an ancient curse.

Meanwhile, Montalbano's trusted colleague and close friend, the jovial Catarella, is called in to investigate a separate case involving the murder of a young woman. Catarella is excited to be working on a high-profile case, but his inexperience and quirky methods cause him to make some disastrous mistakes.

As the two investigations progress, Montalbano unravels a tangled web of deceit and corruption that spreads to the highest levels of society. He discovers that the immigrants were killed because they had stumbled onto a clandestine operation involving the sale of an archaeological site, which had been dug up by a gang of tomb robbers. Montalbano has to use all his intelligence and intuition to solve the case and bring the culprits to justice.

Throughout the episode, Montalbano struggles with personal issues, including his complicated relationship with his girlfriend, Livia, and his loyalty to his colleagues. However, his dedication to justice always shines through, and he proves himself to be a resourceful and unflappable detective.

"The Potter's Field" is a gripping and atmospheric episode that showcases the stunning Sicilian landscape and explores the complexities of human nature. With its carefully crafted plot, nuanced characterizations, and sharp dialogue, it is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.