The Trial: A Different Kind of Murder Lawyer Story

Not Kafka's famous and famously important novel posthumously published nearly a hundred years ago, but a new (2019) Italian murder-mystery-lawyer television series, Il Processo, that started streaming on Netflix in April.  And no, it's of course not as good or powerful as Kafka's novel, but it's pretty good, will keep you guessing until the end, and is well worth watching if you don't mind dubbbing or subtitles.  [Spoilers follow, though I won't tell you the very ending.]

Unlike most lawyer dramas, The Trial is pretty much equidistant between prosecutor and defense, with both being flawed but attractive heroes of this story.  The prosecutor, Elena (well played by Vittoria Puccini) has the slight edge in originality of character, given that she soon discovers that the murder victim, a young pregnant woman, was her biological daughter, given up years ago for adoption.   But the defense attorney, Ruggero (also well played by Francesco Scianna) is no slouch, either.  He wants to win, yes, but he also has a stubborn devotion to the truth, and certainly doesn't want to be taken advantage of.

Also of interest to my American eyes is the nature of the Italian trial, which takes place in Mantua (which my wife reminds me figures in one of Cole Porter's great songs in Kiss Me Kate) before a panel of judges.  I have no idea if this is standard in Italy, but it certainly isn't in the United States, which makes it fun to follow.   The scenery is great, the food looks delicious, and the supporting cast is also excellent on all levels.

Bur the whodunnit narrative is the best reason to see this series.  The hallmark of a good murder mystery is that you're not sure who did the deed until the last chapter or episode, and when the culprit is revealed, it confirms what your less than fully conscious instincts were telling you all along.  The Trial has all kinds of twists and turns and red herrings along the way - are they a big fish in Italy? - and it was especially enjoyable to see, given that my wife and I haven't gone out to any of our favorite Italian restaurants in New York since the pandemic hit.  But even without the good food, The Trial is recommended.