An Anxious Aunt – The show begins with Sylvia Fox (Emilia Fox) lying in bed when she tells the time. Adam Haines (Jamie Bamber) asks how she can tell time, with her eyes closed. She questions why he is leaving so early. He points out that he is not permitted to leave a change of clothes at her home.

MI6 Headquarters London – Sylvia is alerted of a meeting starting. Shocked, she asks if the meeting was originally scheduled for 4pm. Rabia Yacoub (Buket Komur) says the meeting was moved up. She suggests skipping out early to purchase her niece a wedding gift. Sylvia says she hasn’t made up her mind about going because it is not a good time.

Sylvia arrives at the meeting to be greeted by Dame Felicity Morris (Souad Faress). Felicity introduces her to Imogen Blake (Gala Scodellaro). Imogen explains how MI6 has been trying to increase diplomatic relations with the Emirate of Hezrah. She says the agency will share terrorism-related intelligence with its officials. Sylvia points out that their regimen doesn’t see a difference between protestors and terrorists. Imogen says evidence shows Hezrah officials are taking strides to change. Sylvia argues that the new and old guards are virtually the same except for sharper suits and improved English. She refuses to give up any intelligence that will expose her assets. Adam guarantees their names will not be kept confidential.

She tells him the promise is insufficient before demanding to see all the information that is handed over to the Hezrahnis. Imogen denies her request. She points out that it is not her decision. Sylvia accuses her of handing over intelligence that will expose her sources. Felicity announces that she is immediately “standing down the Hezrahni operation.” A disappointed Sylvia promises to begin working on shutting it down tonight. Felicity demands she stay put as she is now in management. Adam demands she seek authorization from him before making contact with anyone involved. She stares at him disappointedly.

After the meeting, Sylvia accuses him of ambushing her. He assures her the negotiations couldn’t be jeopardized. She asks if he doesn’t trust her. He reminds her how they used to be married. She demands he explain. He reminds her of how she shows loyalty toward her people above all else. She accuses Felicity of betraying her. He offers to visit her later tonight, but she refuses. She informs him that she will be away on leave for a couple of days. He questions if she is going to visit Hezrah. Denying the allegations, she refuses to give him any more information about her leave.

Sylvia visits the Nail Art, where she receives a key with the number 23 on it from an unknown female. She utilizes the key to open a locker that contains a small black device. At home, she removes what looks like a small frozen chicken. It appears as if she opens the chicken and places the device inside before sewing the slit back together.

Sylvia jogs to an area, with two garbage cans, where she hides the chicken. A man can be seen sweeping up. As she jogs away, the man does something with a phone. He sweeps the chicken up and tosses it into his trash bin. A few seconds later, she receives a text to alert the data was delivered. She breathes a sigh of relief.

Panicale Umbria, Italy – Sylvia arrives at her sister’s place. Isabel (Tara Fitzgerald) rushes out to greet her. Matteo Vitale (Matteo Carlomagno) greets her. Sylvia tells Isabel that she is impressed with her husband. She admires the view. Isabel explains how the property has belonged to the Vitale family for decades. Matteo informs Sylvia that they will be eating out with family.

As they walk through the village, Sylva hangs back to check out the view. She is introduced to Antonella Vitale (Imma Piro). Looking at Sylvia’s watch, Isabel says Tommaso Rossi (Giullio Corso) and Alice Shepherd (Issy Knopfler) should’ve already arrived. Antonella assures her it is nothing, they are in love. Sylvia tells her that Isabel forgot to mention she was such a fan of romance. Sylvia greets Tommaso and Alice. Antonella asks Sylvia about her missing Isabel and Matteo’s wedding. She admits she was in the Middle East working. Tommaso says he is a notary. They continue conversing while eating their meals.

Sylvia is washing her hands when she overhears Tommaso in a stressful conversation with someone on the phone. She listens for a few seconds before returning to the table. Matteo comments about the time she spent with Alice in London. Sylvia asks Alice how she and Tommaso met when he returns. She monitors him as he slips his phone into his jacket pocket. He has another phone lying on the table. Alice explains how she met Tommaso. Sylvia comments about her decision to not return to London. Alice admits to being concerned that she would be disappointed because she gave up the opportunity to get a master’s degree for Tommaso.

