Murders at Barlume

Murders at Barlume is a unique and engaging Italian comedy-drama series available on MHz Choice. Brimming with wit, charm, and a dose of dark humor, the show delivers a quirky combination of crime-solving suspense, small-town antics, humor and eccentric characters. While the overall tone of the series is light and indulgent, the show, as the name suggests, revolves around an intriguing series of murder mysteries, promising an enigma to unravel in each episode.

The show is based on the novels of Marco Malvaldi, located in the picturesque setting of coastal Tuscany, instilling a quaint Italian aura. Pineta, a small seaside town, is our core setting, filled with local eccentricities, charm, and a handful of bizarre murders. Right from serene beaches to vintage town squares, the vibrant setting of Murders at Barlume brings the viewers a fresh perspective on Italian culture and ambiance, alternating between beautiful scenery and the tensions within its tight-knit community.

At the center of the series is Massimo Viviani, the proprietor of a local town café called BarLume. Massimo is an intriguing protagonist - a wise, sharp, and sarcastically funny divorced man in his forties who displays a knack for criminal investigation despite his seemingly ordinary routine of serving espressos. With coffee cups in one hand and clues in the other, Massimo finds himself at the center of the town's criminal activity and embarks on an amateur crime-solving journey.

Perhaps one of the key highlights of the show is its ensemble of brilliantly fleshed-out supporting characters often seen playing cards at the BarLume. Comprising four retirees – each one more enticingly querulous than the last - they add a delightfully comedic undertone to the series. This group of retirees dial up the humor as Massimo's unofficial advisory committee, whose conspiracy theories often steer Massimo in his investigations.

Their bickering, teasing, and playful, albeit sometimes misguided, sleuthing make for an important part of the charm of Murders at Barlume. Moreover, throughout the series, you'll encounter a number of other colorful characters who bring life, humor, and depth to the story, such as Massimo's flirtatious ex-wife, a persistent cop, among others.

Despite its comedic cues, Murders at Barlume takes viewers on a thrilling journey through a series of peculiar and complex murder cases. Each episode presents a new mystery that Massimo and his mismatched team attempt to crack in their own haphazard ways. From strange disappearances to dead bodies popping up at the most inconceivable places, the mystery elements in the series are craftily intertwined with everyday life in the town, keeping viewers intrigued and entertained simultaneously.

What sets Murders at Barlume apart is its deft blend of comedy and hard-boiled crime. It is more than just a whodunit series - it's a showcase of how humor can exist harmoniously with serious issues like crime, and how mundane living can be disrupted by extraordinary occurrences. The storytelling is masterful, with just the right balance of suspense, humor, and wit served up against the backdrop of an enchanting Italian coastal town.

Besides its script and storytelling, the series also shines in terms of stellar performances and rich cinematography. Director Roan Johnson brings out the best in the ensemble cast and the setting, ensuring that viewers don't miss out on the visual pleasure that Pineta affords. The show's music, too, is worth mentioning, instilling a lively, retro vibe to this crime-comedy setup.

In total, Murders at Barlume offers a binge-worthy fusion of crime, comedy and drama. Its unique charm comes from its eccentric, fully-realized characters, its appealing murders mysteries, and the nuanced humor infused into the narrative, all set against a picturesque Italian setting. For those who enjoy their crime dramas with a generous side of humor and a dash of sublime Italian aura, Murders at Barlume is a nifty treat.