The Young Montalbano ("Il giovane Montalbano") is based on the novels of Italian writer Andrea Camilleri and a prequel (although made later) to the incredibly popular Inspector Montalbano series. I'm not lazy, but much of what I write in my review of Inspector Montalbano applies here, and I'm not going to be a bore and repeat it. The acting, the production, everything
. It all applies. This is perhaps the world's greatest prequel. I cannot think of any other prequel that rivals it. It is the best.
Michele Riondino plays Salvo Montalbano. And I will admit, I was worried about him. How could anyone become the role that Luca Zingaretti perfected, and is still playing? But Riondino has done it. It is almost scary in its brazen effortlessness how good Riondino is in this role. The transition is immediate. I never for a moment doubted that he is Montalbano. There is no suspension of disbelief needed. It is simply breathtaking.
And it is wonderful seeing how beloved characters in Inspector Montalbano, who we have come to take for granted as our dear friends, characters like Mimi and Fazio, come to be. How Livia (perhaps the love of Salvo's life?) comes to be.
And I just need to expand on this a bit because it is why The Young Montalbano may be the world's greatest prequel: The "young" Fazio, the "young" Catarella, the "young" Mimi
they ARE all those characters. Characters I love in the Inspector Montalbano series, but who immediately become characters I love here. I honestly don't know how the producers did it. It's almost miraculous.
There is, of course, sadness here in Montalbano's existence. We see, clearly, how his job becomes his life. How Livia, no matter how wonderful she is, can't replace his love for his job. How she will always take second place (or possibly third if you count food). We see it happening before our eyes. It is a little disturbing, and miserable, but we wouldn't have Salvo any other way, would we?
We also see how in the young Salvo there is already that sense of justice, and that quality of loyalty, that become so important in Inspector Montalbano. As mentioned, everything else is there: the fascinating "bit" parts played by incredibly talented Sicilian regional theater actors, the incredible sets, the wonderful, languid scenes that go on and on. Montalbano's joy of food, taken straight from the books (oh, how Salvo loves his food!). There is this brilliant scene where Salvo is in the kitchen of the woman who will eventually become his housekeeper. Under a towel are some odd, maybe pastry, things (I have no clue what they are). The look on his face when he peaks under the towel? Priceless. Does he take one after she leaves the room? Well... you'll have to watch.
Perhaps my favorite of the first six is "The Third Secret." It is splendidly written and has some great acting by its guest stars. It also covers the "Fazio" transition and so it is especially emotional. I sometimes get overwhelmed by the multitude of names constantly thrown out in both series, but this one episode is fairly straightforward and is a work of art. Add to that while this really isn't an ensemble series (in both series Montalbano is in nearly every shot), this is a great Catarella episode!
You can probably easily tell I love this series. I love both Montalbano series equally. I am so thankful to MHz Worldview International Mystery for airing it in the United States, and I hope they acquire the second Young Montalbano season, which seems to be in the planning stages. Let us hope it is!
One thing that I really adore about The Young Montalbano that doesn't necessarily translate as readily in its "sequel" series for me is the music. Gosh how I enjoy the music in these shows. All of the music. But especially the opening and closing credits. Olivia Sellerio sings both, and you can find them on Youtube. Better yet, buy the DVDs from MHz Worldview International Mystery and listen to her that way.
Additional info: after writing this I learned the strange conical "pastry" things that I mention above are actually arancini -- stuffed rice balls. They are a Sicilian specialty, and if Wiki is to be believed, have been brought to international attention due to Salvo's love of them.
