Sky’s Italian crime drama Gomorrah is more than just another tale of gangsters.
Michael takes a spoiler-free look at the first series…
Roberto Saviano was twenty-seven years old when everything changed.
In 2006, Saviano published his research in a book,Gomorra.
It was an immediate global success.
Translated into 51 languages, the book sold millions of copies in its first year alone.
He was nominated for literary prizes in languages he could not even speak.
None of this is really why everything changed.
He never leaves alone.
When he travels, he is accompanied by a guard of armed officers.
He hasnt taken a train, ridden a Vespa or been out for a beer in eight years.
This life, he toldThe Guardianat the beginning of this year, is shit.
The Camorra might want Saviano dead, but it is already too late.
This multilevel viewpoint has drawn comparisons withThe Wire, a show that sharesGomorrahsconcern, depth and anger.
Life, it seems, is generally good.
It just happens that he runs a firm that requires its employees to torch the homes of its rivals.
Ciro is a cold figure, largely humourless and permanently suspicious.
Hes capable of the most brutal violence and of callous manipulation.
Hes also a snazzy dresser.
None of this is accidental.
The import of all this is the same as that of Savianos book.
You want to know what is happening in Camorra territory?
Shut your mouth, open your eyes and look.
Its by taking in this scenery that we come to terms with the extent of the problem.
Sometimes, its damn good to be aCamorristi.
Much of the first season operates in a slightly episodic manner.
It is handled very well indeed, smartly presented, brilliantly performed and tightly plotted.
Rumours of a second season are to be warmly welcomed.
