First shown in 2008, Inspector De Luca is the new Italian detective drama to compete with the Scandinavian haven that we’ve all grown accustomed to on BBC4.
The TV series is set in 1938 when Italian Fascism was still a major force in European politics. At the seaside resort of Riccione (once considered the summer capital of Fascism) the body of a young prostitute is found on a beach, not far from Mussolini’s holiday residence. The local chief of police, terrified that the news may become public, attempts to draw the matter to a swift close by charging the woman’s pimp with her murder, and earns praise from Il Duce in the process. However, the nonconformist and politically apathetic Inspector De Luca remains unconvinced with the verdict, secretly continuing to investigate alone. De Luca’s investigation soon starts to involve high-ranking state officials, their seductive wives, anti-fascist journalists and some of Mussolini’s own bodyguards.
Despite the current foreign drama craze it’s important to differentiate between them, and not to accept them just for their edgy status. Inspector De Luca is set up of four two-hour episodes, which can seem heavy going, however it has a real sense of sophistication in its slow but steady development. What truly sets it apart is its mastery of the period. Like nothing else, it captures both the essence and the cinematography of the time, making it difficult to believe how recent the adaptation is. The plot appears a little hackneyed, but this has the tastefulness of being intentional; it is clearly not the primary focus, with much more attention being paid to the portrayal of the claustrophobic political climate. The show is also unafraid to tackle the somewhat ridiculous idolisation of the often comical, but always dangerous, figure of Il Duce; whether in the fear those around him had at criticising his tennis abilities or his complete ignorance of the officials around him. Alessandro Preziosi portrayal of De Luca as a pragmatic and sceptical police officer is sensational, not only due to his rather striking Italian looks, but through his thoroughly captivating and convincing performance.
Perhaps not as fast paced or compelling as its Scandinavian or more modern Italian counterparts, Inspector De Luca is captivating due to its historical focus and its fine use of scenery, cinematography and music to create an irresistible and tantalising atmosphere.
Anastasia Kennedy