Maigret

Maigret is a British crime drama series that was aired on ITV in 2016 and 2017 and is based on the novels by Georges Simenon. The series is a remake of the 1960 series by the same name and is set in 1950s Paris, bringing to life the intriguing stories of one of literature's finest detectives. The series features an ensemble cast led by Rowan Atkinson, with Lucy Cohu, Shaun Dingwall, Leo Staar, Aidan McArdle, and Mark Heap in supporting roles.

Rowan Atkinson, known for his comedic roles, impressively undertakes the character of Jules Maigret, a dedicated detective with a keen intellect, introspective nature, and a quiet demeanor. Maigret's calm, thoughtful, and restrained approach to solving crimes stands as an interesting and often refreshing contrast to the hectic and chaotic world of Parisian crime. Maigret's wife, played by Lucy Cohu, serves as his soft-spoken confidant who provides him with guidance and support throughout his investigations.

Shaun Dingwall plays the young, ambitious, and somewhat impulsive Inspector Janvier, who often serves as a contrast to Maigret's style. Leo Staar as the cautious and loyal Inspector LaPointe, Aidan McArdle as the Superintendent who keeps a wary eye on Maigret's methods, and Mark Heap as the insightful Dr. Moers further complement the character of Maigret, representing different facets of the law enforcement and their varied approaches to solving crimes.

The plots are a pastiche of classic detective story elements - intricate mysteries, atmospheric settings, and a variety of interesting characters. The murders and subsequent investigations take the viewers through the grimy streets, the lower-class bistros, the middle-class neighborhoods, and the grandeur of high society in Paris, presenting an intriguing juxtaposition of the city's diverse social and cultural landscape. Despite the show's crime-centric narrative, it never resorts to gratuitous violence or sensationalism. Instead, it maintains its focus on the human elements - motives, emotions, dilemmas, thus making the characters and their motivations central to the plot.

One of the unique aspects of Maigret is its slow, deliberate pacing which allows the narrative to unfold naturally and organically, placing significant emphasis on character development and the atmosphere of the setting. The series adopts a cinematic approach with superbly recreated period details, darkly lit interiors, and atmospheric outdoor scenes, all contributing to a deeply immersive viewing experience.

The show is filmed in Budapest, which doubles convincingly for post-war Paris, benefitting from the city's stunning architecture and historic charm. The cinematography beautifully captures the varying moods of the story and the city, with the rain-soaked streets, smoke-filled interiors, and bustling nightclubs making the city a significant character in its own right.

Another enticing aspect of the series is the performance of Atkinson as Maigret. Although known predominantly for his comedic roles, he brings his distinctive style of acting, offering a nuanced and layered portrayal that is both convincing and appealing. His on-screen presence is commanding, and he manages to portray the complexity of Maigret's character, who despite his often subdued exterior, is a deeply empathetic individual, deeply affected by the atrocities he investigates.

Maigret is a classic detective series that offers viewers a moody, atmospheric, and character-driven narrative set in an intriguing period of history. While it has its fair share of suspense and thrilling moments, it strategically avoids the traditional hallmarks of the genre's modern incarnations, favoring a more thoughtful and introspective approach. Its distinct style, compelling execution, and the robust performance of its cast make the series an engaging watch for viewers who appreciate quality detective dramas.