There have been a number of Italian crime dramas over the years, and whilst some of them have enjoyed deserved success, quite a few fall into the “style over substance” category. Here’s hoping that Walter Presents’ latest import, ‘Inspector Gerri', has the substance to match the undoubted style.
If you want to avoid all spoilers, stop reading this article now.
It stars Giulio Beranek as the titular Inspector Gregorio Esposito – or simply Gerri – who is a charismatic, good-looking police inspector in Puglia, the region in southern part of the country known as the heel of Italy’s boot. It’s a stunning location, and as with a lot of dramas set in such stunning surroundings, the producers have taken every opportunity to show off the scenery – understandably so.
Gerri is investigating the murder of a rich young woman whose body was found on the beach. She’s the daughter of a well-connected lawyer and when Gerri investigates the case, he encounters curious resistance from the family – a reluctance to cooperate and an unwillingness to share information.
Gerri realises there are parallels to the murder a few months previously of a Romani girl – similar age group, similar cause of death, also found in a foetal position on the beach – further up the coast in Bari. That case is being handled by a different police force, but Gerri is convinced that the killer might be the same person – something his superiors strongly disagree with.
And to further complicate matters, Gerri discovers from a fellow office, Lea Coen, that the lawyer is suspected of being involved in organised crime at the highest level. Could it be that his daughter’s killing is something to do with that?
Somewhat predictably, there is more to Gerri that just smouldering good looks. He himself was born a Romani, and we get glimpses of his troubled upbringing. But there is more to this aspect of the storyline that will reveal itself over time, no doubt.
This is a pleasant enough series. Gerri clearly has issues regarding his relationships with women, and this aspect of the show becomes tiresome after a while; it seems no females are impervious to his charms. But the storyline is interesting and the camerawork – particularly in relation to Puglia itself – is nicely done.
This isn’t the best of Walter Presents, but nor is it the worst. There are elements of ‘Montalbano', albeit without the quality and humour of the BBC 4 series. But there’s lots to enjoy and, as I’ve said, the lovely Italian scenery is a large factor in that. So, it’s fair to say that this is a pleasant watch with plenty of style and just enough substance to push it into the positive.
Walter Presents: ‘Inspector Gerri' is available to stream on C4 Streaming now.