At Isabel’s house, Sylvia plugs a USB stick into her laptop. She chats with someone during a backgammon game. Player four says, “Abort protocol initiated. How long do we have?” She says they don’t have very long. She looks out the window at Alice and Tommaso in a conversation. She conducts a registration search of Tommaso’s vehicle. The vehicle is registered in Magione, Umbria.

Alice asks Sylvia how she feels about Tommaso. She describes him as a charming, handsome man who loves her. Alice decides not to wear her wedding dress, but one of her mother’s.

Tommaso arrives home, where a is waiting on him. They kiss.

Guests file into the cathedral for Alice and Tommaso’s wedding. Sylvia asks Isabel about Tommaso’s family. She says his sister resides in Canada, his parents are deceased, and his best man is a neighbor, Franco. Antonella asks why Tommaso hasn’t arrived yet. Matteo starts walking Alice down the aisle when Sylvia alerts them of Tommaso being a no-show. Alice takes off running. Matteo convinces her to wait. She says Tommaso has died. Sylvia suggests she call him. His phone has been disconnected.

Sylvia tells everyone that she suggests contacting the police. Alice refuses, saying if there was no accident she would have to admit to being dumped at the altar. Matteo offers to visit Tommaso’s home. She orders him to let it go as she rushes away.

Sylvia drives to the address on Tommaso’s vehicle registration. She climbs over a gate to find the door locked. When she enters the house, she finds blood inside and outside the house. She walks to the edge of the property, where she finds a female’s body floating in the water. Sylvia takes a photo of the woman’s hand before searching through the house. A book called “Pinocchio” has a Scoula Elementare label on the back. Someone tries to enter the front door, which is locked. She grabs a knife from the countertop. When the individual enters the house, it is Alice who notices there is blood on the knife. Sylvia orders her to return home and never tell anyone she was there.

Sylvia contacts Rabia to run a check on the woman’s fingerprints. She speaks with a police officer when Capitano Riva (Giovanni Cirfiera) approaches. The police officer asks if Alice accompanied her to Tommaso’s. She assures him that she never. Riva asks how she planned to approach Tommaso. She admits she hadn’t made up her mind yet.

On the ride back to Isabel’s, Sylvia contacts Rabia about the fingerprint check. Rabia says the fingerprints match Italian national, Laura Boscolo. She was born in 1986, in Civitavecchia and now resides in Perugia. Sylvia asks her to run a background check on Riva.

Sylvia questions Alice why she figured Tommaso was dead when he never showed up at their wedding. She claims to be unsure. Alice asks who the blood belonged to. Sylvia informs her of the woman’s body in the water. She asks her if she is familiar with Laura. Alice denies knowing her. Sylvia tells her what to tell the police when she is interviewed.

Riva interviews Alice. He asks her to tell him what she knows about his work. She says he is a notary in Perugia. He questions if she was introduced to any of Tommaso’s clients. She says no. The officer asks her to identify Laura. She assures them that the lady in the lake is not connected to her or Tommaso. Sylvia listens to the interview from another room when Rabia contacts her about Riva’s background report. She says Riva has worked 20 years for the Bari Command. Rabia says a year ago, he was transferred to the “regional crime office.” Sylvia says it doesn’t seem like he was promoted. Rabia apologizes that there is no more information on him.

Riva shows Sylvia Laura’s photo to see if she can identify her. He asks her about her profession. She denies being a police officer and doctor. He questions her calmness around dead bodies. She contributes her response to not being too close.

Sylvia arrives back at Isabel’s home, where she is waiting. Isabel demands to know where she has been. She lies about walking in the hills. Isabel informs her about the body. She acknowledges being aware of the incident. Isabel refuses to believe Tommaso is responsible before walking away. Matteo questions why Tommaso is missing if he isn’t involved.

Showing Sylvia, a newspaper article, Alice asks if it is the lady from the lake. Alice tells her the photo is at the Gazzetta di Perugia on their anniversary. She says Tommaso claimed to be caught up at work and requested her to not go as well. She questions how the woman is connected to Tommaso.

