I didn’t care for the books, but thought the first TV series (with each episode representing one chapter in the first book) was superb.
The second series – which aligns with The Story of a New Name – is so, so good. It’s demanding viewing because the actress who plays Lila (Gaia Girace), is the master of the overt and the incredibly subtle – her glances, her body language, the slightest tilt of her head says EVERYTHING.
Before watching series two, I re-watched all of series one. Because I loved it so much. It was just as good the second time. Geez, I’m beginning to sound like a Ferrente fanatic.
Apart from ALL OF IT, I particularly enjoyed the music, the island scenes, and the costumes in season two.
If you’re unsure, read this review from Vanity Fair –
‘…expertly portrays the bewilderingly contradictory dynamics of female friendships. But it also offers savagely dramatic, heartstrings-pulling, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cliffhangers. There are backstabbing betrayals, heart-crushing disappointments, brutal acts of violence (both physical and sexual), gorgeous Italian cars, clothes, accessories and architecture. There are musical serenades from crooner Gino Paoli during rainstorms, glittering seasides, and Mediterreanean pastels that go pop in the night.’
The DVDs of both S1 and S2 are available from Readings. S3 is slated for a 2021 release.