Detective Montalbano: Episodes 19 & 20

I have all of the Montalbano DVD's. I have also read all of the Camilleri books in this series. " Potter's Field" has everything the book has and more. Perfect timing and perfect blend of comedy and pathos. The second DVD "The Seagull's Dance" is not a script from a book (yet?) and it is less comic and more serious than most of the others. The new twist here is that Fazio goes missing and Montalbano's task is to find him (and hope he finds him alive). It's worth watching and I enjoyed it (and would buy it again), but I missed the comic elements that I've come to look forward to.Camilleri's sense of the world and the fairness that he treat us to with Montalbano's obvious respect for all of his characters no matter how unconventional/outlandish/poor etc., is just one of the elements that makes me enjoy this series more than I can say.Oh and one last thing....glad to see Montalbano swimming again. The ladies will understand.

I love watching the Montalbano detective series, it is very entertaining!!!

We love this series. The plot moves with an Italianate slowness and has a delicious cadence to it. The characters are vivid, unforgettable and the acting excellent.The supporting cast is a feature of the success of this series. One looks forward to their participation and the essence of each character stays true from episode to episode.The Sicilian landscape is harsh and bright and they do not try to glamorize it. Thus, you feel as though you are among friends, going along with their adventures andwitness to a more intense version of real life. Just enough crime and violence to make it interesting; not too much gore to be a big turn off and a feature unto itself.

The plots are often strained and inconsistent, but usually amusing and engaging, the characters are lovable, and the scenery marvelous. There is a problem with the scenery during the introductory credits: it is out of focus. This is true for all episodes that I've watched. Very annoying! That's why I rate it as a 3, rather than 4.

After reading all the Andrea Camilleri novels i started watching all the Italian TV series made derived from the books, this is in the latter part of the series, the stories run very close to the novels, and makes it easier to follow along the English subtitles. I really enjoyed this dvd.

Excellent quality case, dvd. Shipped fast to my door. I bought the entire collection.

Here are plot summaries(copied from the box); judge for yourself:THE POTTER'S FIELD"When a body is found cut into pieces and wrapped in a plastic bag, all signs point to an old-fashioned Mafia-style execution. The case becomes especially complicated for Montalbano when his friend Mimi starts behaving erratically and insists on handling the investigation himself. His first reaction is irritation until he realizes that his colleague may be indirectly involved in the killing. An old friendship gets tested as Montalbano tries to help his friend get out of the most dangerous predicament of his life."THE DANCE OF THE SEAGULL"Montalbano's worst nightmare begins when the father of trusted deputy Fazio reports his son missing. Convinced that he is off on an investigation of his own, which may have gone bad, Montalbano comes across ominous signs of a shootout. A witness reports having seen him (Fazio) captured by two criminals who were talking about throwing him into a dried-up well and the search becomes frantic. Fazio remains missing in action but Montalbano is determined to find his old friend and colleague alive at all costs."Both episodes are good entertainment; but I think I preferred the shorter episodes.

I love this series. The interaction of the characters and the humor is wonderful. Detective Montalbano is a complex man who cares deeply about his team and other people in his life. He strives for hope amid the chaos of his job. Beautiful settings.

Great acting, superb casting and great storylines. More please!!

Having got to episodes 19 and 20 I'm clearly an addict, and now I've watched them I'm really sorry that there aren't any more.I can understand that it helps the plot and the comedy to have a flawed second in command, but in the Potter's Field Mimi is so irrational as to make you wonder how he ever got to be a highly qualified detective. I won't say any more, because I hate reading reviews that give away the story. It's worth watching, anyway.The last episode, the Dance of the Seagull, is Montalbano at its best. The story revolves around the disappearance of Fazio, who I find a much more sympathetic character than Mimi, so I really cared what happened to him. You'll have to watch it to find out!

This series created by a remarkable writer gives a very human description of a fascinating and complex detective. One appreciates his strengths and weaknesses as well as the many humourous situations in which he finds himself. The shots of Sicily are also very attractive.

Long-winded. gets boring quickly.

The above item states that it is not for sale outside Canada and the US with the result that I am not able to view it. I am at a loss as to why I was sent this when my address is clearly in the UK. Can you update me with instructions as to how to return this either for a full refund or for the same item which is able to be viewed in the European zone.