In an online search, Sylvia finds the image of the woman at a Perugia Charity event. Later, she visits the Pizza Del Popolo. She asks Enrico Ferluga (Gianni D;Addario) for a table. He tells her that the restaurant is booked while it is apparently empty. She lies to him by claiming she was a member of the EU subcommittee that provided funding for his business. He pleads with her to return another time to get a queen’s treatment. She compliments him for training people who are disadvantaged. She lies about meeting Laura who is co-owner of the establishment. His smile immediately turns to a frown. She asks for Laura’s phone number. He refuses her request. She identifies herself as Dawn Carson before leaving her phone number.

Sylva reaches out to Carla Galli (Cristina Moglia) to discuss Laura. Carla immediately refuses to talk to her. She is standing in front of the Gazzetta Di Perugia, looking through her sunglasses. She can identify Carla who is in a wheelchair from a newspaper article. Sylvia approaches Carla as she is retrieving fruit from a stand. As she identifies herself, Carla puts the fruit back and drives away. When Sylvia mentions her accident, she claims her physician says she might walk again. She asks her if she is aware of Laura’s murder. Carla acknowledges knowing about it. She tells her about Alice being engaged to Tommaso who failed to show up at their wedding. Alice denies knowing Tommaso before telling her Alice can consider herself lucky for getting away from him.

Richelmo Gregori (Orlando Cinque) identifies Laura as his sister. He asks Riva if she was stabbed. The corner removes the sheet to display her wounds. When he likes a cigarette, a police officer asks him to not smoke. He ignores him.

Sylvia walks down the sideway when she intentionally bumps into a pizza delivery rider (Leonardo Giullani). She quickly opens the box to find it empty.

Riva informs Richelmo that Laura’s killer has not located Tommaso. A police officer points out that he may not be the killer. Richelmo refuses to be questioned about the murder.

Enrico sarcastically tells a pizza trainee (Sara Giannelli) that it wouldn’t harm their finances to increase the mushrooms. He teaches her about counting the earnings for the day when Richelmo enters the restaurant.

Sylvia visits the police station to speak with Riva. He jokingly asks if she discovered another body. She asks if they have received any information on Tommaso. He suggests Alice contact the police if she hears from him. Lying about her profession, she claims to work for the department of agriculture. They discuss Carla’s accident. She questions if it was truly an accident. He says her vehicle’s brakes failed. She asks if Alice’s life is in danger. He suggests Alice and her family stay safe.

Sylvia calls Ciao, pretending to be interested in a gift for a christening. She stops in at the geLateria DC Castellani to speak with Raffaela Tasso (Marianne Leoni). Sylvia tells her she wants to acquire a digital tag for her cellphone. Raffaela offers her a shadow tracker. After Sylvia accepts, she uploads the software to her cellphone. She appears to have purchased several things from the shop.

Sylvia carries her two bags from geLateria DC Castellani to a remote location. She pulls out a plastic case that contains a gun and bullets. She makes a target out of the shop bag.

Sylvia catches Isabel smoking when she returns to her home. She asks about Alice. Isabel says Alice has concerns about Tommaso being responsible for Laura’s death.

When Alice enters the bathroom, Sylvia walks to her bedroom, dropping something on the floor along the way. After a search, she finds a boarding pass from Perugia to Buenos Aires for Alice. A phone begins to ring. She hurries to jot down the information as Alice can be heard squelching in pain from stepping on whatever Sylvia dropped on the floor. She takes a snap of a photo in a frame. Alice enters the room as Sylvia pretends to be leaving but knocks on the door instead. She asks if she is doing all right. Alice complains about a pistachio shell on the floor in the hallway.

Sylvia studies the label on the “Pinnochio” book. The label reads Scuola Ementare Giuseppe Mazzini. She utilizes what appears to be a morphing app to reverse Tomasso’s age.

Matteo and Isabel discuss Sylvia. Isabel informs him that Sylvia is an MI6 spy. Matteo goes on a rant about Isabel’s many secrets.

Port of Civilavecchia Lazio – Sylvia visits Scuola Elementary, where she speaks with the School Administrator (Elisabetta Bruni). The administrator informs her that the school’s records are confidential. She then speaks with Signora Naro (Daniela Scarlatti) who denies remembering a Tommaso. Sylvia shows her Tommaso’s “Pinocchio” book. When she shows her the younger photo of Tommaso, her attitude changes. As Sylvia prepares to leave, she tells her Tommaso was the son of the school’s caretaker. She says his name was Luciano Rinaldi. After his father was murdered, the family left.

