Ep 4. The Mystery of the Terracotta Dog (English subtitled)

In Detective Montalbano season 1 episode 4, titled "The Mystery of the Terracotta Dog" (English subtitled), we see Inspector Montalbano investigating a case of murder in Vigata, Italy. The episode begins with a young couple discovering a human arm sticking out of the sand on a deserted beach. Inspector Montalbano is called to the scene to investigate and soon discovers that the arm belongs to a missing engineer, Silvio Luparello.

As Montalbano delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, political intrigue and sexual scandal. Luparello was a well-known engineer and politician, with many powerful friends in high places. Through his investigation, Montalbano discovers that Luparello was involved in a seedy affair with a local woman and had been visiting a secret villa to meet her. The villa was owned by a wealthy businessman, who also happened to be Luparello's political sponsor.

As Montalbano tries to piece together the clues, he is hindered by the political power that seems to be waging against him. He must navigate through a maze of bureaucratic red tape and obstinate officials in order to solve the case. However, with his wit and perseverance, he eventually finds the truth behind Luparello's murder.

Throughout the episode, we see Inspector Montalbano's intelligence and intuition at work, as he unravels the mystery surrounding the murder. His character is wry, pragmatic and fiercely independent, as he attempts to do the right thing in spite of the obstacles he faces. Montalbano also shows a great empathy towards the victims and their families, which lends an emotional depth to his character.

The episode is set in the beautiful Sicilian countryside, with stunning landscapes and quaint fishing villages. The cinematography is impressive, with long shots of the Sicilian coast and the winding streets of Vigata. The music, scored by Franco Piersanti, adds to the overall ambiance of the show, with a variety of traditional Italian instruments and melodies.

Overall, "The Mystery of the Terracotta Dog" is a gripping episode that showcases the best of Detective Montalbano. The intricate plot, compelling characters and beautiful setting combine to make it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.