Murders at Barlume Season 1 Episode 1 The King of Games (Episode 1 of 6)

In the first episode of Murders at Barlume, viewers are introduced to Massimo Viviani, the owner of a bar in a small coastal town in Tuscany. When a local property developer, Filippo Piagenti, is found dead in his car, Massimo and his friends become amateur sleuths, investigating the case themselves.

The King of Games follows Massimo as he quiets his bar patrons to listen in as the news reports the sudden death of Piagenti, a man Massimo and his friends find unpleasant. They quickly jump to their own conclusions about who could have killed him, thinking that the cause of death was not natural. Unlike the local police force, Massimo and his friends are not convinced by the official explanation of Piagenti's death. They begin to investigate the crime themselves, bringing a range of quirky personalities to the table.

Massimo is the cool-headed voice of reason, while his friend Ampelio is the joker of the group. Known for his love of puns and practical jokes, Ampelio's antics often test Massimo's patience and sometimes risk compromising their investigation. The other two members of the group are Massimo's love interest and former bartender, Tiziana, and her mother, Delia. Tiziana is a bit more reserved than the others and often plays the role of the voice of caution. However, Delia is the one who has a way of getting people to talk in situations where conversation seems impossible.

Their investigation quickly leads them to the local game reserve, where Piagenti was known to have been a frequent visitor. Massimo and his friends question the people who knew Piagenti in the reserve, uncovering a number of secrets, including his love for young girls. But with the police ruling the death as neither suspicious nor homicide, they don't seem to be making progress in their quest for the truth.

Despite the stalled investigation, Massimo and his friends continue to gather clues and investigate all leads even while their initial suspicion seems to lead them astray. They unearth more secrets and suspects, leading to awkward and humorous interactions typical of the Italian society. With a little intuition and some strategic cleverness, they piece together enough evidence to convince the police to reassess the death as a possible homicide.

The first season of Murders at Barlume sets a great tone with an intricate plot and characters that are both funny and endearing. The King of Games is a great introduction to the show that offers an insight into the way Italians do things and their quirky characters. It gives viewers an idea of the small-town dynamics and the unique way of life in Tuscany. Overall, this is an enjoyable, engaging and thoroughly entertaining series that mystery buffs are sure to love.