Sylvia visits Ercole Guerra (Orlando Cinque). He informs her that Laura relocated to Perugia a few years ago. He tells her about Laura’s brother, Richelmo runs the place in which he works. She asks what Richelmo specializes in. He says violence, murder, and drugs. Richelmo faced fraud charges, but never served time behind bars. Someone else took the blame for the crime. She asks if it was Lucian Rinaldi who took the blame. He applauds her for getting it right.

When Sylvia returns to Isabel’s, someone wearing a helmet monitors her from behind a tree. The individual walks forward when she approaches from behind, with her gun drawn. The individual just happens to be Tommaso. Before she can speak with him, he jumps on his motorcycle and rides away. Alice approaches to find Sylvia wearing his helmet. Sylvia tells her that she was concerned about someone surveilling their home. When she mentions Gregori, Alice admits he was Tommaso’s employer. Alice knows his true identity. Sylvia assumes that Richelmo refused to release him from his duties. She accuses Alice of secretly planning to relocate to Buenos Aires without informing Isabel.

Alice asks her why she never visited when her mother was on her death bed. Sylvia claims she wasn’t aware of her condition. Alice refuses to believe her.

Isabel accuses Sylvia of fibbing about visiting Rome. She reminds her that she is Alice’s mother and deserves to know about Tommaso. Sylvia asks why she kept their mother’s illness from her. Isabel tells her that she was living across the world.

Sylvia revisits Enrico to give her condolences for his loss of Laura. He offers to take her to his training kitchen. She accepts the offer but refuses to go in his car. He tells her that his family business was going bankrupt until they partnered with Laura. He points her to an area behind a multi-story brick building. Within seconds the car is surrounded by Richelmo and his men. She removes her shoe before driving through the human barricade. She drives erratically into what looks like a garage. Richelmo’s men drive past her. She takes off in the opposite direction. When Enrico receives a call, she tosses his phone out the window.

Enrico calls her “crazy” when she brings her car to a stop. He assures her that Richelmo just wanted to speak with her. She tells him about the empty pizza boxes. He says the price for Laura’s financial support was to deliver drugs to customers. She makes him return to his restaurant on foot.

Carla runs into Sylvia as she rides through the town. Sylvia says her injuries weren’t from an accident. Carla tells her that she was asked to speak with one of Laura’s employees. She describes her as “stupid.” Sylvia tells her what Riva said about the investigation. Carla assures her there was no investigation because the police are owned by them. She asks if the man’s name was Tommaso. Carla says he went by Pietro. When Sylvia shows her Tommaso’ photo, she identifies him as the man who set her up.

Sylvia speaks with Riva. He asks her if he is crooked or stupid. Richelmo listens to their conversation as Riva tells her that Tomasso stole from Laura. He claims they murdered her after it was discovered. He warns her of the dangers her family faces if Tomasso is still around.

Sylvia receives an alert that Alice received a text to request her to be at Caffe De Carso at 10am.

At breakfast, Isabel offers Alice coffee. Refusing, she claims to have a meeting with the police to discuss Tomasso’s disappearance. She gives Isabel two hugs before leaving. Sylvia excuses herself a few minutes later. She follows Alice on her motorcycle to the address in the text. Alice waits a few minutes before Tomasso arrives. They embrace. He asks if she has her passport with her. She questions him about murdering Laura. He says there was no other option. She demands to know Laura was at his home. He claims she was there to try to convince him not to leave. She suggests there were other notaries who could have worked for her. He tells her Richelmo and Laura are brother and sister. He admits to taking the fall for Richelmo.

Sylvia is sitting behind them in a disguise. He assures her that it will be impossible to escape Richelmo unless he leaves. As they talk, Sylvia sees Enrico watching from his vehicle. As he talks on the phone, she accesses his vehicle. She strangles him when her wig falls off. Alice leaves Tomasso sitting at the table. Sylvia opens Enrico’s car door and takes off after Alice. She finds her in the restroom washing her hands. She pleads with her to not leave with Tomasso. Alice says the killing was self-defense. Sylvia tells her Laura died from wounds caused by a kitchen knife. She asks if she is aware of Carla who was investigating Laura. Alice assures her the accident wasn’t connected to Tomasso.

