The popular Italian TV series "Rocco Schiavone" made its much-anticipated return with the premiere of its sixth season on February 19, 2025. Starring Marco Giallini as the titular character, the show continues to follow the adventures of the controversial vice-questore of Aosta, who often finds himself caught between the gritty realities of crime and the ghosts of his turbulent past.
Back on our screens, Giallini reprises his role as Rocco, whose brusque demeanor and complex emotional layers make for riveting television. Fans were eager for the series return, having waited nearly two years since the last season concluded. The new season features four episodes, each lasting approximately 100 minutes and airing weekly on Rai 2.
The opening episode, titled "La ruzzica de li porci," sees Schiavone tackling the mysterious death of a young man who fell from a cliff, stealing the attention of viewers with its intertwined plotlines and character dynamics. The audience's reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with the premiere attracting 1.94 million viewers and achieving a share of 10.98%.
Amongst the returning cast members is Paolo Bernardini, who takes over the role of Italo Pierron, one of Rocco's few allies. Bernardini's Italo is introduced as a character afflicted by inner turmoil, struggling between his gambling addictions and his complicated friendship with Rocco. "Italo is torn between love and hate and looks at Rocco with great difficulty. He wants and doesn’t want something from him and the world, and the gambling he got involved with after breaking up with Caterina will lead him to the abyss," Bernardini said, hinting at the intense character development audiences can expect this season.
The second episode, airing on February 26, 2025, titled "Ossa loquuntur," raises the stakes even higher. The discovery of child bones sheds light on chilling cases of pedophilia, adding weight to the series’ narrative and exploring sensitive subjects. The episode promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as Rocco and his team grapple with both external and internal conflicts.
Rocco's investigation is not just limited to Aosta; the storyline takes him back to Rome, where he must confront the demons of his past, including his long-lost love, Caterina Rispoli. Valeria Solarino, who plays Sandra Buccellato, highlights their relationship, stating, "The relationship between Rocco and Sandra starts as a professional exchange with different points of view." This interplay between characters adds another layer of depth to the series.
The sixth season of "Rocco Schiavone" retains its intimate connection to its picturesque setting, with Aosta and the surrounding valleys playing key roles. The scenic beauty of these locations contrasts sharply with the dark themes the series explores, creating a compelling backdrop for the narrative.
Marco Giallini's return has not only delighted loyal viewers but has also reignited discussions around the character's portrayal, particularly concerning his vices. Giallini himself addressed concerns about how the character's actions may influence real-life behaviors, stating, "I think it’s understandable for television networks to be viewed by people who can’t distinguish reality from fiction, but one remains a series." His reflections show the awareness present within the cast about the impact of their roles, illustrating how cinema often treads the fine line between art and real life.
Amid the series' challenging story arcs, Giallini continues to share insights about the character's struggles, fueling interest for upcoming episodes. The multifaceted nature of Schiavone—portrayed as both tough and vulnerable—ensures viewers remain invested and eagerly awaiting the next developments in his tumultuous life.
Following the thrilling premiere, the anticipation builds as fans of the series await what lies next for Rocco Schiavone. With two more episodes, including one delving deep under the surface of local scandals and personal dilemmas, one can only surmise how this season will develop. Stay tuned every Wednesday at 9:25 PM on Rai 2 for this absorbing tale of crime, redemption, and the complexity of human emotion.