Ep 5. The Roar of the Lioness

The Roar of the Lioness is the fifth episode of season 1 of the intense, gritty Italian crime drama Gomorrah, which follows a family of criminals based in the suburbs of Naples. The show's English subtitles make it accessible to international audiences, allowing viewers to delve into the cutthroat underworld of the Camorra mafia.

In this episode, tensions between Genny (Salvatore Esposito) and his father Don Pietro (Fortunato Cerlino) continue to mount as Genny seeks to make his mark on the business and assert his position within the family hierarchy. Don Pietro, meanwhile, sees his control slipping away as his health begins to deteriorate, and he struggles to maintain his grip on the organization.

The Roar of the Lioness also sees the introduction of a new character, Patrizia (Cristiana Dell'Anna), a young woman who has recently been employed as a camorrista - a term used to describe female members of the mafia. Her arrival causes some consternation amongst the male members of the family, who view her as a threat to the established order. But as Patrizia begins to prove her worth and earn her stripes, she sets her sights on bigger prizes, much to Genny's surprise.

The episode is notable for its exploration of gender roles in the criminal underworld, as well as for its depiction of the brutality and violence that underpins much of the Camorra's operations. There are several particularly harrowing scenes in which characters are confronted with the consequences of their actions, highlighting the high stakes of life in this world.

As always, the acting in Gomorrah is superb, with each member of the cast delivering a powerful performance that draws the viewer in and keeps them on the edge of their seat. The direction and cinematography are also top-notch, with the show's gritty aesthetic perfectly capturing the sleazy, dangerous world of organized crime.

Overall, The Roar of the Lioness is a highly compelling episode in a series that continues to go from strength to strength. With its sharp writing, powerful performances, and uncompromising look at the darker side of human nature, Gomorrah is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.