Sylvia tells her what Carla said about him deceiving her. She assures her they will not be able to escape Richelmo.  Alice orders to keep out of it.

Alice asks Tomasso if the money for South America came from Laura. He claims to have earned the money. She questions him about Carla. He blames the others for Carla’s accident. She suggests he turn himself in. While they are talking, Richelmo arrives. Richelmo suggests she asks Tomasso how Laura discovered his and Carla’s meeting. Sylvia is listening to their conversation from the bathroom. She is shocked to hear Richelmo’s voice. He tells her that Tomasso was sharing the same bed with Laura when she checked his phone. He offers to let him go in exchange for killing Alice. When the conversation stops, Sylvia rushes outside. Richelmo is gripping Alice’s hand while Tomasso leads the way. Sylvia searches for them but doesn’t see them anywhere. She finds Alice’s cellphone in a trash bag.

Richelmo, Alice, and Tomasso watch to what looks like an old train station. Tomasso pleads with him to let Alice go. He forces them to their knees before drawing his gun. Sylvia approaches from behind, kicking him in the back. A fight ensues. She kicks him outside the train and slides a gun toward Alice. Tomasso and Alice tie up one of Richelmo’s men. Sylvia orders Alice to leave but not with Tomasso. When she refuses to go, Tomasso tells her that Richelmo was telling the truth. He orders her to leave. Sylvia suggests his feelings for Alice are real. He says it was never his life. She tells him to tell the police that he chose to disarm Richelmo instead of killing him. He questions why she is trying to help him. She describes herself as an “anxious aunt” before leaving.

Riva pretends to be surprised with Sylvia shows up. She suggests he search a black SUV, where they find a coughing Enrico.

Sylvia receives a text from Felicity to alert her of a news article about a Hezrahni rebel group evading capture. Isabel informs Sylvia about Tommaso’s arrest. She says Riva believes he might be able to claim self-defense. Sylvia compliments her painting. Isabel makes a statement about Riva liking her. Sylvia gives her a gift. When she discusses leaving, Isabel suggests she hang around a bit.

Sylvia gives Alice a hug. Alice asks if she believes she is an idiot. She tells her that she probably fell in love. They discuss Tomasso.

Sylvia is out for a run when she receives a call from Adam. He informs her that she has been transferred to the Ministry of Defense. He asks when she is due to return home because he misses her. She assures him they have missed each other for a while now before hanging up. She stares at an abandoned home as the episode comes to an end.

 

Signora Volpe Review

So disappointed with this show, as it had potential. It is just so impersonal. There are no strong onscreen relationships. Lots of scenes go nowhere. No one really communicates with each other, just talks over each other. She and Isabel’s relationship seems so estranged. They act like strangers, not sisters.

Sylvia performs several tasks like hiding a device inside a frozen chicken and capturing Laura’s fingerprints on her phone, with little to no explanation. The visibility is so poor, that you can barely capture what she is doing. This also applies to the school label on the back of the “Pinocchio” book.” The constant blurry scenes that eventually become focused are nauseating. Poor cinematography at best.

The show’s best qualities are the breathtaking scenery and wardrobe. There is no way this show will capture the viewer’s attention for 90 minutes. The pace is unbearable as well as the camerawork.

Everything seems so easy for Sylvia’s investigation. With no explanation, she locates all these people who are connected to Laura.

The scene in which Sylvia and Ercole discuss Laura is a bit weird. They embrace upon meeting. Minutes later, a fishing net hangs between them as they converse.

In one scene, Sylvia sneaks into Enrico’s car and strangles him. It just doesn’t seem possible that he wouldn’t have heard his vehicle door open.

The fighting scenes were weak. One second Sylvia is fighting with Richelmo, the next she is fighting with one of his men. The worst fighting scenes I have ever seen in a TV show.

I would assume everything would come together in the end, but so far, I’m not impressed. I will say the acting is great and the premise is interesting. Unfortunately, the execution failed miserably.

The episode deserves a 6. Get more Signora Volpe recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking on the link to learn more.