Watch Young Montalbano

Young Montalbano is a captivating Italian TV series, a prequel to the wildly popular Inspector Montalbano detective franchise. Created by Gianluca Maria Tavarelli, the show was produced by Palomar, in association with Rai Fiction and France Télévisions. It was first aired in Italy on Rai 1 in 2012, and subsequently broadcast worldwide. RLJ Entertainment brought the series to English-speaking viewers through their streaming service, Acorn TV.

The series follows the early career of Salvo Montalbano, a talented and ambitious police officer working in the idyllic coastal town of Vigata, Sicily. Set during the 1990s, the show explores the formative experiences that shaped Montalbano into the beloved character he becomes in the original series. We see him as a young, passionate detective, deeply committed to upholding justice, but also struggling with personal demons.

Michele Riondino delivers a captivating performance as Salvo Montalbano. He portrays the character with a perfect blend of intensity, intelligence, and charm, making him both relatable and intriguing. Andrea Tidona plays Montalbano's father, Franca Sciacca plays his mother, and Sarah Felberbaum plays his girlfriend, Livia. Together, they form a cast of characters who add depth and nuance to the storylines.

The show's writing is one of its greatest strengths, combining complex plots with vivid, detailed characters. Each episode is based on a short story by Andrea Camilleri, the author of the original Montalbano novels. The stories are adapted to fit the series' theme, and the results are remarkable. The writers have managed to preserve the nuances of Camilleri's writing, with its wry humor, vivid descriptions of Sicilian culture, and intricate plotting.

The series has a unique visual style, featuring stunning cinematography and production design. The lush landscapes of Vigata, the colorful costumes, and the small-town charm are all captured with great attention to detail. The music score, composed by Franco Piersanti, complements the visuals perfectly, adding a touch of nostalgia and drama.

One of the great things about Young Montalbano is that it can be enjoyed by both fans of the original series and those who are new to the Montalbano universe. The prequel is a great way to introduce viewers to the character and his world, and it adds depth and complexity to the original series.

Overall, Young Montalbano is a must-watch for fans of Italian crime dramas, detective stories, and character-driven TV. It is a well-crafted, engaging, and deeply satisfying series that will leave you wanting more. If you're looking for a captivating and immersive TV experience, this is the series for you.