Wednesday, February 15, 2012


Saturday Nights

I have a theory that the reason why the Saturday night Scandinavian detective series – all the Wallanders, Sarah Lund and the more recent Borgen about a female politician are so popular - is subtitles.  It is extremely restful not to be constantly adjusting the sound to suit all watchers so I was quite sad when Borgen finished.

Happily the slot is now filled with Inspector Montalbano and the bleak cold of the Nordic winter is replaced by sunny Sicily.  If you can imagine a very attractive sexy version of Ross Kemp - late of East Enders - you are close to visualising the charm of Salvo Montalbano played by Luca Zingaretti.  He is extremely watchable, as are the beautiful Italian actresses with real bosoms, led by Livia Salvo’s girl friend played by Katharina Bohm.

I’m fairly sure Sicily was our destination, the last time we ventured abroad, so I’m appreciating the familiar scenery and will be watching the next episode on Saturday BBC4 9pm.

15 comments:

Ms Scarlet said...

I like the cure to the adjusting sound problem... maybe I'll switch subtitles on for all the other programmes and forget about fiddling with the volume control... no doubt someone will have forgotten their glasses....
Sx

Pat said...

Scarlet: that was quick - I've only just finished struggling with Picasa. I didn't realise one could get subtitles.

Ms Scarlet said...

Oh yes... I often fiddle with my remote and get the subtitles to come up... it's remembering how to get rid of them that's the problem!
Sx

Pat said...

Scarlet: oh I've had that problem - better leave well alone.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

I dearly hope we get these here across the pond---We did have Wallander....And I adore CC...I find it such an assist in understanding ALL that is said instead of about two-thirds. (If I'm lucky....lol)...I will be watching for this particuar series, dear Pat.

Ponita in Real Life said...

I think on my tv, to get the subtitles is to turn on the hearing impaired feature. I haven't ever done that at home, but my dentist has small tv's in the ceiling above each chair. No sound, of course, and reading the printing is often amusing as it is typed as the words are spoken. Hilarious at times when it is the news they are doing!!

Glad you've found something to replace the Wallanders (never heard of it). And yes, that man is very easy on the eyes! Can I take him home? ;-)

Pat said...

Naomi: I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Ponita: well alright then you can take him home but I really think you should wait for the warmer weather; after Sicily he might shrivel in Canada.

Eryl said...

He is a very handsome man!

I had no idea there were all these interesting Scandinavian, and now Italian, detective series on. What a fascinating trend.

Pat said...

Eryl: otherwise Saturday night TV is dire. I've joined Blockbuster but have yet to gear myself to use it.

Kim Ayres said...

Real bosoms? Gosh, how European. :)

AndrewM said...

Saturday night is for Match of the Day.

MUFC on tonight 6 o'clock KO.

Pat said...

Kim: and they are quite generous with them.

AandrewM: how could I have forgotten?
MTL always says- YOUR team in on tonight - knowing I am not really interested. Sorry Dad.

rashbre said...

The Killimg and K2 had a good and long story arc. I'm less sure that is the case with Borgen, which seems more episodic, although I am still watching it. I know Im behind, but I've just not had time to catch up.

BTW I think most TV shows have captions nowadays although I believe they sometimes create some real howlers because for some shows they are typed in real time.

rashbre said...

..that should have said Killing,,,My point about real time is instantly demonstrated!

Pat said...

Rashbre; I'm enjoying the new Sicilian chap and I miss the original
Wallander.