Il Commissario Ricciardi

I am a lover of multi layered tv series and Inspector Ricciardi delivers that in spades. This is a detective series set in Naples in the 1930s. It has the supernatural in the shape of our hero who is cursed with hearing the voices of the dead, but that helps him to solve his crimes. His sidekick is an overweight police sergeant, who turns out to have a heart of gold and a great source of informants. Each episode is a stand alone mystery to be solved, but we also experience the emotional lives of our two main protagonists as they try to achieve happiness in their personal lives. This thread alone has a number of twists and turns. As might be expected from an Italian series, a lot of the female leads are beautiful.

Add to this that the series takes place in the rise of fascism in Italy, with shadowy characters never far away from the narrative.

It's a great series. Highly recommended.

I almost gave up on the first episode however I am glad I stuck with it. At first it seemed too twee and saccharine, a bit clichéd. However subsequent episodes have been unexpectedly quite hard hitting and complex. Interwoven is a bittersweet love story, and Naples looks great, with Vesuvius as a dramatic backdrop. The characters are likeable too, and interesting, particularly Bruno and Garzo. I like the elements relating to Mussolini too. All in all a really good detective show. Inspector Montalbano is still my favourite, but I am really looking forward to the second series of this. I recommend this.

Best thing I have seen since Gran Hotel (Spanish). It is surprising to me that both of my favourite programmes of all time have had subtitles, but seriously I couldn't wait to watch the next episode. The casting and each of the characters are superb in their own right. It has a mix of mystery, romance, comedy, with a few twists and turns as it is set in 1930's Naples during the rise of fascism. I understand that there is a series 3 in the pipeline which I really hope materialises. Apparently there are a number of books on which this series is based so there should be plenty of stories to tell.

This is a hidden gem and I really do hope we get to see more.

The scenery, the acting, the plots- everything is at its best. One of the most beautiful series I have ever seen. From the first episode I was captivated by Ricciardi. His longings, his sorrows, his flair: all are splendidly conveyed.

The side characters are also pleasant, well drawn. Very much enjoyed the dialogues, full of humor but also sensibility. I felt immersed in the story, as if I were on the streets of Naples myself. The first season is a masterpiece, but the second season is also very good: the ending is perfect as it is.

If I had to sum it up to one word that describes this series for me, it would be emotion. Pure, genuine emotion. A feast for the eyes and for the soul.

I don't understand why this show didn't come back for a third season. It was absolutely beautifully done. I don't get it.

The cinematography, the main storyline,the incredible acting, I love everything about this series. Deeply relate to all of it... We can hardly wait for Season 3!! And, since they're making me fulfill a character minimum, I guess I'll say that my grandmother was a deeply devout Italian Catholic right down to the votive candles, novenas, chapel veil, rosary beads, Saint statues, and hymns. She is the only person I've ever known of whom I dreamt in her spiritual light after she died. This show has conjured so many memories that I treasure. P. S. I have 63 more required characters lol, so I'll end by saying Thank You to everyone involved in bringing this gorgeous series to life.