Several years have passed since the first episode, now the war is nearing its end but De Luca is still in the Fascist controlled part of Italy. He is now regarded as a hero after saving Mussolini's life; this doesn't seem to make his life any easier though
when a murder occurs he is still expected to go after the 'right' people rather than guilty if it looks like the guilty might have links to the party or the Germans. He has only just arrived at his new posting in Bologna when the murder occurs and there are plenty of suspects and motives. The investigation reveals that the dead man had been selling morphine and on the day he died he had seen at least two woman. Initially it seems a count or his drug-addict daughter could be guilty and De Luca's bosses seemed pleased with the result; De Luca isn't convinced though and further investigation puts him and his team in real danger.
This episode had a darker feeling to it than the opener; as the war is reaching its closing days there are many dangers; the fascists what the 'right' result and anti-fascists have put De Luca on a death list for saving Mussolini. The mystery was interesting with plenty of suspects and motives to keep the viewer guessing until the end. The episode showed a softer side to De Luca's character as he befriends an orphan-boy and even recovers a prized toy for him. Alessandro Preziosi continues to do a fine job as Inspector De Luca a very different character to Inspector Montalbano; the other Italian Detective to feature in BBC4's Euro-crime slot. Overall I'd say this was another good episode; it is just a shame that there are only two more left.
This episode had a darker feeling to it than the opener; as the war is reaching its closing days there are many dangers; the fascists what the 'right' result and anti-fascists have put De Luca on a death list for saving Mussolini. The mystery was interesting with plenty of suspects and motives to keep the viewer guessing until the end. The episode showed a softer side to De Luca's character as he befriends an orphan-boy and even recovers a prized toy for him. Alessandro Preziosi continues to do a fine job as Inspector De Luca a very different character to Inspector Montalbano; the other Italian Detective to feature in BBC4's Euro-crime slot. Overall I'd say this was another good episode; it is just a shame that there are only two more left.
