Signora Volpe

This was very a entertaining first episode. Emilia Fox was great as usual. The scenery of Umbria adds a terrific backdrop for everything. A good selection of English and Italian players. Almost all familiar. This is a first rate production.

I'm enjoying this - I don't think too deeply about what could be real and what isn't. I just watch it for pure entertainment. I think what's very funny though, is the amount of wardrobe changes that Sra. Volpe has in the first episode. Why in the world would she would bring so many changes of clothes (and shoes!) for what was probably planned as a long weekend? Just one of those things that makes you go hmmmm...

No blood & guts. No sad, dark heroes or heroines. Just good characters, multiple mysteries, comic relief and hints of romance! And, a strong feminine lead, family and Italy! I'm hoping for lots more episodes and seasons. Pleeeeeeze??

All I can say about Signora Volpe is wow! Set in a small village in Umbria, Central Italy, it is beautiful at every level; from the beautiful lead ex MI6 spy Sylvia Fox (Emilia Fox) and dashingly handsome local police captain Capitano Riva (Giovanni Cerferia), the beautiful Italian countryside, the immaculate designer uniforms of the Italian police, the beautiful villas and cobbled stone streets of the village to the long cast of talented and passionate Italian actors.

Sylvia leaves her hectic and stressful senior position with the SIS in London originally to attend the wedding of her niece in Italy where her sister Isabel (Tara Fitzgerald) is married to local doctor Matteo Vitalie (Matteo Calomogno) but falls in love with Italy and buys an old villa that needs extensive renovation. Soon her skills as a top world-travelled spy still with excellent connections, even amongst the Italian police and intelligence agencies, comes in handy to solve local crimes.

The plots are taut and exciting all against such a beautiful backdrop. A very compelling and watchable, adorable series.

Sylvia Fox is disillusioned with her life as a spook in England, ready for a break, she switches London for Umbria, and moved close to her sister, trouble has a nack or following her wherever she goes.

Very enjoyable mysteries, whodunnits with a twist, don't expect Midsomer Murders or Vera, the show is more along the lines of Mallorca Files and Father Brown, a little lighter, easy viewing, sometimes a little amusing. I enjoyed the lot.

It's testament to the acting skills of Emilia Fox, they she's able to make Sylvia completely different to Nikki, at no point did I think of Silent Witness, she's terrific throughout, as are the supporting cast, Tara Fitzgerald is perfect casting as her sister.

One of the best things about this series, as you'd expect to be, the visuals, Umbria is truly one of the most remarkably beautiful places in Earth, and they don't miss a chance to show it off.

I'm looking forward to the second series, and of course the new series of Silent Witness.

9/10.