Ep 5. The Artist's Touch (English subtitled)

In episode 5 of Detective Montalbano season 1, titled "The Artist's Touch," we see our detective investigating a burglary at an art gallery. The gallery's owner, Arturo Parisi, claims that an exquisite painting by a renowned artist from Messina has been stolen. Montalbano's investigation leads him to a retired art restorer, who used to work for Parisi and had a motive to steal the artwork. However, Montalbano soon discovers that the theft was not what it seemed, as more information about the painting and its history emerges.

Meanwhile, Montalbano is also dealing with a personal dilemma. He has been enduring a difficult relationship with his long-time girlfriend Livia, who lives in Genoa. She has been pressuring him to move to Genoa to be with her, but Montalbano is hesitant to leave his beloved Sicily. This personal subplot adds depth to the story and shows us a more vulnerable side to Montalbano's character.

As Montalbano delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption within the art world. He becomes suspicious of Parisi's motives and wonders whether the burglary was a ploy to commit insurance fraud. Montalbano's team also discovers that the artist behind the stolen painting had a dark secret that was kept hidden for decades.

Throughout the episode, we see Montalbano's dry wit and sharp instincts at work. He has a talent for reading people and understands the inner workings of the criminal mind. Montalbano's interactions with his colleagues, including the loyal Catarella, are also entertaining to watch. He also has a good rapport with the locals, who provide him with helpful information and amusing anecdotes.

"The Artist's Touch" is a well-crafted episode that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The storyline is well-paced and combines elements of mystery, drama, and humor. The director does an excellent job of capturing the beauty of Sicily and the charm of its inhabitants. The music is also notable, with a score that perfectly complements the tone of the episode.

Overall, "The Artist's Touch" is a must-watch for fans of the detective genre. It showcases the talents of the cast and crew and is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Inspector Montalbano series.