Netflix’s social drama, Public Disorder, revolves around the universal issue of unrestrained police violence emboldened by a failing authoritative and judicial system. The series brings a unit of riot cops into narrative focus, whose personal and professional lives get affected by the decisions they make, or are forced to make, being a part of the decrepit institution. The six-episode series is character-driven, and the roster of riot cops comprises an interesting set of characters. What makes Public Disorder unique in terms of characterization is that the series brings contrasting perspectives into focus, drawing the line between opposing sides of morality—only to have the characters switch their ideals under changing circumstances. While there is a sympathetic gaze that is noticeable when the miseries of personal lives of the involved characters come into focus, the series never tries to justify the barbaric mindset of the ones who rampantly exploit the power they have been given.
Spoilers Ahead
Mazinga Played By Marco Giallini
Italian actor Marco Giallini has three decades of acting experience, starring in numerous small-screen and silver-screen roles. Interestingly enough, he rose to prominence by playing the role of Mazinga in Stefano Sollima’s film ACAB: All Cops Are Bastards, an adaptation of Carlo Bonini’s novel of the same name, and in Public Disorder, the TV series adaptation of the same novel, Marco plays the same role. Mazinga is the senior-most member of the Roma riot squad, and the gritty, world-weary cop has a nasty masochistic attitude about him, which is very typical when it comes to the old-school enforcers of law. Mazinga considers himself and his team above the law and has a pretty twisted perspective regarding his role as a peacekeeper, as he seems to be the type to ‘shoot first, ask questions later.’ Needless to say, Mazinga has little to no regard for people, and under the guise of fraternity, brotherhood, and other ‘bro-culture’ stereotypes, he practically convinces his colleagues to adopt his vile perspective. Mazinga’s toxic demeanour and questionable worldview has affected his personal life as well, as his estranged son refuses to acknowledge him as his father, and it is hinted that Mazinga’s late wife was the worst sufferer of his troublesome traits. Pushing 60, In the last phase of his career, Mazinga has no one by his side except for his comrades. That is why, after witnessing the predicament of his team leader/friend, Pietro, Mazinga is engulfed with a sense of remorse for a life wasted in bitterness and fear of ending up like his old friend. In the end, Mazinga prepares to take the blame for the Val di Susa incident, proving himself to be a dependable colleague as he decided so in order to save Marta, who was the culprit of the teenager beating incident. This doesn’t mean Mazinga was redeemed by this solitary act of goodness, but at least he could realize that he was in the wrong all along.
Michele Nobili Played by Adriano Giannini
Italian actor Adriano Giannini has a prolific voice acting career while also having starred in several movies and TV series since the 90s. In Police Disorder, his character Michele Nobili, a straight arrow cop, is on the opposite side of the moral spectrum compared to that of Mazinga. Being a righteous leader, Nobili didn’t hesitate to expose his team members who brutalized a teenage suspect in custody, resulting in their prolonged sentences. Nobili’s uncompromising attitude, even when faced with extreme adversity, makes him a compelling character, and this temperament of his even wins over his morally compromised comrades in the Roma riot squad. However, a harrowing personal crisis—in the form of his daughter getting sexually assaulted—ends up testing Nobili’s moral resolve, and ultimately, the desperation of a father ends up breaking the integrity of a righteous lawman. At the end, Nobili chooses the same path of vice his colleagues of the Roma squad had chosen long ago.
Marta, played by Valentina Belle
Italian actor Valentina Belle portrays the character of Marta, a tough-as-nails cop, the only female member of the Roma riot squad, who subscribes to the regressive, violent ideology of her male comrades. This is what makes Marta’s character interesting, as she herself was a victim of abuse at the hands of her drunk husband, and despite that, her hands don’t tremble when she beats the teenage protester to a pulp in retaliation for the attack on Pietro, the riot squad leader. The “hurt people hurt people” proverb seemingly comes true in her case. Marta is afflicted with an extreme sense of guilt after empathizing with the mother of the teenage protestor, as being a protective mother herself, she knows how horrid the feeling is to even imagine one’s child getting in harm’s way. Eventually, Marta grows a conscience and prepares to confess her crimes, although by the end of the season, it remains unclear whether she is able to do so.
Salvatore Played By Pierluigi Gigante
Italian actor Pierluigi Gigante portrays the character of Salvatore, the youngest member of the riot squad who is extremely impressionable, gullible to a fault, and somewhat neurotic. Mazinga indoctrinated Salvatore with his twisted ideology, but even beyond that, there is something deeply disturbing about the rookie cop—aside from being a racist, he felt no remorse for his disturbing past of having to kill young kids during his army days. Ultimately, just like Mazinga, Salvatore ends up being an extremely lonesome person due to his troubling worldview.