If you’ve read all 75 novels and 28 short stories Georges Simenon wrote about Maigret (like Jeff Meyerson has) you’ll be surprised to see chubby, pipe-smoking, avuncular Jules Maigret transformed into a youngster in this new PBS series.
Benjamin Wainwright stars as Jules Maigret, who heads the elite police unit known as La Crim, responsible for investigating all serious crime in and around Paris. Stefanie Martini stars as Madame Louise Maigret. Blake Harrison, Reda Elazouar, Kerrie Hayes, Shaniqua Okwok, and Rob Kazinsky make up the “Les Maigrets,” Maigret’s loyal team of detectives, with Nathalie Armin as Prosecutor Mathilde Kernavel.
Maigret, Season One has six episodes and I’ve only watched the first one that dropped over the weekend. GRADE: Incomplete, but trending towards a B
That’s a problem with pre-sold commodities; they’re often pre -sold Out!
Dan, this new MAIGRET series has a very different vibe from the older Maigret TV series.
Umm, not sure about this one. People keep trying to put new twists on old standbys, often to their detriment.
Jerry, I’ve only watched one episode so it’s too soon for me to make a judgement. But this MAIGRET is very different from the Maigret we’re used to.
I prefer the Maigret series with Michael Gambon as Maigret. Those were so atmospheric and very true to the spirit of the books (which means, not always nice). How I wish they’d made more of those.
Deb, like you I enjoyed the Michael Gambon Margrets. Those were true to the original novels. This new series is…something different.
We’re waiting for part 2 next week to try the first (of three) stories. I’m skeptical but willing to give it a try. I just reread the 1946 story, “The Evidence of the Altar-Boy,” in the GREAT LAW & ORDER STORIES anthology, and it will be tough to top the atmosphere of that tale.
I liked the Gambon series too, Deb. Rowan Atkinson was an odd fit as Maigret, though they were watchable in their way. Jackie, who has never read any of the books, liked them more than I did.
Jeff, I admire the fact that you’ve read all 75 Maigret novels and the 28 short stories. I’ve been working my way through the series over the years and I’m about halfway through. I’ll be curious to hear what you and Jackie think of this new PBS series. It’s too soon for me to form a definite opinion.
Gambon was great as Maigret. Atkinson awful. I too am waiting to do two at a time. When they stretch it over two weeks, I forget. Like what was Karen Pirie about?
Patti, Diane and I prefer to see the episodes together, too. Gambon was great. Atkinson was…a dud.
Karen Pirie is another we’re waiting for all 6 episodes to watch. We did that with Unforgotten and it really helped.
Jeff, we did the same thing with most of the PBS series like PROFESSOR T and MAGPIE MURDERS.
I’m waiting for the black lesbian version!
Bob, I’m sure the anti-DEI forces would block it!
I don’t think it’s a DEI issue, just one of literary grave robbing that won’t stop until every variant has been exploited!
Bob, where’s there’s money to be made, there will be exploitation!