La Piovra: The Italian TV Series That Predicted the Future
The article examines the Italian television series La Piovra (The Octopus), which aired from 1984 to 2001, as a precursor to modern serialized drama. Created by Damiano Damiani, the series starred Michele Placido as Commissioner Corrado Cattani. It is noted for its realism and prescience, anticipating events such as the 1992 assassinations of judges Falcone and Borsellino, and referencing the discovery of the P2 masonic lodge in 1981. The series portrayed the struggle between good and evil, with the state embodied by Cattani, and resonated with 1980s Italian audiences who rejected immoral power. Despite the protagonist's flaws and defeats, the series maintained a moral clarity where evil never truly wins. The article positions La Piovra alongside The Prisoner (1967) as a foundational work in television history, predating the global rise of serialized storytelling.
Key facts
- La Piovra is an Italian television series that began in 1984 and effectively ended in 2001.
- The series was created by Damiano Damiani, a noted film director in the poliziottesco genre.
- Michele Placido played the lead role of Commissioner Corrado Cattani.
- The series is considered a precursor to modern TV series, alongside The Prisoner (1967).
- La Piovra is praised for its realism and foresight, anticipating the 1992 murders of judges Falcone and Borsellino.
- The show referenced the 1981 discovery of the P2 masonic lodge.
- The series depicted the state (represented by Cattani) as a flawed but resilient force for good.
- Italian audiences in the 1980s supported Cattani and rejected the immoral characters.
Entities
Artists
- Michele Placido
- Damiano Damiani
- Patrick McGoohan
- George Markstein
- Giovanni Falcone
- Paolo Borsellino
Institutions
- Artribune
- RaiPlay
Locations
- Italy