In a sentence this is by far the best of maybe half a dozen recent TV series following the fight-against organised crime in Sicily, beginning around the time of (in this instance, shortly after) the assassinations of legendary lawmen Falcone and Borsellino. It is also, hands-down, one of the best crime shows from anywhere in recent years.
The Hunter (Il Cacciatore) is exemplary for its attention to 'historical' detail and mood, for its nuanced script which makes no one too heroic or Bond villain-bad (though there be monsters here a-plenty). The acting is almost all great, the action scenes are terrific, the settings, of course, to die for. Where is it all going? Well we know that the power of the Corleonese Mafia was greatly reduced in the period covered by this show (mid '90s onwards), so it's not surprise but authenticity and character that is needed to keep you watching, and The Hunter provides both in spades. High-level drama, convincing and largely intelligible familial relations and complications, and at least one complex (i.e. Flawed) 'hero' on a mission to take Sicily back from those who've stolen it, all make this a TV series not to be missed. Even where the personal narrative seems to be about to follow a too-obvious turn, the writers do something interesting and unexpected (for instance avoiding a long-drawn-out show-down between central character and his nemesis in favour of a new development in the main story, something Hollywood almost never has the courage to do). Add to all of this the often inspired slow-reveal exposition of essential details in place of easy summaries and you have a show (first season at least) which makes others look predictable and clumsy in comparison. Highly recommended.
