Love detective mystery dramas, particularly those from the UK and US ('Inspector Morse', 'A Touch of Frost', 'Foyle's War', 'Inspector George Gently', 'Midsomer Murders', 'Law and Order', 'Criminal Minds', 'Monk' and 'Murder She Wrote' for examples,, and non-English/American ones (i.e. The Swedish 'Wallander' and the Danish 'The Killing') also fascinate me.
'Inspector Montalbano' is one of the best and most entertaining examples. It is not easy breathing freshness into a well-worn genre but 'Inspector Montalbano' manages to do so with aplomb. Watching 'Inspector Montalbano' is like eating a delicious Italian meal that immensely satisfies and leaves you wanting more. There may be very familiar tropes, but in a way it's inevitable and doesn't detract from the enjoyment at all.
"The Wings of the Sphynx" not only continues the series' consistently high standard (even the weaker episodes up to this point were still very good) but is another one of my favourites. The ending is surprising and challenging, though it understandably will ring too false for some even for one deliberately intended to be that way.
One always expects 'Inspector Montalbano' to look good. As always with 'Inspector Montalbano', "The Wings of the Sphynx" is beautifully shot and the scenery is stunning, making those who've never been to Italy want to book a holiday there as soon as possible and is a treat for anybody who loves all things Italian. The music is never over-bearing or low-key with a nice atmosphere and flavour, a lot of it is very cleverly used. The sound effects are remarkably authentic.
Writing is tightly structured and taut, with very funny to hilarious humour (Catarella in particular, but did get some amusement too with the wife of the missing man's refusal to believe the increasing evidence suggesting the opposite to what she believes has happened), nail-biting tension and involving and poignant human drama (with Montalbano's beautifully portrayed personal life, done in an easy to relate to way, without being soap-operatic). The story is intriguing and tightly plotted, balancing the mystery and personal life elements adeptly. Also has to be up there in the top 5 of 'Inspector Montalbano' episodes with the most number of twists.
Characters may be stereotypes but well-written ones, especially one of the most fascinating foreign detective mystery dramas titular characters and Catarella steals every scene he appears in.
The acting as always is terrific, especially from Luca Zingaretti who is a treasure in the title role, having a perfect balance of comedy and drama and playing it straight while always engaging with his material. Angelo Russo as ever is a comedic joy.
Summing up, another 'Inspector Montalbano' classic. 10/10 Bethany Cox